to_o have_v their_o effect_n there_o be_v many_o other_o in_o the_o event_n incurable_a evil_n upon_o man_n in_o despite_n of_o right_a reason_n the_o cure_n of_o which_o yet_o any_o one_o may_v free_o offer_v and_o discouse_n 2._o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v upon_o the_o first_o particular_a under_o this_o head_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o come_v to_o show_v the_o agreeableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o natural_a in_o what_o it_o reveal_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o our_o acceptance_n of_o christian_a religion_n thereupon_o which_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o the_o clear_a let_v it_o be_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o branch_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v hereby_o necessary_o suppose_v natural_a religion_n be_v give_v to_o be_v a_o test_n and_o touchstone_n of_o truth_n in_o religion_n 2._o that_o christian_a religion_n have_v such_o a_o evident_a agreement_n with_o natural_a religion_n as_o to_o be_v approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o it_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v so_o excellent_a and_o so_o recommend_v it_o lay_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o peace_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o religion_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o a_o man_n have_v no_o note_n of_o distinction_n within_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o religious_a rational_a understanding_n plant_v by_o god_n as_o a_o nature_n in_o man_n if_o there_o be_v not_o principle_n ingraft_v into_o that_o understanding_n how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v the_o goodness_n of_o anything_o propose_v to_o he_o the_o conformity_n of_o it_o with_o what_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v when_o our_o saviour_n challenge_v the_o phraisee_n require_v a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n thus_o why_o even_o of_o or_o from_o within_o yourselves_o judge_n you_o not_o what_o be_v 7._o luk._n 12._o 5_o 7._o right_a he_o imply_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o man_n as_o a_o intellectual_a rational_a spirit_n must_v be_v also_o full_a of_o religious_a and_o moral_a principle_n and_o so_o must_v have_v innate_a judgement_n of_o religious_a truth_n as_o many_o other_o scripture_n assure_v we_o without_o this_o a_o man_n can_v have_v nothing_o but_o a_o implicit_a faith_n for_o his_o religion_n a_o strong_a belief_n it_o be_v true_a now_o see_v turk_n jew_n papist_n every_o one_o that_o be_v thorough_o possess_v with_o his_o religion_n have_v the_o same_o this_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v no_o other_o than_o these_o several_a religionist_n lay_v a_o wager_n one_o with_o another_o which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o it_o great_o derogate_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o confident_a adventure_n for_o it_o rather_o than_o for_o any_o other_o and_o no_o grand_a assurance_n within_o in_o natural_a religion_n even_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n however_o immediate_o from_o god_n must_v be_v hence_o know_v and_o discover_v else_o every_o thing_n that_o call_v itself_o revelation_n must_v be_v take_v for_o divine_a although_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v at_o some_o time_n under_o a_o strong_a supernatural_a hand_n that_o transport_v their_o mind_n as_o it_o do_v also_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n their_o body_n yet_o they_o be_v general_o under_o the_o still-voice_n speak_v to_o their_o faculty_n enlighten_v their_o reason_n sanctify_v their_o affection_n by_o which_o they_o have_v even_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o great_a rapture_n a_o sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o divine_a truth_n a_o habitual_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o way_n of_o divine_a approach_n and_o presence_n a_o search_n into_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v speak_v even_o after_o they_o have_v speak_v they_o so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n tell_v we_o they_o search_v what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o they_o do_v signify_v 11._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 11._o they_o have_v a_o holy_a gust_n of_o divine_a thing_n a_o judgement_n discern_v between_o any_o sort_n of_o private_a spirit_n and_o the_o universal_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n else_o how_o do_v they_o differ_v from_o balaam_n ult_n 2_o pet._n 1._o ult_n abraham_n no_o doubt_n have_v a_o free_a debate_n with_o himself_o of_o the_o certainty_n that_o the_o voice_n be_v divine_a that_o command_v he_o to_o 22._o gen._n 22._o sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o argue_v within_o himself_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o return_v his_o son_n and_o especial_o his_o son_n isaac_n to_o the_o author_n of_o all_o life_n and_o be_v and_o of_o isaac_n most_o particular_o and_o so_o he_o resign_v he_o but_o infinite_a truth_n and_o goodness_n always_o jealous_a over_o the_o sacredness_n of_o nature_n law_n will_v not_o permit_v the_o execution_n the_o great_a power_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o their_o astonishment_n of_o sense_n but_o summon_v man_n mind_n with_o great_a authority_n to_o rational_a and_o religious_a consideration_n lay_v up_o in_o store_n within_o they_o the_o sum_n then_o of_o this_o point_n be_v this_o natural_a religion_n always_o with_o we_o as_o intimate_v as_o our_o faculty_n as_o certain_a and_o true_a as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o frame_n and_o creation_n must_v be_v our_o ordeal_o if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o our_o fiery_a our_o sure_a way_n of_o trial_n of_o all_o proposal_n make_v to_o we_o in_o religion_n that_o be_v after_o due_a awaken_n our_o mind_n and_o examination_n of_o thing_n by_o they_o and_o the_o bless_a assistance_n or_o high_a infusion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v breathe_v into_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n enlighten_v purify_v and_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n 2._o the_o second_o branch_n follow_v viz._n christian_n religion_n have_v such_o a_o evident_a agreement_n with_o natural_a religion_n as_o to_o be_v approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o it_o even_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n now_o if_o it_o be_v first_o evident_a there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a thing_n in_o that_o whole_a religion_n as_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a but_o christianity_n have_v unite_v itself_o with_o itself_o it_o have_v so_o careful_o gather_v up_o all_o the_o fragment_n of_o it_o that_o no_o one_o thing_n be_v or_o can_v be_v lose_v and_o if_o it_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o whatever_a christian_a religion_n reveal_v beyond_o natural_a religion_n endure_v the_o touch_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v beside_o its_o own_o proper_a credential_n recommend_v by_o it_o there_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n add_v to_o evince_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o foundation_n of_o ecumenical_a peace_n in_o religion_n see_v natural_a religion_n be_v the_o oecumenick_n religion_n the_o religion_n of_o all_o mankind_n it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o every_o man_n have_v it_o write_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v in_o much_o of_o it_o one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n be_v all_o of_o it_o most_o agreeable_a with_o natural_a religion_n and_o recommend_v by_o it_o it_o then_o necessary_o follow_v no_o man_n can_v be_v wise_o rational_o religious_a but_o he_o must_v be_v so_o far_o christianly_o religious_a and_o what_o christian_a religion_n offer_v beyond_o the_o wisdom_n and_o rationality_n of_o a_o man_n beyond_o the_o law_n of_o the_o first_o creation_n be_v yet_o as_o agreeable_a with_o it_o as_o light_v with_o light_n great_a light_n with_o lesser_a light_n how_o then_o can_v he_o that_o show_v himself_o man_n be_v cruel_a outrageous_a against_o or_o out_o of_o peace_n with_o it_o he_o that_o fall_v out_o with_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n humility_n truth_n peace_n with_o god_n atonement_n to_o he_o with_o lay_v hold_n upon_o eternal_a life_n and_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v with_o patience_n meekness_n mercy_n compassion_n from_o god_n to_o man_n from_o man_n to_o one_o another_o he_o that_o persecute_v christianity_n must_v persecute_v righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o which_o whosoever_o 18._o rom._n 14_o 17_o 18._o serve_v christ_n as_o every_o one_o must_v do_v that_o serve_v he_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_a of_o man_n and_o therefore_o to_o despite_n christianity_n be_v not_o only_o belluine_v but_o devilish_a so_o that_o the_o three_o branch_n plain_o result_v from_o the_o two_o former_a viz._n if_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o standard_n and_o touchstone_n give_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n in_o religion_n by_o and_o that_o christian_a religion_n come_v off_o from_o the_o trial_n more_o precious_a than_o gold_n it_o follow_v then_o of_o what_o value_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o demonstrate_v then_o the_o second_o branch_n that_o christian_a religion_n so_o agree_v with_o natural_a as_o to_o
be_v recommend_v by_o it_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v beyond_o it_o 1._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o even_o as_o natural_a religion_n conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o world_n peace_n that_o it_o be_v natural_a substantial_a and_o not_o ceremonial_a so_o do_v it_o also_o recommend_v christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o consist_v in_o ceremony_n that_o it_o have_v no_o more_o in_o number_n than_o there_o be_v find_v in_o innocency_n there_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n the_o not_o eat_v of_o which_o be_v a_o symbol_n of_o universal_a obedience_n there_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n a_o sacrament_n seal_v the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n 9_o gen_n 2._o 9_o there_o be_v the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n a_o day_n of_o solemn_a converse_n with_o god_n and_o meditation_n of_o his_o work_n found_v upon_o his_o rest_n from_o creation_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o everlasting_a rest_n with_o god_n 3._o gen._n 2._o 2_o 3._o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v baptism_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enter_v into_o on_o god_n part_n and_o we_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o seal_n of_o the_o full_a communication_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o christian_a sabbath_n a_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o creator-redeemer_n give_v natural_a rest_n to_o body_n religious_a festival_n to_o soul_n in_o holy_a employment_n and_o action_n ground_v on_o his_o resurrection_n and_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a call_v by_o express_a title_n the_o lord_n day_n as_o the_o eucharist_n the_o lord_n supper_n and_o a_o pawn_n of_o the_o eternal_a sabbatism_n with_o our_o lord_n in_o glory_n now_o these_o be_v so_o few_o so_o easy_a so_o familiar_a so_o near_o natural_a so_o intelligible_a that_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o institutor_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o ceremony_n or_o that_o his_o servant_n shall_v waste_v their_o time_n or_o spirit_n in_o observe_v they_o or_o employ_v their_o understanding_n in_o find_v out_o a_o rationale_n for_o they_o although_o in_o condescension_n to_o man_n sojourn_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o give_v such_o symbol_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o presence_n and_o so_o in_o the_o fewness_n the_o easiness_n the_o intelligibleness_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n to_o they_o from_o natural_a religion_n which_o else_o be_v unconcern_v in_o all_o the_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o that_o proof_n they_o can_v make_v of_o themselves_o either_o as_o enjoin_v by_o god_n or_o as_o the_o result_v of_o humane_a prudence_n or_o national_a decency_n further_o it_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o they_o for_o natural_a and_o ceremonial_a substantial_a and_o ceremonial_a be_v oppose_v one_o to_o another_o this_o then_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n which_o indeed_o be_v not_o two_o but_o one_o that_o they_o have_v least_o of_o shade_n the_o dark_a any_o religion_n be_v the_o more_o be_v the_o ceremony_n like_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n stretch_v out_o the_o clear_a the_o religion_n the_o near_a the_o perfection_n of_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n at_o all_o the_o less_o be_v the_o ceremony_n like_o the_o shade_n of_o a_o high_a noon_n in_o the_o summer_n solstice_n the_o deprave_a heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o easy_o bewitch_v with_o form_n and_o foppery_n call_v they_o significant_a ceremony_n like_o say_v to_o the_o dumb_a stone_n awake_v arise_v and_o teach_v or_o to_o their_o staff_n declare_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v trust_v lest_o seek_v 12._o hab._n 2._o 19_o hosea_n 4._o 12._o a_o shady_a devotion_n of_o ceremony_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o solemn_a one_o as_o the_o pagan_n choose_v wood_n and_o grove_n for_o their_o sacred_a performance_n it_o lose_v itself_o in_o the_o thicket_n not_o know_v where_o it_o be_v and_o in_o the_o end_n the_o true_a religion_n also_o i_o can_v see_v what_o religion_n or_o devotion_n except_o that_o which_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o and_o which_o can_v be_v good_a no_o more_o than_o the_o heart_n that_o use_v it_o can_v suffer_v by_o be_v easy_a of_o access_n familiar_a unencumbr_v the_o most_o plain_a free_a intelligible_a institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v at_o length_n corrupt_v into_o the_o idolatrous_a mass_n by_o be_v make_v horrid_a as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d religion_n by_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a be_v best_a secure_v from_o the_o stroke_n of_o the_o atheist_n who_o accuse_v it_o of_o trick_n and_o design_n for_o when_o there_o be_v find_v ceremonial_a cover_n like_o pious_a fraud_n over_o it_o and_o they_o easy_o yield_v to_o attack_v as_o of_o no_o value_n the_o atheist_n present_o challenge_v all_o the_o rest_n by_o proportion_n and_o render_v it_o suspicious_a it_o be_v best_a secure_v against_o the_o schismatic_n and_o unquiet_a spirit_n that_o be_v true_o so_o for_o he_o have_v something_o in_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n to_o fasten_v on_o and_z move_z trouble_n by_o it_o be_v kind_a to_o the_o more_o modest_a scrupulous_a person_n who_o be_v upon_o great_a reason_n afraid_a of_o humane_a addition_n to_o divine_a worship_n ceremony_n can_v add_v nothing_o to_o the_o true_o wise_a and_o generous_o religious_a person_n who_o love_v religion_n for_o itself_o and_o need_v not_o the_o childish_a and_o fantastic_a gaudery_n or_o gaiety_n of_o ceremony_n to_o inamor_v he_o of_o religion_n he_o love_v it_o for_o its_o true_a worth_n for_o its_o native_a beauty_n and_o substantial_a excellency_n it_o be_v therefore_o only_o fit_v to_o the_o hypochondriack_a devotionist_n who_o love_v religion_n in_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o set_v solemn_a dress_n or_o to_o the_o empty_a formalist_n that_o must_v have_v it_o so_o adorn_v or_o recommend_v or_o to_o vulgar_a unlearned_a and_o irrational_a mind_n who_o must_v be_v catch_v with_o show_n and_o pompous_a appearance_n and_o keep_v in_o amuse_n that_o they_o may_v be_v somewhat_o intent_n in_o religious_a excercise_n but_o with_o this_o disadvantage_n that_o they_o seldom_o pierce_v further_o than_o this_o surface_n or_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o religion_n itself_o and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n these_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v expose_v they_o become_v the_o scorn_n and_o hate_v of_o such_o person_n so_o that_o they_o deal_v rude_o with_o they_o but_o now_o substantial_a massive_a religion_n yield_v not_o to_o such_o sort_n of_o attack_n but_o like_o rock_n resist_v support_v with_o its_o own_o substance_n bear_v upon_o its_o own_o truth_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v as_o he_o say_v to_o have_v my_o soul_n among_o the_o wise_a rational_o religious_a philosopher_n if_o such_o can_v be_v find_v then_o with_o any_o religion_n that_o this_o day_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n not_o except_v the_o romish_a that_o have_v deturpate_v and_o dishonour_v the_o only_a excellent_a religion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v romish_n be_v the_o worse_o because_o it_o be_v christian_a next_o to_o those_o ponderous_a self-great_a and_o infinite_o rational_a principle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n i_o shall_v choose_v to_o rest_v only_o in_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o natural_a religion_n so_o excellent_a that_o christianity_n have_v not_o lose_v one_o of_o they_o but_o so_o gather_v up_o the_o fragment_n that_o no_o one_o thing_n can_v be_v lose_v as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v beside_o this_o natural_a this_o christian_a religion_n i_o know_v nothing_o but_o all_o subjection_n to_o principality_n and_o power_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n in_o civil_a thing_n the_o gravity_n and_o decency_n of_o religious_a action_n according_a to_o all_o law_n of_o humane_a prudence_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o country_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v object_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o ceremony_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o jew_n involve_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o so_o much_o ceremony_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v to_o he_o 1._o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o presential_a a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n concern_v they_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v only_o bind_v to_o they_o under_o that_o immediate_a theocraty_n exercise_v over_o they_o that_o as_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a so_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v they_o up_o god_n as_o the_o author_n continual_o and_o frequent_o appear_v to_o give_v value_n to_o they_o by_o his_o own_o particular_a command_n he_o be_v able_a to_o bless_v and_o empower_v the_o mean_a rite_n to_o
of_o matter_n or_o body_n in_o a_o perpetual_a transmutation_n can_v bear_v and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n also_o of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v to_o the_o utmost_a can_v be_v deny_v since_o nothing_o can_v more_o complete_a happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o the_o scripture_n expression_n reach_v to_o but_o i_o insist_v no_o further_o upon_o this_o be_v in_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o it_o in_o my_o account_n of_o it_o a_o fundamental_a point_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o that_o god_n will_v transact_v this_o judgement_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v indeed_o perfect_a revelation_n and_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o former_a account_n give_v of_o his_o mediatorship_n and_o enhanse_v still_o this_o principle_n as_o to_o its_o great_a certainty_n so_o to_o all_o its_o possible_a height_n since_o god_n in_o humane_a nature_n god_n in_o the_o mediator_n judge_v the_o world_n turn_v about_o with_o great_a consolation_n to_o good_a man_n and_o terror_n to_o evil_a man_n that_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o humane_a understanding_n and_o so_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o second_o head_n of_o discourse_n under_o this_o first_o foundation_n of_o universal_a peace_n consent_v in_o natural_a religion_n viz._n that_o christian_a religion_n in_o what_o it_o reveal_v beyond_o natural_a religion_n agree_v yet_o with_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v recommend_v by_o it_o and_o herein_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o those_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v true_o christian_a for_o those_o private_a dispute_n among_o christian_n be_v much_o better_o silence_v within_o the_o gate_n of_o christianity_n itself_o in_o that_o way_n wherein_o they_o be_v manage_v and_o therefore_o much_o more_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v declare_v in_o gath_n nor_o publish_v in_o the_o street_n of_o ashkelon_n neither_o indeed_o need_v the_o point_n themselves_o upon_o which_o the_o dispute_n be_v for_o if_o together_o with_o those_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practice_n as_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o christian_a religion_n wherefrom_o none_o can_v make_v defection_n but_o under_o the_o most_o righteous_a severity_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o in_o those_o case_n bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a i_o say_v if_o together_o with_o these_o the_o substantial_a truth_n and_o institution_n of_o christian_a reveal_v religion_n wherein_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v be_v present_v as_o the_o general_a confession_n or_o profession_n of_o christian_n before_o we_o come_v to_o launch_v out_o into_o particular_a opinion_n or_o mode_n of_o worship_n our_o excellent_a religion_n will_v stand_v much_o more_o like_o a_o city_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n 14._o mat._n 5._o 14._o who_o magnificence_n and_o beauty_n can_v not_o be_v hide_v for_o the_o benefit_n both_o of_o stranger_n and_o its_o own_o citizen_n since_o thing_n so_o great_a so_o excellent_a so_o agreeable_a with_o all_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o man_n mind_n can_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o those_o that_o will_v be_v account_v man_n of_o mind_n soul_n and_o reason_n and_o especial_o there_o can_v upon_o these_o term_n christianity_n offer_v be_v no_o possible_a place_n for_o hurt_v or_o destroy_v christian_n by_o any_o party_n except_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o lay_v aside_o the_o man_n and_o put_v on_o the_o lion_n and_o wolf_n now_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v upon_o this_o point_n it_o appear_v three_o sort_n of_o opinion_n whatever_o of_o christianity_n they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o be_v indeed_o the_o injury_n and_o horrible_a scandal_n of_o it_o because_o they_o contradict_v natural_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o christianity_n 1._o that_o opinion_n which_o adore_v our_o mediator_n as_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n allow_v he_o a_o ubiquitary_a presence_n and_o address_n prayer_n to_o he_o allot_v he_o all_o divine_a honour_n and_o yet_o deny_v he_o coeternal_a god_n with_o the_o father_n for_o this_o bring_v in_o supreme_a worship_n love_n confidence_n in_o more_o than_o the_o one_o god_n it_o clothes_v finite_a with_o infinite_a which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n every_o where_o illustrate_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o this_o great_a evil_n socinianism_n arrianism_n and_o the_o several_a name_n of_o heresy_n of_o that_o alliance_n be_v guilty_a 2._o that_o which_o bring_v in_o image-worship_n prayer_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n which_o suppose_v invisible_a being_n though_o creature_n omniscient_a and_o omnipresent_v as_o god_n that_o in_o all_o place_n man_n may_v lift_v up_o hand_n to_o they_o in_o prayer_n without_o doubt_v of_o their_o be_v lose_v in_o their_o direction_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o that_o they_o know_v able_a to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o further_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o of_o the_o idolatry_n it_o give_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v absolute_o knowable_a by_o natural_a light_n in_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o hear_v prayer_n that_o all_o flesh_n may_v come_v to_o they_o viz._n in_o their_o knowledge_n in_o their_o mercy_n in_o their_o power_n all_o which_o must_v be_v absolute_a as_o god_n and_o as_o evident_a to_o reason_v as_o in_o god_n see_v man_n have_v no_o justifiable_a revelation_n to_o any_o such_o purpose_n the_o arto_n latria_fw-la or_o adoration_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o the_o same_o family_n now_o however_o these_o thing_n be_v intricate_v by_o various_a pretext_n yet_o as_o the_o spectacle_n in_o the_o last_o especial_o be_v horrid_a to_o sense_n so_o the_o thing_n to_o reason_n and_o natural_a conscience_n and_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v we_o have_v otherwise_o learn_v christ_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n neither_o require_v nor_o receive_v worship_n direct_v to_o his_o body_n upon_o any_o such_o pretension_n mark_v 10._o 17._o luke_n 11._o 27._o 28._o john_n 6._o 36._o john_n 20._o 17._o but_o refuse_v it_o except_o when_o at_o sometime_o the_o mighty_a emanation_n of_o his_o divinity_n prostrate_v man_n into_o the_o adoration_n of_o he_o 3._o whatever_o dogme_n or_o sect_n of_o man_n subvert_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o proteus-thing_n that_o sneak_n into_o all_o shape_n and_o profession_n according_a to_o the_o earthly_a power_n it_o appear_v before_o fear_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n all_o thing_n that_o overturn_v morality_n and_o distinction_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o denial_n of_o spirit_n a_o future_a state_n as_o undermine_v the_o very_a life_n and_o be_v of_o the_o almighty_a spirit_n all_o fanatic_a principle_n turn_v religion_n into_o raunterism_n or_o move_v the_o pillar_n of_o humane_a society_n as_o consist_v in_o submission_n to_o principality_n and_o power_n in_o subjection_n to_o law_n civil_a custom_n and_o decency_n all_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o and_o the_o whole_a lineage_n of_o they_o however_o they_o may_v presume_v to_o christianize_v themselves_o be_v a_o just_a abhorrence_n to_o the_o true_a christian_a spirit_n as_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n these_o opinion_n therefore_o now_o name_v be_v exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o of_o that_o universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n i_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o under_o this_o last_o head_n of_o the_o survey_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o viz._n the_o three_o thing_n propose_v under_o this_o first_o head_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o upon_o which_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o rest_v and_o turn_n as_o to_o the_o intention_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v this_o that_o christianity_n suppose_v it_o a_o firm_a ground_n of_o enjoy_v the_o common_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o religion_n that_o a_o man_n receive_v and_o own_v all_o the_o grand_a point_n of_o natural_a religion_n godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o his_o duty_n and_o make_v it_o his_o profession_n to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o that_o he_o avow_v no_o principle_n contrary_a hereunto_o though_o he_o believe_v and_o profess_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o some_o other_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n it_o suppose_v a_o man_n that_o in_o all_o his_o discourse_n and_o action_n give_v abundant_a security_n of_o his_o fidelity_n to_o natural_a religion_n a_o man_n that_o be_v no_o idolater_n atheist_n blasphemer_n of_o religion_n impugner_n of_o morality_n that_o observe_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n praise_n and_o religious_a discourse_n shall_v be_v free_a to_o commend_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o what_o he_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n though_o in_o distinction_n from_o other_o who_o he_o no_o way_n disturb_v against_o rule_n of_o reason_n modesty_n peaceableness_n and_o humility_n but_o only_o offer_v the_o apology_n of_o his_o own_o faith_n yet_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n and_o the_o persuasive_n 15._o â—_o pet._n 3._o 15._o
&_o roman_n such_o as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n epicâ—etus_n cicero_n seneca_n nor_o as_o those_o of_o late_a date_n plutarch_n porphyry_n hierocles_n jamblicus_n but_o as_o that_o one_o sacrifice_n abolish_v the_o typical_a yet_o divine_o institute_v sacrifice_n much_o more_o those_o mock-sacrifice_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o now_o in_o the_o more_o famous_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o divine_a oracle_n and_o prophecy_n absolve_v and_o finish_v in_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n silence_v all_o those_o fallacious_a one_o from_o below_o so_o the_o resplendent_a light_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o the_o gospel-revelation_n since_o its_o prevalency_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v become_v the_o religion_n of_o nation_n seem_v to_o have_v dazzle_v natural_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o former_a age_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o barbarity_n have_v invade_v as_o a_o thick_a darkness_n the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o goshen_n of_o christianity_n while_o the_o jew_n trust_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n not_o 15._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 15._o yet_o unveil_v to_o they_o in_o its_o glory_n and_o further_o obscure_v by_o rabbinick_n dotage_n and_o mahometan_n to_o the_o spite-prophet_n and_o his_o senseless_a koran_n set_v up_o by_o satan_n and_o permit_v by_o divine_a justice_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o only_a true_a prophet_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o his_o everlasting_a gospel_n all_o beside_o these_o lie_v obscure_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o in_o a_o manner_n like_o a_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la in_o reason_n and_o religion_n have_v only_o some_o relational_a glimpse_n no_o body_n of_o their_o discourse_n in_o either_o a_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o have_v draw_v up_o all_o rational_a religion_n reason_n and_o learn_v within_o itself_o and_o under_o its_o own_o horizon_n for_o though_o for_o a_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o allow_v the_o notable_a effort_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o learning_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n one_o of_o his_o unsearchable_a judgement_n as_o in_o porphyry_n and_o hierocles_n yet_o be_v vanquish_v by_o the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n it_o have_v never_o rise_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n unchristianize_v to_o appear_v with_o any_o remarkable_a strength_n but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o diminish_v so_o much_o from_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o bring_v it_o into_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v now_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o natural_a religion_n without_o christianity_n nay_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o notwithstanding_o or_o even_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o great_a name_n i_o just_a now_o record_v who_o be_v but_o a_o sort_n of_o parelian_a light_n to_o the_o true_a light_n of_o natural_a religion_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o a_o true_a copy_n of_o it_o as_o that_o of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n in_o any_o man_n heart_n life_n or_o writing_n that_o be_v without_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a illumination_n and_o yet_o natural_a religion_n be_v never_o the_o less_o natural_a nor_o the_o less_o feel_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o when_o beside_o such_o a_o proportion_n as_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o man_n not_o degenerate_a into_o beast_n be_v so_o preserve_v by_o god_n that_o he_o may_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n nor_o man_n without_o 17._o luk._n 15._o 17._o mean_n in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o recovery_n when_o i_o say_v beside_o this_o god_n restore_v to_o any_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n the_o perfection_n of_o it_o by_o his_o word_n or_o by_o particular_a illumination_n of_o his_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o the_o less_o natural_a even_o as_o the_o prodigal_n self_n he_o come_v to_o be_v not_o the_o less_o natural_a self_n because_o he_o have_v be_v so_o long_o a_o fugitive_n from_o it_o and_o it_o become_v necessary_a to_o he_o to_o be_v so_o restore_v so_o no_o less_o be_v natural_a religion_n natural_a because_o it_o be_v return_v by_o revelation_n after_o be_v lose_v and_o this_o carry_v the_o great_a use_n indeed_o of_o natural_a religion_n that_o whether_o it_o be_v that_o part_n of_o it_o by_o general_a providence_n preserve_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n or_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n improve_v or_o whether_o by_o divine_a illumination_n and_o revelation_n it_o be_v give_v as_o it_o be_v anew_o yet_o we_o still_o find_v it_o natural_a and_o as_o it_o be_v our_o own_o proper_o belong_v to_o our_o nature_n and_o it_o come_v to_o we_o as_o by_o way_n of_o reminiscency_n of_o what_o we_o have_v once_o but_o have_v lose_v thus_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n 27._o psal_n 22._o 27._o shall_v remember_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o i_o have_v now_o state_v thing_n that_o which_o may_v seem_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o natural_a religion_n will_v be_v more_o easy_o reconcile_v and_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o those_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n john_n first_o what_o he_o record_v in_o his_o gospel_n that_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n that_o 10._o joh._n 5._o 23._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 23._o 2_o joh._n 9_o 10._o send_v he_o and_o in_o his_o epistle_n whoever_o deni_v the_o son_n have_v not_o the_o father_n and_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n whoever_o transgress_v and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o god_n and_o if_o any_o man_n come_v and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n receive_v he_o not_o into_o your_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n for_o he_o that_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n be_v partaker_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n by_o all_o these_o say_n lay_v together_o it_o seem_v undeniable_a that_o even_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o that_o first_o and_o great_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o believe_v in_o and_o adore_v the_o one_o god_n be_v make_v of_o no_o value_n by_o not_o acknowledge_v honour_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n the_o son_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o the_o settle_n therefore_o this_o doubt_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o after_o due_a instruction_n and_o explanation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v so_o unite_v with_o natural_a religion_n that_o who_o ever_o have_v that_o in_o sincerity_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d set_v in_o a_o posture_n ready_a to_o receive_v and_o believe_v christianity_n so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o upon_o instruction_n commensurate_a to_o the_o understanding_n christian_n religion_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o he_o have_v not_o god_n he_o have_v not_o true_a natural_a religion_n in_o that_o fundamental_a point_n especial_o if_o he_o have_v have_v the_o preparation_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o these_o word_n be_v especial_o direct_v have_v yet_o still_o i_o suppose_v this_o case_n reserve_v to_o divine_a judgement_n and_o not_o to_o humane_a nor_o that_o such_o a_o unbeliever_n may_v be_v deal_v with_o by_o man_n or_o by_o magistratical_a authority_n as_o a_o atheist_n man_n can_v only_o deal_v with_o he_o by_o remonstrance_n out_o of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n flow_v from_o it_o 2._o the_o severity_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v great_a force_n upon_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v christianity_n apostatise_v from_o it_o transgress_v and_o not_o abide_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a in_o the_o thing_n itself_o they_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v natural_a religion_n that_o prove_v apostate_n from_o christianity_n understand_v so_o intimate_v to_o it_o 3._o this_o have_v yet_o much_o great_a force_n upon_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n seem_v especial_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o intend_v those_o who_o come_v with_o a_o high_a pretention_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o a_o immediate_a doctrine_n from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n such_o infallible_a proof_n and_o assurance_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o have_v descend_v down_o from_o they_o to_o we_o in_o sacred_a history_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v they_o may_v just_o anathematise_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n that_o preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n they_o be_v most_o certain_a who_o ever_o 8._o gal._n 1._o 8._o call_v or_o proclaim_v christ_n lord_n be_v authorise_a to_o do_v so_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o man_n can_v by_o the_o 3._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o same_o spirit_n declare_v he_o accurse_v see_v that_o spirit_n
understand_v the_o excellent_a wisdom_n gravity_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o man_n especial_o ennoble_v with_o christianity_n will_v bring_v most_o of_o man_n except_o extreme_o bad_a or_o wild_a into_o a_o admiration_n of_o its_o excellency_n that_o even_o ingenuous_a shame_n together_o with_o general_a prudence_n will_v compose_v they_o against_o fugitive_n inconstant_a changeable_a giddy_a opinion_n man_n be_v not_o so_o intractable_a as_o they_o be_v think_v to_o these_o awful_a law_n if_o wise_o propose_v the_o worst_a and_o wild_a part_n will_v become_v in_o every_o man_n sense_n due_a subject_n for_o rigour_n who_o so_o much_o reason_n and_o fair_a inducement_n will_v not_o prevail_v upon_o steelly_a unfruitful_a unsatisfactory_a ceremony_n loose_a principle_n and_o practice_n the_o want_n of_o that_o great_a presence_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o iron_n hand_n instead_o of_o it_o make_v man_n atheistick_a sceptic_a and_o fanatic_a ever_o teem_v into_o vain_a opinion_n for_o want_v of_o solid_a goodness_n to_o rest_v upon_o but_o however_o sinful_a degenerate_a man_n will_v be_v bad_a every_o way_n uniformity_n beget_v loathsome_a ignorance_n and_o formality_n that_o which_o be_v best_a in_o itself_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v viz._n that_o free_a air_n and_o light_n in_o which_o man_n may_v try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a though_o evil_o adhere_v to_o that_o as_o to_o all_o good_a thing_n argum._n 5._o to_o conclude_v true_a natural_a religion_n have_v a_o set_v of_o such_o self-evident_a principle_n that_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o name_v they_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v and_o obey_v universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n can_v not_o fail_v to_o result_v from_o they_o 1._o that_o every_o man_n have_v the_o due_a care_n of_o his_o soul_n commit_v to_o himself_o so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o apology_n for_o he_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o other_o whether_o church_n magistrate_n or_o public_a teacher_n mislead_v he_o it_o may_v be_v some_o abatement_n of_o condemnation_n to_o he_o and_o increase_v to_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o 18._o ezek._n 3._o 18._o deliver_v he_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o sin_n though_o his_o blood_n shall_v be_v require_v at_o the_o watchman_n hand_n what_o reason_n then_o can_v there_o be_v or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v account_v for_o to_o compel_v that_o man_n with_o force_n to_o take_v that_o way_n he_o judge_v dangerous_a or_o drive_v he_o from_o what_o he_o think_v best_o for_o his_o soul_n to_o advise_v persuade_v reason_v he_o be_v commendable_a and_o charitable_a it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o make_v the_o best_a inquiry_n and_o take_v the_o best_a advice_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v against_o his_o own_o sense_n be_v unnatural_a and_o barbarous_a see_v he_o must_v be_v wise_a for_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o scorn_v he_o 12._o prov._n 9_o 12._o alone_o must_v bear_v it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o case_n not_o evident_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o nature_n law_n in_o they_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o impression_n of_o absolute_a authority_n now_o how_o much_o will_v this_o tend_v to_o peace_n if_o it_o have_v its_o due_a observance_n 2._o that_o humane_a nature_n shall_v do_v all_o the_o good_a kindness_n and_o ease_v it_o can_v to_o itself_o in_o every_o particular_a member_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o evil_a discomfort_n and_o mischief_n it_o can_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o no_o severity_n except_o in_o case_n plain_o destructive_a to_o general_a humanity_n can_v be_v tolerable_a to_o true_a humanity_n if_o this_o be_v man_n rule_n who_o will_v hurt_v or_o destroy_v in_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o a_o man_n can_v without_o infinite_a hazard_n do_v it_o he_o shall_v unite_v himself_o with_o the_o great_a community_n with_o lawful_a governor_n with_o nation_n and_o most_o comprehensive_a congregation_n of_o christian_n see_v that_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o nation_n to_o 11._o rom._n 15._o 9_o 10_o 11._o serve_v he_o all_o people_n to_o praise_v he_o it_o be_v most_o humane_a and_o christian_n it_o be_v also_o most_o a_o man_n interest_n most_o safe_a and_o secure_a to_o himself_o 4._o that_o wherein_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o differ_v from_o any_o man_n much_o more_o from_o a_o community_n he_o shall_v deport_v himself_o with_o all_o meekness_n humility_n modesty_n love_n and_o charity_n that_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v it_o be_v true_o his_o judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o conscience_n and_o not_o perverse_a humour_n that_o make_v he_o differ_v that_o he_o be_v still_o a_o most_o lively_a feel_a member_n in_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n and_o christian_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n except_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n interest_n too_o vast_a to_o be_v compound_v for_o he_o prefer_v the_o public_a before_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o can_v neither_o harm_n nor_o deserve_v to_o be_v harm_v i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v what_o i_o intend_v concern_v this_o first_o foundation_n of_o even_o universal_a peace_n recommend_v by_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o general_a unity_n and_o uniformity_n there_o will_v be_v in_o natural_a religion_n if_o man_n will_v show_v themselves_o man_n i_o will_v only_o by_o way_n of_o conclusion_n reflect_v upon_o the_o usefulness_n of_o so_o great_a a_o point_n 1._o it_o justify_v the_o great_a creator_n of_o all_o who_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n amid_o this_o great_a deordination_n of_o his_o rational_a creature_n that_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o faithful_a creator_n see_v he_o have_v carve_v into_o their_o very_a being_n such_o a_o law_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o if_o they_o will_v but_o show_v themselves_o man_n will_v have_v preserve_v they_o from_o the_o great_a error_n of_o vnderderstanding_n and_o practice_n and_o as_o a_o compass_n will_v steer_v they_o in_o the_o wide_a and_o disorderly_a sea_n wherein_o they_o now_o sail_v by_o this_o inward_a infallible_a guide_n if_o right_o excite_v to_o give_v its_o sense_n and_o due_o apply_v they_o may_v find_v true_a religion_n in_o this_o babel_n of_o language_n concern_v it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o in_o the_o event_n through_o man_n great_a corruption_n but_o not_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n almost_o impossible_a without_o divine_a illumination_n so_o to_o excite_v and_o apply_v it_o yet_o there_o it_o be_v even_o within_o man_n so_o to_o be_v excite_v and_o apply_v and_o it_o be_v man_n corruption_n only_o and_o wickedness_n that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o more_o use_n 2._o to_o we_o christian_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o divine_a illumination_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o hopeful_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o use_n of_o this_o natural_a law_n be_v much_o more_o visible_a and_o indeed_o chief_o we_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o of_o such_o discourse_n as_o this_o upon_o it_o and_o our_o guilt_n more_o than_o twofold_a if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v it_o to_o we_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o inflexible_a a_o rule_n it_o be_v how_o excellent_a the_o religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v we_o may_v in_o every_o thing_n see_v by_o it_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v indeed_o of_o value_n among_o all_o our_o division_n what_o be_v that_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n we_o shall_v be_v always_o in_o a_o agony_n for_o and_o what_o we_o may_v allow_v and_o condescend_v to_o those_o various_a sentiment_n that_o be_v and_o will_v be_v as_o various_a as_o aspect_n the_o beauty_n and_o even_a harmony_n of_o humanity_n and_o christianity_n be_v not_o make_v up_o of_o uniformity_n in_o such_o thing_n but_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n be_v the_o true_a beauty_n the_o true_a melody_n here_o all_o will_v be_v a_o dead_a calm_a without_o some_o variety_n thus_o as_o christian_a religion_n revive_v and_o now_o impress_n natural_a religion_n so_o do_v natural_a religion_n correct_v free_v from_o its_o interpolation_n corrupt_a gloss_n restore_v and_o fill_v up_o where_o gape_a chasme_n have_v spoil_v the_o sense_n and_o contexture_n and_o anew_o imprint_v upon_o we_o by_o christian_a religion_n give_v great_a light_n to_o christian_a religion_n for_o be_v thus_o restore_v and_o a_o natural_a light_n within_o we_o it_o be_v redintegrate_v to_o we_o in_o its_o great_a office_n to_o be_v as_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o our_o spirit_n by_o which_o we_o behold_v the_o true_a and_o excel_a glory_n of_o christianity_n 3._o it_o therefore_o make_v brief_a and_o compendious_a many_o great_a controversy_n as_o they_o be_v make_v in_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v summary_o instance_n in_o these_o four_n 1._o those_o between_o
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
new_a creature_n to_o delight_v to_o glory_n in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o outward_a conformity_n of_o their_o proselyte_n he_o observe_v the_o great_a bait_n of_o ceremonial_a religion_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o set_v a_o good_a face_n on_o thing_n how_o mean_a sovever_n as_o idolater_n carve_v and_o guild_v a_o post_n glory_n in_o appearance_n though_o without_o true_a satisaction_n to_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n make_v spiritual_a religion_n look_v like_o nothing_o but_o to_o the_o true_a christian_a who_o know_v the_o gospel_n so_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a a_o thing_n a_o fleshly_a religion_n be_v out_o of_o date_n a_o new_a creation_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o that_o exemplify_v in_o a_o life_n of_o excellent_a holiness_n substantial_a goodness_n and_o purity_n plant_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v of_o the_o only_a avail_n in_o this_o profession_n and_o he_o that_o make_v circumcision_n any_o thing_n separate_v from_o this_o or_o if_o he_o shall_v fly_v over_o to_o the_o other_o extreme_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o uncircumcision_n as_o if_o they_o may_v atone_v for_o the_o want_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n as_o a_o more_o perfect_a remove_n from_o judaisme_n and_o consign_v a_o man_n self_n over_o to_o christianity_n both_o be_v alike_o mistake_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n who_o value_v only_o this_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n viz._n a_o make_v the_o new_a creature_n in_o christ_n all_o and_o every_o thing_n else_o nothing_o and_o who_o act_n according_a to_o it_o the_o peace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o true_a israel_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v plain_a if_o any_o man_n make_v the_o other_o side_n of_o a_o ceremony_n the_o not_o observe_v it_o a_o point_n of_o real_a substantial_a religion_n to_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o and_o value_v that_o fear_n as_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n without_o the_o more_o intrinsic_a part_n and_o effect_n of_o that_o fear_n he_o err_v from_o christianity_n as_o the_o bigot_z for_o ceremony_n do_v but_o this_o do_v not_o imply_v every_o one_o that_o preserve_v and_o will_v not_o recede_v from_o his_o liberty_n though_o he_o know_v the_o true_a use_n and_o disuse_n of_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a yet_o will_v not_o be_v ceremonial_o bind_v by_o any_o on_o earth_n be_v present_o afraid_a of_o a_o ceremony_n or_o that_o he_o be_v so_o because_o he_o will_v not_o set_v it_o too_o near_o divine_a institution_n in_o his_o practice_n or_o encumber_v his_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o it_o though_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o never_o so_o often_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o imposition_n but_o order_n decency_n or_o submission_n to_o government_n all_o this_o do_v not_o argue_v he_o make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o substantial_a religion_n not_o to_o endure_v ceremony_n which_o he_o esteem_v himself_o neither_o the_o better_a nor_o the_o worse_o but_o place_n all_o in_o christ_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n to_o commend_v he_o to_o god_n thus_o we_o have_v the_o first_o and_o very_o deep_a foundation_n for_o true_a christian_a peace_n lie_v in_o the_o absolute_a substantialness_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n substantial_o good_a even_o as_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o perfect_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o they_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n stretch_v out_o in_o the_o utmost_a pursuit_n with_o the_o same_o intenseness_n that_o man_n strive_v for_o mastery_n and_o take_v nothing_o ceremonial_a into_o any_o degree_n of_o this_o value_n if_o into_o any_o at_o all_o as_o the_o fullgrown_a christian_a do_v not_o this_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o this_o rule_n even_o as_o to_o that_o to_o the_o galatian_n and_o to_o the_o philippian_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o give_v into_o every_o christian_n hand_n to_o judge_n and_o walk_v by_o with_o this_o inscription_n upon_o it_o whoever_o live_v and_o act_n by_o this_o same_o rule_n though_o he_o may_v require_v toleration_n in_o some_o thing_n that_o god_n may_v in_o time_n reveal_v to_o he_o yet_o he_o be_v together_o with_o all_o christian_n the_o israel_n of_o god_n build_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o at_o unity_n and_o at_o peace_n with_o itself_o and_o who_o that_o look_n upon_o christianity_n and_o this_o rule_n of_o it_o can_v but_o be_v amaze_v essential_a christianity_n shall_v not_o draw_v up_o the_o entire_a love_n and_o zeal_n of_o christian_n to_o it_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v only_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n and_o so_o value_v one_o another_o in_o it_o as_o to_o be_v unite_v and_o reconcile_v above_o and_o beyond_o all_o other_o bitterness_n now_o this_o first_o head_n i_o have_v be_v insist_v upon_o be_v that_o in_o which_o christian_n have_v all_o one_o judgement_n and_o speak_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o admit_v not_o the_o least_o variation_n here_o all_o the_o line_n of_o christian_a reveal_v religion_n meet_v no_o fundamental_a point_n that_o be_v not_o include_v in_o this_o rule_n for_o he_o to_o who_o image_n there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o conformity_n must_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o that_o be_v crucify_v must_v be_v man_n all_o purity_n from_o sin_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n must_v be_v find_v where_o there_o be_v the_o power_n of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n the_o whole_a glory_n of_o self-confidence_n self-righteousness_n worldly_a pomp_n and_o vanity_n must_v be_v crucify_v where_o there_o be_v the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n where_o the_o glory_n be_v only_o in_o his_o cross_n where_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o a_o man_n and_o a_o man_n to_o the_o world_n where_o there_o be_v a_o reach_v forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a to_o attain_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o a_o press_v forward_o for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o must_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a life_n in_o his_o resurrection_n lie_v treasure_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o future_a state_n and_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v urge_v as_o under_o so_o great_a necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o extremity_n of_o evil_n on_o the_o other_o side_n signify_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v they_o then_o that_o be_v agree_v here_o may_v well_o tolerate_v one_o another_o in_o lesser_a difference_n while_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o subvert_v over-pressed_n or_o defeat_v by_o other_o addition_n this_o than_o may_v well_o be_v account_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o peace_n so_o great_a a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v according_a to_o 1._o tit._n 1._o 1._o godliness_n 2._o the_o second_o head_n under_o which_o may_v be_v discourse_v the_o efficacy_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n to_o peace_n be_v that_o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v a_o unite_n spirit_n of_o love_n flow_v from_o those_o several_a point_n of_o union_n wherein_o christian_n be_v close_o one_o with_o another_o conjoin_v and_o compact_v and_o so_o acquiesce_v in_o a_o true_o divine_a peace_n for_o the_o principal_a internal_a tie_n of_o union_n be_v that_o one_o spirit_n this_o one_o spirit_n convey_v itself_o and_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o love_n and_o so_o in_o peace_n for_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o be_v of_o the_o integrity_n of_o this_o whole_a body_n for_o so_o i_o shall_v choose_v to_o expound_v 14._o col._n 3._o 14._o that_o perfectness_n because_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v exhort_v to_o all_o those_o grace_n that_o do_v most_o conserve_v the_o union_n of_o the_o body_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n goodness_n humbleness_n meekness_n patience_n forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o forgiveness_n 13._o v._o 13._o one_o of_o another_o if_o any_o one_o have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o another_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v but_o above_o all_o say_v the_o apostle_n put_v on_o love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n and_o let_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o your_o heart_n unto_o which_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n so_o here_o be_v the_o love_n that_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o peace_n consequent_a upon_o it_o unto_o which_o christian_n be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n and_o both_o of_o they_o guard_v with_o all_o those_o unite_n heal_a virtue_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o that_o love_n and_o peace_n be_v most_o cherish_v conserve_v and_o secure_v peace_n itself_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o that_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o that_o real_a effective_a union_n the_o spirit_n accomplish_v by_o virtue_n of_o which_o the_o part_n all_o rest_n
prerogative_n or_o people_n liberty_n but_o leave_v every_o thing_n as_o it_o find_v they_o to_o their_o own_o just_a right_n according_a to_o law_n and_o if_o itself_o come_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o right_n it_o do_v not_o repeal_n from_o any_o the_o legal_a right_n of_o itself_o which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o sure_a rule_n that_o a_o religion_n can_v guide_v itself_o by_o not_o to_o disturb_v but_o to_o extend_v peace_n to_o the_o world_n the_o prince_n the_o people_n be_v for_o it_o or_o any_o thing_n it_o teach_v or_o do_v most_o secure_a of_o their_o own_o interest_n though_o it_o fall_v out_o oftentimes_o to_o the_o great_a suffering_n of_o its_o servant_n in_o all_o worldly_a interest_n even_o loss_n of_o life_n itself_o and_o that_o with_o all_o circumstance_n of_o painful_a die_a which_o yet_o it_o be_v able_a to_o recompense_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a that_o better_a resurrection_n there_o remain_v nothing_o to_o complete_a this_o whole_a discourse_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o peace_n it_o lay_v but_o the_o universal_a goodness_n holiness_n â—urity_n mercy_n and_o all_o the_o most_o generous_a fruit_n of_o thâ—se_a it_o be_v so_o concern_v in_o and_o enjoin_v with_o so_o much_o absoluteness_n the_o heavenly_a and_o eternal_a glory_n it_o direct_v the_o earnestness_n zeal_n and_o high_a ardour_n of_o all_o christian_n upon_o so_o that_o while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n seek_v honour_n glory_n and_o immortality_n they_o have_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n work_v within_o they_o and_o govern_v all_o their_o outward_a action_n but_o i_o have_v so_o every_o way_n prevent_v myself_o in_o this_o part_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o further_o pursue_v it_o but_o recollect_v this_o whole_a discourse_v into_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o carry_v upon_o this_o very_a sad_a and_o melancholy_a contemplation_n the_o so_o great_a and_o nice_a preparation_n of_o natural_a religion_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o world_n how_o monstrous_o unsuccesful_a have_v it_o be_v among_o man_n what_o great_a heat_n and_o disquiet_n have_v difference_n in_o religion_n be_v still_o both_o the_o true_a and_o unpretended_a occasion_n and_o the_o pretend_a only_o and_o counterfeit_a cause_n of_o in_o the_o world_n what_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n what_o slaughter_v and_o massacre_n what_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o barbarity_n have_v be_v call_v for_o contrive_v and_o execute_v in_o this_o quarrel_n on_o one_o side_n man_n have_v make_v religion_n a_o cover_n and_o shelter_v for_o sedition_n rebellion_n commotion_n and_o change_n of_o government_n perfect_o against_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n worldly_a power_n have_v charge_v all_o offer_n of_o a_o religion_n never_o so_o true_a never_o so_o peaceable_a as_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v out_o the_o engine_n of_o destruction_n for_o the_o blow_v up_o state_n and_o therefore_o judge_v most_o reasonable_a the_o author_n and_o proselyte_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v pursue_v with_o severe_a punishment_n and_o without_o any_o relation_n to_o these_o concernment_n the_o very_a different_a apprehension_n in_o religion_n have_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o extreme_a hate_n and_o most_o barbarous_a persecution_n of_o rack_n wheel_n and_o torture_n as_o if_o man_n have_v destine_v one_o another_o to_o hell_n in_o another_o world_n on_o these_o account_n think_v it_o but_o fit_a the_o hell_n shall_v be_v begin_v here_o or_o else_o which_o have_v be_v sometime_o a_o pretence_n for_o this_o savage_a method_n they_o will_v pull_v they_o with_o violence_n indeed_o out_o of_o that_o fire_n or_o save_v they_o from_o those_o flame_n yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n cruel_o force_v they_o thereby_o into_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o judge_n now_o how_o contrary_a this_o be_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a rational_a or_o christian_a religion_n i_o have_v all_o along_o show_v but_o however_o multitude_n of_o the_o votary_n of_o religion_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a have_v with_o incredible_a patience_n and_o oftentimes_o with_o joy_n and_o triumph_v embrace_v their_o suffering_n and_o glory_v in_o their_o death_n and_o torment_n esteem_v their_o pain_n martyrdom_n a_o name_n of_o honour_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o great_a expectation_n in_o the_o world_n future_a so_o that_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o story_n be_v fill_v up_o with_o great_a undertake_n upon_o account_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o severity_n of_o law_n against_o any_o thing_n strange_a or_o innovate_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o martyrology_n of_o those_o that_o have_v suffer_v for_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v now_o if_o a_o man_n value_v and_o estimate_n thing_n by_o this_o world_n peace_n happiness_n and_o quiet_a he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o praise_v and_o applaud_v atheism_n and_o irreligion_n and_o wish_v there_o never_o have_v be_v the_o name_n or_o notion_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n to_o give_v origin_n to_o so_o much_o mischief_n and_o injumanity_n especial_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o most_o excellent_a tender_a religion_n most_o compassionate_a of_o humane_a nature_n most_o clear_a intelligible_a rational_a virtuous_a free_a from_o ceremony_n most_o alien_n from_o superstition_n most_o modest_a and_o humble_a most_o submissive_a to_o government_n at_o its_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n endure_v the_o whole_a weight_n and_o body_n of_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n against_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o the_o blood_n and_o grow_v up_o as_o from_o the_o grave_n of_o the_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n of_o it_o be_v first_o found_v in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o author_n though_o he_o indeed_o give_v proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o last_o issue_n of_o it_o in_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o since_o it_o have_v possess_v itself_o of_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o authority_n of_o throne_n prince_n law_n and_o government_n baptise_a whole_a nation_n into_o its_o profession_n it_o have_v be_v most_o strange_o pervert_v from_o its_o whole_a design_n and_o intention_n into_o the_o same_o instrument_n of_o ambition_n and_o cruelty_n upon_o the_o various_a account_n and_o occasion_n that_o church-history_n and_o other_o chronology_n swell_v and_o labour_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o yea_o even_o small_a and_o valueless_a thing_n if_o weigh_v upon_o its_o own_o just_a balance_n have_v yet_o give_v fury_n to_o the_o great_a animosity_n and_o dissension_n which_o have_v not_o be_v wash_v off_o but_o in_o a_o ocean_n of_o blood_n in_o sum_n this_o of_o all_o religion_n have_v be_v first_o most_o persecute_a hate_a and_o oppose_v by_o grandee_n and_o chief_n of_o the_o world_n in_o its_o first_o approach_n to_o the_o world_n and_o since_o by_o the_o several_a dissension_n within_o itself_o be_v the_o field_n of_o blood_n make_v use_v of_o sometime_o by_o design_n sometime_o by_o angry_a power_n but_o so_o as_o that_o the_o pure_a and_o most_o sincere_a professor_n have_v be_v most_o dye_v in_o their_o own_o gore_n so_o that_o by_o the_o same_o standard_n of_o worldly_a interest_n next_o to_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n antichristianism_n or_o denial_n of_o christian_a religion_n will_v seem_v next_o to_o be_v choose_v but_o when_o we_o more_o wise_o and_o just_o apprise_v the_o mighty_a and_o unconquerable_a reason_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a vast_a and_o momentous_a argument_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n it_o must_v needs_o lead_v we_o to_o other_o much_o more_o serious_a and_o reconcile_a consideration_n and_o who_o that_o be_v a_o grave_a thinker_n have_v be_v first_o put_v into_o a_o amaze_n then_o into_o the_o most_o melt_a and_o relent_a commiseration_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o unhappy_a in_o that_o wherein_o its_o great_a happiness_n consist_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o deplorable_a instance_n of_o rage_n and_o even_o hellish_a cruelty_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v out_o or_o express_v in_o any_o suitable_a and_o condecent_fw-la language_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o religion_n that_o profess_v every_o where_n of_o itself_o it_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o even_o then_o when_o the_o mistake_a zealot_n of_o it_o will_v have_v have_v fire_n from_o heaven_n in_o a_o present_a revenge_n upon_o those_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o most_o compassionate_a founder_n of_o it_o the_o great_a lover_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o i_o say_v that_o ponder_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o set_v himself_o to_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o sad_o bethink_v himself_o how_o they_o shall_v so_o general_o fall_v out_o among_o christian_n themselves_o and_o indeed_o he_o
it_o become_v one_o great_a family_n i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v some_o exception_n from_o this_o description_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o will_v have_v their_o force_n upon_o national_a religion_n also_o as_o it_o result_v from_o it_o for_o sometime_o one_o monarchy_n do_v as_o it_o be_v stride_v over_o more_o nation_n sometime_o one_o city_n or_o free_a town_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o one_o government_n one_o civil_a interest_n independent_a in_o its_o government_n in_o its_o proper_a interest_n upon_o any_o other_o now_o in_o such_o a_o monarchy_n as_o contain_v several_a people_n and_o nation_n under_o it_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o give_v name_n to_o a_o national_a religion_n while_o their_o interest_n law_n conversation_n and_o civil_a commerce_n be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v distinct_a as_o these_o be_v often_o allow_v to_o be_v under_o some_o conquer_a potentacy_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o narrow_a compass_n of_o people_n than_o we_o proper_o call_v a_o nation_n viz._n a_o region_n a_o province_n a_o city_n have_v its_o interest_n its_o law_n its_o government_n conversation_n and_o commerce_n entire_a to_o itself_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o purpose_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o as_o it_o be_v a_o nation_n the_o sum_n than_o be_v this_o so_o far_o as_o humane_a society_n have_v draw_v any_o people_n or_o family_n into_o a_o close_a and_o more_o compact_a state_n of_o civil_a interest_n necessitude_n one_o to_o another_o and_o government_n run_v up_o to_o the_o high_a point_n of_o government_n in_o that_o compact_a state_n so_o far_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o union_n in_o public_a religion_n draw_v upon_o they_o where_o these_o be_v free_a that_o attendance_n to_o union_n in_o religion_n be_v free_a also_o any_o further_a than_o the_o common_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o bound_v even_o those_o at_o great_a distance_n and_o union_n one_o with_o another_o for_o thus_o religion_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o unite_v all_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o at_o what_o remove_n soever_o from_o one_o another_o it_o may_v and_o ought_v also_o to_o pass_v upon_o whatever_o bond_n of_o union_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o union_n as_o law_n commerce_n conversation_n common_a safety_n run_v all_o up_o to_o the_o supreme_a government_n over_o that_o conjunction_n to_o graft_v religion_n upon_o all_o else_o be_v but_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o unity_n of_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n which_o make_v the_o catholic_n church_n one_o body_n and_o join_v with_o one_o another_o presential_o in_o the_o same_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n when_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a happen_v to_o fall_v out_o as_o can_v be_v suppose_v frequent_a in_o part_n remote_a one_o from_o another_o and_o of_o a_o divers_a lip_n or_o language_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v indeed_o unite_a as_o humane_a nature_n be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o true_a reason_n and_o thereupon_o a_o readiness_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n to_o correspond_v one_o with_o another_o at_o a_o distance_n or_o confer_v one_o with_o another_o if_o at_o any_o time_n suitable_a concurrence_n favour_v it_o or_o as_o the_o world_n much_o more_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o temple_n build_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n wherein_o all_o good_a man_n meet_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o opportunity_n allow_v in_o the_o same_o actual_a worship_n the_o near_a therefore_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v by_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o nation_n by_o the_o frequency_n of_o traffic_n the_o neareâ—_n the_o more_o frequent_a the_o correspondency_n be_v the_o mutual_a assistance_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o now_o in_o the_o dependency_n and_o interweaving_n of_o all_o civil_a interest_n in_o nation_n there_o be_v not_o only_o those_o voluntary_a and_o contingent_a correspondency_n but_o such_o as_o first_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o bind_v of_o themselves_o to_o common_a true_a religion_n and_o then_o have_v the_o favour_n encouragement_n direction_n obligation_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n run_v like_o the_o same_o spirit_n into_o all_o the_o several_a part_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o recommend_v that_o national_a true_a religion_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o this_o union_n that_o be_v first_o command_v by_o god_n beside_o much_o more_o free_a ordinary_a actual_a meeting_n in_o one_o and_o the_o very_a same_o place_n and_o act_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n allow_v our_o worldly_a calling_n and_o the_o provision_n of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o relation_n and_o therefore_o a_o neighbourhood_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o more_o populous_a of_o city_n or_o town_n or_o the_o more_o infrequent_a of_o village_n have_v the_o conveniency_n of_o more_o solemn_a and_o state_v meeting_n the_o ordinary_a fit_a season_n of_o the_o lordsday_n and_o other_o solemn_a time_n of_o worship_n thereupon_o national_a religion_n be_v general_o exercise_v in_o these_o lesser_a society_n even_o as_o the_o justice_n and_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o national_a authority_n must_v be_v bring_v home_o to_o man_n in_o their_o particular_a country_n and_o town_n and_o not_o rest_n in_o the_o capital_a city_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o their_o daily_a business_n and_o conversation_n and_o yet_o the_o standard_n of_o all_o thing_n national_a be_v general_o preserve_v there_o for_o the_o very_a sake_n of_o union_n even_o so_o of_o national_a religion_n not_o as_o religion_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o that_o be_v scripture_n only_o but_o as_o national_a so_o the_o agreement_n in_o it_o be_v deposit_v with_o all_o other_o national_a acts._n so_o that_o national_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o naturalness_n and_o closeness_n of_o the_o union_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o therein_o it_o imitate_v the_o nearness_n and_o closeness_n of_o family_n or_o lesser_a incorporation_n as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o second_o thing_n viz_o the_o illustriousness_n magnificence_n honourableness_n of_o religion_n as_o seat_v in_o large_a body_n but_o especial_o as_o upon_o the_o sovereignty_n and_n supremacy_n of_o the_o great_a incorporation_n of_o mankind_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v further_a that_o all_o this_o do_v most_o effectual_o exclude_v the_o pretence_n of_o a_o universal_a church-monarchy_n as_o hateful_a in_o religion_n as_o a_o universal_a state-monarchy_n in_o politic_n and_o civil_a liberty_n both_o of_o which_o be_v indeed_o tyranny_n the_o imaginary_a benefit_n of_o such_o sort_n of_o union_n be_v infinite_o toilsome_a and_o tedious_a while_o they_o be_v expect_v and_o always_o in_o the_o issue_n find_v impossible_a to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o their_o fruit_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o the_o pretender_n be_v labour_v for_o and_o grasp_a at_o so_o vast_a a_o power_n they_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o the_o lamentable_a effect_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o do_v indeed_o destroy_v humane_a society_n because_o those_o law_n and_o band_n that_o tie_v it_o together_o be_v so_o overstrained_a fly_v in_o piece_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o christianity_n than_o a_o universal_a head_n of_o religion_n here_o upon_o earth_n except_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o ubiquity_n of_o holiness_n power_n and_o influence_n come_v down_o to_o reign_v upon_o it_o a_o universal_a union_n be_v indeed_o desirable_a and_o glorious_a if_o there_o be_v a_o omnipresence_n of_o virtue_n answerable_a to_o the_o administration_n but_o that_o be_v too_o great_a for_o any_o creature_n too_o great_a in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n and_o christian_a religion_n glide_v along_o with_o the_o civil_a union_n they_o find_v prepare_v as_o i_o shall_v present_o evince_v beyond_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o usurpation_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o national_a religion_n not_o afford_v to_o any_o other_o figure_n of_o union_n in_o it_o the_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v that_o i_o derive_v from_o this_o prayer_n i_o argum._n 2_o have_v choose_v to_o discourse_v this_o point_n upon_o and_o i_o lay_v it_o thus_o the_o prayer_n in_o which_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rest_n upon_o some_o great_a pillar_n and_o principle_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o argument_n for_o particular_a case_n in_o which_o they_o pray_v be_v bring_v to_o those_o general_a principle_n by_o a_o understanding_n enlighten_v to_o understand_v in_o a_o humble_a sense_n even_o as_o god_n understand_v
in_o sackcloth_n be_v slay_v and_o lie_v dead_a three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a true_a christianity_n be_v in_o all_o appearance_n extinct_a the_o measure_v the_o altar_n the_o temple_n and_o those_o that_o worship_n in_o it_o signify_v the_o close_a retirement_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o the_o outward_a court_n leave_v to_o be_v tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n or_o heathen_a christian_n and_o their_o impure_a rite_n and_o worship_n and_o therefore_o exclude_v from_o those_o strict_a measure_n true_a undefiled_a christianity_n be_v enclose_v within_o revel_v 11._o 1â—_n now_o upon_o all_o these_o representation_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n so_o exquisite_o shadow_v and_o resemble_v and_o compare_v with_o that_o deep_a plunge_n and_o immersement_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o popish_a midnight_n who_o can_v but_o believe_v these_o with_o many_o concurrent_a delineation_n in_o all_o those_o forecited_a scripture_n be_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v the_o portraiture_n of_o that_o so_o fatal_a apostasy_n that_o believe_v it_o at_o all_o to_o be_v prophesy_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o who_o that_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n can_v but_o believe_v it_o foretell_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n prophetic_a of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o most_o evident_o appear_v there_o be_v but_o if_o any_o be_v so_o incredulous_a as_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o state_n of_o christianity_n beneath_o the_o prefiguration_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n he_o can_v if_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o protestant_n but_o agree_v that_o nothing_o do_v with_o more_o art_n and_o divine_a skill_n portray_v and_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n such_o a_o devastation_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n as_o all_o history_n know_v popery_n have_v make_v and_o as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v prevail_v do_v now_o and_o will_v do_v much_o far_o and_o in_o its_o very_a frame_n be_v constitute_v so_o to_o do_v quest_n but_o see_v you_o suppose_v these_o type_n of_o popery_n may_v be_v apply_v another_o way_n though_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v very_o hardly_o to_o be_v suppose_v yet_o i_o desire_v if_o any_o thing_n have_v fall_v under_o your_o observation_n that_o can_v be_v less_o avoid_v to_o make_v plain_a how_o different_a a_o religion_n popish-christianity_n be_v from_o the_o scripture-christianity_n you_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o ask_v what_o it_o be_v answ_n i_o must_v needs_o commend_v your_o rational_a enquiry_n for_o i_o know_v neither_o the_o veneration_n give_v to_o any_o religion_n by_o the_o native_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o ill_a word_n against_o any_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o shall_v conclude_v against_o it_o the_o professor_n of_o every_o religion_n be_v startle_v at_o any_o reproach_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n as_o at_o horrible_a blasphemy_n but_o free_o speak_v ill_a of_o a_o diverse_a from_o it_o mahometan_n call_v themselves_o believer_n and_o christian_n infidel_n popish_a religion_n call_v itself_o catholic_n and_o protestancy_n a_o grand_a heresy_n and_o schism_n judaisme_n charge_v whole_a christianity_n with_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v some_o magnetic_a needle_n to_o point_v we_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o true_a christianity_n see_v its_o name_n be_v not_o only_o distribute_v to_o many_o but_o so_o solemn_o divide_v into_o the_o popish_a and_o protestant_n profession_n of_o christianity_n quest_n what_o then_o can_v be_v our_o invariable_a northpole_n in_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o wide_a and_o tumultuous_a ocean_n answ_n i_o hope_v you_o have_v not_o forget_v what_o be_v at_o first_o give_v in_o instruction_n concern_v natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n their_o exact_a agreement_n with_o one_o another_o and_o with_o all_o our_o faculty_n so_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o religion_n but_o look_v monstrous_a and_o horrid_a only_o so_o far_o as_o it_o borrow_v some_o or_o more_o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o our_o true_a religion_n nor_o can_v be_v at_o all_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a but_o be_v vain_a and_o ridiculous_a if_o it_o receive_v no_o ballast_n from_o true-religion_n that_o then_o which_o be_v account_v for_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v remember_v i_o shall_v especial_o apply_v myself_o to_o ascertain_v true-christianity_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o false_a or_o popish_a christianity_n by_o that_o which_o will_v much_o ascertain_v all_o true_a religion_n also_o in_o general_n and_o difference_n it_o from_o all_o false_a religion_n quest_n i_o much_o desire_n to_o have_v some_o such_o test_n as_o you_o seem_v to_o intimate_v and_o promise_v answ_n i_o can_v furnish_v you_o with_o a_o better_a sure_a and_o more_o lively_a than_o that_o emblem_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n represent_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n by_o a_o foursquare_a city_n the_o length_n and_o the_o breadth_n and_o the_o height_n of_o which_o be_v equal_a the_o wall_n and_o the_o gate_n and_o the_o city_n itself_o amount_v to_o so_o many_o square_n solid_a furlong_n all_o exact_o regulate_v by_o the_o number_n twelve_o all_o of_o massy-gold_n and_o most_o precious_a pearl_n rev._n 21._o quest_n the_o very_a general_n view_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o emblem_n much_o affect_v i_o but_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o lead_v i_o into_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o each_o particular_a purpose_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o be_o i_o to_o understand_v by_o the_o city_n answ_n it_o be_v evident_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n the_o true_a church_n seat_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n assure_v we_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o spirit_v with_o true_a christianity_n be_v jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v free_a and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o if_o true_a christian_n gal._n 4._o 26._o quest_n what_o do_v you_o understand_v by_o the_o foundation_n the_o wall_n the_o gate_n the_o city_n itself_o answ_n i_o be_o not_o bold_a or_o curious_a in_o pursue_v emblem_n too_o close_o but_o understand_v in_o general_a by_o the_o whole_a of_o all_o these_o the_o doctrine_n the_o worship_n the_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o true_a church_n quest_n what_o be_v we_o direct_v to_o by_o all_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o number_n twelve_o answ_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a the_o twelve_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n give_v the_o honour_n to_o the_o number_n twelve_o for_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n minister_v insallible_o by_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v build_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o cornerstone_n and_o so_o to_o show_v true_a religion_n have_v be_v always_o substantial_o the_o same_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o people_n and_o city_n of_o god_n of_o old_a be_v record_v with_o honour_n as_o expressive_a of_o the_o true_a church_n fix_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n before_o christ_n quest_n why_o be_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a state_n describe_v to_o be_v of_o pure_a gold_n and_o precious_a pearl_n answ_n to_o teach_v we_o by_o sensible_a thing_n the_o transcendent_a purity_n and_o worth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o equal_a purity_n and_o worth_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o a_o most_o transparent_a clearness_n be_v all_o spiritual_a intellectual_a full_a of_o light_n and_o truth_n and_o so_o to_o be_v receive_v and_o enjoy_v by_o purity_n and_o intellectuality_n or_o clear_a understanding_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o by_o great_a innocency_n cleanness_n and_o heavenliness_n of_o heart_n affection_n and_o life_n quest_n but_o can_v this_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n answ_n this_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o most_o unalterable_a constitution_n and_o designation_n of_o god_n concern_v it_o and_o whoever_o plant_v it_o low_o in_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n before_o name_v viz._n the_o doctrine_n worship_n rule_n of_o life_n or_o discipline_n contradict_v the_o very_a thing_n itself_o or_o degrade_n and_o embase_v it_o though_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v its_o be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o adorn_v as_o a_o bride_n must_v be_v from_o heaven_n in_o some_o just_a season_n appoint_v by_o the_o father_n this_o be_v yet_o always_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n although_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o perfect_v to_o it_o quest_n but_o you_o seem_v to_o have_v forget_v the_o city_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o
the_o principle_n of_o protestant_a truth_n and_o peace_n in_o four_o treatise_n viz._n the_o true_a state_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n in_o freedom_n from_o penal_a law_n and_o church-censure_n the_o obligation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n the_o nature_n of_o scandal_n particular_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o indifferent_a thing_n a_o catholic_n catechism_n show_v the_o true_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n religion_n be_v ascertain_v zech._n 8._o 19_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n by_o tho._n beverley_n rector_n of_o lilley_n in_o hertfordshire_n 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 to_o the_o reader_n i_o have_v very_o sad_o observe_v the_o great_a distress_n of_o humane_a affair_n through_o miscarriage_n every_o way_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n for_o while_o the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n and_o ecclesiastic_a jurisdiction_n take_v it_o for_o their_o right_n to_o impose_v by_o severe_a penalty_n and_o dreadful_a censure_n what_o they_o think_v fit_a under_o so_o great_a a_o name_n they_o yet_o neither_o can_v assure_v any_o one_o they_o be_v not_o or_o do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o recommendation_n or_o that_o all_o their_o authority_n or_o power_n shall_v excuse_v and_o acquit_v those_o that_o obey_v they_o when_o they_o appear_v before_o god_n tribunal_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o judgement_n or_o conscience_n shall_v have_v any_o repose_n here_o on_o the_o other_o side_n some_o not_o only_o out_o of_o recoil_v for_o self-preservation_n or_o out_o of_o design_n but_o from_o furious_a wild_a principle_n have_v break_v out_o into_o public_a disturbance_n to_o make_v room_n for_o what_o they_o have_v proclaim_v as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n very_o horrid_o in_o blood_n and_o the_o seem_a justification_n of_o utmost_a rigour_n against_o any_o pretence_n of_o religion_n except_o according_a to_o law_n beside_o all_o this_o private_a feud_n and_o animosity_n vehement_a and_o angry_a dispute_n be_v every_o where_o clamorous_a and_o people_n hereupon_o in_o great_a amuse_n what_o they_o shall_v believe_v or_o do_v now_o since_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n all_o these_o evil_n be_v foresee_v by_o god_n there_o be_v as_o little_a doubt_n that_o there_o be_v sure_a remedy_n provide_v against_o they_o i_o have_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a this_o account_n to_o give_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o so_o many_o counter-cries_a of_o opinion_n such_o great_a exasperation_n in_o man_n affection_n such_o complaint_n of_o oppression_n of_o conscience_n by_o undue_a law_n such_o recrimination_n of_o faction_n sedition_n fanaticism_n not_o only_o among_o christian_n but_o among_o protestant_a christian_n and_o of_o the_o same_o common_a national_a interest_n move_v i_o to_o seek_v retirement_n to_o some_o rock_n of_o certainty_n that_o i_o may_v be_v at_o perfect_a peace_n upon_o in_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o judgement_n and_o composure_n of_o affection_n and_o have_v find_v natural_a religion_n as_o certain_a as_o our_o faculty_n and_o fundamental_a christianity_n in_o most_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o immediate_a certainty_n as_o natural_a in_o all_o thing_n after_o due_a exploration_n of_o the_o same_o final_a certainty_n i_o be_o so_o far_o at_o peace_n in_o my_o judgement_n as_o to_o have_v no_o doubt_n what_o be_v truth_n in_o relation_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o ten_o thousand_o more_o of_o opinion_n encompass_v i_o round_o about_o so_o far_o at_o peace_n in_o my_o affection_n as_o not_o to_o be_v in_o commotion_n with_o any_o man_n that_o give_v testimony_n to_o christian_a charity_n that_o he_o be_v a_o strict_a observer_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o fundamental_a christianity_n one_o essential_a rule_n of_o both_o which_o be_v love_n peace_n and_o mercy_n to_o all_o that_o be_v centre_v in_o this_o natural_a christian_a religion_n though_o they_o may_v adjoyn_v or_o refuse_v some_o eccentrick_a placit_n that_o do_v not_o harm_v the_o foundation_n last_o i_o be_o assure_v this_o very_a natural_a religion_n espouse_v by_o christianity_n well_o consider_v and_o observe_v will_v disarm_v the_o world_n of_o those_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n so_o extreme_o abhor_v by_o it_o whether_o use_v by_o angry_a supreme_a power_n or_o unjust_o take_v up_o by_o seditious_a ambitious_a or_o fanatic_a subject_n which_o cruelty_n man_n be_v say_v to_o borrow_v from_o wild_a beast_n no_o such_o be_v give_v by_o the_o gracious_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o so_o excellent_a a_o nature_n as_o he_o make_v the_o humane_a and_o therefore_o most_o certain_o not_o by_o the_o redeemer_n nor_o his_o religion_n who_o come_v to_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o innocency_n goodness_n and_o peace_n after_o so_o great_a a_o invasion_n of_o barbarity_n and_o cruelty_n now_o have_v find_v this_o satisfaction_n myself_o i_o make_v offer_n of_o it_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o to_o other_o ask_v only_o candid_a interpretation_n in_o particular_a management_n the_o main_a principle_n be_v above_o the_o need_n of_o pardon_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o indignation_n although_o the_o discourse_n be_v intend_v much_o short_a be_v not_o distinguish_v in_o the_o body_n of_o it_o into_o chapter_n or_o otherwise_o yet_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o guidance_n into_o the_o main_a design_n of_o it_o i_o have_v prefix_v this_o summary_n of_o head_n of_o discourse_n follow_v each_o other_o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n explain_v the_o text_n and_o show_v the_o merciful_a design_n of_o christianity_n against_o contrary_a appearance_n the_o always_o present_a way_n of_o determine_v doubt_n in_o religion_n 1._o to_o 8._o of_o natural_a religion_n as_o sure_a as_o our_o faculty_n and_o the_o examination_n of_o thing_n by_o it_o 10._o to_o 26._o of_o natural-religion_n unite_v by_o christian_a religion_n to_o and_o with_o itself_o as_o the_o only_a assurance_n and_o test_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o of_o the_o little_a value_n of_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n either_o natural_a or_o christian_n 27._o to_o 45._o of_o natural_a religion_n the_o only_a standard_n of_o humane_a penal_a law_n in_o religion_n 45._o to_o 79._o of_o the_o great_a use_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o compose_v and_o decide_v difference_n in_o christian_a religion_n apply_v to_o some_o of_o the_o great_a controversy_n in_o it_o 80_o 82._o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o peace_n in_o christianity_n itself_o the_o important_a honourable_a business_n give_v as_o one_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o wherein_o it_o engage_v all_o its_o disciple_n several_a way_n produce_v peace_n 88_o to_o 94._o of_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n into_o one_o body_n on_o which_o love_n and_o peace_n be_v infallible_o to_o ensue_v 95_o to_o 99_o of_o heresy_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o that_o union_n exemplify_v in_o popery_n and_o whether_o the_o roman_a society_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o schism_n and_o its_o nature_n as_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 99_o to_o 110._o of_o the_o law_n for_o christian_n be_v embody_a in_o a_o catholic_n church_n in_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n and_o the_o order_n of_o both_o to_o national_a christian_n constitution_n of_o the_o great_a value_n the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v to_o public_a national_a religion_n require_v our_o utmost_a attemperation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o it_o consistent_o with_o conscience_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o christianity_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o ministerial_a presidency_n of_o it_o in_o relation_n to_o magistracy_n to_o universal_a goodness_n 121_o to_o 127._o a_o lamentation_n over_o the_o world_n unhappiness_n in_o relation_n to_o so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n as_o religion_n and_o christian_a religion_n 127._o a_o offerture_n for_o the_o amicable_a return_n of_o all_o protestant_n one_o to_o another_o within_o our_o english_a nation_n and_o the_o method_n of_o it_o 136._o errata_fw-la page_z 2_o l._n 28._o r._n action_n p._n 7._o l._n 25._o for_o thus_o r._n that_o p._n 17_o l._n 17._o blot_v they_o p._n 23_o l._n 1_o for_o they_o r._n that_o l._n 5._o for_o itself_o r._n themselves_o p._n 27._o l._n 32._o r._n appellation_n p._n 91._o l._n 37._o for_o they_o r._n that_o p._n 109._o l._n 7._o blot_n why_o l._n 10._o blot_n who_o be_v p._n 1220_o marg._n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 141._o l._n 7._o r._n do_v isa._n xi_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o wolf_n also_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n and_o the_o calf_n and_o the_o young_a lion_n and_o the_o fatle_a together_o and_o a_o little_a child_n shall_v lead_v they_o and_o
the_o cow_n and_o the_o bear_n shall_v feed_v their_o young_a one_o shall_v lie_v down_o together_o and_o the_o lion_n shall_v eat_v straw_n like_o the_o ox_n and_o the_o suck_a child_n shall_v play_v on_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o asp_z and_o the_o wean_a child_n shall_v put_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o cockatrice_n den_fw-mi they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v nor_o destroy_v in_o all_o my_o holy_a mountain_n for_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n this_o context_n be_v a_o high_a and_o eloquent_a declaration_n of_o the_o excellent_a peaceable_a and_o benign_a temper_n that_o christianity_n introduce_v into_o the_o world_n under_o the_o emblem_n of_o a_o general_a pacification_n between_o the_o mighty_a and_o the_o weak_a the_o arm_a and_o unarm_v the_o noxious_a and_o innocent_a the_o oppressive_a and_o oppress_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o whether_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o description_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n who_o natural_a and_o genuine_a effect_n where_o ever_o they_o take_v will_v be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o draw_v out_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v also_o a_o prophecy_n of_o what_o shall_v in_o some_o time_n at_o least_o come_v universal_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o noble_a experiment_n of_o true_a christianity_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v there_o shall_v and_o so_o whether_o the_o effect_n shall_v be_v throughout_o to_o conversion_n and_o the_o true_o christian_a change_n or_o whether_o it_o shall_v only_o smooth_a and_o polish_v many_o man_n who_o have_v not_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n within_o but_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a in_o such_o a_o land_n of_o light_a to_o deal_v 10._o isa_n 26._o 10._o perverse_o and_o not_o to_o behold_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o transcendent_a goodness_n and_o grace_n he_o appear_v in_o both_o in_o the_o command_v and_o great_a exemplar_n of_o yet_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o multitude_n of_o sincere_a convert_v to_o that_o state_n however_o we_o expound_v either_o of_o these_o they_o be_v both_o alike_o to_o the_o discourse_n intend_v it_o be_v undoubted_a that_o christanity_n always_o lay_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n give_v the_o command_n and_o urge_v the_o precept_n inspire_v the_o temper_n here_o describe_v and_o do_v most_o effective_o in_o all_o time_n upon_o many_o though_o few_o comparative_o and_o in_o all_o reasonable_a hope_n shall_v upon_o the_o generality_n in_o some_o time_n so_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n that_o all_o that_o belluine_n ferocious_a and_o savage_a temper_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v put_v off_o and_o proscribe_v the_o world_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v either_o true_o change_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o universal_o so_o far_o convince_v by_o high_a consideration_n and_o over_o come_v light_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v cover_v the_o earth_n as_o water_n do_v the_o sea_n that_o at_o least_o they_o will_v not_o discover_v that_o leonine_n and_o wolvish_a temper_n that_o cruelty_n and_o venom_n so_o natural_a to_o man_n heart_n in_o this_o sinful_a and_o degenerate_a state_n and_o this_o extend_v not_o only_o to_o the_o supersede_v the_o cruelty_n of_o action_n oppression_n spoil_v of_o good_n imprisonment_n massacre_n martyrdom_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o torture_n but_o to_o the_o take_v away_o that_o poison_n of_o asp_n that_o be_v in_o man_n lip_n the_o lion-like_a tooth_n of_o slander_n and_o invective_n the_o sword_n and_o knife_n of_o cruel_a mock_n and_o revile_n man_n offer_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o management_n of_o religious_a controversy_n for_o these_o thing_n the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v understand_v with_o respect_n to_o religion_n as_o man_n be_v upon_o their_o hatred_n to_o true_a religion_n or_o the_o mutual_a difference_n in_o it_o become_v lion_n leopard_n and_o tiger_n in_o their_o execution_n cockatrice_n asp_n and_o scorpion_n in_o their_o bitter_a word_n and_o anathema_n all_o which_o according_a to_o the_o influence_n of_o christianity_n upon_o man_n mind_n declare_v in_o this_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n except_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n alone_o which_o will_v be_v cause_n of_o man_n eternal_a damnation_n at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n if_o the_o infliction_n be_v spiritual_a or_o such_o iniquity_n as_o god_n have_v indeed_o command_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o a_o judge_n in_o this_o world_n if_o the_o sentence_n be_v temporal_a of_o such_o a_o change_n as_o be_v here_o set_v out_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v a_o great_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n who_o conversion_n as_o it_o have_v be_v think_v a_o prophetic_a pattern_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o think_v of_o this_o happy_a transmutation_n of_o the_o world_n most_o probable_o concurrent_a with_o it_o if_o either_o be_v universal_a as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_v for_o he_o be_v take_v in_o the_o very_a manner_n of_o a_o fierce_a and_o wild_a beast_n breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o immediate_o 1._o act_n 9_o 1._o turn_v into_o a_o meek_a merciful_a tender_a and_o compassionate_a lamb_n over_o who_o at_o his_o conversion_n there_o shine_v a_o light_n round_o about_o he_o in_o resemblance_n of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v cover_v the_o earth_n at_o the_o brightness_n of_o which_o they_o that_o journey_v with_o he_o stand_v speechless_a which_o may_v allegorise_v the_o make_n tame_a even_o those_o in_o such_o a_o day_n of_o divine_a appearance_n that_o be_v no_o true_a convert_v now_o this_o apostle_n as_o we_o know_v ever_o after_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o the_o love_n meekness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o christ_n in_o himself_o and_o offer_v in_o all_o his_o writing_n to_o inspire_v it_o into_o other_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v abundant_a occasion_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o observe_v severe_a in_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o this_o excellent_a christian_a spirit_n object_n before_o i_o pass_v on_o i_o shall_v only_o remove_v one_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v a_o very_a great_a one_o viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n say_v by_o way_n of_o surprise_n upon_o any_o such_o expectation_n suppose_v you_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v or_o give_v peace_n on_o the_o earth_n think_v not_o so_o i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n on_o the_o earth_n i_o etc._n mat_n 10._o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n luke_n 12._o 51._o etc._n etc._n tell_v you_o nay_o but_o rather_o division_n and_o a_o sword_n and_o a_o fire_n for_o i_o be_o come_v to_o set_v a_o man_n at_o variance_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o henceforth_o there_o shall_v be_v five_o in_o one_o house_n divide_v three_o against_o two_o and_o two_o against_o three_o etc._n etc._n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v neither_o his_o own_o intention_n and_o design_n nor_o the_o proper_a tendency_n and_o rational_a effect_n of_o his_o doctrine_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n he_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n attempt_v to_o imitate_v the_o fiery_a zealot_n spirit_n you_o know_v not_o what_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o in_o a_o chariot_n of_o fire_n to_o destroy_v all_o that_o will_v not_o be_v of_o his_o religion_n for_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o luk._n 9_o 55_o 56._o in_o this_o place_n therefore_o he_o only_o signify_v what_o will_v arise_v through_o the_o great_a corruption_n of_o man_n who_o lust_n and_o passion_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o swell_v and_o rage_v at_o so_o excellent_a a_o doctrine_n so_o destructive_a to_o sin_n and_o to_o all_o false_a religion_n defend_v by_o long_a possession_n and_o ancient_a tradition_n and_o compose_v for_o the_o patronage_n of_o man_n lust_n hence_o man_n will_v be_v implacable_o set_v against_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v be_v divide_v with_o extreme_a hate_n from_o those_o that_o espouse_v it_o as_o their_o chief_a interest_n and_o happiness_n and_o not_o be_v draw_v to_o apostatise_v from_o it_o though_o it_o gather_v upon_o they_o the_o spite_n and_o rabid_v inclination_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n and_o of_o their_o near_a relation_n in_o particular_a indeed_o the_o profane_a and_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n be_v wont_a to_o cry_v out_o against_o religion_n on_o such_o occasion_n as_o if_o it_o wrought_v all_o the_o mischief_n in_o such_o case_n when_o it_o be_v their_o own_o wickedness_n that_o trouble_v thing_n as_o solomon_n say_v the_o foolishness_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o then_o his_o heart_n
fret_v against_o the_o lord_n this_o then_o abate_v nothing_o from_o the_o grand_a importance_n of_o these_o word_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v so_o to_o discourse_n as_o to_o show_v that_o christianity_n lay_v down_o those_o foundation_n of_o unity_n peace_n and_o kindness_n upon_o religious_a account_n as_o be_v sufficient_a in_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o to_o take_v off_o all_o manner_n of_o barbarity_n fierceness_n and_o malignity_n in_o action_n and_o word_n concern_v difference_n in_o religion_n so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o hurt_v and_o destroy_v but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o deserve_a punishment_n of_o evil_n evil_a true_o and_o real_o so_o and_o not_o different_a religion_n only_o without_o that_o natural_a real_a evil_n much_o less_o different_a apprehension_n in_o the_o same_o religion_n almost_o if_o not_o altogether_o unavoidable_a nor_o shall_v the_o name_n of_o contumacy_n faction_n sedition_n be_v a_o salvo_fw-la or_o shelter_v sufficient_a for_o man_n to_o cover_v their_o cruelty_n under_o direct_v indeed_o against_o different_a sense_n in_o religion_n whatever_o else_o they_o pretend_v and_o if_o the_o true_a measure_n give_v we_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v observe_v and_o pursue_v they_o will_v certain_o and_o effective_o reconcile_v mankind_n in_o general_n and_o christian_n among_o themselves_o in_o particular_a remove_v all_o animosity_n and_o make_v they_o most_o tender_a compassionate_a and_o benign_a one_o towards_o another_o even_o towards_o they_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n much_o more_o to_o they_o that_o profess_v that_o truth_n with_o themselves_o though_o they_o dissent_v in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o profession_n to_o do_v it_o with_o modesty_n esteem_v and_o prefer_v one_o another_o in_o honour_n each_o above_o themselves_o even_o then_o when_o they_o can_v in_o their_o particular_a distant_a sentiment_n part_v with_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v be_v truth_n for_o if_o obstinacy_n contumacy_n pride_n or_o singularity_n shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o one_o another_o by_o each_o differ_a party_n and_o pursue_v with_o penalty_n by_o the_o strong_a and_o these_o faultiness_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o thing_n only_o against_o which_o the_o austerity_n be_v level_v and_o not_o the_o difference_n in_o judgement_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o standard_n to_o judge_n of_o these_o true_o culpable_a thing_n and_o that_o indeed_o deserve_v the_o humane_a severity_n due_a to_o they_o in_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o difference_n in_o religion_n if_o any_o other_o but_o god_n who_o know_v man_n heart_n can_v judge_n of_o they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v i_o say_v no_o other_o detection_n of_o they_o but_o this_o that_o the_o one_o dissenter_n can_v come_v over_o in_o judgement_n to_o the_o other_o that_o iâ—_n the_o inferior_a to_o the_o superior_a in_o power_n especial_o the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o that_o all_o must_v come_v to_o one_o opinion_n or_o malign_v one_o another_o still_o continue_v not_o profess_o for_o the_o dissent_n but_o for_o those_o other_o evil_n of_o which_o yet_o that_o dissent_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a proof_n and_o account_v sufficient_a proof_n too_o i_o will_v therefore_o by_o divine_a assistance_n endeavour_v so_o to_o manage_v this_o discourse_n as_o to_o secure_v it_o from_o such_o elusion_n i_o confess_v the_o undertake_n as_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n so_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o whoever_o consider_v what_o have_v continual_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v be_v entangle_v and_o perplex_v will_v not_o believe_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o rule_n of_o prevention_n in_o nature_n or_o that_o god_n have_v design_v any_o such_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o by_o measure_v from_o what_o be_v pass_v to_o future_a expectation_n may_v look_v upon_o any_o discourse_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n as_o utopian_a and_o imaginary_a see_v the_o christian_a religion_n so_o humble_a peaceable_a modest_a and_o amicable_a and_o that_o have_v the_o only_a true_a rule_n of_o this_o peace_n have_v yet_o be_v so_o unsuccessful_a herein_o that_o as_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v the_o butt_n against_o which_o all_o sort_n of_o cruelty_n and_o barbarity_n discharge_v themselves_o in_o the_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n of_o it_o so_o since_o it_o have_v be_v make_v the_o seat_n of_o those_o unholy_a holy_a war_n perpetual_a controversy_n and_o dispute_n carry_v on_o with_o great_a wrath_n and_o clamour_n and_o worse_o than_o that_o a_o kind_n of_o aceldama_n or_o field_n of_o blood_n by_o the_o horrid_a and_o unnatural_a fury_n of_o christian_n one_o against_o another_o but_o to_o conclude_v from_o hence_o true_a religion_n and_o christianity_n have_v not_o a_o fitness_n or_o less_o of_o fitness_n than_o false_a religion_n to_o beget_v in_o man_n mind_n that_o amity_n union_n and_o peace_n speak_v of_o by_o fix_v such_o principle_n and_o fundamental_o as_o christian_n may_v concentre_v upon_o notwithstanding_o their_o various_a sense_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n as_o be_v pure_a peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o load_n from_o the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o charge_v it_o upon_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n religion_n and_o christian_a religion_n who_o very_a excellency_n be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a reason_n why_o corruption_n and_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o hell_n plant_v themselves_o against_o it_o with_o all_o the_o force_n they_o can_v to_o have_v bar_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o it_o prevail_v against_o those_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o settle_a itself_o then_o to_o adulterate_a debauch_n and_o divide_v it_o which_o attempt_n and_o the_o resistance_n to_o they_o have_v make_v it_o full_a of_o commotion_n and_o noise_n than_o false_a religion_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o peace_n by_o sin_n and_o satan_n as_o their_o entire_a and_o undivided_a territory_n no_o sound_n of_o true_a religion_n come_v in_o there_o be_v not_o that_o reason_n for_o a_o disturbance_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o argument_n of_o moment_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o hence_o against_o the_o christian_a or_o reform_a protestant_a religion_n from_o the_o division_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o professor_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v as_o it_o may_v very_o plain_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o it_o then_o remain_v it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o pravity_n of_o man_n and_o design_n of_o satan_n who_o be_v not_o so_o concern_v against_o any_o other_o religion_n not_o feel_v that_o destruction_n from_o any_o but_o it_o thus_o therefore_o the_o wave_n and_o storm_n beat_v more_o vehement_o against_o the_o rock_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v more_o rage_n and_o foam_n and_o froth_n about_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o unquietness_n of_o the_o rock_n which_o be_v always_o firm_a and_o still_o but_o from_o the_o unruliness_n of_o the_o wave_n nor_o be_v the_o dead_a sea_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n or_o a_o total_a ignorance_n in_o religion_n because_o it_o have_v a_o dead_a calm_a upon_o it_o like_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n more_o safe_a than_o these_o religious_a 3_o rev._n 16._o 3_o commotion_n for_o every_o live_a soul_n die_v in_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a death_n there_o but_o motion_n argue_v life_n and_o tend_v to_o it_o though_o there_o be_v other_o hazard_n appertain_v to_o motion_n yet_o still_o there_o be_v possibility_n of_o life_n a_o fever_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o cure_n compare_v with_o a_o lethargy_n and_o dissent_v if_o well_o and_o christianly_o moderate_v by_o the_o run_n to_o and_o fro_o of_o man_n understanding_n increase_v 4._o dan._n 12._o 4._o knowledge_n maintain_v action_n and_o concern_v in_o divine_a thing_n resine_fw-la doctrine_n and_o profession_n which_o else_o like_o stagnated_a water_n be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v make_v more_o evident_o appear_v that_o which_o can_v be_v shake_v this_o indeed_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n worship_n or_o practise_v for_o though_o by_o opposition_n thâ—y_v also_o be_v much_o fortify_v and_o confirm_v yet_o that_o be_v by_o supreme_a power_n bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a but_o none_o may_v do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o do_v it_o introduce_v scepticism_n in_o any_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o know_v but_o every_o man_n abound_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n offer_v his_o own_o and_o receive_v the_o reason_n of_o other_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o 21._o 1_o thes_n 5_o 21._o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o find_v best_a with_o all_o toleration_n
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
of_o belief_n and_o practice_v agreeable_a thereunto_o such_o a_o one_o i_o say_v christianity_n suppose_v to_o have_v a_o right_a to_o common_a protection_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n of_o humaniâ—y_n while_o he_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o god_n at_o who_o tribunal_n he_o must_v appear_v to_o who_o as_o his_o own_o master_n he_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v no_o man_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n another_o servant_n in_o this_o case_n 12._o rom._n 14._o 4_o 10_o 12._o now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o submission_n to_o better_a instruction_n to_o give_v great_a reason_n that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n christian_n religion_n bottom_n upon_o and_o presume_v to_o itself_o that_o perfect_a conformity_n in_o a_o man_n principle_n to_o natural_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o principle_n or_o be_v as_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o religion_n be_v in_o debate_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a guard_n according_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o divine_a ordination_n upon_o it_o against_o the_o enmity_n despite_n and_o injury_n of_o private_a person_n and_o against_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o punitive_a justice_n of_o magistrate_n however_o a_o man_n in_o other_o particular_n distingâ—ishes_v himself_o for_o conscience_n sake_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o insist_v upon_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o suppose_v fix_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o then_o argue_v it_o by_o reason_n with_o respect_n to_o all_o â—ncountring_v objection_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n i_o exhort_v first_o of_o all_o that_o prayer_n supplication_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o â—e_v etc._n 1_o tim_n 2._o 1_o etc._n etc._n make_v for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v live_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o duty_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v viz._n the_o make_n of_o prayer_n supplication_n intercession_n and_o not_o they_o only_o but_o give_v of_o thanks_o and_o for_o all_o man_n and_o not_o only_o but_o eminent_o for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n now_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n injoin_v give_v of_o thanks_o it_o argue_v though_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o only_a matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n shall_v be_v the_o conversion_n of_o those_o pray_v for_o for_o there_o be_v then_o no_o conversion_n of_o prince_n nor_o so_o general_a conversion_n of_o private_a person_n as_o shall_v be_v express_v by_o all_o man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o matter_n for_o thanksgiving_n but_o that_o which_o be_v main_o in_o the_o apostle_n eye_n be_v that_o christian_n shall_v concern_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n both_o by_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n that_o be_v with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n and_o heartiness_n signify_v in_o that_o accumulation_n of_o expression_n and_o also_o by_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o mercy_n they_o enjoy_v and_o in_o eminent_a manner_n for_o king_n and_o those_o in_o eminency_n who_o be_v the_o trustee_n and_o depositary_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o true_a natural_a and_o excellent_a religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o a_o fair_a rational_a inducement_n offer_v to_o embrace_v it_o 2._o the_o advantage_n the_o apostle_n express_v as_o arise_v from_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o man_n in_o general_a and_o prince_n in_o special_a be_v convince_v of_o their_o right_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o two_o main_a part_n of_o natural_a religion_n piety_n towards_o god_n love_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o universal_a good_a may_v afford_v to_o christian_n the_o right_n and_o due_n of_o godliness_n and_o grave_a honourable_a sober_a deportment_n among_o man_n that_o be_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n not_o break_v out_o into_o injury_n and_o violation_n of_o common_a protection_n and_o humanity_n because_o they_o be_v christian_n from_o hence_o then_o i_o observe_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o right_a to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n be_v godliness_n and_o honourableness_n of_o manner_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o immorality_n and_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o all_o man_n and_o prince_n be_v most_o natural_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o tranquibity_n and_o flourish_a state_n of_o community_n in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o soberness_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o add_v that_o they_o may_v by_o conversion_n be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o may_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n from_o the_o north_n and_o the_o south_n and_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o which_o the_o freedom_n of_o pprophecy_n under_o the_o caution_n of_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n might_n exceed_o conduce_v on_o which_o account_n the_o apostle_n go_v on_o this_o that_o be_v all_z this_o intercourse_n of_o christian_n prayer_n godliness_n and_o honesty_n and_o all_o man_n magistrate_n especial_o procure_v their_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n see_v the_o one_o god_n the_o one_o mediator_n author_n of_o the_o one_o natural_a and_o the_o one_o true_a reveal_v religion_n be_v equal_o concern_v in_o all_o a_o second_o place_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n complicate_v with_o all_o those_o expression_n of_o both_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o paul_n concern_v magistracy_n and_o the_o ordination_n of_o it_o by_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o challenge_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 13._o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v harm_v you_o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a plain_o imply_v to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a aught_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n to_o secure_a man_n from_o harm_n and_o that_o good_a which_o the_o apostle_n intend_v must_v be_v good_a define_v by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o be_v good_a for_o else_o christianity_n as_o it_o stand_v distinct_a from_o that_o for_o contrary_a to_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v be_v not_o then_o understand_v to_o be_v good_n all_o judgement_n of_o that_o therefore_o be_v suspend_v whether_o good_a or_o not_o good_a as_o it_o stand_v distinct_a from_o natural_a religion_n the_o undeniable_a presence_n of_o all_o natural_a religion_n and_o power_n of_o it_o over_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v their_o defence_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o left_a from_o injury_n concern_v magistracy_n that_o duumvirate_n of_o apostle_n concur_v that_o ruler_n be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o the_o evil_n will_v then_o thou_o not_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o power_n say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v 5._o rom._n 13._o 3_o 4_o 5._o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v praise_n of_o the_o same_o for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o for_o good_a but_o if_o thou_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v afraid_a for_o he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a wherefore_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience-sake_n thus_o far_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n speak_v thus_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o for_o 14_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 13_o 14_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil-doer_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o let_v the_o way_n of_o argue_v use_v by_o these_o two_o apostle_n be_v well_o weigh_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o write_v the_o sense_n of_o magistrate_n concern_v christianity_n the_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o magistrate_n and_o yet_o both_o these_o apostle_n write_v as_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v out_o of_o dispute_n between_o magistrate_n and_o christian_n as_o if_o all_o be_v clear_a and_o fair_a between_o they_o and_o no_o controversy_n whether_o christianity_n be_v true_a or_o false_a a_o good_a
or_o a_o bad_a religion_n when_o yet_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o fiery_a trial_n when_o they_o be_v continual_o under_o persecution_n for_o their_o religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v righteousness_n because_o able_a to_o justify_v itself_o to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o deny_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o high_a power_n as_o not_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n at_o their_o command_n what_o then_o do_v this_o largeness_n frankness_n and_o freedom_n of_o expression_n mean_a on_o the_o part_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v subject_n and_o that_o not_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o â—onsâ—ience_n sake_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o when_o yet_o they_o be_v present_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o deny_v subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o great_a command_n of_o magistracy_n in_o religion_n on_o the_o part_n of_o magistrate_n that_o they_o be_v only_o a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n and_o a_o praise_n to_o they_o that_o do_v well_o that_o he_o that_o do_v well_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a when_o upon_o the_o true_a estimate_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n how_o can_v all_o this_o be_v reconcile_v but_o by_o reduce_v all_o to_o the_o just_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o divine_a ordination_n fix_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o people_n obedience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n thus_o so_o far_o as_o natural_a religion_n extend_v so_o far_o the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v here_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a hither_o be_v the_o people_n obedience_n to_o come_v in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience_n sake_n these_o be_v the_o ancient_a landmark_n thar_z ought_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v i_o speak_v not_o at_o all_o of_o civil_a obedience_n now_o but_o of_o obedience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n as_o a_o thief_n as_o a_o evildoer_n 16._o 1_o pet._n 4._o 15_o 16._o as_o a_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n or_o for_o violation_n of_o godliness_n command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n then_o quietness_n and_o peace_n of_o life_n be_v just_o deny_v you_o but_o if_o you_o suffer_v as_o christian_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a when_o you_o come_v to_o suffer_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o excellent_a religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o assure_v to_o you_o here_o there_o be_v no_o suffer_v just_o due_a to_o you_o therefore_o your_o suffering_n shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o you_o with_o divine_a glory_n from_o heaven_n from_o whence_o christianity_n be_v reveal_v let_v we_o lay_v the_o whole_a together_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o magistrate_n be_v heathen_n and_o enemy_n to_o christian_a religion_n and_o christian_n can_v pay_v they_o no_o obedience_n in_o recede_v from_o christianity_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v not_o the_o mutual_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n and_o protection_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o common_a centre_n wherein_o even_o in_o religious_a consideration_n the_o protection_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o meet_v and_o that_o uncontroversable_o on_o both_o side_n good_a and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o as_o one_o place_n call_v it_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n another_o good_a work_n another_o do_v well_o this_o then_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o the_o world_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n universal_a religion_n absolute_a religion_n natural_a religion_n even_o as_o natural_a justice_n universal_a justice_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o transaction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n yet_o if_o magistrate_n will_v inflict_v suffering_n upon_o christian_n 2d_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2d_o hold_v fast_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v teach_v by_o christianity_n to_o suffer_v patient_o not_o as_o if_o suffering_n be_v due_a to_o they_o but_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v do_v natural_a religion_n may_v be_v maintain_v one_o great_a branch_n of_o which_o be_v uphold_v government_n in_o all_o its_o honour_n and_o plenipotence_n but_o therefore_o in_o testimony_n to_o they_o that_o suffering_n be_v not_o due_a to_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n shall_v rest_v upon_o they_o even_o as_o in_o all_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n where_o humane_a law_n the_o law_n of_o this_o or_o that_o government_n have_v take_v no_o care_n suffering_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o innocent_a but_o their_o appeal_n lie_v above_o the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o ever_o there_o be_v no_o impeachment_n lie_v against_o man_n from_o the_o violation_n of_o natural_a religion_n their_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n be_v the_o just_a right_n of_o their_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n praise_v security_n a_o state_n out_o of_o fear_n be_v due_a to_o they_o as_o well-doer_n as_o to_o those_o that_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a many_o other_o be_v the_o expression_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o apostolic_a write_n look_v this_o way_n that_o the_o great_a letter_n of_o commendation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n concern_v person_n and_o their_o way_n in_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n come_v under_o their_o judicature_n be_v the_o intrinsic_a and_o real_a goodness_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o life_n at_o the_o beam_n of_o natural_a conscience_n this_o be_v the_o royal_a law_n every_o one_o be_v to_o fulfil_v in_o these_o thing_n 18._o jam._n 2._o 8._o rom._n 14._o 18._o we_o must_v serve_v christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n thus_o they_o must_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n thus_o they_o must_v take_v care_n against_o the_o name_n 1._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 1._o of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v thus_o they_o must_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n 16._o â—_o pet._n 2._o 15._o &_o 3._o 16._o of_o foolish_a man_n and_o make_v they_o ashamed_a now_o it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o severity_n of_o profession_n and_o life_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n will_v not_o justify_v the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o a_o assume_v religion_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n as_o of_o the_o sober_a moral_a heathen_a jew_n turk_n papist_n or_o any_o master_n of_o sect_n of_o most_o unblameable_a life_n among_o protestant_n that_o be_v to_o be_v try_v in_o a_o consistory_n proper_a to_o it_o the_o argument_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v to_o be_v weigh_v the_o nature_n scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_o all_o its_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o at_o last_o it_o stand_v at_o god_n judgment-seat_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v judge_v but_o thus_o the_o argument_n be_v the_o more_o enforce_v that_o where_o there_o be_v the_o testimonial_n of_o natural_a religion_n fair_o write_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o though_o we_o be_v not_o nor_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v induce_v by_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n it_o give_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n or_o seek_v everlasting_a happiness_n in_o it_o yet_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o humanity_n in_o allow_v peaceable_a life_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v upon_o scripture_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o argue_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o under_o every_o argument_n to_o observe_v the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o argum._n 1._o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o argue_v from_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o it_o to_o god_n that_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v also_o general_a religion_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o common_a peace_n in_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o allow_v the_o hospitableness_n of_o humanity_n to_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o dogmatise_v nothing_o but_o what_o upon_o due_a hear_n and_o discourse_n they_o offer_v to_o make_v out_o consistent_a and_o fair_o agree_v with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a even_o upon_o a_o violent_a suspicion_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o inquire_v hear_v and_o receive_v reason_n if_o it_o can_v be_v give_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o altar_n of_o testimony_n we_o read_v of_o joshua_n 22._o 10._o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o magnificency_n of_o it_o at_o the_o first_o to_o entertain_v man_n of_o this_o general_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v as_o in_o revival_n of_o what_o have_v be_v
can_v not_o contradict_v itself_o no_o dream_n wonder_v or_o predication_n however_o fulfil_v be_v authentic_a enough_o to_o draw_v the_o jew_n from_o the_o true_a god_n that_o 1._o deut._n 13._o 1._o have_v so_o supreme_o demonstrate_v himself_o to_o they_o nor_o may_v any_o angel_n or_o spirit_n that_o be_v immediate_a inspiration_n or_o doctrine_n give_v by_o it_o seduce_v they_o from_o christ_n so_o evident_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o the_o new_a by_o god_n the_o father_n and_o therefore_o 27._o gal._n 6._o 27._o all_o pretension_n to_o the_o contrary_a how_o high_a soever_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v with_o detestation_n they_o know_v all_o that_o endeavour_v it_o must_v know_v themselves_o deceiver_n the_o great_a crime_n against_o natural_a religion_n and_o indeed_o none_o so_o subject_a to_o humane_a inquiry_n to_o their_o detection_n or_o severity_n when_o detect_v as_o impostor_n pretend_v divine_a revelation_n nor_o to_o their_o most_o authoritative_a restraint_n and_o repression_n as_o the_o wild_a enthusiast_n though_o with_o more_o mercy_n because_o he_o be_v himself_o so_o great_o deceive_v and_o delude_v and_o next_o to_o these_o a_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n can_v hardly_o if_o at_o all_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o christian_a power_n as_o shall_v clear_v he_o from_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a offender_n against_o natural_a religion_n the_o sum_n than_o be_v this_o he_o to_o who_o christianity_n be_v propose_v as_o faithful_a and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n with_o such_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o natural_a religion_n and_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o draw_v any_o man_n intelligent_a and_o conscientious_a to_o it_o and_o yet_o reject_v and_o refuse_v he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n who_o will_v judge_n the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n by_o that_o very_a gospel_n of_o truth_n rom._n 2._o 16._o he_o that_o apostatise_n from_o it_o when_o he_o have_v once_o receive_v it_o may_v be_v just_o call_v to_o the_o most_o strict_a account_n by_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o as_o they_o find_v reason_n further_o censure_v or_o punish_v it_o be_v ordinary_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o apostate_n from_o so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n once_o taste_v but_o with_o great_a violation_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o conscience_n he_o that_o pretend_v divine_a revelation_n against_o that_o which_o have_v so_o ample_a a_o patent_n from_o heaven_n may_v most_o righteous_o be_v first_o discover_v expose_v and_o after_o deal_v with_o as_o the_o most_o flagitious_a self-guilty_a deceiver_n by_o christian_a ruler_n who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o divine_a vengâ—â—â—â—e_n in_o such_o case_n and_o 4._o rom._n 13._o 4._o by_o private_a christian_n for_o his_o natural_a evil_a work_n cast_v out_o of_o their_o whole_a society_n religious_a or_o civil_a except_o he_o appear_v a_o enthusiastic_a phrenetick_a who_o in_o pity_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o bethlehem_n from_o do_v so_o great_a injury_n to_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o first_o argument_n concern_v the_o acceptableness_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o god_n our_o saviour_n guide_v myself_o in_o it_o by_o this_o rule_n viz._n the_o most_o comprehensive_a religion_n in_o charity_n to_o other_o while_o we_o keep_v to_o main_a foundation_n in_o our_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o pure_a strict_a rule_n in_o ourselves_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a and_o most_o like_a that_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n the_o common_a bosom_n of_o love_n peace_n hope_n rest_n the_o 2._o arg._n prove_v natural_a religion_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o centre_n arg._n 2_o of_o common_a peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o religion_n be_v this_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a code_n of_o natural_a religion_n of_o which_o every_o man_n have_v a_o part_n for_o himself_o so_o that_o we_o may_v all_o appeal_v one_o to_o another_o as_o it_o be_v to_o page_n and_o line_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o so_o write_v in_o that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n within_o we_o whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o our_o duty_n and_o whether_o we_o have_v not_o sin_v in_o do_v contrary_a and_o indeed_o thus_o to_o do_v be_v the_o universal_a usage_n of_o man_n in_o all_o their_o debate_n one_o with_o another_o as_o face_n answer_v to_o face_n in_o water_n so_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o man_n in_o this_o natural_a religion_n as_o the_o part_n of_o humane_a body_n agree_v in_o all_o man_n so_o do_v these_o proportion_n and_o lineament_n of_o soul_n we_o may_v with_o great_a certainty_n solicit_v man_n upon_o these_o principle_n than_o evil_a man_n tempt_v one_o another_o upon_o common_a depravation_n for_o corruption_n though_o all_o one_o in_o the_o fountain_n yet_o lie_v in_o more_o several_a vein_n than_o these_o law_n of_o natural_a conscience_n so_o that_o man_n may_v be_v miss_v by_o those_o that_o tempt_v they_o out_o of_o their_o proper_a inclination_n to_o evil_n as_o hit_v in_o the_o wrong_a vein_n but_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o line_n of_o natural_a conscience_n want_v in_o any_o man_n nor_o a_o aptness_n to_o be_v move_v in_o they_o if_o search_v to_o the_o quick_a they_o will_v feel_v it_o to_o conviction_n though_o too_o often_o not_o to_o conversion_n the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v to_o faelix_fw-la strike_v he_o in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v as_o in_o master-vein_n and_o know_v he_o must_v take_v place_n as_o it_o prove_v in_o his_o tremble_n so_o in_o his_o discourse_n act._n 17._o he_o fall_v upon_o that_o universal_a sense_n of_o a_o divine_a be_v and_o his_o excellent_a nature_n of_o which_o he_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v a_o counterpart_n within_o they_o he_o do_v not_o first_o preach_v christ_n to_o they_o a_o point_n without_o they_o but_o get_v within_o they_o in_o natural_a principle_n he_o assay_v by_o the_o continuity_n and_o similarness_n of_o the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o to_o intwine_v as_o with_o admirable_a artifice_n he_o do_v those_o natural_a principle_n with_o christianity_n our_o saviour_n indeed_o deal_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o more_o absolute_a and_o positive_a term_n because_o natural_a conscience_n lie_v high_a and_o near_o to_o supernatural_a instruction_n by_o their_o acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o in_o deal_v with_o those_o that_o have_v not_o those_o revelation_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n centre_n their_o application_n to_o they_o in_o this_o universal_a religion_n and_o with_o great_a reason_n and_o expectation_n of_o success_n as_o daniel_n to_o nabuchadnezzar_n i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o break_v off_o thy_o sin_n by_o righteousness_n and_o by_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o 27_o dan._n 4._o 27_o poor_a if_o it_o may_v be_v a_o lengthen_v of_o thy_o tranquillity_n this_o be_v natural_a doctrine_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v address_v to_o a_o prince_n never_o so_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o divine_a revelation_n for_o this_o be_v a_o religion_n know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o that_o in_o which_o all_o may_v most_o reasonable_o unite_v this_o be_v that_o a_o magistrate_n may_v with_o great_a authority_n demand_v conformity_n to_o of_o his_o subject_n and_o they_o oblige_v to_o obey_v as_o the_o king_n of_o niniveh_n most_o just_o enjoin_v public_a 7._o joâ—_n 3._o 7._o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o so_o great_a and_o imminent_a judgement_n for_o every_o magistrate_n be_v suppose_v as_o a_o magistrate_n to_o have_v good_a knowledge_n of_o this_o law_n of_o which_o he_o as_o a_o man_n have_v a_o copy_n as_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n have_v of_o the_o reveal_v law_n and_o in_o which_o as_o they_o in_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v conversant_a that_o he_o may_v be_v just_a that_o rule_v over_o man_n rule_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o 3._o 2_o sam._n 23._o 3._o god_n of_o this_o also_o every_o subject_n have_v a_o copy_n that_o he_o may_v know_v his_o duty_n and_o observe_v it_o hence_o therefore_o universal_a conformity_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a obligation_n when_o he_o that_o command_v and_o they_o who_o be_v to_o obey_v have_v both_o the_o same_o just_a weight_n and_o measure_v commit_v to_o they_o one_o in_o order_n to_o rule_n and_o government_n the_o other_o in_o order_n to_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n such_o as_o can_v disagree_v no_o more_o than_o seal_a weight_n and_o measure_n in_o general_a traffic_n and_o which_o each_o have_v a_o standard_n of_o and_o may_v except_o inexcusable_a ignorance_n negligence_n or_o injustice_n be_v in_o the_o fault_n have_v a_o immediate_a recourse_n to_o but_o beyond_o this_o what_o of_o compulsion_n there_o can_v be_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v every_o revelation_n be_v receive_v
right_n of_o earthly_a power_n not_o the_o retrench_a any_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o natural_a religion_n not_o the_o impose_v any_o thing_n beside_o and_o beyond_o it_o by_o power_n or_o penalty_n not_o the_o forbid_a of_o reformation_n of_o any_o corruption_n invade_v it_o not_o the_o embargo_a any_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n consist_v with_o or_o perfect_a natural_a religion_n as_o all_o true_o such_o do_v only_o the_o power_n of_o require_v all_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o those_o that_o disobey_v natural_a law_n but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o say_v god_n intend_v christianity_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o not_o by_o might_n not_o by_o power_n but_o by_o tâ—e_v spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o believer_n in_o it_o shall_v seal_v it_o not_o with_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o outward_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o they_o by_o it_o but_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o suffering_n this_o be_v also_o most_o true_a it_o appear_v god_n do_v so_o intend_v but_o still_o if_o magistrate_n be_v entrust_v by_o god_n with_o make_v religion_n legal_a or_o not_o legal_a by_o their_o seal_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o divine_a ordination_n of_o magistracy_n be_v dishonour_v and_o debase_v by_o he_o that_o appoint_v it_o in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o take_a notice_n of_o in_o so_o great_a a_o affair_n of_o the_o divine_a kingdom_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v judge_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o real_a injury_n do_v to_o power_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o christian_n be_v on_o that_o account_n just_a for_o who_o can_v know_v that_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n god_n have_v suspend_v that_o suppose_a ordination_n of_o he_o viz._n that_o no_o religion_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o any_o state_n or_o kingdom_n that_o have_v not_o first_o the_o favour_n and_o licence_n of_o the_o law_n and_o magistrate_n of_o that_o state_n and_o kingdom_n but_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o state_v rule_n that_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v not_o but_o that_o be_v secure_v there_o be_v a_o freedom_n to_o subject_n of_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o wherein_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n as_o of_o their_o body_n life_n or_o estate_n in_o private_a concern_v or_o as_o a_o philosopher_n have_v of_o choose_v what_o he_o think_v the_o best_a system_v and_o from_o the_o best_a author_n and_o that_o man_n may_v free_o reason_v herein_o still_o within_o the_o confinement_n of_o natural_a religion_n reverence_n of_o god_n and_o all_o just_a deference_n to_o man_n and_o than_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o legal_a entrance_n offer_v no_o disregard_n to_o magistracy_n but_o take_v natural_a freedom_n to_o offer_v itself_o wherein_o its_o way_n be_v so_o prepare_v it_o than_o open_v itself_o with_o all_o that_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n that_o can_v be_v refuse_v but_o under_o the_o great_a peril_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n thus_o proportionable_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o christianity_n from_o popery_n we_o then_o that_o be_v christian_n and_o protestant_a christian_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o keep_v that_o door_n of_o the_o just_a and_o lawful_a propagation_n of_o religion_n not_o contrariant_n to_o natural_a religion_n as_o open_a as_o we_o can_v and_o to_o grant_v a_o quiet_a comprehensive_a of_o all_o offer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v keep_v within_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n reason_n and_o prudence_n it_o seem_v less_o hazard_n to_o admit_v those_o inconvenience_n attendant_a upon_o this_o liberty_n that_o through_o humane_a corruption_n run_v round_o with_o every_o thing_n than_o those_o great_a mischief_n of_o have_v christian_n or_o protestant_a religion_n violent_o keep_v out_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v that_o there_o be_v obligation_n lie_v upon_o man_n precedent_a to_o any_o right_n of_o humane_a authority_n viz._n of_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n of_o the_o profession_n confession_n and_o publication_n of_o true_a religion_n however_o man_n forbid_v or_o scorn_v it_o of_o rational_a communication_n of_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o 12._o act._n 4._o 12._o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v of_o charity_n to_o man_n soul_n in_o not_o conceal_v the_o tiding_n of_o salvation_n the_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o certain_o david_n express_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v preach_v righteousness_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n i_o have_v not_o refrain_v my_o lip_n oh_o lord_n thou_o 10_o psal_n 40._o 9_o 10_o know_v i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n in_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v declare_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o thy_o salvation_n i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o lovingkindness_n and_o thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o moses_n when_o he_o say_v give_v ear_n oh_o you_o heaven_n and_o 3_o deut._n 32._o 1_o 2_o 3_o i_o will_v speak_v and_o hear_v oh_o earth_n the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o rain_n my_o speech_n shall_v distil_v as_o the_o dew_n because_o i_o will_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n ascribe_v you_o greatness_n to_o our_o god_n yet_o from_o hence_o i_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o man_n bind_v to_o go_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o great_a turk_n either_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n against_o any_o of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o that_o tyranny_n or_o folly_n of_o that_o superstition_n or_o the_o just_a and_o holy_a law_n and_o truth_n of_o christianity_n instead_o of_o his_o worse_a than_o aâ—ile_n alcoran_n every_o man_n be_v to_o measure_v his_o commission_n and_o the_o enablement_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o his_o work_n and_o not_o to_o venture_v upon_o thing_n beyond_o his_o line_n for_o even_o the_o apostle_n know_v their_o measure_n the_o measure_n of_o the_o rule_n distribute_v they_o by_o god_n a_o measure_n reach_v so_o far_o beyond_o which_o they_o do_v not_o stretch_v themselves_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 13._o every_o man_n may_v compute_v the_o probable_a account_n his_o service_n will_v turn_v to_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n christ_n teach_v he_o to_o forbear_v when_o it_o be_v certain_a before_o hand_n his_o pearl_n will_v be_v tread_v under_o foot_n and_o himself_o 6._o mat._n 7._o 6._o rend_v and_o so_o i_o have_v finish_v what_o i_o think_v necessary_a to_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o three_o argument_n and_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o four_o argum._n 4._o natural_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v the_o cement_n of_o universal_a peace_n since_o whatever_o can_v comport_v with_o the_o good_a of_o the_o universe_n or_o community_n be_v secure_v by_o it_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o community_n be_v charge_v with_o it_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o orderly_a posture_n of_o every_o man_n in_o his_o station_n and_o rank_n the_o just_a deference_n to_o magistracy_n and_o public_a authority_n the_o security_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_n the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o divine_a revelation_n now_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v against_o allow_v freedom_n in_o religion_n upon_o natural_a religion_n secure_v and_o the_o answer_n to_o they_o object_n 1._o every_o false_a religion_n or_o refusal_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o a_o nation_n not_o vindicate_v by_o due_a severity_n upon_o offender_n be_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n of_o a_o national_a gild_n and_o bring_v down_o national_a judgement_n answer_n the_o government_n of_o conscience_n be_v god_n peculiar_a no_o earthly_a power_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o obliquity_n and_o error_n of_o it_o any_o more_o than_o with_o the_o secret_a sin_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o know_v or_o those_o distemper_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n which_o come_v into_o no_o palpable_a instance_n can_v neither_o be_v convict_v nor_o sentence_v by_o man_n now_o mistake_v of_o man_n in_o religion_n not_o cognisable_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o error_n of_o conscience_n and_o so_o be_v proper_o leave_v to_o god_n judgment-seat_n and_o the_o magistrate_n stand_v free_a it_o be_v therefore_o very_o observable_a prince_n be_v call_v nursing-fathers_n and_o queen_n nursing-mothers_n signify_v not_o a_o 23._o isa_n 49._o 23._o commanding-power_n but_o a_o tender_a insinuate_a cherish_v the_o encouragement_n from_o they_o that_o such_o a_o appellative_a carry_v with_o it_o in_o those_o that_o declare_v it_o in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o the_o magistrate_n discharge_v this_o honourable_a trust_n may_v acquit_v himself_o and_o the_o community_n
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
whole_o out_o of_o the_o childishness_n of_o ceremony_n or_o opinion_n 2._o the_o weak_a christian_n who_o the_o apostle_n very_o gentle_o and_o tacit_o signify_v by_o those_o that_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o be_v under_o some_o abatement_n from_o this_o perfection_n of_o judgement_n they_o have_v somewhat_o of_o reverence_n for_o those_o rite_n former_o of_o divine_a appointment_n though_o they_o sincere_o too_o value_n christ_n above_o all_o even_o as_o the_o perfect_a to_o the_o first_o the_o apostle_n advise_v let_v we_o whole_o and_o entire_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v perfect_a we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o least_o to_o take_v we_o off_o to_o the_o second_o he_o allow_v first_o all_z the_o toleration_n of_o charity_n till_o and_o confident_o foretell_v god_n will_v reveal_v even_o this_o to_o they_o viz._n not_o only_o the_o supreme_a excellency_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o total_a uselessness_n and_o utter_a abolition_n of_o those_o ceremony_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o press_v they_o on_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v attain_v viz._n to_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o conformity_n in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o that_o they_o will_v walk_v by_o that_o one_o rule_n that_o they_o will_v adjust_a all_o their_o action_n and_o motion_n with_o the_o perfect_a christian_a and_o mind_n that_o same_o thing_n though_o they_o can_v lay_v aside_o all_o regard_n to_o other_o thing_n immediate_o of_o that_o low_a rate_n here_o then_o be_v the_o christian_n rule_n of_o govern_v himself_o as_o a_o christian_a and_o it_o bring_v forth_o certain_a peace_n 1._o the_o absolute_a and_o inexceptionable_a rule_n to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a to_o have_v a_o supreme_a value_n for_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n to_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o his_o death_n to_o forget_v thing_n behind_o and_o to_o press_v forward_o for_o the_o prize_n if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o attain_v this_o rule_n he_o be_v either_o no_o christian_a or_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o one_o if_o he_o be_v a_o undertaker_n a_o imposer_n a_o master_n in_o christianity_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o so_o dreadful_o brand_v a_o evil_a worker_n a_o designer_n against_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o one_o same_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o walk_v here_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n they_o be_v all_o to_o mind_n here_o be_v no_o allowance_n no_o toleration_n here_o it_o be_v they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v so_o serious_a of_o such_o excellent_a spirit_n to_o have_v such_o a_o value_n one_o of_o another_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o centre_n in_o universal_a love_n and_o peace_n upon_o this_o point_n 2._o every_o perfect_a man_n be_v not_o to_o take_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o low_a kind_n of_o a_o foreign_a extract_n into_o so_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a a_o religion_n that_o he_o may_v whole_o and_o without_o any_o allocation_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o mind_n this_o same_o thing_n this_o make_v he_o a_o more_o wise_a a_o more_o perfect_a manly_a and_o full_a age_a christian_n more_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o more_o fit_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n the_o overow_v any_o way_n party_n or_o person_n take_v off_o so_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o to_o render_v he_o carnal_a and_o childish_a i_o can_v not_o say_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o you_o but_o as_o unto_o carnal_a as_o unto_o babe_n in_o christ_n you_o be_v so_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o overzealous_a for_o man_n and_o make_v christ_n himself_o as_o if_o he_o be_v but_o the_o head_n of_o a_o party_n and_o this_o bring_v forth_o strife_n envy_n and_o division_n as_o he_o tell_v those_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 1._o 3._o if_o any_o man_n be_v under_o such_o disadvantage_n as_o to_o have_v take_v such_o assumenta_fw-la such_o additional_n to_o his_o christianity_n he_o be_v right_a in_o the_o main_a rule_n of_o the_o supreme_a value_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n he_o be_v to_o be_v support_v in_o his_o infirmity_n by_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n of_o strong_a christian_n in_o expectation_n of_o god_n timely_a revelation_n 1._o rom._n 15._o 1._o but_o so_o as_o to_o be_v press_v on_o to_o walk_v up_o and_o bear_v aloft_o to_o that_o rule_n whereunto_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o mind_v that_o one_o thing_n and_o so_o to_o wear_v out_o that_o mistake_a esteem_n for_o any_o thing_n not_o deserve_v it_o and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o peace_n see_v such_o infirmity_n be_v natural_a to_o this_o low_a state_n even_o of_o christian_n in_o this_o world_n wherein_o they_o that_o be_v scrupulous_a must_v take_v heed_n of_o judge_v the_o wise_a as_o disorderly_a irregular_a and_o almost_o profane_a if_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v their_o rite_n and_o the_o strong_a ought_v as_o careful_o to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o despise_v the_o scrupulous_a as_o fond_a superstitionist_n because_o they_o can_v neglect_v they_o so_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n rom._n 14._o yet_o so_o that_o these_o somewhat_o otherwise_o mind_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o main_a else_o they_o can_v neither_o have_v peace_n in_o themselves_o nor_o yield_v it_o to_o the_o high_a christian_n nor_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o stature_n of_o full_a age_a man_n in_o christ_n this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v add_v as_o observable_a that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o first_o chrâ—â—tians_n can_v never_o recur_v exact_o for_o those_o ceremony_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n have_v just_a claim_n to_o a_o awe_n upon_o conscience_n not_o as_o yet_o clear_a in_o their_o repeal_n whereas_o all_o late_a rite_n can_v pretend_v no_o high_o than_o humane_a institution_n custom_n or_o venerable_a antiquity_n for_o the_o suspicion_n of_o apostolic_a institution_n in_o their_o behalf_n and_o so_o add_v religion_n to_o they_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o much_o weak_a and_o worse_o see_v we_o have_v no_o authentic_a record_n of_o such_o institution_n and_o in_o thing_n of_o so_o dilute_a a_o goodness_n as_o ceremony_n must_v be_v there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o balance_n to_o the_o opposite_a danger_n of_o lean_v a_o religious_a weight_n upon_o a_o break_a reed_n that_o both_o pierce_v and_o deceive_v but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v be_v not_o the_o scrupulous_a forbear_n the_o be_v scare_v and_o terrify_v at_o ceremony_n as_o great_a a_o weakness_n as_o be_v over_o anxious_a in_o their_o observation_n do_v not_o the_o place_v a_o point_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o and_o think_v one_o self_n the_o better_a for_o not_o use_v they_o detract_v as_o much_o from_o mind_v this_o same_o thing_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o the_o other_o side_n solicitude_n no_o doubt_v it_o do_v if_o we_o just_o explain_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o case_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o resolve_v this_o question_n i_o will_v observe_v the_o importance_n of_o this_o same_o rule_n give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o of_o his_o epistle_n a_o place_n very_a parallel_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o much_o of_o the_o same_o expression_n with_o this_o to_o the_o philippian_n the_o right_a explication_n of_o which_o will_v also_o much_o confirm_v the_o exposition_n give_v of_o this_o rule_n see_v as_o i_o say_v they_o be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v gal._n 6._o 14_o 15_o 16._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o and_o i_o to_o the_o world_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o and_o mercy_n and_o upon_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n here_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n and_o bring_v in_o that_o divine_a religion_n upon_o it_o â—ere_z be_v a_o conformity_n to_o his_o death_n by_o which_o all_o worldly_a sensual_a and_o fleshly_a glory_n whether_o in_o fleshly_a religion_n or_o fleshly_a life_n which_o minister_v one_o to_o another_o be_v crucify_v to_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o to_o it_o but_o most_o especial_o the_o apostle_n level_v here_o against_o a_o fleshly_a religion_n observe_v the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n so_o active_a instead_o of_o a_o
testament_n the_o apocalypse_n foretell_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o very_a state_n of_o kingdom_n become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n all_o these_o thing_n argue_v a_o great_a encouragement_n of_o nation_n receive_v and_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o nation_n even_o as_o family_n may_v and_o aught_o as_o family_n and_o though_o it_o be_v undoubted_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n of_o nation_n to_o come_v as_o near_o and_o as_o exact_a and_o close_a as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o government_n as_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o national_a christianity_n yet_o because_o there_o will_v and_o general_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o national_a custom_n in_o such_o public_a administration_n a_o comprimise_n of_o they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o government_n of_o nation_n hence_o it_o also_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o may_v be_v a_o dissatisfaction_n in_o many_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o such_o nation_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o national_a constitution_n of_o religion_n hence_o there_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v discomposure_n and_o disquiet_n if_o prince_n or_o power_n exceed_v that_o exercise_n of_o power_n allot_v to_o they_o by_o god_n as_o we_o have_v before_o discourse_v and_o also_o by_o the_o very_a essential_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n see_v christ_n have_v make_v none_o lord_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n or_o divine_a worship_n and_o prince_n be_v no_o more_o than_o nursing-fathers_n the_o quiet_a therefore_o and_o peace_n of_o nation_n be_v most_o advance_v by_o set_v up_o nothing_o in_o christianity_n but_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o yield_v the_o tender_a and_o open_v the_o most_o bountiful_a hand_n to_o the_o professor_n and_o minister_n of_o essential_a christianity_n cover_v all_o the_o faulty_a division_n of_o christian_n with_o their_o royal_a and_o compassionate_a purple_a this_o be_v most_o princely_a generous_a and_o great_a this_o be_v most_o exalt_v of_o christianity_n itself_o but_o if_o this_o can_v be_v obtain_v the_o next_o best_n and_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o as_o i_o have_v already_o make_v out_o but_o just_o be_v that_o no_o native_a right_n and_o liberty_n be_v defaulk_v nor_o punitive_a oppression_n inflict_v but_o that_o the_o honorary_a reward_n of_o nation_n and_o prince_n be_v adjudge_v to_o man_n who_o be_v of_o the_o public_a sentiment_n in_o their_o administration_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o indeed_o can_v be_v except_v to_o it_o be_v the_o right_n of_o national_a power_n to_o dispose_v of_o their_o own_o according_a to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n yet_o be_v there_o still_o a_o obligation_n upon_o christian_a subject_n beyond_o these_o consideration_n to_o examine_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o great_a prejudice_n for_o and_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o national_a sense_n especial_o when_o they_o find_v the_o substantial_o of_o religion_n secure_a and_o in_o safety_n and_o beside_o their_o private_a adjustment_n of_o christian_a performance_n in_o particular_a society_n according_a to_o the_o exacter_n rule_v of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o to_o encourage_v also_o promote_v and_o as_o far_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o national_a religion_n put_v the_o fair_a and_o kind_a interpretation_n and_o hope_v upon_o all_o thing_n tolerate_v all_o that_o can_v without_o disobedience_n to_o god_n be_v tolerate_v observe_v rite_n and_o custom_n of_o nation_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v with_o security_n from_o vain_a worship_v of_o god_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n both_o because_o of_o the_o honour_n christianity_n give_v to_o magistracy_n according_a to_o natural_a sanction_n and_o also_o and_o more_o especial_o because_o of_o the_o esteem_n christianity_n have_v of_o a_o public_a and_o national_a religion_n let_v i_o then_o resume_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o it_o plain_o appear_v christianity_n notwithstanding_o the_o freedom_n it_o allow_v to_o every_o man_n conscientious_a sentiment_n be_v no_o enemy_n but_o a_o friend_n 1._o to_o society_n 2._o to_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n that_o bound_v society_n yea_o and_o strict_o command_v they_o and_o have_v give_v positive_a institution_n for_o they_o 1._o for_o first_o it_o unite_v all_o its_o true_a disciple_n in_o that_o common_a ample_a universal_a centre_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o order_n god_n and_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o first_o dedication_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v make_v and_o in_o who_o it_o always_o rest_v 2._o it_o unite_v they_o with_o that_o most_o public_a wise_a rational_a and_o most_o holy_a assembly_n under_o heaven_n the_o catholic_n church_n even_o all_o that_o be_v that_o one_o body_n act_v by_o that_o one_o spirit_n unite_v in_o one_o hope_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n in_o all_o which_o every_o christian_a be_v one_o with_o the_o whole_a desire_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o one_o body_n the_o advancement_n of_o that_o one_o faith_n communicate_v in_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o that_o one_o body_n sorrow_n in_o its_o affliction_n minister_n to_o its_o necessity_n and_o if_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v communicate_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o service_n with_o any_o member_n of_o it_o and_o value_v not_o their_o particular_a rite_n as_o any_o obstruction_n while_o they_o agree_v in_o essential_o and_o indeed_o every_o christian_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o drop_v that_o mantle_n of_o ceremony_n as_o he_o please_v when_o he_o ascend_v in_o holy_a offering_n of_o himselfâ—o_o â—o_z god_n 3._o 〈◊〉_d to_o particular_a society_n or_o church_n of_o christian_n in_o whiâ—â—_n the_o essential_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v preserve_v uncorrupted_a and_o so_o they_o must_v be_v or_o else_o such_o society_n deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o church_n and_o when_o they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o neighbourhood_n to_o the_o true_a christian_a that_o he_o may_v free_o enjoy_v his_o choice_n he_o consider_v these_o two_o both_o recommend_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o private_a particular_a congregation_n that_o can_v conform_v to_o public_a settlement_n such_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o first_o church_n when_o christianity_n have_v no_o public_a allowance_n such_o may_v be_v still_o 2._o the_o most_o public_a settlement_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o wherein_o he_o may_v do_v it_o he_o use_v both_o promiscuous_o wherein_o he_o must_v divide_v he_o consider_v upon_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o most_o humble_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o public_a edification_n as_o well_o as_o his_o own_o and_o so_o as_o not_o to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v if_o he_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o best_o according_a to_o his_o sentiment_n he_o be_v yet_o careful_a to_o do_v all_o he_o do_v with_o the_o great_a vigour_n of_o charity_n inoffensiveness_n and_o desire_v of_o promote_a of_o that_o public_a worship_n as_o it_o contain_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n if_o according_a to_o the_o sincere_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o prefer_v the_o public_a appointment_n either_o as_o public_a and_o in_o that_o regard_n overweigh_a small_a doubt_n and_o so_o take_v the_o best_a advantage_n afford_v therein_o as_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n particular_a congregation_n seem_v most_o adapt_v to_o or_o that_o the_o whole_a composure_n of_o the_o public_a be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o sentiment_n he_o consider_v the_o more_o private_a as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o can_v be_v severe_a to_o the_o retirer_n thereto_o know_v every_o man_n have_v the_o proper_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o what_o essential_o christianity_n consist_v in_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o forcible_o hale_v any_o into_o the_o public_a but_o remonstrate_v to_o they_o as_o he_o see_v reason_n with_o mild_a and_o christian_a argument_n the_o disadvantage_n of_o separate_n from_o it_o beyond_o plain_a necessity_n 4._o in_o the_o difference_n of_o judgement_n of_o public_a society_n and_o private_a in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o or_o the_o difference_n of_o private_a among_o themselves_o the_o true_a christian_a still_o keep_v himself_o upon_o that_o love_n mercy_n and_o peace_n christianity_n teach_v he_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o diversity_n consider_v the_o high_a tie_n worth_n and_o value_n of_o those_o unity_n wherein_o they_o all_o meet_v 5._o if_o a_o christian_a fall_n into_o such_o place_n where_o the_o essential_o be_v corrupt_v he_o esteem_v religious_a solitude_n the_o best_a communion_n yet_o refuse_v not_o to_o improve_v any_o thing_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v extract_v from_o such_o corruption_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n not_o so_o adulterate_v but_o to_o admit_v a_o possible_a separation_n in_o the_o exigence_n of_o present_a service_n
that_o do_v but_o a_o little_a consider_v will_v find_v first_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a answer_n to_o endless_a cavil_n and_o querulousness_n against_o the_o best_a of_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v obtain_v here_o that_o every_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n be_v injure_v disorder_a and_o defile_v by_o the_o pravity_n of_o humane_a nature_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a universe_n of_o good_a and_o excellent_a that_o be_v not_o debauch_a by_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n or_o where_o shall_v he_o fix_v himself_o that_o will_v upon_o earth_n remove_v himself_o from_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v by_o sin_n if_o but_o possible_a to_o be_v deprave_v by_o ill_a use_n to_o ill_a end_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o answer_n enough_o for_o the_o defile_n the_o very_a light_n and_o the_o sun_n even_o religion_n itself_o and_o that_o in_o so_o great_a degree_n and_o to_o so_o heinous_o contrary_a end_n for_o whereas_o the_o very_a height_n and_o transcendency_n of_o divine_a thing_n may_v in_o all_o reason_n plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o such_o debasement_n yet_o come_v so_o near_o to_o our_o corrupt_a atmosphaere_n it_o be_v even_o as_o the_o very_a light_n though_o in_o itself_o remain_v always_o pure_a and_o clear_a as_o itself_o notwithstanding_o prostitute_v by_o man_n to_o their_o own_o abominable_a impiety_n this_o then_o alone_o answer_v so_o great_a a_o doubt_n that_o god_n be_v exceed_o offend_v and_o displease_v with_o humane_a nature_n that_o so_o excellent_a a_o instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n in_o present_a and_o the_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n of_o it_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v deprave_v into_o a_o instrument_n of_o great_a unhappiness_n and_o mischief_n to_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v for_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v see_v much_o of_o that_o blood_n and_o devastation_n tumult_n and_o convulsion_n much_o of_o the_o cruelty_n and_o inhumanity_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o have_v be_v save_v and_o prevent_v have_v it_o not_o be_v that_o religion_n have_v a_o place_n in_o the_o world_n much_o of_o that_o deep_a and_o almost_o inexpiable_a guilt_n that_o have_v be_v contract_v through_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o opposition_n to_o it_o from_o the_o false_a have_v never_o come_v into_o account_n now_o or_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a upon_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o main_a difference_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mediator_n between_o it_o and_o the_o angelic_a nature_n fall_v that_o one_o be_v universal_o in_o chain_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o without_o hope_n of_o remedy_n the_o other_o not_o universal_o nor_o without_o hope_n yet_o those_o chain_n be_v due_a to_o the_o one_o even_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o what_o degree_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n in_o its_o wisdom_n it_o seem_v meet_v it_o cast_v man_n into_o they_o even_o as_o it_o distribute_v as_o it_o please_v measure_n of_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n in_o take_v the_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o earth_n of_o some_o and_o not_o of_o other_o when_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n alike_o as_o to_o their_o substantial_a enjoyment_n however_o one_o may_v have_v differ_v from_o another_o in_o glory_n and_o lay_v great_a calamity_n upon_o some_o and_o not_o on_o other_o as_o great_o deserve_v of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o this_o time_n of_o general_a patience_n if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o so_o great_a tract_n of_o humane_a nature_n lie_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n have_v no_o light_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o shine_v upon_o they_o and_o why_o without_o the_o great_a discomposure_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o without_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o those_o that_o make_v the_o offer_n there_o can_v be_v no_o offer_n of_o better_a make_v to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o corruption_n even_o of_o christianity_n itself_o where_o it_o be_v general_o profess_v and_o the_o attempt_n of_o reformation_n in_o christianity_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o dangerous_a or_o more_o than_o the_o persuasion_n to_o it_o address_v to_o turk_n or_o pagan_n the_o linger_a act_n of_o cruelty_n in_o the_o inquisition_n and_o horrible_a bloodiness_n of_o massacre_n exceed_v any_o thing_n of_o any_o other_o kind_n last_o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o those_o small_a difference_n among_o protestant_n themselves_o who_o have_v have_v opportunity_n to_o look_v over_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o prodigious_a inhumanities_n of_o pagan_n turk_n jew_n and_o papist_n in_o their_o persecution_n can_v never_o have_v bring_v forth_o so_o much_o of_o spleen_n hate_n and_o sufficient_a proportion_n of_o the_o same_o cruelty_n among_o themselves_o when_o they_o have_v have_v before_o their_o eye_n not_o only_o those_o pregnant_a motive_n to_o detestation_n of_o such_o barbarity_n in_o those_o forename_a example_n but_o that_o mirror_n of_o patience_n meekness_n forbearance_n the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o be_v it_o unworthy_a of_o good_a observation_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o proceed_n against_o offender_n in_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n or_o morality_n be_v general_o with_o leisure_n moderation_n proportion_n between_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o punishment_n a_o compassion_n of_o humane_a nature_n even_o where_o severity_n be_v of_o great_a necessity_n but_o in_o what_o man_n levy_v against_o different_a religion_n all_o be_v carry_v in_o storm_n and_o whirlwind_n in_o fury_n and_o rage_n in_o blood_n smoke_n and_o fire_n argue_v to_o we_o that_o the_o cause_v not_o fair_o lie_v before_o humane_a justice_n there_o be_v a_o error_n in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o procedure_n the_o evil_n increase_v and_o grow_v upon_o man_n hand_n till_o it_o become_v too_o mighty_a for_o any_o government_n and_o so_o carry_v all_o before_o it_o into_o prodigious_a violence_n of_o freity_n and_o salvageness_n and_o also_o that_o divine_a justice_n therein_o show_v to_o man_n his_o great_a degeneracy_n and_o liableness_n to_o divine_a severity_n as_o god_n himself_o please_v suffer_v the_o power_n of_o that_o degrade_v spirit_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n to_o triumph_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o the_o abuse_a religion_n and_o especial_o christian_a religion_n that_o great_a contrivance_n of_o heaven_n for_o man_n recovery_n out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o devil_n and_o to_o make_v it_o like_o a_o engine_n of_o destruction_n to_o recoil_v upon_o man_n himself_o and_o fly_v every_o way_n with_o terrible_a death_n and_o ruin_n as_o if_o hell_n rather_o than_o heaven_n come_v along_o with_o it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a this_o whole_a misery_n be_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o by_o the_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n to_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o stupidity_n and_o folly_n or_o by_o his_o wisdom_n that_o be_v worse_a than_o folly_n earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a for_o the_o interposal_n of_o the_o mediator_n run_v so_o through_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v sure_a groundwork_n lay_v how_o man_n may_v in_o every_o case_n recover_v happiness_n even_o out_o of_o misery_n and_o degeneracy_n and_o principal_o in_o this_o very_a cardinal_n point_v of_o that_o happiness_n true_a religion_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o mercy_n of_o it_o care_n be_v take_v how_o the_o world_n may_v be_v secure_v if_o it_o will_v both_o from_o the_o ambitious_a and_o unquiet_a man_n in_o his_o design_n how_o government_n authority_n sovereignty_n may_v be_v keep_v safe_a and_o yet_o unbesmear_v too_o with_o martyr_n blood_n yea_o even_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o who_o though_o they_o be_v mistake_v yet_o be_v willing_a to_o profuse_a it_o for_o their_o religion_n for_o who_o it_o shall_v move_v pity_n the_o nearness_n of_o their_o case_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o honesty_n of_o die_v for_o true_a religion_n i_o mean_v when_o plain_a foundation_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v not_o destroy_v for_o that_o case_n deserve_v no_o more_o mercy_n than_o poison_v fountain_n or_o set_v on_o fire_n if_o man_n can_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o nature_n now_o to_o discover_v this_o path_n or_o way_n to_o universal_a peace_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v like_a wisdom_n the_o praetor_n eye_n have_v not_o 7._o job_n 28._o 7._o see_v it_o nor_o the_o lion_n whelp_n tread_v it_o death_n and_o destruction_n say_v it_o be_v not_o with_o they_o and_o well_o they_o may_v for_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n which_o they_o have_v not_o know_v though_o they_o
may_v have_v hear_v the_o fame_n of_o it_o with_o their_o ear_n it_o be_v the_o way_n find_v out_o and_o declare_v by_o he_o that_o make_v weight_n for_o the_o wind_n and_o balance_n for_o the_o cloud_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n the_o true_a understanding_n there_o lie_v the_o peace_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o christianity_n see_v and_o publish_v by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o proper_a excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o its_o very_a intention_n to_o bring_v this_o way_n both_o as_o natural_a and_o christian_n to_o light_v to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o to_o give_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o to_o sweeten_v man_n temper_n to_o the_o good_a nature_n of_o it_o that_o every_o one_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o still_a air_n not_o darken_v with_o cloud_n full_a of_o thunder_n and_o terrible_a with_o the_o lightning_n of_o dreadful_a law_n and_o bloody_a execution_n may_v see_v may_v be_v wary_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o conduct_n of_o himself_o to_o his_o unchangeable_a state_n and_o may_v therefore_o have_v light_n have_v room_n have_v still_o and_o silence_n in_o which_o he_o may_v weigh_v every_o thing_n prove_v every_o thing_n now_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o declare_v be_v a_o way_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o reason_n which_o respect_v either_o all_o mankind_n or_o all_o christian_n this_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o christianity_n provide_v that_o the_o wolf_n and_o the_o lamb_n may_v dwell_v together_o that_o the_o lion_n may_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o kid_n that_o the_o child_n may_v play_v on_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o asp_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o hurt_v or_o destroy_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a mountain_n that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o true_a religion_n may_v have_v the_o same_o scope_n and_o freedom_n that_o the_o wave_n have_v in_o the_o sea_n christianity_n have_v always_o the_o ground_n ready_a by_o it_o and_o with_o it_o and_o to_o present_v they_o in_o their_o rational_a possibility_n be_v a_o vindication_n of_o divine_a justice_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n a_o offerture_n to_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a nor_o will_v the_o platform_n be_v always_o utopian_a the_o day_n will_v come_v when_o it_o shall_v pass_v into_o life_n power_n and_o effect_n now_o whenever_o this_o shall_v be_v in_o its_o glory_n that_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n that_o curse_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o vail_n of_o the_o cover_v spread_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o severe_a indignation_n of_o god_n against_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v remove_v the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v out_o upon_o all_o flesh_n the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n together_o so_o come_v come_v thus_o lord_n jesus_n even_o so_o amen_n i_o have_v thus_o far_o make_v a_o lamentation_n upon_o the_o general_n state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o religion_n which_o till_o some_o such_o mighty_a influence_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o i_o have_v intimate_v upon_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n for_o the_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n will_v be_v furnish_v with_o the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n and_o therefore_o oh_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o into_o their_o secret_n unto_o their_o assembly_n my_o honour_n be_v not_o thou_o unite_v for_o in_o their_o anger_n they_o slay_v and_o destroy_v and_o in_o their_o self-will_n they_o dig_v down_o wall_n curse_a be_v their_o anger_n for_o it_o be_v fierce_a and_o their_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v cruel_a their_o drink-offering_n of_o blood_n will_v i_o not_o offer_v nor_o take_v their_o name_n of_o religion_n into_o my_o mouth_n i_o shall_v therefore_o leave_v they_o and_o address_v the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n to_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o excellent_a in_o who_o be_v all_o my_o delight_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o call_v we_o to_o the_o review_n of_o the_o excellent_a christian_a religion_n even_o as_o natural_a religion_n all_o essence_n all_o substance_n trace_v it_o throughout_o all_o its_o doctrine_n worship_n rule_n of_o life_n they_o be_v all_o by_o their_o very_a goodness_n plain_a to_o he_o that_o understand_v and_o right_a to_o they_o that_o find_v knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o froward_a nor_o perverse_a in_o they_o its_o band_n of_o peace_n be_v not_o politic_a or_o worldly_a intrigue_n no_o ceremonial_a symbolism_n or_o ritual_a shibbole_v but_o ponderous_a verity_n and_o divine_a love_n all_o the_o show_n or_o appearance_n any_o religion_n can_v make_v be_v but_o a_o ray_n borrow_v from_o its_o divine_a perfection_n a_o derivation_n from_o its_o light_n or_o from_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v itself_o for_o pure_a natural_a religion_n be_v christian_a religion_n if_o you_o suppose_v a_o soul_n without_o sin_n mount_v from_o its_o creature-probaâ—ionership_a to_o its_o high_a perfection_n as_o adam_n if_o not_o have_v 〈◊〉_d from_o paradise_n to_o heaven_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v natural_a religion_n suppose_v the_o soul_n fall_v and_o rise_v back_o from_o its_o apostasy_n to_o that_o perfection_n by_o the_o redeemer_n 2._o let_v i_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o the_o comprimise_n of_o all_o difference_n betwixt_o protestant_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o english_a christian_n nation_n not_o define_v any_o controversal_a point_n but_o urge_v to_o that_o end_n such_o undoubted_a principle_n as_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o national_a church_n can_v be_v make_v out_o to_o satisfaction_n yet_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v so_o considerable_a a_o point_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v so_o far_o therefore_o as_o national_a worship_n can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n make_v inquiry_n and_o most_o curious_a search_n into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o as_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o to_o his_o liberty_n also_o and_o possible_a freedom_n from_o scruple_n every_o christian_a be_v oblige_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o he_o and_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o his_o native_a country_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v retire_v to_o particular_a private_a congregation_n to_o supply_v what_o he_o may_v find_v want_v in_o the_o national_a constitution_n to_o complete_a all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o yet_o still_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o promote_v and_o encourage_v national_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o extend_v to_o avoid_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a all_o division_n and_o profess_a separation_n from_o it_o by_o put_v the_o fair_a construction_n and_o the_o kind_a hope_n upon_o those_o thing_n that_o seem_v doubtful_a and_o as_o little_o infringe_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n as_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o due_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v man_n of_o judge_v for_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o in_o his_o sight_n viz._n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o so_o indisputable_a or_o those_o grand_a point_n of_o christianity_n in_o which_o a_o christian_a can_v have_v no_o allowance_n in_o all_o thing_n else_o a_o christian_a have_v a_o liberty_n but_o so_o that_o he_o must_v not_o use_v that_o his_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n give_v due_a honour_n to_o 16._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 16._o all_o i_o will_v therefore_o propose_v these_o three_o consideration_n to_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o great_a conjunction_n with_o national_a religian_a that_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n be_v reconcile_v with_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n considerate_a 1._o that_o if_o we_o examine_v thing_n by_o scripture_n there_o be_v many_o abatement_n from_o the_o supposeable_a evil_n of_o external_a observance_n of_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o make_v our_o utmost_a advantage_n to_o so_o great_a a_o good_a as_o our_o profess_a conjunction_n with_o national_a religion_n while_o substantial_o good_a though_o the_o high_a place_n i_o 14._o 1_o king_n 15._o 14._o mean_v thing_n equivalent_a in_o our_o opinion_n be_v not_o take_v away_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o excellent_a king_n of_o judah_n first_o then_o as_o fundamental_a to_o this_o case_n i_o suppose_v these_o two_o thing_n equiponderate_v one_o another_o 1._o the_o high_a character_n of_o national_a christian_a
abhorrence_n but_o suppose_v what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o its_o constitution_n relate_v to_o divine_a worship_n nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o i_o will_v so_o much_o as_o intimate_v any_o enforcement_n upon_o dissenter_n against_o which_o i_o have_v argue_v so_o far_o except_o that_o of_o scripture-argument_n with_o satisfaction_n to_o doubt_n consid_fw-la 2._o but_o if_o a_o man_n can_v run_v the_o line_n of_o national_a worship_n it_o be_v good_a yet_o to_o take_v the_o uâ—â—ost_o advantage_n we_o can_v of_o the_o gift_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o man_n in_o the_o public_a national_a ministry_n who_o will_v at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o many_o great_a light_n god_n have_v at_o this_o very_a day_n set_v up_o in_o the_o english_a nation_n man_n who_o both_o by_o their_o holy_a life_n and_o great_a ability_n have_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n bulwark_n against_o atheism_n and_o antichristianism_n i_o profess_v for_o myself_o though_o i_o most_o hearty_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o that_o offend_v either_o of_o either_o name_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o highway_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o congregation_n of_o conformist_n into_o those_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o so_o back_o again_o or_o rather_o that_o the_o distinction_n be_v whole_o remove_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o upon_o any_o of_o the_o rate_n set_v as_o necessary_a at_o this_o time_n to_o enjoy_v their_o excellent_a labour_n lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o either_o see_v in_o both_o there_o resound_v that_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o great_a excellency_n according_a to_o the_o talent_n commit_v to_o each_o 3._o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v off_o all_o suspicion_n and_o disgust_n of_o magistracy_n from_o religion_n occasion_v by_o distance_n from_o he_o in_o public_a administration_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o appearance_n of_o faction_n sedition_n love_v of_o difference_n affectation_n of_o singularity_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v fly_v this_o imputation_n with_o safe_a conscience_n towards_o god_n it_o be_v best_o to_o be_v do_v to_o the_o utmost_a when_o it_o can_v to_o manage_v our_o dissent_n with_o exceed_a modesty_n and_o humility_n beside_o in_o relation_n to_o people_n in_o general_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o national_a usage_n prevail_v on_o they_o transform_v man_n into_o all_o appearance_n of_o habit_n gesture_n and_o such_o like_a circumstance_n national_a decency_n be_v a_o great_a circumstance_n in_o religious_a service_n as_o i_o observe_v from_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o every_o thing_n vnnational_a be_v ready_a to_o be_v turn_v into_o ridicule_n when_o therefore_o we_o can_v have_v the_o due_a licence_n of_o conscience_n the_o decency_n gravity_n and_o order_n of_o our_o native_a country_n be_v of_o very_o great_a reverence_n last_o incompliance_n with_o our_o nation_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o render_v our_o spirit_n morose_n angry_a vehement_a zealous_a of_o small_a thing_n in_o our_o own_o way_n too_o severe_a and_o rigid_a against_o small_a thing_n in_o other_o and_o in_o fine_a to_o make_v we_o bigot_n of_o another_o kind_n give_v to_o mode_n in_o another_o dress_n of_o thing_n and_o ceremonialist_n of_o another_o order_n and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o other_o side_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o make_v this_o modest_a recommendation_n of_o three_o consideration_n to_o those_o of_o national_a conformity_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v not_o zealous_o intent_n and_o overwarm_v about_o the_o thing_n themselves_o wherein_o protestant_n among_o we_o disagree_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o of_o worth_a to_o support_v any_o great_a esteem_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n against_o they_o than_o be_v intemperate_a heat_n for_o they_o this_o be_v to_o make_v they_o something_o in_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v to_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o like_a thing_n with_o the_o jewish_a concision_n because_o it_o be_v with_o the_o great_a injury_n of_o christianity_n when_o such_o thing_n be_v overrate_v and_o the_o turn_v the_o thing_n themselves_o out_o of_o that_o middle_a place_n god_n have_v set_v they_o in_o into_o a_o much_o worse_o and_o to_o transfer_v the_o whole_a load_n of_o our_o too_o great_a heat_n for_o they_o upon_o subjection_n to_o magistrate_n order_n decency_n be_v a_o plain_a confession_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v of_o no_o worth_n and_o to_o charge_v those_o other_o great_a name_n with_o a_o weight_n too_o great_a and_o unjust_a to_o lay_v upon_o they_o viz._n to_o make_v they_o serve_v under_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o wrath_n clamour_n malignity_n oppression_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conscience_n anâ—_n estate_n it_o be_v to_o press_v they_o as_o a_o cart_n be_v press_v with_o sheaf_n and_o yet_o no_o wheat_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o garner_n there_o be_v no_o wealth_n increase_v to_o magistracy_n order_n or_o decency_n while_o all_o those_o valuable_a thing_n love_n peace_n universal_a satisfaction_n be_v sell_v for_o they_o 2._o bigotry_n even_o in_o a_o national_a way_n do_v as_o much_o unman_v man_n abate_v from_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o goodness_n of_o their_o temper_n the_o gravity_n and_o becomingness_n of_o the_o mene_n in_o religion_n and_o grow_v as_o contemptible_a and_o servile_a as_o the_o same_o evil_n in_o any_o other_o way_n 3._o what_o great_a likelihood_n be_v there_o a_o nation_n may_v sometime_o without_o violence_n without_o any_o thing_n of_o faction_n sedition_n tumult_n or_o fanaticism_n consent_v to_o change_v this_o outward_a face_n of_o religious_a administration_n and_o then_o how_o many_o zealot_n for_o it_o will_v be_v post_v to_o the_o new_a constitution_n and_o how_o mean_a and_o pitiful_a will_v it_o be_v not_o to_o desert_v the_o thing_n for_o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o change_v that_o which_o be_v changeable_a but_o to_o desert_n what_o they_o have_v be_v zealous_a of_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o look_v irreligious_a hypocritick_n even_o almost_o atheistick_a and_o suppose_v man_n continue_v their_o zeal_n it_o look_v but_o like_o the_o second_o childishness_n of_o old_a age_n that_o can_v part_v with_o the_o trifle_n it_o have_v be_v so_o long_o use_v to_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v religious_a administration_n shall_v vary_v fashion_n as_o often_o as_o man_n do_v habit_n but_o till_o we_o bring_v they_o up_o to_o that_o state_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v that_o certainty_n of_o divine_a institution_n pure_a natural_a rational_a decency_n join_v with_o that_o of_o the_o very_a country_n and_o nation_n it_o self_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v sure_a but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v shake_v will_v be_v shake_v that_o the_o thing_n only_o that_o can_v may_v remain_v antiquitas_fw-la seculi_fw-la juventus_fw-la mundi_fw-la the_o world_n grow_v and_o will_v grow_v more_o vigorous_a and_o manly_a by_o its_o age_n we_o see_v a_o new_a mode_n of_o discourse_n of_o sermon_n grow_v up_o every_o age_n nay_o too_o much_o a_o new_a fashion_n of_o divinity_n that_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v change_n it_o be_v the_o faith_n once_o for_o all_o give_v in_o primitive_a christianity_n at_o once_o for_o the_o main_a rescue_v from_o popery_n and_o restore_v in_o the_o reformation_n yet_o what_o offer_v of_o alteration_n upon_o at_o least_o the_o form_n of_o the_o notion_n the_o manner_n of_o conveyance_n of_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n endeavour_v be_v very_o visible_a as_o if_o the_o forme_a be_v unintelligible_a of_o no_o good_a sense_n or_o consequence_n not_o suitable_a to_o the_o clear_a and_o better_o model_v state_n of_o theology_n why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v so_o hidebound_a in_o a_o scheme_n of_o ritual_a administration_n in_o christian_a worship_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v much_o more_o make_v to_o pass_v away_o with_o the_o age_n if_o we_o be_v then_o more_o merciful_a to_o this_o gourd_n of_o ceremony_n than_o to_o the_o more_o substantial_a interest_n of_o truth_n mercy_n and_o peace_n let_v we_o fear_n lâ—st_v we_o provoke_v god_n to_o smite_v our_o gourd_n with_o a_o east-wind_n but_o i_o undertake_v to_o judge_n in_o these_o case_n no_o further_o but_o judge_v this_o rather_o that_o on_o all_o side_n we_o value_v substantial_a christianity_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n as_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o mutual_a love_n peace_n and_o forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o in_o all_o lesser_a thing_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v somewhat_o otherwise_o mind_v one_o from_o another_o and_o then_o in_o due_a time_n god_n will_v reveal_v even_o these_o thing_n so_o to_o we_o that_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a even_o in_o those_o we_o may_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n see_v our_o union_n be_v one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o schism_n in_o
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
then_o call_v out_o of_o every_o nation_n convert_v into_o particular_a society_n and_o congregation_n i_o shall_v make_v a_o essay_n to_o level_v the_o line_n of_o they_o to_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n as_o they_o be_v unite_v into_o such_o conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a body_n of_o mankind_n with_o their_o principality_n so_o form_v so_o compact_v and_o not_o only_o a_o diffuse_v catholic_n church_n or_o small_a and_o invisible_a congregational_a church_n 1._o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n can_v no_o way_n attain_v that_o greatness_n which_o it_o be_v prophesy_v and_o foretell_v it_o shall_v attain_v if_o it_o do_v not_o allow_v nation_n as_o nation_n to_o associate_v themselves_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o if_o it_o only_o give_v right_o to_o private_a and_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o a_o diffusive_a church_n that_o can_v no_o way_n congregate_v which_o though_o great_a in_o its_o spiritual_a union_n yet_o arise_v to_o no_o visible_a greatness_n but_o as_o it_o move_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n congregate_n itself_o according_a to_o any_o of_o the_o law_n or_o advantage_n of_o humane_a society_n it_o fall_v into_o and_o find_v prepare_v for_o it_o the_o messiah_n then_o can_v never_o as_o be_v prophesy_v of_o he_o have_v his_o portion_n divide_v he_o with_o the_o great_a nor_o divide_v the_o spoil_n with_o the_o strong_a but_o must_v rest_v in_o a_o very_a low_a and_o under-condition_n of_o small_a private_a and_o particular_a assembly_n of_o his_o servant_n profess_v he_o but_o a_o national_a christian_n religion_n a_o religion_n as_o famous_a as_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o populous_a city_n and_o the_o great_a prince_n and_o their_o territory_n in_o honour_n to_o the_o lord_n anoint_v must_v not_o be_v allow_v no_o not_o according_o to_o his_o own_o designation_n for_o though_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o god_n with_o it_o do_v infinite_o surmount_v all_o create_a greatness_n yet_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o prince_n over_o nation_n with_o other_o sovereignty_n and_o prefer_v he_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o heavenliness_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o but_o as_o it_o obtain_v a_o interest_n and_o command_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o government_n over_o nation_n as_o nation_n over_o the_o law_n and_o principality_n of_o nation_n and_o not_o of_o one_o only_a but_o many_o nation_n not_o indeed_o in_o the_o way_n of_o worldly_a power_n but_o divine_a persuasion_n evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n virtue_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o sceptre_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o weapon_n of_o this_o power_n and_o this_o mountain_n shall_v grow_v great_a and_o great_a till_o all_o the_o prophecy_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v in_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o low_a subjection_n of_o all_o kingdom_n to_o he_o the_o great_a mountain_n disappear_v and_o become_v nothing_o before_o he_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o nation_n be_v come_v into_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o mountain_n set_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n not_o only_o in_o the_o eminency_n of_o its_o doctrine_n but_o the_o profess_a subjection_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v mountain_n to_o it_o for_o his_o truth_n meekness_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n but_o if_o nation_n receive_v and_o flow_v into_o christianity_n sink_v it_o present_o into_o particular_a private_a assembly_n as_o it_o be_v while_n under_o persecution_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o no_o more_o public_a honour_n than_o at_o such_o time_n the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v not_o be_v above_o the_o hill_n but_o shade_v by_o they_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o christianity_n itself_o for_o the_o supremacy_n stand_v aloft_o but_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n retire_v into_o privacy_n yea_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o after_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n be_v only_o in_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v exalt_v as_o be_v everywhere_o signify_v that_o it_o must_v be_v abate_v and_o bring_v low_o by_o the_o depression_n and_o fall_v down_o of_o the_o mosaic_a frame_n for_o than_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o one_o of_o the_o principality_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o it_o be_v now_o more_o diffuse_v yet_o if_o it_o not_o only_o be_v not_o but_o aught_o upon_o its_o own_o principle_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o a_o nation_n it_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v such_o a_o eminency_n as_o among_o the_o jew_n when_o it_o have_v the_o awfulness_n and_o majestickness_n of_o a_o kingdom_n devote_v to_o that_o true_a worship_n make_v it_o thereby_o of_o much_o great_a notice_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o religion_n may_v be_v national_a even_o as_o nation_n themselves_o be_v unite_v in_o a_o way_n of_o order_n so_o must_v national_a religion_n also_o be_v by_o order_n compose_v into_o its_o nationalness_n and_o this_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n but_o let_v this_o be_v no_o pretence_n to_o that_o tyranny_n in_o christian_a religion_n that_o great_a usurpation_n of_o popery_n for_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a displace_v the_o honour_n from_o christ_n upon_o oftentimes_o a_o most_o unworthy_a mortal_n those_o prince_n than_o that_o be_v minores_fw-la coronae_fw-la that_o lessen_v themselves_o by_o give_v their_o kingdom_n and_o power_n to_o the_o beast_n must_v needs_o diminish_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n see_v they_o have_v so_o far_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o principality_n that_o they_o have_v they_o not_o to_o dedicate_v to_o christ_n the_o retain_v their_o honour_n unvouch_v unviolate_a by_o any_o creature_n and_o present_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n a_o supremacy_n unprostitute_v be_v the_o true_a glory_n do_v by_o christian_a prince_n to_o christianity_n 2._o if_o there_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n allow_v to_o nation_n to_o espouse_v christianity_n to_o their_o government_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o honour_n to_o themselves_o of_o be_v religious_a and_o christian_n as_o nation_n the_o condition_n of_o nation_n be_v worse_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n for_o now_o people_n as_o in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o nation_n may_v not_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n they_o may_v not_o crown_v themselves_o with_o the_o chief_a glory_n of_o nation_n viz._n true_a religion_n moses_n we_o know_v often_o magnify_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a viz._n the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o use_v it_o as_o a_o great_a argument_n that_o god_n love_v the_o nation_n he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o defer_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o wise_a nation_n a_o understand_a people_n that_o have_v such_o etc._n deut._n 4._o 8_o etc._n etc._n statute_n and_o judgement_n now_o see_v christian_a religion_n have_v the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o wisdom_n truth_n and_o goodness_n not_o only_o so_o superior_a to_o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n but_o much_o superior_a to_o that_o under_o administration_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n itself_o among_o the_o jew_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o nation_n to_o enfranchise_v it_o as_o the_o public_a national_a religion_n by_o the_o same_o authority_n whereby_o they_o make_v valid_a any_o other_o law_n or_o act_n so_o as_o to_o become_v the_o act_n of_o the_o public_a and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v those_o many_o expression_n of_o ephes_n 6._o eph._n 2._o 14._o c._n 3._o 6._o 2._o 14._o c._n 3._o 6._o break_v down_o the_o partition_n wall_n and_o admit_v all_o nation_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o body_n together_o be_v intend_v not_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o they_o may_v unite_v in_o lesser_a congregation_n but_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o national_a association_n else_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o the_o same_o freedom_n and_o immunity_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v nor_o can_v egypt_n and_o assyria_n be_v so_o equal_a with_o israel_n that_o israel_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o three_o with_o they_o who_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v bless_v all_o alike_o with_o no_o more_o variation_n than_o egypt_n my_o people_n assyria_n the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n and_o israel_n my_o inheritance_n isa_n 19_o we_o may_v find_v christianity_n intend_v to_o embrace_v all_o
but_o with_o his_o mouth_n must_v make_v confession_n of_o it_o to_o salvation_n 2._o true_a religion_n become_v national_a have_v the_o desence_n and_o security_n of_o national_a wisdom_n force_n and_o strength_n against_o false_a religion_n and_o its_o force_n and_o endeavour_n to_o expel_v the_o true_a and_o become_v national_a itself_o for_o a_o nation_n divide_v against_o itself_o in_o religion_n how_o can_v its_o religious_a interest_n stand_v when_o though_o the_o main_n be_v agree_v yet_o if_o difference_n of_o a_o under_o nature_n be_v manage_v with_o high_a exasperation_n it_o must_v needs_o endanger_v the_o staple_n religion_n itself_o by_o weaken_v dispirit_v and_o divide_v the_o strength_n that_o shall_v engage_v for_o it_o while_o every_o one_o take_v care_n for_o his_o private_a sentiment_n and_o be_v jealous_a of_o be_v undermine_v or_o oppress_v in_o they_o the_o public_a and_o common_a religion_n can_v be_v environ_v and_o defend_v with_o that_o vigour_n and_o union_n a_o nation_n unite_v in_o protestancy_n be_v the_o great_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n what_o can_v single_a interest_n do_v in_o this_o case_n even_o experience_n teach_v those_o that_o dissent_n from_o one_o another_o in_o many_o thing_n even_o in_o national_a reform_v religion_n to_o acknowledge_v this_o union_n the_o fort-royal_a against_o the_o hostile_a invasion_n of_o popery_n which_o shall_v conciliate_v they_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a among_o themselves_o 3._o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v national_a secure_v best_a against_o those_o undermine_a enemy_n of_o atheism_n heresy_n enthusiasm_n wild_a and_o monstrous_a opinion_n profaneness_n neglect_v of_o all_o religion_n coldness_n lukewarmness_n which_o take_v shelter_n and_o manage_v their_o defence_n from_o the_o division_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o nation_n settle_v and_o confirm_v into_o avow_a sect_n and_o several_a party_n but_o national_a union_n in_o a_o true_a religion_n strike_v they_o both_o with_o fear_n and_o shame_n 4._o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o public_a religion_n as_o before_o declare_v come_v down_o upon_o a_o religious_a nationa_n and_o all_o the_o true_o religious_a part_n of_o it_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o union_n in_o national_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v a_o interest_n far_o great_a than_o that_o of_o trade_n warlike_a defence_n or_o the_o policy_n of_o city_n or_o kingdom_n accurse_a therefore_o be_v that_o irreligion_n or_o disunion_n that_o enfeeble_v it_o he_o that_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o he_o that_o prodigal_o commit_v waste_v upon_o a_o religious_a principle_n be_v worse_a than_o they_o that_o by_o riotous_a live_n or_o idleness_n do_v their_o part_n to_o impoverish_v a_o nation_n he_o that_o upon_o division_n retire_v from_o the_o public_a religion_n without_o necessity_n take_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o the_o national_a bank_n or_o bottom_n or_o sullen_o let_v it_o lie_v dead_a such_o kind_n of_o partying_n in_o religion_n without_o necessity_n be_v like_o the_o hetaeriae_fw-la or_o cabal_n in_o civil_a government_n consultation_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a and_o so_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o it_o a_o injury_n of_o great_a guilt_n see_v we_o owe_v so_o much_o to_o the_o public_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o intend_v in_o the_o argue_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v object_v to_o it_o as_o a_o occasion_n further_o to_o explain_v this_o whole_a doctrine_n and_o the_o great_a objection_n i_o can_v conceive_v in_o prejudice_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v concern_v national_a religion_n i_o reduce_v to_o these_o follow_v obj._n 1_o when_o god_n give_v the_o great_a instance_n and_o pattern_n of_o national_a religion_n especial_o as_o in_o a_o national_a church_n how_o much_o otherwise_o do_v he_o find_v it_o than_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v derive_v from_o our_o saviour_n institution_n he_o begin_v it_o in_o a_o holy_a root_n that_o sprout_v out_o and_o grow_v and_o flourish_v into_o a_o nation_n holy_a to_o god_n by_o his_o appointment_n they_o meet_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o solemn_a feast_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o public_a ordinance_n the_o priest_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o high-priest_n be_v in_o most_o authorirative_a deputation_n from_o god_n between_o he_o and_o that_o peculiar_a people_n that_o they_o may_v unite_v all_o as_o in_o one._n the_o temple_n altar_n and_o holy_a of_o holies_n be_v as_o the_o common_a centre_n of_o all_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o a_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v to_o have_v multiply_v any_o of_o these_o and_o so_o to_o have_v make_v a_o division_n they_o have_v prophet_n who_o be_v their_o extraordinary_a national_a minister_n their_o office_n and_o sermon_n close_o relate_v to_o the_o general_a state_n last_o their_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o attemper_v their_o government_n and_o administration_n to_o the_o religious_a law_n give_v by_o god_n to_o that_o people_n beside_o all_o this_o they_o have_v the_o levite_n disperse_v through_o their_o city_n and_o village_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o place_n wherein_o they_o assemble_v for_o constant_a exercise_n of_o religion_n but_o now_o what_o a_o silence_n be_v there_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o they_o with_o relation_n to_o nation_n in_o our_o lord_n appointment_n his_o apostle_n call_v man_n out_o of_o judaisme_n or_o heathenism_n the_o then_o religion_n of_o nation_n into_o private_a and_o particular_a assembly_n call_v church_n under_o pastor_n particular_a to_o they_o without_o any_o rule_n for_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o expectation_n of_o service_n from_o they_o which_o argue_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v national_a church_n or_o if_o he_o do_v by_o the_o prophet_n signify_v any_o such_o it_o be_v not_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o this_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a state_n wherein_o antichristianism_n have_v so_o prevail_v it_o be_v reserve_v for_o some_o more_o glorious_a state_n of_o the_o church_n some_o more_o eminent_a appearance_n of_o christ_n wherein_o such_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v 2._o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o only_a instance_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n of_o christian_a society_n the_o discourse_n of_o they_o the_o rule_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o be_v all_o fit_v to_o private_a and_o particular_a congregation_n and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v call_v church_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o association_n in_o christian_a religion_n mention_v but_o under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n to_o signify_v christian_n religious_a society_n and_o church_n be_v all_o one_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o national_a christian_n religion_n without_o a_o national_a church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n either_o of_o a_o national_a christian_n religion_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o a_o national_a church_n 3._o a_o national_a church_n or_o a_o national_a religion_n must_v depend_v upon_o a_o national_a magistracy_n the_o church_n must_v be_v gather_v in_o they_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o they_o subject_a to_o their_o law_n and_o penal_a statute_n and_o beyond_o this_o those_o that_o can_v be_v every_o way_n compliant_a with_o the_o whole_a national_a scheme_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o enemy_n to_o or_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n because_o the_o government_n and_o the_o religion_n be_v incorporate_a together_o whereas_o the_o law_n and_o religion_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o only_o how_o far_o be_v this_o from_o a_o national_a church_n to_o give_v first_o a_o answer_n to_o these_o objection_n together_o the_o argument_n already_o mention_v do_v mighty_o prevail_v with_o i_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a christianity_n shall_v by_o any_o of_o its_o influence_n so_o much_o as_o suspend_v so_o absolute_a a_o natural_a duty_n upon_o mankind_n as_o this_o viz._n to_o consecrate_v national_a association_n to_o god_n in_o national_a religion_n but_o that_o it_o be_v always_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o unite_v in_o national_a christian_n religion_n or_o that_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n shall_v cut_v off_o so_o great_a a_o privilege_n of_o nation_n as_o that_o to_o entitle_v themselves_o national_o to_o god_n and_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n and_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o only_a true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o the_o very_a proper_a and_o natural_a glory_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n may_v not_o at_o all_o time_n be_v endeavour_v by_o every_o particular_a nation_n however_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v more_o literal_o fulfil_v hereafter_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o universality_n
of_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o give_v answer_n 1._o many_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v name_v as_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o yet_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n as_o national_a in_o general_a but_o of_o that_o particular_a national_a church_n and_o typical_a of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o temple_n the_o high_a priest_n the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o altar_n the_o sacrifice_n the_o solemn_a feast_n with_o such_o like_a serve_v only_o as_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o want_n of_o they_o argue_v nothing_o against_o national_a religion_n 2._o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o typical_a or_o who_o main_a and_o sole_a intention_n be_v not_o to_o adorn_v and_o complete_a that_o whole_a frame_n but_o rest_v upon_o universal_a principle_n of_o reason_n truth_n and_o duty_n can_v never_o be_v abrogate_a but_o be_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v national_a hope_v in_o god_n and_o be_v oblige_v in_o our_o duty_n even_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n and_o people_n towards_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a instruction_n of_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n of_o care_n for_o place_n of_o meeting_n for_o divine_a worship_n throughout_o a_o nation_n continue_v still_o and_o need_v no_o new_a command_n in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n by_o draw_v christian_n into_o particular_a private_a society_n it_o amount_v but_o to_o thus_o much_o that_o christ_n the_o lord_n of_o tâ—e_v church_n do_v not_o find_v his_o church_n universal_a as_o necessary_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o nation_n nor_o can_v it_o in_o reason_n be_v so_o for_o see_v it_o be_v in_o divine_a providence_n for_o great_a and_o weighty_a reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a now_o to_o speak_v intend_a and_o order_v that_o hundred_o of_o year_n shall_v pass_v over_o christianity_n ere_o it_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o supreme_a christian_a magistrate_n there_o must_v have_v be_v for_o that_o space_n no_o religion_n or_o church_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o form_n but_o national_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n within_o nation_n city_n town_n and_o village_n yet_o of_o low_a stature_n in_o comparison_n of_o national_a religion_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o christian_a emperor_n considerable_a indeed_o in_o itself_o and_o its_o diffusion_n through_o so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o acknowledge_v by_o law_n or_o government_n till_o long_o after_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o at_o all_o time_n upon_o the_o change_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n into_o a_o pagan_a a_o apostate_n a_o heretical_a or_o idolatrous_a succession_n or_o the_o complex_fw-la of_o all_o antichristianism_n which_o early_o invade_v the_o church_n and_o even_o cover_v and_o obscure_v it_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v fall_v back_o into_o such_o a_o low_a state_n and_o subsist_v upon_o its_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o own_o prudential_a accommodation_n to_o the_o state_n of_o time_n without_o the_o magistrate_n care_v and_o protection_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o take_v care_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a divine_a institution_n which_o be_v found_v in_o that_o promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o to_o which_o belong_v primary_o all_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o be_v give_v original_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o propagate_v promote_v build_v up_o and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n ascension_n far_o above_o all_o heaven_n be_v certain_o continue_v to_o it_o till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o full_a measure_n and_o stature_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o member_n all_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o little_a image_n and_o representation_n of_o this_o in_o these_o its_o excellency_n and_o the_o more_o they_o participate_v of_o it_o the_o more_o true_o be_v they_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o diffuse_v for_o one_o model_n for_o one_o frame_n to_o comprehend_v there_o be_v therefore_o allowance_n give_v by_o christ_n for_o lesser_a association_n of_o this_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o because_o of_o the_o discountenance_n of_o nation_n and_o worldly_a power_n at_o first_o and_o since_o upon_o true_a christianity_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o matth._n 15._o 18_o etc._n etc._n express_o fix_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o small_a part_n of_o this_o church_n where_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v assure_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a the_o whole_a neighbour_a discourse_n centre_n in_o the_o least_o assembly_n agree_v in_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o suppose_v first_o a_o great_a number_n the_o church_n and_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a fewness_n upon_o some_o exigency_n of_o christian_n practise_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n together_o it_o bring_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o audience_n in_o their_o appeal_n to_o heaven_n and_o presence_n with_o their_o whole_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o the_o small_a number_n not_o by_o way_n of_o limitation_n to_o but_o encouragement_n of_o so_o small_a a_o number_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a the_o very_a same_o declaration_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v or_o bind_v by_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v stand_v good_a in_o heaven_n the_o very_a same_o be_v say_v here_o to_o the_o small_a society_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n upon_o their_o own_o member_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o themselves_o have_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o proceed_v he_o commit_v to_o they_o even_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o church_n be_v pillar_n and_o rock_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a minister_n and_o either_o or_o all_o be_v no_o more_o but_o praecones_fw-la each_o in_o their_o kind_n or_o publisher_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n pitch_v upon_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o christian_n agree_v be_v certain_o this_o because_o he_o will_v appoint_v no_o other_o form_n to_o his_o church_n than_o such_o as_o can_v live_v as_o can_v subsist_v under_o any_o civil_a government_n whatever_o whether_o friendly_a or_o unfriendly_a to_o it_o he_o give_v it_o no_o other_o shape_n but_o what_o it_o may_v attain_v and_o keep_v under_o any_o state_n of_o civil_a law_n under_o any_o enmity_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o nation_n as_o the_o jewish_a be_v who_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n single_v out_o and_o manage_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o a_o mighty_a power_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o conserve_v by_o the_o same_o rule_v it_o with_o a_o immediate_a sensible_a presence_n after_o he_o have_v form_v it_o by_o precise_a law_n and_o settle_v the_o just_a bound_n of_o all_o officer_n in_o their_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o the_o place_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indifferent_a to_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n it_o do_v as_o it_o make_v its_o progress_n convert_v certain_a number_n to_o itself_o at_o first_o which_o have_v no_o privilege_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o power_n but_o the_o edge_n of_o all_o turn_v against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o form_n of_o church_n be_v compose_v to_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o providence_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v be_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o very_a lest_o of_o society_n of_o christian_n two_o or_o two_o or_o three_o as_o our_o saviour_n significant_o point_v upon_o small_a society_n for_o such_o be_v most_o fit_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o condition_n that_o can_v befall_v lesser_a and_o single_a body_n move_v every_o way_n
and_o shift_v for_o the_o gain_v opportunity_n for_o the_o assemble_v themselves_o and_o preserve_v their_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o mutual_a duty_n much_o more_o easy_o than_o any_o great_a association_n can_v for_o our_o saviour_n intend_v all_o for_o use_n not_o for_o form_n he_o mind_v not_o nominal_a titular_a bishop_n and_o church_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v plead_v the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o small_a number_n of_o christian_n may_v agree_v and_o associate_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o presence_n but_o now_o that_o this_o appointment_n be_v in_o bar_n of_o great_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v grant_v for_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a our_o saviour_n design_v all_o thing_n under_o the_o gosplel_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o thing_n now_o according_a to_o that_o the_o first_o end_n of_o all_o society_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o more_o than_o solitude_n this_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v true_a religion_n in_o society_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o least_o of_o society_n to_o the_o great_a that_o be_v not_o too_o great_a for_o the_o end_n of_o society_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o as_o he_o give_v no_o frame_n of_o positive_a law_n or_o worship_n no_o pedagogy_n of_o precept_n so_o no_o institution_n of_o bound_v church_n but_o that_o in_o case_n of_o strait_n and_o exigency_n his_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v administer_v in_o the_o very_o small_a of_o society_n with_o confidence_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o presence_n when_o it_o have_v freedom_n it_o may_v enlarge_v itself_o further_o and_o further_o and_o if_o it_o have_v favour_n of_o nation_n and_o government_n ascend_v to_o the_o great_a yet_o with_o this_o reserve_n that_o if_o in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n national_a christianity_n vary_v from_o the_o true_a original_a christianity_n as_o often_o it_o have_v be_v sound_a to_o do_v so_o that_o it_o can_v even_o in_o substantial_a thing_n be_v consent_v in_o with_o a_o pure_a conscience_n privater_a congregation_n even_o to_o the_o most_o particular_a be_v always_o ready_a for_o christian_n to_o retire_v into_o for_o so_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n allow_v where_o the_o public_a be_v not_o safe_a and_o yet_o when_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o corrupt_v nor_o liberty_n of_o join_v without_o commixture_n with_o those_o corruption_n deny_v there_o may_v yet_o be_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o separation_n thus_o the_o great_a society_n be_v not_o in_o bar_n of_o the_o least_o when_o true_a religion_n require_v they_o thus_o the_o least_o be_v not_o in_o bar_n of_o the_o great_a when_o christianity_n be_v at_o full_a freedom_n for_o it_o be_v close_o ally_v with_o that_o wisdom_n whereby_o king_n ought_v to_o reign_v and_o prince_n to_o decree_v justice_n by_o which_o prince_n 16._o prov._n 8._o 15_o 16._o ought_v to_o rule_v and_o noble_n yea_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o that_o wisdom_n which_o rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v its_o delight_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o have_v therefore_o before_o observe_v that_o christian_a religion_n at_o the_o very_a first_o join_v itself_o as_o near_o as_o it_o can_v to_o all_o humane_a society_n make_v ready_a to_o it_o as_o family_n village_n region_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o rage_n of_o persecution_n will_v permit_v christian_a society_n unite_a themselves_o unto_o distant_a and_o national_a correspondency_n among_o themselves_o now_o it_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a indeed_o with_o the_o world_n that_o in_o few_o instance_n there_o have_v be_v a_o good_a state_n of_o national_a religion_n to_o yield_v a_o full_a conscientious_a compliance_n with_o yet_o this_o will_v no_o more_o argue_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o than_o it_o do_v against_o any_o other_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a ordination_n of_o god_n or_o against_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o immediate_o govern_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o so_o often_o and_o so_o notorious_o corrupt_v in_o judah_n and_o more_o general_o in_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o yet_o to_o show_v how_o to_o the_o very_a utmost_a without_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a we_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o any_o that_o be_v good_a in_o a_o nation_n and_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o national_a religion_n when_o elijah_n have_v as_o it_o be_v desert_v his_o place_n and_o the_o good_a influence_n his_o be_v in_o public_a may_v have_v have_v and_o that_o god_n find_v he_o alone_o he_o do_v by_o way_n of_o reproof_n ask_v he_o what_o he_o do_v alone_o in_o 9_o 1_o king_n 19_o 9_o the_o wilderness_n and_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o great_a number_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v to_o baal_n than_o he_o know_v of_o with_o who_o he_o may_v join_v himself_o if_o corruption_n will_v argue_v against_o any_o good_a appointment_n or_o ordination_n of_o god_n it_o will_v argue_v against_o church_n of_o the_o very_a first_o form_n or_o constitution_n those_o church_n in_o the_o revelation_n who_o corruption_n be_v severe_o tax_v and_o threaten_v yet_o be_v without_o any_o censure_n as_o to_o their_o constitution_n and_o while_o separation_n from_o those_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v yet_o a_o separation_n from_o impurity_n be_v high_o commend_v and_o promise_a reward_n those_o name_n 4._o rev._n 3._o 4._o in_o sardis_n that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n be_v assure_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o he_o judge_v they_o worthy_a from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v no_o form_n of_o church_n can_v recommend_v thing_n disagree_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o true_o form_v soever_o those_o church_n be_v for_o church_n be_v constitute_v for_o join_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n not_o in_o those_o that_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o separation_n from_o corruption_n do_v not_o necessitate_v separation_n from_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n preserve_v pure_a to_o unite_v in_o so_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o sincere_o religious_a to_o make_v true_a religion_n as_o public_a as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o several_a society_n that_o be_v find_v to_o engraft_v it_o upon_o now_o that_o every_o society_n that_o be_v the_o feat_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o church_n i_o allow_v and_o therefore_o will_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o i_o find_v the_o original_a word_n take_v out_o of_o the_o septuagint_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o translate_v the_o hebrew_n kahal_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o general_o render_v congregation_n although_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v in_o the_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o render_v church_n so_o that_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v very_o plain_a as_o the_o universal_a or_o national_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o church_n as_o by_o st._n stephen_n act_v 7._o 38._o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o the_o universal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n consider_v as_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o congregation_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o holy_a record_n be_v the_o scripture_n or_o write_n and_o the_o volume_n of_o scripture_n the_o bible_n or_o book_n as_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o evangil_n or_o gospel_n so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o congregation_n and_o as_o lesser_a congregation_n of_o that_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a body_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n or_o church_n even_o so_o lesser_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n or_o church_n in_o allusion_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o two_o or_o three_o be_v importance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o word_n of_o like_a importance_n gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o universal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o christian_n see_v only_o together_o by_o god_n and_o particular_a assembly_n of_o christian_n that_o meet_v together_o under_o each_o other_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n even_o as_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o they_o be_v all_o under_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
all_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n viz_o by_o solemn_a declaration_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a distance_n wherein_o any_o rational_a possibility_n of_o extend_v such_o remonstrance_n and_o declaration_n with_o success_n and_o effect_n can_v be_v find_v there_o be_v not_o only_a power_n but_o a_o incumbent_a duty_n to_o do_v it_o this_o union_n now_o be_v of_o uncontrollable_a divine_a right_n thus_o much_o of_o national_a religion_n a_o national_a church_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v deny_v to_o a_o christian_a nation_n see_v to_o be_v thus_o of_o the_o church_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n every_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v certain_o add_v to_o this_o church_n the_o entrance_n into_o which_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n by_o a_o serious_a profession_n and_o this_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n that_o compreheâ—ds_v all_o lesser_a union_n but_o exclude_v or_o deny_v none_o much_o less_o can_v be_v exclude_v by_o any_o as_o therefore_o every_o one_o must_v be_v of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o nation_n ought_v to_o be_v christian_a nation_n and_o protect_v that_o profession_n so_o this_o very_a catholic_n church_n in_o every_o nation_n where_o it_o be_v true_o find_v carry_v with_o it_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o as_o a_o nation_n be_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o civil_a union_n denominate_v a_o nation_n so_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n must_v be_v the_o church_n in_o that_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o universal_a diffusion_n run_v through_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a nation_n and_o all_o the_o virtue_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v this_o he_o deny_v the_o catholic_n church_n of_o great_a moment_n than_o any_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v 2._o all_o the_o close_a and_o most_o constant_a exercise_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o christian_n be_v to_o exercise_v one_o with_o another_o that_o can_v be_v exercise_v but_o in_o society_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v all_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n prayer_n preach_v sacrament_n which_o be_v indeed_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o same_o for_o nature_n throughout_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n but_o must_v be_v actual_o perform_v in_o particular_a society_n now_o these_o church_n may_v be_v solemn_o erect_v and_o constitute_v by_o agreement_n but_o they_o be_v also_o found_v and_o even_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o close_a neighbourhood_n of_o christian_n one_o with_o another_o they_o have_v continual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thereby_o daily_a opportunity_n of_o agree_v in_o that_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o common_a profession_n all_o these_o engage_v and_o also_o incline_v they_o to_o unite_v whether_o in_o great_a family_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n in_o the_o family_n of_o christian_n or_o in_o village_n or_o in_o great_a congregation_n of_o city_n one_o or_o more_o still_o the_o obligation_n be_v unavoidable_a the_o necessity_n of_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o christian_n to_o perform_v these_o act_n of_o worship_n in_o society_n and_o the_o law_n that_o be_v upon_o all_o society_n and_o society_n must_v needs_o grow_v out_o of_o this_o frequent_a conversation_n to_o dedicate_v itself_o to_o god_n make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o from_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o christian_n shall_v arise_v particular_a church_n and_o who_o then_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o union_n and_o further_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o union_n of_o a_o nation_n agree_v with_o itself_o as_o in_o the_o same_o government_n law_n national_a constitution_n and_o commerce_n in_o a_o more_o frequent_a and_o free_a conversation_n one_o with_o another_o so_o in_o religion_n when_o the_o part_n of_o it_o profess_v the_o same_o true_a religion_n and_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n they_o can_v or_o who_o can_v deny_v that_o a_o nation_n may_v give_v name_n to_o a_o church_n see_v the_o very_a city_n give_v name_n to_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o christian_n act_v together_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o obligation_n to_o true_a religion_n to_o public_a religion_n be_v undeniable_a the_o opportunity_n of_o agreement_n be_v the_o same_o and_o may_v be_v transact_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o other_o national_a agreement_n be_v and_o what_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o society_n agree_v in_o all_o act_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n allow_v by_o christ_n have_v no_o other_o form_n but_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n distinguish_v by_o the_o particular_a society_n or_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v i_o acknowledge_v two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o particular_a by_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a society_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o reside_v church_n 1._o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o person_n and_o their_o worship_n 2._o consent_n this_o our_o saviour_n teach_v in_o that_o expression_n if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v mat._n 18._o and_o indeed_o not_o only_o in_o particular_a church_n but_o even_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o these_o thing_n have_v their_o resemblance_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o divine_a spirit_n run_v through_o all_o know_v they_o all_o that_o true_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o one_o for_o another_o and_o by_o their_o true_a faith_n they_o all_o be_v unite_v in_o close_a consent_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n one_o with_o another_o which_o faith_n be_v keep_v from_o fail_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o that_o be_v true_o of_o it_o but_o because_o there_o must_v be_v yet_o a_o more_o particular_a understanding_n that_o christian_n have_v one_o with_o another_o that_o they_o may_v join_v in_o the_o same_o religious_a act_n and_o mutual_o assist_v one_o another_o in_o they_o therefore_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n upon_o earth_n though_o it_o be_v the_o great_a the_o most_o religious_a society_n the_o most_o strong_o band_v and_o cement_v yet_o be_v not_o sufficient_a because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o consciousness_n or_o mutual_a knowledge_n of_o and_o consent_n in_o one_o another_o faith_n and_o worship_n in_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o glorify_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n too_o why_o the_o church-triumphant_a though_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o the_o church-militant_a and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o though_o more_o acceptable_a and_o prevalent_a in_o all_o its_o adoration_n yet_o can_v be_v communicate_v with_o actual_o and_o explicit_o we_o may_v not_o solicit_v such_o a_o communion_n with_o it_o here_o on_o earth_n because_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a or_o know_v of_o any_o such_o particularity_n in_o their_o state_n or_o action_n as_o shall_v ground_v it_o nor_o be_v we_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o any_o of_o our_o particularity_n abraham_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v whole_o ignorant_a who_o we_o be_v when_o we_o pray_v or_o be_v exercise_v religious_o there_o be_v a_o thick_a and_o dark_a veil_n draw_v betwixt_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o to_o such_o particular_a communion_n the_o father_n the_o son_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v only_o certain_o and_o particular_o know_v to_o we_o in_o that_o high_a region_n of_o they_o we_o be_v only_o assure_v they_o know_v we_o and_o all_o our_o action_n to_o ascribe_v the_o honour_n to_o any_o other_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v to_o idolise_v they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o thrust_v into_o thing_n we_o have_v not_o see_v or_o know_v thus_o free_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o closeness_n and_o easiness_n of_o society_n of_o mutual_a understanding_n and_o consent_n with_o one_o another_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o particular_a church_n those_o duty_n of_o mutual_a exhortation_n assistance_n counsel_n and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a reproof_n one_o of_o another_o beside_o the_o constant_a meeting_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o necessary_a severity_n of_o disow_v in_o case_n of_o great_a or_o incorrigible_a offence_n such_o person_n as_o walk_v in_o practice_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n not_o be_v possible_a but_o in_o the_o near_a conjunction_n one_o with_o another_o that_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n allow_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v as_o
whether_o a_o strict_a conformity_n upon_o reason_n in_o government_n best_a understand_v by_o governor_n themselves_o or_o a_o compassionate_a indulgence_n most_o acceptable_a to_o christianity_n rule_v 3_o they_o that_o without_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o true_a and_o substantial_a rule_n of_o religion_n can_v most_o see_v and_o use_v their_o liberty_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o thereby_o become_v instrument_n of_o the_o great_a public_a good_a be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n they_o that_o do_v not_o tithe_n the_o mint_n and_o cummin_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o national_a religion_n and_o worship_n with_o great_a noise_n and_o zeal_n for_o that_o be_v the_o great_a injury_n can_v be_v do_v to_o it_o but_o take_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v instrument_n of_o peace_n and_o use_v they_o in_o their_o own_o indifferency_n for_o the_o great_a service_n to_o the_o public_a they_o that_o insist_v with_o any_o stress_n upon_o main_a thing_n only_o be_v most_o earnest_a in_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n these_o be_v they_o that_o shall_v shine_v as_o star_n in_o the_o nation_n firmament_n if_o not_o now_o assure_o in_o eternity_n they_o that_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o national_a profession_n to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n cause_v great_a joy_n in_o heaven_n than_o they_o that_o only_o think_v to_o secure_v themselves_o with_o the_o pure_a society_n sure_a in_o this_o case_n god_n choose_v mercy_n in_o seek_v and_o save_v they_o that_o be_v lose_v rather_o than_o sacrifice_v alone_o by_o ourselves_o without_o regard_n to_o such_o christ_n choose_v rather_o to_o converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n than_o what_o look_v lâ—ke_v pure_a society_n because_o he_o come_v to_o call_v not_o the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n for_o the_o case_n be_v much_o different_a between_o the_o scandalous_a of_o the_o jewish_a national_a church_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n converse_v and_o so_o of_o every_o national_a church_n from_o the_o church_n gather_v new_o from_o among_o the_o heathen_a of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v though_o even_o among_o they_o we_o read_v of_o no_o separation_n from_o religious_a duty_n but_o only_o from_o private_a converse_n among_o those_o that_o be_v scandalous_a till_o they_o be_v as_o public_o disow_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v by_o church_n censure_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o national_a religion_n whether_o ruler_n or_o people_n that_o dispirit_n religion_n by_o a_o immoderate_a heat_n for_o mere_a form_n that_o be_v so_o warm_o concern_v for_o indifferency_n to_o give_v reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n in_o their_o esteem_n of_o their_o own_o or_o the_o national_a religion_n whereas_o such_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v any_o way_n contributory_a to_o good_a be_v best_a observe_v with_o great_a silence_n and_o least_o cry_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v first_o so_o far_o prepare_v to_o acceptance_n and_o use_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o noise_n of_o axe_n hammer_n or_o tool_n of_o force_n or_o compulsion_n about_o they_o rule_n 4._o in_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o the_o management_n or_o administration_n of_o they_o there_o be_v different_a excellency_n like_o the_o psalm_n of_o degree_n or_o those_o part_n of_o a_o psalm_n honour_v with_o the_o note_n of_o elevation_n there_o will_v and_o may_v be_v different_a key_n of_o affection_n according_a to_o the_o differ_a hand_n play_v upon_o we_o the_o people_n hang_v upon_o christ_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o he_o tauâ—ht_v they_o with_o authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n yet_o they_o be_v â—â—â—nd_v by_o christ_n to_o hear_v the_o scribe_n even_o thus_o in_o the_o national_a 〈◊〉_d and_o administration_n we_o may_v undoubted_o more_o warm_o adhere_v to_o and_o pursue_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o with_o a_o light_a touch_n pass_v over_o thing_n of_o less_o moment_n though_o in_o all_o we_o mind_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o national_a religion_n for_o union_n in_o national_a religion_n must_v be_v primary_o and_o chief_o in_o thing_n true_o call_v religion_n and_o in_o lesser_a thing_n with_o a_o regard_n to_o peace_n only_o david_n be_v otherwise_o affect_v in_o praise_n than_o in_o sacrifice_v a_o bullock_n with_o horn_n and_o hoof_n see_v as_o he_o say_v it_o please_v god_n more_o yet_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n he_o do_v both_o the_o apostle_n be_v otherwise_o affect_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n than_o when_o he_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o the_o jew_n yet_o he_o do_v the_o latter_a religious_o too_o the_o high_a and_o close_o the_o ministry_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o service_n be_v the_o great_a and_o close_o the_o adherence_n of_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v some_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v with_o our_o might_n and_o only_o not_o to_o leave_v other_o undo_v rule_n 5._o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o steady_a and_o certain_a gage_n within_o ourselves_o of_o what_o our_o lord_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o preserve_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n to_o we_o and_o what_o care_n he_o have_v take_v so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a with_o the_o conservation_n of_o that_o truth_n to_o give_v we_o all_o advantage_n for_o publickness_n in_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n these_o three_o provision_n will_v secure_v it_o 1._o that_o no_o man_n be_v so_o much_o bind_v to_o any_o church_n communion_n nation_n or_o government_n as_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o absolute_a necessary_a nor_o shall_v his_o withdraw_n from_o any_o of_o they_o in_o thing_n impure_a and_o offensive_a to_o god_n be_v charge_v upon_o he_o as_o sin_n or_o schism_n all_o the_o put_v out_o of_o synagogue_n cast_v out_o name_n or_o excommunication_n signify_v not_o any_o thing_n where_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v in_o communion_n and_o where_o those_o on_o who_o they_o fall_v be_v of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o that_o true_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a church_n to_o be_v of_o that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v 2._o the_o private_a assembly_n yea_o even_o single_a soul_n so_o retire_v that_o they_o may_v worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n have_v the_o promise_n that_o god_n and_o christ_n will_v make_v their_o abode_n with_o they_o come_v and_o sup_v with_o they_o and_o they_o with_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v in_o the_o write_n of_o god_n people_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v always_o provide_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v out_o of_o the_o best_a society_n under_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n encourage_v the_o hebrew_n christian_n that_o may_v think_v themselves_o divide_v from_o the_o jew_n that_o have_v be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o god_n by_o assure_v they_o the_o gospel_n bring_v they_o into_o a_o great_a church_n than_o that_o viz._n the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a write_v in_o heaven_n this_o honour_n have_v all_o the_o saint_n of_o christ_n 3._o all_o the_o evil_n that_o can_v be_v endure_v upon_o account_n of_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o will_v be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o better_a and_o true_a life_n that_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o lose_v his_o life_n save_v it_o and_o he_o that_o save_v it_o lose_v it_o and_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v he_o give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n stand_v always_o impregnable_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n whatever_o thus_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o publickness_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v these_o great_a advantage_n for_o it_o 1._o that_o christian_a religion_n profess_v love_n endeavour_v of_o good_a and_o salvation_n to_o all_o man_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o have_v antiquate_v all_o that_o judaisme_n that_o neglect_v any_o for_o their_o profit_n to_o salvation_n though_o but_o gentile_n 2._o that_o a_o man_n may_v join_v his_o religious_a service_n to_o any_o thing_n true_o good_a in_o natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n whether_o of_o family_n neighbourhood_n city_n nation_n or_o of_o voluntary_a society_n stop_v there_o and_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o other_o man_n sin_n so_o that_o the_o evil_a that_o other_o man_n adjoin_v to_o any_o thing_n true_a and_o good_a in_o religion_n be_v protest_v against_o and_o divide_v from_o do_v not_o corrupt_v what_o be_v good_a or_o true_a but_o it_o may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o the_o most_o public_a way_n while_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o
their_o hand_n to_o guard_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v not_o dâ—â—h_v their_o foot_n against_o any_o of_o the_o stone_n of_o scandal_n they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n those_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n humble_a themselves_o as_o little_a one_o to_o serve_v the_o little_a one_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o as_o their_o angel_n they_o always_o behold_v in_o heaven_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o whoever_o despise_v they_o even_o to_o scandal_n must_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v it_o remonstrate_v against_o they_o 2._o he_o exemplify_v the_o care_n of_o they_o in_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v to_o seek_v and_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o the_o argument_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o height_n as_o it_o be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o father_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n name_v after_o christ_n who_o will_v it_o be_v not_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o and_o yet_o when_o one_o only_o be_v in_o the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n who_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o singularist_n especial_o if_o one_o of_o the_o least_o too_o and_o reject_v he_o shall_v perish_v but_o be_v please_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o one_o such_o even_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o one_o sheep_n that_o be_v lose_v out_o of_o a_o hundred_o exceed_v sensible_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o ninety_o nine_o that_o be_v not_o in_o hazard_n but_o now_o lest_o the_o great_a charge_n against_o scandalize_a and_o despise_v shall_v seem_v to_o introduce_v a_o lawless_a state_n in_o christianity_n and_o increase_v petulancy_n and_o licentiousness_n in_o those_o who_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o at_o least_o little_a one_o in_o christianity_n or_o make_v the_o care_n of_o not_o scandalize_a of_o endless_a scruple_n or_o burden_n our_o lord_n prescribe_v a_o method_n for_o prevent_v so_o ill_a consequence_n very_o certain_a to_o its_o end_n yet_o very_o far_o from_o scandal_n or_o despise_v a_o method_n that_o allow_v no_o sin_n and_o yet_o desert_n none_n till_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v but_o as_o heathen_n or_o publican_n to_o who_o yet_o a_o due_a measure_n of_o christian_a charity_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v which_o method_n it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n now_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o controversal_a part_n of_o but_o to_o observe_v as_o of_o great_a moment_n that_o the_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n fall_v not_o into_o the_o account_n of_o any_o of_o those_o trespass_n the_o lord_n speak_v of_o and_o that_o as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n lest_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v mistake_v a_o most_o different_a method_n be_v in_o that_o case_n command_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o therefore_o give_v i_o liberty_n to_o compare_v in_o some_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v omit_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o discourse_n the_o sermon_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n first_o he_o that_o doubt_v in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o can_v conform_v to_o what_o other_o do_v and_o will_v be_v conform_v to_o in_o be_v not_o command_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o hear_v the_o one_o or_o the_o two_o or_o three_o nor_o the_o church_n itself_o nor_o be_v it_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v on_o such_o account_n shall_v be_v as_o heathen-man_n or_o publican_n or_o as_o we_o speak_v excommunicate_a both_o which_o be_v very_o notorious_a in_o the_o evangelist_n record_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o trespass_n there_o speak_v of_o which_o assure_v we_o they_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n urge_v as_o from_o our_o saviour_n that_o what_o be_v in_o these_o case_n bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n or_o what_o be_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o obligation_n on_o the_o doubt_a conscience_n by_o the_o church_n canon_n or_o any_o such_o discharge_n of_o it_o before_o god_n or_o itself_o by_o obey_v they_o but_o every_o man_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o hear_v his_o own_o conscience_n there_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v bind_v and_o loose_v there_o every_o word_n or_o matter_n be_v hear_v and_o establish_v on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v no_o injunction_n of_o tell_v the_o fault_n of_o nonconformity_n if_o any_o be_v aggrieve_v at_o it_o in_o that_o gradation_n from_o one_o to_o more_o and_o so_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o apostle_n command_n be_v first_o not_o to_o judge_n or_o despise_v if_o that_o may_v keep_v indifferent_n to_o their_o equipoise_n if_o not_o the_o command_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o by_o example_n to_o scandalize_v or_o draw_v any_o that_o doubt_v to_o act_v against_o or_o over_o their_o doubt_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v but_o indifferent_a for_o that_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n the_o weak_a brethren_n as_o at_o the_o least_o we_o esteem_v they_o now_o in_o these_o case_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n be_v to_o sin_n against_o christ_n in_o his_o law_n against_o scandal_n now_o in_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o so_o diverse_a a_o frame_n and_o aspect_n in_o the_o lord_n prescription_n concern_v trespass_n and_o the_o apostle_n direction_n in_o case_n of_o various_a apprehension_n in_o thing_n of_o indifferency_n wherein_o one_o great_a part_n may_v be_v guilty_a yet_o of_o great_a weakness_n and_o mistake_n and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o method_n order_v in_o the_o one_o be_v so_o much_o as_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o or_o once_o intimate_v it_o argue_v very_o evident_o that_o variety_n and_o as_o various_a practice_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n though_o join_v with_o such_o mistake_n and_o weakness_n be_v none_o of_o the_o trespass_n our_o saviour_n have_v regard_n to_o and_o since_o the_o apostle_n put_v all_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o scandal_n wherein_o the_o weak_a part_n be_v either_o draw_v into_o sin_n enfeeble_v in_o the_o vigour_n disquiet_v in_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n or_o so_o much_o as_o despise_v by_o be_v incompassionate_o neglect_v in_o his_o doubt_n the_o whole_a case_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n against_o scandal_n that_o none_o look_v upon_o themselves_o on_o any_o account_n as_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o the_o christian_a profession_n let_v those_o account_n be_v whatever_o they_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v shall_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o imperiousness_n whether_o command_n rigorous_a treaty_n or_o example_n that_o despise_v all_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o impose_v upon_o the_o little_a one_o to_o all_o which_o let_v i_o have_v the_o reader_n patience_n to_o add_v this_o one_o observation_n that_o the_o evangelist_n mark_n make_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o or_o a_o like_a discourse_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o scandal_n that_o the_o disciple_n be_v much_o displease_v that_o one_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n in_o christ_n name_n that_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o that_o do_v not_o seem_v and_o indeed_o be_v not_o of_o their_o way_n in_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n but_o our_o lord_n with_o great_a compassion_n accept_v he_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v come_v for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n he_o that_o although_o in_o a_o different_a company_n or_o mode_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o do_v and_o do_v nothing_o in_o opposition_n to_o our_o great_a design_n be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v into_o a_o similar_v discourse_n of_o kindness_n to_o or_o scandal_n against_o his_o disciple_n though_o little_a one_o and_o if_o we_o suppose_v it_o the_o same_o discourse_n as_o in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o this_o evangelist_n have_v not_o a_o accurate_a regard_n to_o the_o occasion_n yet_o in_o that_o he_o connect_v it_o with_o such_o a_o occasion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o teach_v we_o how_o much_o such_o a_o discourse_n be_v adjust_v to_o such_o a_o occasion_n for_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o thing_n be_v so_o lay_v together_o now_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v his_o eye_n upon_o these_o so_o famous_a discourse_n beside_o the_o reason_n i_o have_v give_v on_o this_o head_n in_o its_o due_a place_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o i_o further_o he_o have_v so_o by_o his_o representation_n of_o himself_o in_o a_o figure_n all_o along_o the_o nine_o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n in_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o a_o discourse_n concern_v scandal_n as_o that_o person_n that_o humble_v himself_o as_o a_o little_a child_n in_o
corruption_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o spark_n and_o have_v only_o this_o at_o god_n hand_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n beside_o that_o god_n in_o just_a displeasure_n send_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o revenge_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o injure_a power_n and_o godhead_n now_o all_o this_o express_v the_o height_n both_o of_o the_o deception_n and_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n 4._o the_o four_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n against_o which_o 24._o heb._n 12._o 24._o there_o lie_v no_o such_o scandal_n or_o cause_n of_o offence_n as_o inward_a and_o inherent_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a appetite_n which_o be_v obstinate_o set_v to_o obtain_v its_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v tame_v but_o by_o beinâ—_n cut_v off_o though_o it_o be_v the_o right_a hand_n or_o right_a foot_n or_o even_o the_o right_a eye_n the_o love_n of_o god_n 43._o mark_v 9_o 43._o and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o this_o scandal_n and_o daily_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o the_o old_a man_n with_o 22._o ephes_n 4._o 22._o its_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n pretence_n from_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v none_o in_o this_o case_n to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v either_o christianity_n or_o morality_n but_o man_n be_v carry_v down_o the_o violent_a stream_n of_o ungoverned_a passion_n and_o that_o fall_v into_o the_o wide_a sea_n of_o general_a corruption_n and_o bad_a example_n which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o authority_n there_o be_v the_o palliation_n and_o excuse_n of_o sin_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o a_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o carnal_a security_n but_o can_v so_o delude_v conscience_n as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n scandal_n the_o continual_a practice_n of_o sin_n harden_v the_o heart_n sear_n benumb_v and_o stupefy_v all_o inward_a sense_n and_o cancel_v the_o awe_n of_o those_o engrave_v law_n and_o reveal_v command_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n but_o can_v either_o deny_v their_o just_a power_n or_o challenge_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n so_o that_o if_o any_o where_o man_n be_v force_v to_o take_v refuge_n at_o the_o atheistick_a denial_n of_o religion_n itself_o or_o to_o blind_a conscience_n with_o superstitious_a act_n which_o seem_v to_o commute_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o sin_n or_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o obstruct_v all_o sense_n they_o may_v make_v the_o profession_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o cover_n to_o sin_n as_o they_o that_o cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o 22._o mat._n 7._o 22._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o 19_o jer._n 7._o 4._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o christ_n with_o great_a ostentation_n and_o so_o may_v deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o either_o the_o challenge_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o their_o own_o reflection_n be_v impossible_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n predominant_a lust_n from_o within_o and_o bad_a example_n from_o the_o so_o abound_a iniquity_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o fall_v of_o good_a man_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o insincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ensnare_v in_o the_o afore-named_n scandal_n but_o although_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o strict_a and_o proper_a scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a centre_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o for_o then_o a_o man_n be_v indeed_o scandalize_v when_o the_o salt_n of_o divine_a truth_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o efficacy_n upon_o he_o because_o of_o that_o scandal_n to_o season_v the_o heart_n nor_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o love_n fear_v and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n what_o he_o do_v not_o promise_n by_o profession_n or_o if_o he_o seem_v to_o deny_v any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o do_v not_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o extent_n and_o force_n of_o his_o denial_n but_o have_v better_a principle_n that_o be_v a_o antidote_n and_o counterpoison_n to_o any_o mistake_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o scandalize_v with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n but_o that_o man_n be_v scandalize_v that_o through_o false_a principle_n or_o the_o denial_n of_o true_a one_o want_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o his_o affection_n and_o action_n for_o no_o truth_n be_v for_o notion_n sake_n but_o to_o make_v true_o good_a the_o heart_n and_o practice_n the_o very_a confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n be_v to_o recoil_v back_o into_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v that_o better_a and_o to_o move_v forward_o and_o engage_v the_o life_n along_o with_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o grand_a pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o that_o he_o that_o love_v 21._o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o god_n shall_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o there_o be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v any_o law_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o equity_n the_o love_n favour_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n towards_o humane_a nature_n do_v more_o evident_o recommend_v itself_o it_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n his_o philanthropy_n do_v shine_v out_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o do_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o love_n of_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o and_o not_o only_o to_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o man_n and_o in_o this_o as_o of_o great_a concernment_n thâ—_n gospel_n be_v so_o abundant_a and_o its_o discourse_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n that_o it_o be_v make_v another_o hemisphere_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v the_o first_o and_o 39_o mat._n â—1_n 38_o 39_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a law_n it_o be_v irreconcilable_a 9_o rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o to_o love_v our_o brother_n it_o be_v 15._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 15._o such_o a_o degree_n of_o murder_n that_o whoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o can_v have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n 14._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o many_o be_v the_o argument_n and_o so_o strong_a the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n that_o they_o can_v be_v recount_v all_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o now_o that_o this_o love_n be_v fix_v in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o opinion_n or_o point_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v for_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o innocent_a variety_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n though_o it_o be_v christian_a humane_a nature_n in_o their_o sentiment_n and_o election_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o of_o that_o amount_v as_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a rest_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n or_o that_o if_o it_o miss_v these_o pole_n it_o shall_v therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o axis_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n society_n of_o christian_n and_o christian_a unity_n turn_n for_o that_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v substantial_a christianity_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a schism_n to_o be_v divide_v in_o affection_n from_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v see_v small_a difference_n be_v frequent_o by_o the_o apostle_n consider_v and_o allow_v for_o without_o the_o least_o allowance_n for_o christian_n not_o love_v one_o another_o christianity_n carry_v no_o gall_n even_o towards_o utmost_a stranger_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v true_o christian_n though_o not_o each_o uniform_a with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o great_a scandal_n against_o this_o love_n be_v private_a man_n think_v it_o justifiable_a not_o to_o love_v those_o that_o have_v injure_v they_o but_o this_o case_n have_v be_v consider_v
and_o a_o forgiuness_n of_o seventy_o seven_o injury_n in_o a_o day_n upon_o acknowledgement_n 4._o mat._n 18._o 22._o luke_n 17._o 4._o and_o repentance_n be_v take_v care_n for_o that_o love_n may_v be_v continue_v the_o forgiuness_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v set_v we_o as_o a_o example_n and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o more_o affect_v we_o the_o odds_o between_o our_o offence_n against_o god_n and_o all_o trespass_n against_o ourselves_o be_v state_v as_o disproportionate_a as_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n to_o a_o hundred_o penny_n but_o however_o man_n think_v they_o may_v just_o not_o love_v where_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o divine_a matter_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v general_o but_o the_o great_a scandal_n for_o when_o the_o thing_n that_o christian_n differ_v in_o be_v small_a and_o that_o they_o agree_v in_o great_a and_o momentous_a thing_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o integrity_n honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n shall_v much_o more_o unite_v and_o endear_v than_o little_a interest_n divide_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v evident_o contrary_a to_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o just_a denial_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o respect_n to_o that_o evil_n he_o travel_v with_o as_o the_o apostle_n john_n the_o great_a minister_n of_o love_n teach_v we_o and_o a_o method_n for_o reformation_n or_o rejection_n as_o our_o saviour_n agreeable_a to_o that_o law_n in_o leviticus_n prescribe_v we_o not_o to_o smother_v our_o 17._o mat._n 18._o 15_o etc._n etc._n leu._n 19_o 17._o hatred_n or_o disgust_n in_o silence_n and_o reserve_v by_o conceal_v the_o fault_n a_o constant_a cause_n and_o store_n for_o our_o anger_n or_o illwill_a but_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o open_a procedure_n that_o either_o our_o misapprehension_n may_v be_v rectify_v or_o the_o person_n reform_v and_o so_o our_o love_n either_o way_n restore_v or_o a_o just_a reason_n appear_v not_o for_o our_o hatred_n but_o for_o our_o limit_v the_o extent_n of_o our_o love_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v as_o be_v due_a to_o a_o christian_a but_o to_o a_o publican_n or_o heathen_a who_o be_v still_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n but_o not_o of_o that_o kind_n that_o degree_n of_o love_n adjust_a to_o christian_n but_o this_o must_v be_v in_o a_o case_n clear_a and_o evident_a not_o every_o dispute_n the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v the_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o universal_a favour_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o be_v preserve_v only_o in_o love_n every_o thing_n then_o that_o cool_v and_o destroy_v love_n under_o a_o show_n of_o just_a and_o right_a be_v a_o scandal_n because_o it_o overthrow_v christianity_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o religion_n of_o love_n and_o make_v a_o man_n of_o great_a name_n pretence_n authority_n in_o the_o church_n a_o nothing_o it_o be_v a_o scandal_n for_o it_o rise_v from_o scandal_n it_o have_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o scandal_n both_o ensnare_a and_o destroy_v and_o it_o tend_v to_o further_a scandal_n it_o rise_v from_o scandal_n he_o that_o do_v not_o love_n have_v some_o lust_n some_o interest_n of_o profit_n dominion_n or_o pleasure_n that_o he_o serve_v under_o a_o name_n of_o religion_n they_o that_o cause_v division_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d division_n in_o affection_n take_v advantage_n 17._o rom._n 16._o 17._o of_o dissent_n in_o opinion_n these_o serve_v their_o own_o belly_n that_o lust_n which_o they_o cloak_n with_o religion_n that_o base_a interest_n they_o clothe_v and_o cover_v with_o a_o better_a name_n that_o lust_n so_o disguise_v deceive_v they_o and_o enslave_v they_o under_o itself_o this_o move_v to_o further_a scandal_n every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o this_o lust_n and_o serve_v it_o he_o appear_v as_o the_o irreligious_a or_o the_o factious_a disorderly_a person_n hereupon_o he_o must_v not_o be_v receive_v or_o continue_v in_o the_o love_n due_a to_o a_o brother_n a_o christian_a though_o the_o case_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o true_a christianity_n our_o saviour_n as_o aware_a of_o this_o in_o his_o so_o severe_a caution_n of_o not_o scandalize_a little_o one_o immediate_o subjoin_v those_o dreadful_a precept_n of_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n that_o scandalize_v ourselves_o as_o imply_v they_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o scandalize_a other_o this_o still_o move_v on_o to_o further_a scandal_n scandal_n to_o stranger_n who_o thereupon_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o austere_n morose_n and_o cruel_a and_o so_o be_v discourage_v from_o come_v in_o to_o it_o scandal_n to_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o little_a one_o in_o christianity_n who_o it_o may_v be_v he_o so_o call_v not_o that_o they_o 4â—_n marc._n 9_o 4â—_n be_v always_o so_o in_o themselves_o when_o yet_o despise_v but_o because_o they_o may_v be_v only_o so_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o despise_v they_o and_o think_v not_o the_o honour_n and_o regard_n owe_v to_o christian_n due_a to_o they_o or_o because_o take_v the_o mean_a in_o christianity_n or_o those_o we_o think_v or_o be_v indeed_o in_o most_o danger_n to_o be_v lose_v our_o saviour_n in_o a_o scheme_n in_o a_o figure_n of_o little_a one_o will_v represent_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o cautious_o and_o tender_o treat_v last_o they_o themselves_o become_v scandalize_v too_o often_o to_o much_o high_a degree_n of_o scandal_n hereby_o even_o against_o those_o thing_n that_o carry_v the_o true_a and_o most_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n because_o they_o will_v go_v as_o far_o off_o as_o they_o can_v and_o be_v most_o unlike_a those_o from_o who_o they_o dissent_v in_o some_o thing_n that_o neither_o their_o pray_v their_o preach_a their_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v must_v be_v accept_v by_o they_o till_o they_o even_o desert_a the_o example_n of_o the_o very_a scripture_n itself_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o come_v too_o near_o burlesque_a the_o sacred_a guise_n of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o what_o be_v so_o near_o unite_v that_o the_o reproach_n that_o fall_v upon_o the_o one_o fall_n upon_o the_o other_o also_o and_o all_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o stand_v far_o enough_o off_o from_o the_o adverse_a purity_n of_o what_o they_o have_v espouse_v who_o opinion_n while_o they_o seem_v to_o strike_v the_o thing_n most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n be_v the_o sufferer_n too_o often_o but_o he_o that_o love_v his_o brother_n have_v no_o occasion_n of_o this_o 11._o 1_o john_n 2._o 10_o 11._o sort_n of_o stumble_v which_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n because_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v right_o compose_v and_o not_o cloud_v with_o dark_a and_o black_a passion_n so_o he_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o dislike_v any_o thing_n in_o true_a christianity_n out_o of_o hatred_n to_o his_o brother_n who_o profess_v it_o but_o a_o additional_a obligation_n to_o keep_v the_o truth_n entire_a out_o of_o love_n to_o his_o brother_n who_o be_v unite_v in_o it_o with_o himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v hereby_o we_o know_v we_o love_v the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n when_o our_o love_n to_o they_o engage_v we_o the_o more_o close_o in_o a_o religious_a union_n with_o they_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v ready_a to_o fall_v out_o with_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v for_o and_o know_v not_o at_o what_o he_o stumble_v whether_o it_o be_v true_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n or_o not_o and_o so_o be_v no_o just_a occasion_n of_o stumble_v though_o he_o stumble_v at_o it_o 2._o 1_o john_n 5._o v._n 2._o 6._o the_o government_n and_o authority_n god_n have_v vest_v in_o conscience_n to_o understand_v with_o god_n for_o itself_o and_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o guide_v itself_o according_a to_o his_o command_n who_o be_v its_o only_a father_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v none_o upon_o earth_n beside_o he_o even_o as_o christ_n be_v its_o one_o master_n be_v a_o grand_a principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n that_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v good_a a_o man_n do_v yet_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o a_o judgement_n a_o sense_n a_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n or_o if_o that_o he_o refuse_v be_v true_o evil_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o reject_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n upon_o the_o same_o motive_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o arise_v to_o a_o religious_a action_n or_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n as_o do_v in_o his_o fear_n but_o be_v a_o vain_a honour_n of_o he_o
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
it_o lie_a foursquare_n and_o be_v solid_a square_a measure_n for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v if_o the_o length_n breadth_n and_o height_n be_v all_o equal_a answ_n i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o forget_v it_o but_o suffer_v your_o question_n to_o lead_v through_o all_o i_o less_o design_v that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o principal_a character_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o true_a church_n so_o exact_o adequate_a to_o one_o another_o quest_n will_v you_o then_o more_o full_o explain_v this_o similitude_n answ_n that_o i_o may_v the_o better_a do_v it_o i_o must_v repeat_v it_o from_o the_o very_a ground_n and_o bottom_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o god_n make_v use_v as_o he_o please_v of_o all_o the_o knowledge_n and_o science_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o minister_v to_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o which_o he_o principal_o intend_v to_o instruct_v as_o be_v most_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o of_o what_o condition_n soever_o as_o than_o mathematics_n be_v the_o most_o demonstrative_a science_n and_o some_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v of_o most_o retire_a and_o fine_a speculation_n so_o be_v other_o most_o know_a and_o necessary_a to_o all_o employ_v in_o mechanic_n thus_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o deposit_v some_o prophetic_a truth_n in_o the_o most_o mystic_a part_n of_o that_o learning_n and_o some_o of_o the_o more_o general_a use_n in_o the_o most_o know_a and_o acquaint_v part_n of_o it_o now_o those_o that_o be_v more_o secret_a and_o not_o so_o necessary_a i_o shall_v leave_v to_o those_o that_o be_v most_o fit_v thereunto_o but_o what_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o import_v what_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o all_o i_o will_v insist_v upon_o as_o than_o number_n and_o measure_n be_v mean_n ordain_v for_o humane_a nature_n and_o principal_a instrument_n of_o reason_n to_o come_v to_o the_o most_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v secure_v they_o be_v and_o continue_v what_o they_o just_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o true_a religion_n be_v thereupon_o present_v to_o we_o under_o exact_a number_n and_o measure_n fall_v in_o one_o with_o another_o the_o number_n twelve_o multiply_v into_o a_o square_a cube_n of_o twelve_o thousand_o furlong_n and_o as_o the_o foursquare_n figure_n do_v so_o bind_v and_o be_v so_o compact_v with_o itself_o that_o it_o can_v receive_v the_o least_o addition_n but_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o its_o square_n nor_o the_o least_o diminution_n but_o under_o the_o same_o forfeiture_n thus_o true_a religion_n be_v so_o perfect_o itself_o that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v add_v to_o nor_o diminish_v from_o but_o with_o a_o proportionable_a loss_n of_o itself_o god_n be_v please_v upon_o this_o account_n to_o choose_v this_o figure_n for_o the_o altar_n under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o breastplate_n of_o judgement_n this_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o solomon_n oracle_n how_o far_o the_o measure_n in_o ezekiel_n agree_v i_o leave_v the_o heathen_a by_o natural_a wisdom_n have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o so_o just_a to_o itself_o foursquare_n that_o they_o call_v a_o good_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o foursquare_n man._n and_o last_o as_o solid_a square_a measure_n be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o and_o throughout_o every_o part_n exact_o square_a and_o give_v the_o most_o certain_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a content_n of_o a_o body_n so_o be_v true_a religion_n in_o all_o its_o part_n exact_o so_o itself_o and_o every_o part_n of_o every_o part_n be_v reduce_v to_o the_o same_o exactness_n for_o so_o the_o length_n breadth_n and_o height_n of_o it_o be_v equal_a and_o so_o be_v the_o true_a church_n exact_o adequate_v to_o true_a religion_n the_o faith_n be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v at_o once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n because_o it_o can_v receive_v no_o new_a measure_n and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o common_a salvation_n or_o doctrine_n of_o it_o because_o the_o universal_a standard_n be_v one_o this_o then_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o a_o man_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o angel_n for_o by_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v natural_a to_o a_o man_n in_o which_o beast_n have_v no_o share_n that_o be_v to_o number_n and_o measure_n be_v make_v plain_a to_o we_o angelical_a number_n and_o measure_n that_o be_v the_o number_n and_o measure_n of_o true_a religion_n as_o the_o angel_n delineate_v it_o beginning_n in_o the_o apostolical_a twelve_o and_o multiply_v by_o itself_o to_o a_o exact_a square_a figure_n or_o measure_n square_a in_o the_o whole_a product_n square_a in_o every_o particular_a part_n and_o of_o that_o just_a content_n and_o with_o this_o exact_a number_n twelve_o so_o foursquare_n agree_v the_o altar_n temple_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v therein_o when_o the_o outward_a court_n be_v leave_v out_o of_o measure_n to_o be_v tread_v under_o foot_n by_o heathenish_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n disguise_v under_o popish_a christianity_n of_o which_o whenever_o it_o shall_v be_v perfect_o free_v it_o shall_v appear_v in_o that_o glory_n here_o describe_v all_o rich_a pearl_n pure_a gold_n most_o transparent_a jasper_n that_o be_v bright_a clear_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o exact_a apostolical_a number_n and_o measure_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o far_a improvement_n to_o be_v make_v of_o this_o divine_a symbol_n the_o foursquare_n city_n answ_n there_o be_v when_o i_o have_v first_o observe_v to_o you_o false-religion_n be_v out_o of_o all_o square_a just_a measure_n and_o even_o number_n it_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a odd_a wander_v from_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o justness_n of_o it_o to_o itself_o and_o that_o both_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n rule_n of_o life_n and_o discipline_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o it_o to_o measure_v one_o thing_n from_o and_o by_o another_o or_o any_o one_o point_n of_o any_o of_o these_o by_o itself_o uneven_a in_o the_o whole_a product_n uneven_a in_o every_o part_n uneven_a in_o the_o root_n the_o most_o significant_a emblem_n of_o the_o popish-church_n which_o have_v the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n have_v yet_o lose_v the_o apostolical_a twelve_o by_o innumerable_a most_o irregular_a and_o wild_a addition_n and_o deform_v every_o single_a article_n of_o truth_n by_o most_o disagreeable_a corruption_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o man_n most_o learned_a in_o number_n have_v demonstrate_v the_o number_n 666_o a_o number_n no_o way_n to_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o foursquare_n figure_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o significant_a hieroglyphic_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o of_o all_o false-religion_n that_o must_v have_v something_o of_o truth_n to_o make_v it_o a_o religion_n but_o as_o it_o be_v false_a be_v a_o odd_a from_o that_o truth_n quest_n let_v i_o now_o desire_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o useful_a application_n of_o this_o parabolic_a scheme_n answ_n you_o shall_v have_v it_o and_o it_o consist_v in_o observe_v four_o prime_a character_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n that_o may_v be_v as_o four_o equal_a side_n of_o this_o foursquare_n and_o of_o the_o church_n adjust_v to_o it_o from_o each_o of_o which_o may_v be_v measure_v to_o each_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o equality_n or_o inequality_n will_v discover_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n 1._o the_o transcendent_a holiness_n goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n precept_n of_o worship_n rule_n of_o life_n discipline_n be_v one_o side_n of_o this_o christian-square_a with_o which_o whatever_n do_v not_o square_a be_v convict_v not_o to_o be_v of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n whether_o it_o look_v towards_o god_n in_o all_o the_o high_a most_o honourable_a apprehension_n of_o he_o suitable_a discourse_n worship_n love_n and_o obedience_n or_o whether_o it_o look_v towards_o man_n in_o all_o justice_n righteousness_n mercy_n compassion_n charity_n benevolence_n beneficence_n and_o these_o as_o they_o respect_v all_o the_o particular_a office_n of_o life_n public_a of_o magistrate_n subject_n or_o private_a as_o of_o parent_n child_n husband_n wife_n master_n or_o servant_n the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o last_o whether_o it_o look_v to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o person_n in_o soberness_n purity_n continency_n in_o the_o thought_n the_o word_n the_o action_n the_o honour_n and_o best_a state_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o body_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o this_o doctrine_n that_o be_v after_o godliness_n not_o only_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o in_o this_o life_n whatever_o now_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o these_o wholesome_a word_n be_v detect_v not_o to_o be_v christian_a which_o be_v all_o truth_n virtue_n and_o praise_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o intimate_a to_o man_n in_o this_o fall_a state_n than_o the_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o knowledge_n that_o he_o be_v a_o
all_o but_o one_o great_a lie_n of_o this_o son_n of_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n the_o son_n of_o his_o falsehood_n and_o perdition_n contrary_a to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n but_o if_o any_o one_o receive_v christianity_n or_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o antichurch_n and_o measure_v they_o in_o and_o by_o themselves_o separate_v true_a christianity_n from_o the_o antichristianism_n and_o retain_v it_o pure_a it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o service_n god_n receive_v from_o the_o false_a prophet_n baalam_n when_o he_o prophesy_v truth_n into_o who_o place_n and_o office_n antichrist_n succeed_v and_o be_v therefore_o style_v the_o false_a prophet_n revel_v 16._o 13._o quest_n what_o then_o can_v this_o pretend_a catholic_n church_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o true_a catholic_n public_a religion_n answ_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o upon_o strict_a account_n than_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o pseudocatholick_a antichurch_n in_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n from_o and_o hatred_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v write_v in_o heaven_n unite_v with_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o love_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n in_o a_o hellish_a schism_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o apostolic_a catholic_n church_n of_o which_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v believe_v that_o so_o great_a a_o lie_n upon_o christianity_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o so_o large_a a_o proportion_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n or_o that_o person_n of_o so_o vast_a ability_n and_o comprehension_n shall_v so_o deceive_v other_o or_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v answ_n scripture_n have_v take_v all_o the_o care_n possible_a to_o arm_v we_o against_o this_o objection_n which_o be_v indeed_o very_o great_a it_o call_v this_o apostasy_n a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o the_o divine_a person_n in_o the_o revelation_n point_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o this_o adulterous_a church_n be_v write_v mystery_n now_o a_o mystery_n if_o it_o be_v present_o understand_v and_o all_o easy_a and_o plain_a be_v no_o mystery_n it_o have_v the_o energy_n of_o delusion_n in_o cause_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a deceit_n of_o unrighteousness_n it_o set_v up_o a_o great_a stage_n of_o counterfeit_n miracle_n that_o it_o vaunt_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o may_v have_v that_o reverend_a face_n of_o antiquity_n to_o deceive_v with_o and_o say_v it_o come_v from_o a_o far-off_a age_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n that_o be_v then_o at_o work_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n last_o it_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o they_o that_o may_v be_v christian_n and_o receive_v truth_n but_o not_o the_o chaste_a unprostitute_n love_n of_o truth_n alone_o quest_n but_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o have_v be_v once_o disabused_a shall_v return_v any_o more_o under_o so_o great_a a_o delusion_n answ_n there_o be_v very_o great_a hope_n that_o god_n who_o have_v command_v his_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o this_o darkness_n will_v interpose_v by_o the_o perpetual_a brightness_n of_o his_o own_o appearance_n and_o by_o that_o divine_a breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n in_o his_o word_n against_o the_o return_n of_o so_o great_a a_o darkness_n this_o set_v aside_o there_o be_v so_o many_o reason_n of_o fear_n and_o such_o possibility_n of_o lay_v a_o train_n of_o cause_n reach_v to_o such_o a_o effect_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o place_n for_o security_n but_o in_o the_o almighty_a providence_n and_o yet_o what_o degree_n of_o that_o deadly_a scourge_n may_v fall_v on_o the_o protestant_a world_n god_n only_o know_v we_o know_v our_o sin_n deserve_v very_o ill_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o great_a security_n under_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o providence_n against_o so_o great_a desolation_n upon_o true_a christian_a religion_n answ_n a_o perfect_a acquiescency_n of_o the_o protestant_a nation_n upon_o the_o foursquare_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o resolvedness_n not_o to_o move_v from_o thence_o for_o as_o a_o foursquare_n never_o remove_v from_o its_o own_o base_a because_o it_o be_v all_o base_a so_o they_o that_o be_v square_v to_o it_o and_o settle_v upon_o it_o never_o move_v for_o it_o always_o bear_v they_o alike_o with_o itself_o and_o by_o its_o own_o justness_n recall_v they_o if_o they_o offer_v to_o wander_v mere_a angry_a prejudice_n against_o this_o or_o that_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o enough_o without_o be_v thus_o ground_v upon_o truth_n entertainment_n of_o truth_n with_o any_o addittament_n will_v secure_v no_o man_n for_o he_o that_o receive_v one_o addition_n may_v receive_v another_o he_o that_o receive_v truth_n lie_v foursquare_n with_o itself_o be_v call_v back_o by_o that_o even_o of_o truth_n he_o that_o add_v one_o to_o it_o and_o make_v it_o odd_a may_v go_v on_o indefinite_o as_o popery_n have_v do_v because_o he_o have_v forsakent_a he_o just_o even_o that_o shall_v stay_v he_o he_o can_v no_o long_o wait_v for_o the_o voice_n of_o truth_n that_o by_o itself_o always_o answer_v itself_o but_o to_o what_o be_v not_o like_o itself_o it_o will_v not_o answer_v but_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v off_o from_o this_o square_n it_o will_v not_o on_o any_o respect_n harken_v to_o any_o thing_n different_a because_o it_o will_v not_o be_v solicit_v to_o move_v from_o itself_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o law_n of_o symmetry_n and_o commensuration_n be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o ascertain_v the_o true_a church_n both_o to_o itself_o and_o all_o beholder_n for_o addition_n to_o religion_n like_o surd_o or_o irrational_a figure_n incommensurable_a to_o the_o rational_a square_n can_v never_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o foursquare_n of_o truth_n but_o be_v like_o the_o deaf_a adder_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n charm_v never_o so_o wise_o nor_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o certainty_n or_o exactness_n with_o themselves_o but_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o day_n another_o to_o morrow_n but_o divine_a truth_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rational_a certain_a express_o itself_o deaf_a indeed_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o he_o therefore_o that_o daily_o ponder_v meditate_v upon_o have_v a_o just_a measure_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o divine_a truth_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o regular_a square_n with_o they_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n though_o they_o be_v various_a yet_o come_v all_o within_o the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o he_o that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a gust_n exercise_v to_o discern_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o taste_v any_o aright_o will_v taste_v all_o and_o find_v they_o apostolical_a and_o know_v whatever_o pretend_v and_o be_v not_o and_o so_o reject_v it_o he_o will_v know_v all_o the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o the_o angelical_a guard_n attend_v at_o they_o and_o go_v in_o and_o out_o by_o they_o but_o the_o disorderly_a breach_n and_o gap_n that_o wild_a beast_n or_o deceitful_a fox_n have_v make_v he_o avoid_v know_v they_o exceed_v the_o apostolic_a twelve_o and_o be_v therefore_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o whatever_o apparation_n of_o angel_n may_v be_v at_o they_o he_o know_v it_o be_v only_a satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o his_o minister_n transform_v as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n number_v and_o measure_v exact_o by_o itself_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o the_o true_a church_n cap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o national_a religion_n quest_n it_o be_v i_o think_v very_o clear_a by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v that_o the_o settlement_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v most_o stable_a and_o certain_a and_o that_o by_o no_o power_n he_o have_v give_v in_o his_o church_n it_o can_v be_v change_v nor_o receive_v any_o arbitrary_a addition_n that_o shall_v be_v obligatory_a but_o i_o be_o in_o great_a doubt_n how_o to_o reconcile_v those_o command_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o principality_n and_o power_n with_o those_o strict_a precept_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o turn_v neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a where_o ruler_n so_o often_o prescribe_v in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o the_o word_n of_o
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
the_o great_a end_n and_o therefore_o may_v command_v what_o he_o please_v he_o therefore_o add_v often_o to_o such_o precept_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n who_o authority_n can_v not_o be_v dispute_v who_o benediction_n can_v not_o be_v deny_v or_o suspect_v thus_o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n be_v better_a than_o 11._o 2_o king_n 5._o 12._o joh._n 9_o 11._o all_o the_o syrian_a river_n the_o clay_n and_o spittle_n and_o wash_v in_o siloam_n beyond_o the_o most_o excellent_a natural_a application_n 2._o and_o yet_o as_o if_o omnipotency_n itself_o can_v not_o make_v they_o or_o do_v not_o care_n to_o make_v they_o of_o any_o great_a value_n they_o be_v often_o exceed_o despise_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o of_o god_n himself_o when_o consider_v as_o separate_v from_o divine_a blessing_n 3._o isa_n 1._o 10._o &_o 66._o 3._o and_o grace_n and_o from_o moral_a obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n 3._o they_o be_v argue_v to_o be_v childish_a and_o low_a thing_n yea_o 9_o gal._n 4._o 3_o 9_o heb_fw-mi 9_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n they_o shall_v vanish_v at_o a_o time_n of_o reformation_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v under_o they_o as_o be_v under_o age_n that_o a_o more_o manly_a and_o excellent_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v in_o and_o do_v actual_o come_v in_o with_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o superintendency_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o that_o it_o be_v admirable_a whence_o it_o shall_v proceed_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v dote_v so_o much_o and_o be_v so_o languish_o sick_a after_o ceremony_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v pretend_v religious_a action_n look_v bare_a and_o naked_a and_o unadorned_a when_o not_o shade_v and_o grace_v and_o cover_v with_o ritual_n they_o be_v only_o weak_a and_o feminine_a mind_n that_o think_v so_o the_o natural_a decency_n humanity_n necessary_o choose_v the_o national_a decency_n proper_a to_o particular_a region_n and_o climate_n with_o the_o weightiness_n of_o religious_a action_n themselves_o be_v sufficient_a grace_n and_o solemnity_n to_o they_o more_o either_o obscure_v or_o disfigure_v they_o into_o antickness_n phantastry_n art_n or_o superstitiousness_n and_o therefore_o indeed_o much_o of_o this_o sort_n have_v proceed_v from_o the_o wanton_a and_o lascivious_a imagination_n of_o man_n not_o love_v the_o chaste_a and_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o with_o holy_a mind_n embrace_v truth_n and_o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o have_v always_o proceed_v much_o of_o division_n and_o feud_n every_o one_o endeavour_v to_o obtrude_v the_o creature_n of_o his_o own_o fancy_n in_o religion_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o reason_n to_o bear_v itself_o upon_o displease_v other_o as_o much_o as_o it_o please_v himself_o and_o must_v therefore_o be_v imperious_o enforce_v and_o if_o power_n go_v along_o with_o the_o imposition_n obedience_n to_o it_o be_v extort_a by_o mulct_n and_o imprisonment_n and_o often_o with_o cruelty_n and_o blood_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n impale_v in_o the_o love_n and_o doâ—age_n on_o ceremony_n grow_v narrow_a slavish_a void_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o generosity_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o from_o thence_o easy_o fall_v into_o a_o self-willed_a rigid_a austere_a revengeful_a spirit_n but_o the_o sincere_a religion_n be_v noble_a free_a large_a merciful_a and_o most_o compassionate_a so_o that_o beside_o the_o intrinsic_a worth_n the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o a_o religion_n free_a from_o ceremony_n it_o be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o peace_n and_o quiet_a true_o natural_a religion_n be_v tide_v along_o by_o reason_n into_o man_n mind_n enter_v with_o much_o more_o insinuation_n and_o persuasiveness_n have_v a_o interest_n beforehand_o render_v man_n temper_n more_o sweet_a and_o benign_a or_o if_o not_o receive_v be_v true_o and_o substantial_o good_a deserve_v punishment_n proportionable_a to_o the_o offence_n without_o any_o just_a imputation_n of_o unmercifulness_n for_o the_o offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n must_v be_v perfect_a immorality_n 2._o i_o come_v therefore_o to_o consummate_v all_o in_o the_o full_a agreement_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o reveal_v part_n of_o it_o with_o natural_a and_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o receive_v some_o part_n of_o christianity_n naked_a and_o unguarded_a tear_v off_o from_o the_o rest_n as_o a_o limb_n by_o itself_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n be_v another_o thing_n than_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n so_o be_v it_o to_o run_v away_o with_o this_o that_o the_o christian_n worship_v a_o god_n crucify_v that_o die_v as_o a_o malefactor_n that_o be_v a_o carpenter_n that_o live_v poor_a in_o the_o world_n and_o despise_v without_o observe_v the_o whole_a train_n and_o connexion_n of_o thing_n the_o several_a great_a instance_n of_o divine_o rational_a account_n for_o it_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christianity_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v in_o it_o the_o most_o indisputable_a rule_n of_o all_o goodness_n as_o i_o have_v before_o at_o large_a set_v down_o the_o presence_n of_o divine_a power_n in_o miracle_n that_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a sense_n of_o as_o divine_a both_o which_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n draw_v and_o invite_v in_o mind_n to_o behold_v the_o inward_a frame_n and_o contrivance_n and_o when_o the_o correspondency_n symmetry_n substance_n solidity_n beauty_n purity_n of_o all_o within_o be_v see_v then_o be_v there_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n against_o and_o resolution_n of_o former_a doubt_n to_o he_o that_o patient_o consider_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o god_n justice_n it_o will_v appear_v why_o humane_a nature_n so_o lapse_v so_o peccant_a and_o guilty_a shall_v be_v att_o on_v by_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v up_o in_o that_o humane_a nature_n wherein_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a holiness_n shall_v be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o profound_a submission_n to_o increated_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o in_o the_o great_a experiment_n of_o it_o self-evacuation_n and_o even_o annihilation_n and_o beyond_o this_o unexpressible_a suffering_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o compensation_n to_o that_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a governor_n and_o legislator_n offend_v by_o sin_n see_v suffering_n and_o punishment_n follow_v upon_o sin_n and_o guilt_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v perform_v though_o in_o humane_a nature_n yet_o by_o a_o person_n who_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n even_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o hereby_o all_o sensual_a 6._o phil._n 2._o 6._o worldly_a glory_n the_o great_a temptation_n to_o sin_n shall_v be_v slight_v turn_v out_o of_o its_o grandeur_n and_o high_a pretension_n in_o the_o world_n and_o intellectual_a spiritual_a heavenly_a eternal_a glory_n advance_v and_o prefer_v to_o its_o own_o excellency_n and_o esteem_n by_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v therefore_o bring_v in_o all_o that_o lively_a doctrine_n of_o patience_n under_o suffering_n mortification_n self-denial_n contempt_n of_o this_o life_n so_o feeble_o manage_v by_o morality_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o show_v it_o not_o unknown_a to_o nature_n and_o yet_o much_o eclipse_v he_o that_o serious_o look_v upon_o thing_n thus_o and_o behold_v they_o with_o the_o severe_a eye_n of_o reason_n will_v find_v that_o which_o will_v indeed_o perfect_a and_o accomplish_v his_o reason_n and_o engage_v it_o to_o worship_n and_o throw_v its_o crown_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o grace_n but_o nothing_o to_o despise_v nothing_o to_o disdain_n only_o to_o be_v astonish_v with_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o yet_o be_v like_o infinity_o so_o to_o show_v itself_o but_o that_o this_o particular_a may_v be_v better_o understand_v let_v the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o revelation_n be_v discourse_v upon_o these_o avow_a declare_v and_o most_o undoubted_a principle_n in_o respect_n to_o natural_a religion_n in_o these_o three_o point_n 1._o that_o the_o raise_n up_o natural_a religion_n to_o its_o true_a primitive_a excellency_n be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a revelation_n viz._n to_o settle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n the_o true_a love_n fear_v of_o delight_n in_o desire_v after_o god_n resignation_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o the_o true_o generous_a kind_n of_o righteousness_n love_n mercy_n compassion_n to_o man_n the_o unspotted_a temperance_n sobriety_n purity_n in_o a_o man_n self_n the_o right_a principle_n motive_n rule_n and_o end_v of_o all_o these_o the_o full-spread_a doctrine_n of_o immortality_n and_o eternal_a life_n of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o mercy_n to_o repentant_n of_o repentance_n itself_o and_o
faith_n in_o divine_a mercy_n and_o last_o of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n now_o in_o all_o these_o as_o i_o premise_v natural_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o what_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o sullied_a state_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n at_o such_o vast_a distance_n from_o the_o day_n of_o innocency_n or_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o cold_a liveless_a climate_n of_o philosophic_a morality_n but_o by_o what_o discover_v itself_o when_o these_o freeze_a benumb_a principle_n relent_v and_o be_v thaughn_n by_o the_o warm_a beam_n of_o reveal_v truth_n by_o what_o man_n do_v and_o must_v acknowledge_v when_o they_o come_v to_o themselves_o then_o the_o minister_n of_o natural_a righteousness_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v 11._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 11._o make_v manifest_a in_o man_n conscience_n and_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o shall_v acknowledge_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o the_o very_a end_n even_o as_o the_o illiterate_a 13._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 13._o mind_n do_v not_o at_o first_o perceive_v the_o wisdom_n of_o such_o a_o writer_n as_o socrates_n plato_n plutarch_n of_o such_o historian_n as_o livy_n taritus_fw-la but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v cultivate_v it_o know_v by_o a_o test_n within_o itself_o the_o gravity_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o stile_n thus_o at_o the_o first_o unexercised_a soul_n taste_v not_o the_o gratefulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o natural_a conscience_n which_o be_v afterward_o most_o agreeable_a the_o sense_n be_v exercise_v to_o discern_v gâ—od_a and_o evil_n 14._o heb._n 5._o 14._o 2._o in_o what_o of_o christianity_n pure_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n alone_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v yet_o such_o a_o close_a affinity_n betwixt_o the_o holiness_n purity_n wisdom_n of_o the_o one_o thus_o reveal_v and_o the_o other_o implant_v that_o they_o must_v be_v own_a all_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n and_o accept_v alike_o by_o every_o serious_a considerer_n that_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o each_o through_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o time_n manner_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o several_a period_n of_o the_o church_n state_n and_o progression_n and_o throughout_o the_o different_a extraction_n education_n employment_n temperature_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o wisdom_n one_o reverence_n of_o god_n one_o holiness_n one_o majesty_n of_o discourse_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a argue_v the_o supreme_a author_n one_o and_o the_o same_o even_o so_o in_o natural_a and_o reveal_v christian_a religion_n the_o divine_a commandment_n be_v perfect_o one_o and_o the_o same_o nothing_o trivial_a nothing_o romantic_a nothing_o speculative_a only_o all_o be_v for_o great_a use_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v refuse_v 3._o the_o revelation_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o high_a amplification_n of_o natural_a light_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a possibility_n of_o conception_n but_o in_o nothing_o contradictious_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v keep_v most_o pure_a even_o as_o silver_n try_v in_o a_o furnace_n of_o earth_n purify_v seven_o time_n but_o this_o divine_a nature_n be_v explain_v to_o we_o in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o infinite_a grace_n and_o bounty_n proceed_v from_o the_o deity_n so_o explain_v to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v so_o to_o the_o utmost_a that_o as_o we_o certain_o know_v in_o heaven_n itself_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v any_o more_o god_n than_o the_o one_o true_a god_n we_o have_v know_v here_o in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a we_o shall_v know_v any_o more_o in_o that_o essence_n than_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o eternity_n itself_o it_o be_v of_o everlasting_a inviolable_a truth_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v one_o mediator_n 6._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 8_o 6._o between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o he_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o and_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n 3._o joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v thus_o the_o divine_a unity_n be_v preserve_v and_o lest_o the_o obligation_n to_o a_o mediator_n to_o a_o redeemer_n shall_v abate_v or_o interfere_v with_o the_o obligation_n to_o the_o one_o god_n and_o father_n the_o mediator_n be_v always_o make_v know_v to_o we_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o father_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o 3._o heb._n 1._o 3._o glory_n though_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n the_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o one_o mediator_n infinite_o and_o incomprehensible_o unite_v and_o circulate_v in_o one_o with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n so_o far_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2d_o phil._n 2._o 2d_o from_o any_o the_o least_o contradictoriness_n to_o that_o fundamental_a natural_a principle_n of_o one_o god_n and_o as_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o utmost_a and_o above_o all_o we_o can_v think_v for_o in_o the_o high_a glory_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v we_o know_v certain_o impossible_a to_o know_v any_o high_a mediator_n any_o other_o mediator_n than_o our_o one_o mediator_n for_o as_o a_o man_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o high_o be_v than_o god_n so_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a redeemer_n and_o mediator_n than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a acceptance_n of_o a_o sinner_n than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o the_o deep_a suffering_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n the_o belove_a ult_n joh._n 1._o 14._o â—at_a 3._o ult_n son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v there_o can_v be_v a_o near_a union_n to_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o of_o man_n than_o by_o this_o divine_a person_n assume_v not_o any_o humane_a person_n which_o have_v be_v limit_v narrow_a and_o confine_v but_o humanity_n itself_o into_o one_o person_n with_o himself_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a inspiration_n and_o internal_a operation_n than_o of_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o fountain_n nor_o a_o close_o unite_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n than_o by_o this_o spirit_n to_o be_v so_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o to_o be_v one_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 6._o 17._o spirit_n thus_o to_o the_o great_a justification_n of_o christianity_n before_o natural_a religion_n all_o be_v from_o god_n and_o absorb_v into_o he_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o distinction_n from_o he_o that_o every_o glorify_a spirit_n enjoy_v its_o happiness_n glory_n purity_n perfection_n acceptance_n with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n distinct_o and_o in_o itself_o and_o yet_o so_o in_o god_n that_o the_o whole_a glory_n be_v refund_v into_o he_o which_o be_v the_o perfect_a glory_n of_o the_o divinity_n from_o the_o whole_a then_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o these_o great_a point_n surmount_v reason_n in_o the_o discovery_n and_o explication_n yet_o when_o it_o behold_v these_o thing_n in_o that_o full_a portraiture_n divine_a revelation_n present_v they_o it_o can_v but_o adore_v and_o admire_v and_o confess_v the_o manifold_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o praise_n of_o his_o 11._o ephes_n 3._o 10._o &_o 1._o 6_o 11._o glory_n work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n as_o to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n they_o be_v but_o what_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n all_o man_n have_v a_o engraft_a sense_n both_o of_o it_o and_o a_o future_a state_n and_o as_o to_o the_o resurriction_n itself_o i_o think_v it_o most_o manageable_a upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o creator_n can_v as_o easy_o command_v the_o principle_n of_o a_o dissolve_a body_n into_o one_o as_o at_o first_o create_v those_o very_a principle_n out_o of_o nothing_o nor_o can_v i_o think_v those_o nicety_n of_o dispute_n bring_v into_o this_o article_n of_o faith_n of_o any_o moment_n it_o be_v enough_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o spirit_n in_o body_n as_o in_o sensible_a appearance_n of_o glory_n or_o misery_n and_o those_o body_n as_o much_o man_n own_o as_o the_o nature_n
by_o faith_n and_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o way_n and_o not_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o be_v to_o cut_v it_o christianity_n substantial_a fundamental_a christianity_n have_v the_o best_a claim_n to_o the_o edict_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o revelation_n except_o that_o in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o spurious_a no_o other_o religion_n so_o inducible_a upon_o true_o natural_a principle_n and_o in_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o substantial_a christianity_n not_o every_o nice_a dispute_n or_o definition_n much_o less_o additional_a mode_n or_o ceremony_n that_o have_v this_o claim_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o claim_n i_o make_v doubt_n whether_o ever_o any_o sober_a christian_n will_v wish_v christianity_n propagate_v with_o force_n much_o less_o with_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n like_o the_o popish_a conversion_n of_o the_o indian_n i_o believe_v no_o true_a christian_n no_o true_o protestant_a christian_n ever_o do_v desire_v it_o or_o think_v it_o agree_v with_o christianity_n and_o let_v not_o the_o compulsory_a law_n of_o jewish_a religion_n plead_v a_o coerciveness_n for_o the_o christian_a upon_o the_o reason_n that_o a_o better_a religion_n more_o deserve_v it_o for_o first_o the_o better_a the_o religion_n the_o better_a method_n of_o introduce_v and_o recommend_v it_o be_v desirable_a as_o much_o therefore_o as_o instruction_n excel_v brutish_a force_n as_o much_o as_o sincere_a compliance_n of_o judgement_n reason_n and_o understanding_n excel_v hypocrisy_n and_o feign_a conformity_n as_o much_o as_o divine_a impulse_n and_o suasion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n excel_v the_o power_n of_o law_n enforce_v with_o penalty_n or_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o prince_n for_o mode_n compliment_n or_o preferment_n so_o much_o aught_o the_o way_n of_o introduce_v man_n into_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n of_o christianity_n exceed_v and_o surpass_v all_o other_o way_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o any_o mean_a religion_n than_o it_o and_o as_o much_o easy_a may_v be_v the_o effect_n in_o natural_a religion_n man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o it_o they_o be_v create_v with_o it_o they_o be_v and_o must_v be_v of_o it_o and_o be_v only_o punish_v for_o not_o act_v suitable_a to_o it_o in_o reveal_v religion_n their_o own_o judgement_n and_o choice_n move_v by_o suitable_a argument_n both_o enter_v and_o retain_v they_o in_o it_o though_o as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostate_n from_o main_a christianity_n argue_v a_o offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n may_v be_v of_o a_o different_a consideration_n further_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n the_o immediate_a government_n of_o god_n that_o live_v as_o a_o prince_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o make_v their_o case_n different_a from_o any_o other_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n their_o message_n from_o heaven_n be_v so_o immediate_a and_o distinct_a their_o consultation_n in_o case_n of_o doubt_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v so_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o all_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a that_o the_o sensibleness_n of_o they_o equal_v the_o very_a assurance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o objection_n that_o i_o can_v foresee_v against_o this_o argument_n lie_v these_o two_o way_n if_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o multitude_n of_o person_n yea_o in_o nation_n concern_v these_o law_n and_o yet_o how_o much_o less_o be_v the_o obedience_n pay_v to_o they_o and_o last_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o concord_n and_o agreement_n in_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o brief_o rejoin_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n righteousness_n reasonableness_n and_o naturalness_n of_o these_o religious_a principle_n that_o no_o more_o can_v they_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o humane_a nature_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o health_n beauty_n happiness_n can_v be_v extinguish_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o disease_n variation_n from_o the_o exact_a model_n of_o beauty_n and_o last_o the_o vnhappiness_n misery_n and_o complaint_n so_o universal_a in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o any_o example_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o any_o of_o these_o in_o this_o world_n and_o very_o great_a and_o general_a deficiency_n from_o they_o yet_o the_o notion_n of_o every_o one_o be_v whole_a and_o entire_a and_o such_o representation_n and_o approach_n to_o what_o we_o mean_v in_o they_o be_v so_o visible_a as_o to_o take_v away_o all_o doubt_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o of_o the_o desirableness_n of_o they_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o natural_a religion_n 2._o the_o whole_a disadvantage_n then_o of_o natural_a religion_n object_v must_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o miserable_a depravation_n of_o mankind_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n so_o lose_v their_o effect_n as_o even_o to_o seem_v to_o lose_v themselves_o yet_o still_o they_o remain_v and_o so_o remain_v as_o to_o require_v and_o even_o exact_v their_o acknowledgement_n and_o so_o demand_v that_o due_a effect_n and_o that_o so_o powerful_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o demand_n press_v home_o can_v be_v deny_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o natural_a religion_n 2._o object_n it_o may_v be_v object_v fâ—r_o the_o enforcement_n of_o reveal_v religion_n by_o severity_n that_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v before_o man_n as_o of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n lie_v in_o a_o straight_a and_o even_a line_n from_o natural_a religion_n to_o it_o it_o can_v only_o be_v the_o brutishness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o which_o may_v be_v just_o punish_v as_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o punishment_n shall_v be_v not_o as_o intend_v to_o compel_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o to_o chastise_v their_o beastlike_a senslesness_n or_o obstinacy_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o will_v reinforce_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o objection_n there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o natural_n that_o will_v certain_o rise_v up_o at_o earnest_n and_o vehement_a summons_n be_v within_o already_o though_o they_o may_v lie_v hide_v and_o deep_a and_o what_o be_v pure_o from_o without_o and_o must_v enter_v through_o those_o multiform_a meander_v twist_a and_o twine_v passage_n of_o man_n understanding_n and_o intellectual_a belief_n through_o variety_n of_o temper_n education_n principle_n man_n have_v most_o converse_v with_o and_o rivet_v their_o whole_a soul_n into_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o but_o god_n alone_o who_o search_v the_o heart_n to_o know_v where_o the_o guilty_a obstruction_n lie_v when_o the_o screw_v of_o truth_n and_o the_o receptacle_n of_o man_n mind_n do_v not_o reciprocate_v and_o answer_v one_o another_o where_o the_o key_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o ward_n of_o man_n thought_n so_o dissent_v as_o not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v so_o that_o this_o must_v be_v leave_v for_o ever_o as_o to_o divine_a omnipotency_n in_o the_o efficacy_n so_o to_o the_o divine_a judgement_n where_o the_o fault_n be_v of_o man_n not_o receive_v what_o be_v so_o gracious_o offer_v from_o heaven_n 2._o therefore_o to_o pretend_v to_o judge_n obstinacy_n or_o insensibleness_n or_o whatever_o other_o faulty_a reason_n we_o have_v prepare_v of_o man_n not_o receive_v the_o religion_n we_o will_v impose_v be_v to_o assume_v divine_a prerogative_n to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o become_v judge_n in_o his_o peculiar_a court_n or_o to_o contrive_v a_o artifice_n to_o cheat_v a_o acknowledge_a principle_n viz._n not_o compel_v reveal_v religion_n of_o its_o due_a obedience_n and_o last_o to_o clothe_v innocent_a person_n for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v with_o the_o sambenito_n paint_v with_o devil_n or_o beast_n skin_n wherein_o they_o may_v appear_v guilty_a with_o the_o disguise_n we_o have_v put_v upon_o they_o though_o out_o of_o that_o they_o can_v with_o charity_n be_v conclude_v nocent_a or_o guilty_a of_o those_o particular_n we_o charge_v they_o with_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v when_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o particular_a offence_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o this_o case_n to_o say_v there_o be_v some_o offence_n without_o special_a matter_n charge_v against_o natural_a law_n be_v not_o as_o evident_a as_o in_o any_o other_o case_n of_o humane_a judicature_n and_o where_o the_o only_a proof_n
that_o man_n be_v otherwise_o guilty_a in_o not_o receive_v the_o faith_n we_o offer_v they_o be_v only_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o 3._o if_o this_o punish_a man_n for_o not_o receive_v a_o reveal_v religion_n be_v only_o for_o not_o receive_v substantial_a christian_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o more_o tolerable_a though_o as_o i_o have_v say_v not_o desirable_a to_o any_o true_a christian_a protestant_n but_o when_o it_o be_v stretch_v out_o to_o false_a religion_n to_o every_o nice_a opinion_n ceremony_n or_o mode_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v a_o burden_n mankind_n can_v never_o bear_v be_v most_o intolerable_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o second_o argument_n argum._n 3._o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o argument_n justify_v natural_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o term_n of_o universal_a peace_n and_o concord_n so_o far_o that_o if_o that_o be_v secure_v man_n shall_v acquiesce_v in_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o in_o thing_n that_o concern_v religion_n magistrate_n allow_v common_a protection_n and_o people_n the_o common_a benevolence_n of_o humanity_n as_o upon_o a_o rule_v and_o determine_v case_n that_o reason_n and_o truth_n ought_v to_o have_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n a_o through_o fare_n in_o the_o world_n free_a as_o the_o air_n and_o light_n and_o that_o by_o a_o ordinance_n as_o early_o as_o of_o the_o day_n before_o i_o argue_v this_o i_o premise_v that_o all_o religious_a freedom_n be_v under_o the_o entire_a acknowledgement_n of_o prince_n within_o their_o own_o dominion_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a in_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n supreme_a moderator_n and_o governor_n as_o also_o that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a all_o thing_n of_o a_o religious_a concern_v shall_v have_v the_o countenance_n encouragement_n and_o example_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o symphony_n of_o community_n yet_o still_o with_o this_o condition_n it_o be_v the_o birthright_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v avowed_o and_o public_o religious_a according_a to_o those_o rule_n he_o believer_n agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n natural_a religion_n be_v judg._n and_o that_o this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o subjection_n to_o magistracy_n or_o be_v a_o commodious_a and_o agreeable_a member_n of_o a_o community_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o natural_a freedom_n there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v since_o that_o general_a corruption_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n ordinary_o to_o reduce_v himself_o and_o induce_v other_o to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o their_o open_a profession_n of_o god_n to_o true_a and_o regular_a thought_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o the_o way_n of_o please_v he_o in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o for_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o world_n that_o magistrate_n and_o people_n sit_v in_o their_o idol-temple_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n guard_v with_o their_o law_n for_o uniformity_n environ_v with_o their_o own_o canon_n and_o constitution_n and_o threaten_v severe_a penalty_n to_o any_o disturber_n though_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v god_n our_o line_n be_v fall_v in_o pleasant_a place_n yea_o we_o have_v a_o goodly_a inheritance_n of_o religion_n by_o our_o law_n which_o very_o much_o bribe_v our_o judgement_n of_o the_o duresse_n of_o imposition_n in_o religion_n because_o we_o only_o consider_v it_o in_o ceremony_n impose_v and_o do_v not_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o behold_v the_o abomination_n in_o other_o nation_n not_o only_o commit_v but_o frame_v by_o a_o law_n but_o imposition_n be_v imposition_n in_o the_o least_o thing_n in_o religion_n not_o natural_a and_o open_v the_o way_n to_o it_o in_o the_o great_a if_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o before_o hand_n take_v care_n of_o by_o such_o a_o immunity_n reserve_v to_o humane_a nature_n notwithstanding_o government_n and_o subjection_n to_o ruler_n that_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o piety_n towards_o god_n issue_v itself_o in_o declaration_n of_o his_o name_n truth_n and_o glory_n in_o charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o case_n though_o not_o themselves_o cry_v out_o as_o the_o man_n of_o macedonia_n in_o paul_n be_v vision_n come_v and_o help_v we_o must_v lie_v still_o as_o a_o talon_n 9_o act._n 16._o 9_o hide_v in_o a_o napkin_n and_o bury_v in_o the_o earth_n or_o must_v encounter_v and_o fall_v foul_a with_o another_o law_n of_o nature_n viz._n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o magistrate_n in_o their_o religious_a law_n but_o if_o their_o right_n to_o command_v only_o in_o and_o according_a to_o natural_a religion_n the_o best_a most_o honourable_a and_o safe_a command_n that_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o deposit_v with_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v hold_v the_o golden_a reign_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n far_o great_a than_o of_o ceremony_n and_o safe_a than_o of_o reveal_v religion_n a_o chariot_n too_o divine_a for_o man_n to_o govern_v if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o case_n man_n need_v not_o cloister_a religion_n in_o their_o breast_n for_o fear_n of_o violate_v so_o awful_a a_o sanction_n as_o that_o of_o magistracy_n nor_o while_o they_o confess_v it_o neither_o afraid_a nor_o ashamed_a of_o the_o public_a discountenance_n do_v any_o thing_n injurious_a to_o divine_a disposition_n of_o power_n to_o ruler_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a natural_a legal_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o relation_n to_o religion_n and_o magistrate_n and_o the_o very_a ordination_n of_o god_n in_o creation_n concern_v they_o this_o further_a grand_a inconvenience_n will_v follow_v that_o the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n so_o careful_a of_o all_o just_a right_n and_o duty_n divide_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o reserve_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n yet_o that_o 25._o luk._n 20._o 25._o this_o religion_n come_v in_o as_o it_o be_v tread_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o prince_n and_o their_o law_n and_o disacknowledge_v that_o power_n entrust_v with_o they_o by_o god_n the_o power_n of_o first_o decree_v religion_n though_o it_o be_v allow_v he_o intend_v only_o the_o true_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a christian_a religion_n come_v into_o the_o world_n against_o the_o will_n of_o all_o humane_a power_n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v say_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o immediate_a commission_n from_o heaven_n of_o which_o miracle_n be_v their_o credential_n can_v not_o in_o the_o least_o violate_v humane_a power_n which_o fall_v before_o the_o divine_a as_o the_o low_a magistrate_n among_o we_o before_o the_o supreme_a i_o confess_v this_o be_v most_o true_a yet_o still_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o great_a care_n god_n have_v of_o his_o moral_n natural_a fundamental_a constitution_n and_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v he_o will_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o concern_n as_o christianity_n have_v so_o far_o neglect_v his_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n as_o not_o at_o first_o to_o have_v present_v that_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miraculous_a evidence_n of_o it_o to_o the_o vicegerent_n of_o his_o power_n here_o upon_o earth_n that_o at_o least_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o peremptory_a refusal_n before_o their_o deputation_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v wave_v by_o god_n i_o can_v therefore_o account_v the_o supremacy_n of_o divine_a power_n above_o humane_a the_o chief_a reason_n that_o god_n take_v no_o more_o notice_n not_o of_o magistrate_n only_o but_o of_o magistracy_n itself_o when_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o first_o beget_v and_o his_o religion_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o say_v let_v all_o these_o angel_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n worship_v he_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o see_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v but_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o be_v under_o their_o proper_a jurisdiction_n how_o cautious_a our_o saviour_n be_v not_o to_o offend_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o tribute_n though_o he_o as_o a_o son_n over_o the_o temple_n or_o supreme_a prince_n be_v free_a yet_o 24._o mat._n 17._o 24._o he_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o defray_v it_o beside_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o outlast_v the_o immediate_a commission_n of_o the_o apostleship_n and_o miracle_n and_o to_o survive_v in_o ordinary_a preach_n and_o discourse_n while_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n be_v yet_o enemy_n to_o it_o what_o then_o do_v this_o argue_v but_o that_o the_o enforce_n of_o true_a pure_a natural_a religion_n only_o be_v the_o
truth_n out_o of_o which_o christianity_n rise_v the_o twelve_o apostolic_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ascend_v set_v up_o its_o odd_a uneven_a unequal_a antichristianism_n part_n christian_n part_n pagan_a part_v true_a part_n false_a and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o care_n we_o need_v take_v for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o 23._o heb._n 12._o 23._o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a write_v in_o heaven_n it_o deserve_v not_o that_o love_n and_o care_v due_a to_o â—he_v body_n as_o it_o be_v so_o incorporate_v it_o be_v irreco_fw-la cilable_a with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o declare_v but_o there_o may_v lie_v hide_v number_n among_o they_o who_o like_o the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o the_o israelitish_n baalism_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o depth_n of_o satan_n in_o that_o false_a religion_n to_o who_o the_o christianity_n that_o remain_v though_o blend_v with_o that_o corruption_n separate_v itself_o and_o as_o oil_n rise_v uppermost_a to_o they_o to_o these_o we_o may_v allow_v the_o charitable_a hope_n of_o salvation_n not_o for_o their_o popish_a tincture_n but_o for_o their_o christianity_n for_o all_o that_o be_v popish_a be_v their_o danger_n and_o their_o extreme_a danger_n it_o be_v the_o christianity_n pure_a separate_a christianity_n that_o be_v their_o only_a hope_n and_o it_o be_v only_o like_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o antidote_n work_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o poison_n or_o like_o true_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o paganism_n the_o event_n of_o either_o of_o which_o operation_n must_v as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o be_v leave_v only_o to_o god_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o damn_v all_o to_o hell_n for_o heretic_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o communion_n be_v but_o one_o of_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o which_o they_o be_v full_a and_o make_v no_o man_n among_o they_o the_o safe_a but_o his_o case_n become_v the_o more_o desperate_a that_o protestancy_n argue_v from_o the_o very_a charity_n and_o compassion_n of_o it_o to_o be_v more_o infallible_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n allow_v all_o the_o compassionate_a hope_n that_o can_v be_v to_o some_o who_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o contagion_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o deadliness_n of_o it_o but_o cruel_a popery_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v able_a prepare_v flame_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v for_o all_o that_o have_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o remove_v mountain_n not_o only_o of_o improbability_n but_o even_a impâ—ssibility_n that_o their_o monstrous_a principle_n have_v raise_v and_o set_v in_o the_o way_n of_o christian_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v settle_v the_o second_o head_n of_o discourse_n concern_v the_o efficacy_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o peace_n that_o divine_a balsam_n of_o love_n run_v throughout_o the_o body_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o aggrieved_a part_n where_o there_o be_v a_o union_n upon_o the_o fundamental_a unity_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o certain_o preserve_v and_o secure_v peace_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o christian_a peace_n 3._o the_o rule_v christianity_n give_v the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o for_o the_o imbody_v themselves_o one_o with_o another_o will_v show_v how_o sincere_o it_o design_n peace_n for_o some_o may_v think_v if_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n of_o mutual_a conformity_n in_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n how_o can_v there_o be_v any_o such_o society_n if_o there_o may_v be_v such_o separation_n among_o christian_n as_o that_o there_o be_v not_o require_v a_o concurrence_n in_o all_o point_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practise_v under_o peril_n of_o the_o dreadful_a sin_n of_o schism_n christianity_n will_v be_v like_o a_o general_a notion_n subsist_v in_o no_o distinct_a particular_a body_n or_o like_o a_o universe_n of_o atom_n without_o any_o connexion_n and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v one_o with_o another_o be_v at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o if_o there_o be_v no_o association_n of_o christian_n no_o church_n particular_o unite_v and_o constitute_v there_o be_v no_o opportunity_n to_o practice_v that_o peace_n and_o submission_n to_o order_n which_o such_o society_n oblige_v to_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v to_o behold_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o colossian_n if_o all_o the_o love_n and_o peace_n of_o christian_n be_v only_o that_o which_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o universal_a 5._o col._n 2._o 5._o church_n or_o to_o christian_n occasional_o in_o particular_a every_o one_o have_v his_o own_o private_a apprehension_n to_o himself_o then_o be_v there_o no_o room_n for_o this_o more_o distinct_a exercise_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n i_o shall_v therefore_o now_o address_v myself_o to_o consider_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n for_o christian_n so_o imbody_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v display_v all_o the_o general_a virtue_n of_o christianity_n in_o their_o particular_a station_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o three_o rule_n concern_v this_o very_a weighty_a point_n 1._o that_o the_o first_o congregate_a of_o christian_n be_v to_o christ_n himself_o as_o to_o the_o head_n in_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v principal_o unite_v and_o the_o union_n with_o he_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o true_a law_n of_o their_o union_n one_o with_o another_o as_o the_o apostle_n join_v their_o order_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n together_o they_o give_v themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o one_o another_o 5._o col._n 2._o 5._o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n method_n to_o preach_v first_o christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_z themselves_z servants_z for_o christ_n sake_n all_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o christian_n be_v first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o add_v to_o the_o church_n 47._o act_n 2._o 44_o 47._o and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v because_o if_o the_o first_o gather_v of_o christian_n be_v to_o the_o church_n the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o that_o church_n will_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o their_o after-action_n and_o regulation_n of_o themselves_o and_o they_o must_v take_v every_o thing_n on_o trust_n from_o that_o but_o if_o the_o first_o point_n of_o union_n be_v christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o that_o shall_v over-rule_v wherein_o soever_o a_o church_n may_v deviate_v from_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n 2._o from_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n be_v first_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a who_o constitution_n be_v fix_v upon_o the_o essential_a unalterable_a and_o ever_o the_o same_o point_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o worship_n agreeable_a to_o they_o and_o in_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n must_v concentre_v that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o body_n of_o christ._n this_o be_v that_o church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v it_o shall_v never_o die_v it_o shall_v never_o fail_v which_o yet_o we_o know_v may_v befall_v all_o particular_a church_n they_o have_v and_o perpetual_o may_v fail_v mat._n 16._o 18._o now_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v already_o show_v there_o be_v as_o firm_a a_o foundation_n of_o peace_n lay_v as_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o in_o a_o degenerate_a world_n of_o humane_a nature_n 3._o but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v particular_a assembly_n that_o be_v near_o to_o christian_n in_o particular_a and_o to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o unite_n as_o either_o have_v receive_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o so_o have_v be_v to_o they_o one_o of_o those_o pillar_n to_o which_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v affix_v it_o have_v offer_v it_o to_o all_o comer_n and_o to_o they_o in_o particular_a such_o assembly_n be_v a_o rest_n or_o repose_v 15._o â—_o tim_n 3._o 15._o of_o truth_n the_o communication_n of_o it_o have_v be_v make_v to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v near_o it_o and_o particular_o to_o they_o who_o we_o suppose_v aught_o to_o unite_v with_o they_o or_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n if_o their_o parent_n incorporate_v in_o such_o church_n and_o profess_v christianity_n in_o communion_n with_o they_o have_v direct_v their_o education_n into_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o he_o together_o with_o the_o christian_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o congregation_n or_o that_o they_o themselves_o have_v consider_v the_o whole_a circumstance_n of_o their_o state_n in_o relation_n to_o
to_o god_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v but_o pure_a true_a natural_a worship_n he_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o join_v in_o it_o when_o no_o better_o can_v be_v have_v and_o therein_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v any_o advantage_n to_o improve_v that_o little_a to_o such_o great_a purpose_n as_o st._n paul_n do_v the_o altar_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n at_o athens_n last_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o association_n he_o consider_v some_o universal_a and_o undeniable_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v yet_o not_o pertain_v to_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a worship_n in_o themselves_o but_o either_o to_o natural_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o decency_n observe_v in_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o christian_n so_o meet_v and_o most_o free_o comply_v with_o they_o some_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v observe_v ordain_v as_o such_o by_o the_o apostle_n such_o as_o he_o ordain_v in_o all_o church_n 1._o that_o of_o every_o man_n walk_v as_o god_n have_v call_v he_o in_o circumcision_n or_o uncircumcision_n bond_n or_o free_n and_o esteem_v neither_o state_n any_o prejudice_n upon_o his_o christianity_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 17_o 18._o 2._o that_o of_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 34._o 3._o that_o of_o prophet_n speak_v one_o by_o one_o and_o not_o in_o confusion_n and_o a_o medley_n of_o voice_n in_o a_o know_a tongve_n with_o interpretation_n v._o 5._o these_o pertain_v to_o natural_a decency_n and_o order_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o which_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 33_o 40._o 2._o decency_n proper_a to_o such_o age_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o i_o esteem_v those_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v man_n and_o woman_n pray_v cover_v or_o uncover_v wear_v their_o hair_n shear_v or_o unshorn_a and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o custom_n of_o church_n determine_v they_o or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v no_o custom_n to_o be_v contentious_a concern_v they_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 16._o such_o rule_n of_o contestable_a order_n and_o decency_n as_o these_o a_o christian_a wise_a and_o sober_a always_o and_o most_o ncessary_o acknowledge_v ceremonial_n and_o ritual_n beyond_o these_o he_o suffer_v to_o have_v no_o ascendent_n over_o he_o if_o for_o other_o reason_n he_o use_v they_o as_o if_o he_o use_v they_o not_o now_o such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o and_o such_o a_o one_o christianity_n teach_v every_o man_n to_o be_v i_o bold_o affirm_v concern_v he_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n he_o be_v no_o schismatic_a he_o be_v no_o boute-fen_n in_o society_n nor_o be_v he_o as_o some_o may_v mistake_v he_o any_o ambidexter_n in_o religion_n no_o more_o than_o the_o apostle_n who_o become_v to_o the_o jew_n to_o they_o under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o without_o law_n to_o the_o weak_a such_o as_o themselves_o that_o he_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o to_o allow_v no_o latitude_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o veer_fw-mi to_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a be_v starchedness_n and_o not_o constancy_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o st._n austyn_n who_o avow_v the_o great_a indifferency_n and_o freedom_n from_o rite_n have_v any_o power_n over_o he_o and_o so_o i_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o three_o head_n concern_v the_o peace_n christianity_n design_n viz._n christian_n imbody_v themselves_o into_o society_n i_o come_v now_o to_o a_o four_o head_n show_v how_o christianity_n have_v provide_v for_o peace_n and_o quiet_a within_o its_o own_o gate_n and_o wall_n and_o that_o be_v this_o 4._o the_o ministerial_a presidency_n our_o saviour_n have_v ordain_v in_o and_o for_o the_o conduct_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o demonstrate_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o strive_v or_o a_o cry_n or_o a_o clamorous_a lift_v up_o the_o voice_n in_o tâ—e_v 1._o mat._n 12._o 19_o 20._o thes_n 5._o 12._o heb._n 13._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o street_n for_o his_o kingdom_n that_o the_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v be_v break_v or_o the_o smoke_a flax_n quench_v for_o his_o sake_n for_o though_o this_o ministry_n be_v frequent_o style_v a_o be_v over_o christian_n a_o rule_n over_o they_o a_o eldership_n a_o eminency_n and_o such_o like_a way_n of_o speak_v as_o carry_v superiority_n and_o submission_n obedience_n honour_n and_o high_a esteem_n be_v require_v of_o christian_n as_o of_o a_o under_o degree_n to_o that_o high_a order_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o whole_a office_n be_v whole_o for_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o watch_v for_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v 17._o heb._n 13._o 17._o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o with_o joy_n for_o the_o good_a success_n of_o have_v guide_v they_o to_o salvation_n the_o honour_n and_o esteem_n be_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n it_o be_v a_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n it_o be_v no_o dominion_n or_o lordship_n over_o man_n person_n or_o 17._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o estate_n nor_o over_o their_o faith_n or_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o offer_v divine_a command_n all_o their_o superiority_n be_v in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o grandeur_n or_o imperiousness_n but_o use_v service_n ministry_n and_o work_v that_o express_v this_o precedency_n not_o as_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o helper_n of_o your_o joy_n say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o as_o ensample_n of_o the_o flock_n say_v the_o apostle_n peter_n but_o above_o all_o aught_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n to_o be_v remark_v to_o this_o purpose_n 25._o mat._n 20._o 25._o etc._n etc._n mark_v 10._o 42_o etc._n etc._n luk._n 22_o 25._o have_v describe_v the_o great_a assumption_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o chief_n of_o this_o world_n he_o express_o warn_v and_o declare_v to_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a greatness_n so_o to_o assume_v but_o if_o any_o one_o will_v be_v account_v great_a or_o chief_a among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christianity_n it_o must_v be_v his_o service_n his_o plâ—in_a service_n his_o ministry_n that_o must_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o advance_v he_o indeed_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o our_o saviour_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o this_o let_v such_o a_o man_n that_o love_v preeminency_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n let_v he_o be_v turn_v down_o into_o the_o low_a class_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o low_a and_o mean_a account_n as_o a_o just_a recompense_n of_o his_o ambition_n but_o it_o be_v altogether_o most_o probable_a our_o saviour_n intend_v a_o more_o kind_a sense_n to_o represent_v the_o great_a serviceableness_n of_o all_o those_o of_o more_o eminent_a character_n in_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v their_o public_a use_n that_o recommend_v they_o to_o grandieur_fw-fr in_o it_o for_o this_o he_o exemplify_v in_o himself_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minisire_v to_o to_o be_v attend_v upon_o and_o serve_v in_o state_n but_o to_o minister_v to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o they_o who_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n who_o can_v be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n who_o can_v instruct_v public_o and_o 31._o act._n 20._o 19_o 31._o from_o house_n to_o house_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v who_o can_v serve_v tâ—e_v lord_n in_o tâ—e_v salvation_n of_o soul_n with_o many_o tear_n and_o prayer_n day_n and_o night_n and_o seal_v their_o ministry_n with_o their_o blood_n they_o be_v the_o great_a one_o in_o the_o account_n of_o christianity_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o figure_n bishop_n or_o any_o in_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n make_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n who_o as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v may_v dispose_v what_o be_v their_o own_o as_o they_o measure_v themselves_o from_o the_o donation_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o their_o superiority_n over_o man_n from_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o law_n to_o the_o government_n they_o place_v they_o in_o over_o other_o of_o their_o subject_n so_o they_o be_v great_a and_o honourable_a and_o may_v exercise_v authority_n secular_a authority_n stand_v indeed_o upon_o that_o foot_n though_o call_v spiritual_a and_o very_o reasonable_o and_o just_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o greatness_n proper_a to_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o lie_v whole_o in_o service_n in_o condescension_n in_o application_n to_o man_n soul_n as_o they_o measure_v from_o christ_n to_o christian_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o christian_a greatness_n
and_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o in_o all_o justice_n humanity_n and_o reason_n tend_v to_o peace_n for_o what_o can_v move_v to_o it_o more_o than_o a_o sole_a design_n of_o do_v good_a in_o they_o that_o be_v at_o the_o top_n and_o a_o evident_a assurance_n to_o they_o that_o be_v below_o that_o that_o good_a be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o continual_o elaborate_v for_o they_o what_o can_v more_o quiet_a and_o addulce_a man_n spirit_n than_o to_o see_v a_o inâ—ire_a contrivance_n and_o composure_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v all_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 10._o such_o ministerial_a ruler_n be_v therefore_o the_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o 11._o ephes_n 4._o 11._o christ_n and_o speak_v the_o magnificence_n of_o his_o ascension_n they_o be_v give_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n all_o great_a end_n in_o a_o christian_a computation_n and_o as_o there_o be_v then_o extraordinary_a qualification_n immediate_o give_v by_o christ_n so_o now_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o divine_a blessing_n upon_o read_v study_n meditation_n to_o which_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o serve_v christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v whole_o to_o give_v themselves_o that_o their_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o church-preferment_n as_o we_o call_v they_o and_o ecclesiastic_a dignity_n be_v often_o otherwise_o bestow_v and_o serve_v other_o end_n and_o yet_o too_o very_o often_o the_o donors_n design_n these_o excellent_a end_n and_o when_o they_o be_v otherwise_o intend_v yet_o be_v in_o many_o instance_n overrule_v by_o god_n into_o great_a subserviency_n to_o these_o end_n by_o the_o excellent_a ability_n and_o labour_n of_o holy_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o christianity_n but_o be_v those_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v under_o human_a dispose_n as_o they_o fall_v out_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his_o great_a one_o even_o his_o true_a minister_n and_o let_v he_o that_o call_v himself_o by_o great_a name_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n see_v that_o he_o make_v they_o good_a by_o his_o service_n and_o ministry_n not_o by_o serve_v table_n i_o understand_v any_o mean_a service_n than_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n a_o prudent_a governor_n for_o church-order_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n a_o great_a improver_n of_o church-revenue_n however_o good_a they_o may_v be_v in_o their_o kind_n will_v not_o rise_v high_a enough_o nor_o answer_v the_o account_n not_o a_o cunning_a disputer_n a_o witty_a haranguer_n but_o a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v christ_n minister_n 5._o in_o appendage_n to_o this_o head_n follow_v the_o five_o account_n of_o the_o peaceable_a intendment_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o method_n of_o chastise_v correct_v and_o reform_v the_o know_a transgression_n against_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v state_v to_o the_o use_n of_o after-age_n be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n admonition_n warning_n reproof_n rebuke_n avoid_v reject_v from_o communion_n esteem_v as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n consignation_n over_o to_o divine_a judgement_n all_o these_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n fit_v to_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o destruction_n 10._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 10._o to_o touch_v the_o conscience_n to_o affect_v the_o mind_n to_o work_v self_n reflection_n shame_n self-condemnation_n repentance_n and_o amendment_n or_o else_o divine_a judgement_n must_v be_v await_v it_o be_v the_o rational_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a expedient_a of_o purge_v a_o society_n from_o the_o scandal_n of_o offender_n from_o infection_n and_o contagion_n of_o keep_v it_o pure_a and_o honourable_a viz._n to_o disavow_v they_o when_o gentle_a mean_n be_v ineffectual_a it_o be_v a_o most_o natural_a instrument_n for_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v so_o when_o upon_o just_a cause_n and_o by_o a_o unerring_a key_n be_v not_o only_o a_o appeal_n to_o divine_a judgement_n but_o a_o predamnation_n i_o know_v it_o be_v debate_v by_o learned_a man_n whether_o the_o apostolic_a 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 2_o 1._o rod_n and_o delivery_n to_o satan_n do_v not_o operate_v by_o corporeal_a infliction_n as_o in_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o possible_o in_o the_o incestuous_a person_n in_o a_o low_a degree_n i_o will_v however_o allow_v it_o do_v or_o may_v yet_o since_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a it_o be_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n much_o more_o convictive_a of_o conscience_n than_o human_a process_n wherein_o be_v often_o find_v much_o of_o mistake_n and_o injustice_n it_o be_v without_o noise_n or_o violence_n nor_o do_v it_o allow_v recrimination_n and_o complaint_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o fit_a to_o go_v along_o with_o so_o spiritual_a doctrine_n than_o worldly_a judicature_n and_o possible_o necessary_a for_o primitive_a time_n to_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n new_o set_v out_o in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o still_o here_o be_v none_o of_o that_o barbarous_a hurt_v or_o destroy_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a mountain_n and_o most_o probable_o the_o infliction_n fall_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n 20._o act_n 5._o 1._o act_n 13._o 11._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o 2_o cor._n 12._o 21._o chap._n 13._o 2._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o as_o ananias_n falsehood_n of_o the_o deep_a dye_n elymas_n his_o sorcery_n the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a those_o that_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o their_o fornication_n lasciviousness_n and_o uncleanness_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o have_v put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o then_o break_v out_o into_o blasphemy_n 6._o the_o peacefulness_n of_o christianity_n be_v most_o evident_o see_v in_o its_o deportment_n of_o itself_o towards_o magistracy_n of_o which_o have_v speak_v much_o in_o that_o which_o concern_v natural_a religion_n take_v into_o union_n with_o christian_a i_o shall_v only_o present_v these_o follow_v short_a mention_n of_o particular_n wherein_o christianity_n manifest_o design_n universal_a peace_n under_o this_o head_n 1._o it_o every_o where_o confirm_v and_o assure_v the_o divine_a ordination_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o state_n its_o power_n in_o enforce_v all_o natural_a religion_n and_o goodness_n in_o restrain_v all_o that_o be_v impious_a and_o evil_a 3._o it_o crave_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o to_o have_v justice_n do_v it_o according_a to_o those_o sanction_n nor_o prophecy_n any_o thing_n in_o the_o great_a outward_a happiness_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o prince_n and_o nation_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v by_o it_o and_o supreme_a prince_n 15._o isa_n 52._o 15._o become_v its_o nursing-fathers_n 4._o it_o enjoin_v upon_o all_o its_o servant_n and_o professor_n upon_o unjust_a suffering_n to_o return_v nothing_o of_o violence_n but_o blessing_n and_o prayer_n for_o injury_n and_o with_o patience_n to_o resign_v life_n itself_o 5._o it_o interpose_v not_o in_o decide_v the_o bound_n between_o prince_n and_o people_n but_o leave_v that_o to_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o particular_a law_n of_o nation_n compact_n between_o one_o and_o the_o other_o neither_o straighten_n nor_o enlarge_a prerogative_n neither_o swell_v nor_o abate_v power_n nor_o on_o the_o people_n side_n curtail_v or_o stretch_v liberty_n it_o leave_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v dispute_v in_o their_o own_o forum_n to_o be_v debate_v in_o their_o own_o proper_a senate_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n it_o move_v no_o landmark_n either_o way_n it_o tear_v up_o no_o sense_n as_o it_o therefore_o be_v horrible_a injury_n ro_o christianity_n to_o proclaim_v as_o some_o speak_v king_n jesus_n to_o the_o disturb_v earthly_a kingdom_n when_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o be_v it_o a_o huge_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o grand_a extreme_a on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o inconsequence_n to_o argue_v from_o the_o command_v of_o christian_n suffering_n when_o human_a law_n and_o regular_a state-constitution_n adjudge_v they_o to_o such_o how_o unjust_o soever_o then_o indeed_o no_o resistance_n be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v vast_o inconsequent_a to_o infer_v hence_o any_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n tame_o to_o resign_v those_o right_n even_o those_o religious_a right_n that_o be_v establish_v to_o he_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o statute_n of_o a_o nation_n wherein_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n prince_n and_o people_n have_v concur_v for_o christian_a religion_n as_o christian_a religion_n undermine_v no_o law_n whether_o for_o prince_n
religion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v 2._o the_o error_n suppose_v in_o such_o a_o national_a constitution_n now_o reformation_n of_o national_a constitution_n in_o religion_n be_v contestable_o in_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o do_v till_o these_o suppose_a error_n of_o such_o a_o account_n as_o the_o high_a place_n be_v remove_v we_o must_v either_o not_o worship_n in_o consent_n with_o our_o nation_n which_o seem_v as_o natural_a as_o with_o our_o family_n and_o much_o countenance_v by_o the_o scripture_n or_o we_o must_v wait_v the_o season_n of_o public_a reformation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n attend_v public_a worship_n and_o avoid_v with_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n we_o can_v the_o dint_n of_o error_n in_o such_o a_o constitution_n as_o we_o suppose_v the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n do_v not_o in_o far_o great_a corruption_n omit_v certain_o all_o sort_n of_o public_a worship_n beside_o the_o temple-worship_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o bow_v not_o their_o knee_n to_o baal_n nor_o kiss_v he_o gross_a corruption_n be_v indeed_o positive_o to_o be_v refuse_v and_o abhor_v such_o as_o those_o of_o that_o time_n such_o as_o those_o of_o popery_n such_o as_o be_v all_o though_o not_o complete_a popery_n yet_o too_o near_o it_o lesser_a dissatisfaction_n may_v be_v wary_o avoid_v and_o yet_o national_a religion_n as_o far_o own_a as_o we_o can_v without_o share_v even_o in_o those_o small_a error_n and_o it_o be_v some_o relief_n to_o we_o herein_o that_o although_o it_o be_v evident_a national_a law_n can_v bind_v any_o man_n conscience_n in_o religion_n any_o further_a than_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o man_n conscience_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o they_o can_v save_v he_o harmless_a at_o the_o last_o tribunal_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o reason_n can_v bind_v he_o yet_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o relief_n in_o that_o obedience_n a_o sober_a christian_a desire_n to_o pay_v to_o humane_a law_n so_o far_o as_o agree_v with_o scripture_n and_o the_o regard_v he_o will_v yield_v to_o national_a religion_n that_o he_o may_v well_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o any_o connivance_n or_o relaxation_n of_o humane_a law_n in_o their_o prosecution_n as_o all_o man_n how_o conscientious_a soever_o concern_v humane_a law_n do_v we_o see_v every_o day_n where_o the_o law_n be_v not_o press_v nor_o the_o injury_n any_o although_o it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o ordinary_a common_a liberty_n that_o be_v restrain_v for_o if_o authority_n be_v not_o despise_v if_o public_a good_a be_v not_o incommoded_a humane_a law_n do_v not_o bind_v the_o conscience_n as_o divine_a law_n do_v and_o therefore_o much_o less_o in_o religion_n wherein_o except_o natural_a their_o power_n have_v not_o a_o further_a obligation_n than_o as_o the_o conscience_n be_v sensible_a of_o divine_a authority_n concur_v thus_o than_o a_o man_n may_v without_o offence_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o such_o observance_n and_o yet_o join_v in_o public_a worship_n 2._o there_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o a_o nation_n enter_v into_o their_o public_a administration_n of_o religion_n as_o into_o other_o national_a solemnity_n there_o be_v their_o law_n and_o appointment_n of_o what_o they_o think_v grave_a decent_a orderly_a rational_o promote_a the_o knowledge_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o condescension_n to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n of_o their_o people_n and_o security_n for_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v certain_o perform_v with_o that_o advantage_n as_o liturgy_n and_o read_v scripture_n and_o it_o may_v be_v add_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v intend_v as_o cementation_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a government_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_a end_n if_o it_o be_v a_o subordinate_a end_n and_o regulate_v by_o the_o high_a now_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o all_o this_o yet_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o national_a conjunction_n in_o divine_a worship_n we_o shall_v tolerate_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a we_o can_v or_o they_o may_v be_v interpret_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o civil_a appointment_n civil_a order_n and_o decency_n or_o national_a custom_n for_o if_o nothing_o may_v be_v tolerate_v if_o nothing_o may_v be_v favourable_o interpret_v there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o charity_n 7._o 1_o cor._n 13._o 7._o in_o those_o excellent_a act_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n record_n viz._n charity_n believe_v and_o hope_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o symmetry_n to_o truth_n and_o discretion_n be_v hope_v or_o believe_v it_o bear_v all_o thing_n it_o endure_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v endure_v without_o our_o own_o sin_n though_o sinful_a in_o other_o as_o command_v with_o rigour_n or_o over-esteeming_a thing_n not_o necessary_a 3._o it_o seem_v by_o our_o saviour_n command_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v the_o pharisee_n precept_n speak_v out_o of_o moses_n his_o chair_n and_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o pharisee_n which_o be_v express_o expound_v 12._o mat_n 23._o 1._o mat._n 16_o 12._o of_o the_o leaven_n of_o doctrine_n that_o a_o man_n may_v join_v in_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n where_o the_o main_a part_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o immerse_v in_o the_o whole_a but_o that_o he_o may_v separate_v between_o the_o pure_a and_o corrupt_a part_n in_o relation_n to_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o private_a act_n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n can_v not_o do_v this_o i_o know_v not_o how_o he_o shall_v join_v in_o any_o humane_a performance_n as_o i_o have_v note_v before_o or_o how_o he_o shall_v allow_v his_o own_o worship_n of_o god_n see_v he_o must_v needs_o condemn_v himself_o in_o particular_n wherein_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o general_a every_o thing_n humane_a be_v imperfect_a i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o evil_n of_o unavoidable_a incursion_n and_o those_o that_o be_v frame_v and_o deliberate_v into_o a_o constitution_n but_o even_o in_o this_o case_n it_o appear_v a_o man_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n when_o he_o join_v with_o the_o solemn_a action_n of_o other_o to_o take_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o do_v when_o there_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a account_n of_o such_o action_n beside_o their_o ill_a one_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o abhor_v by_o scripture_n than_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o with_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o offer_n do_v to_o the_o idol_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n allow_v the_o freedom_n of_o eat_v thing_n so_o offer_v and_o even_o in_o a_o idol_n temple_n where_o a_o christian_a have_v the_o 10._o 1_o cor_fw-la 8._o 10._o knowledge_n that_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v scandalize_v or_o draw_v into_o sin_n that_o have_v not_o that_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n 4._o a_o very_a great_a good_a to_o be_v donce_n or_o receive_v will_v recommend_v to_o we_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n unnecessary_a without_o a_o eye_n to_o that_o good_a and_o in_o some_o case_n unlawful_a and_o forbid_a as_o appear_v by_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o to_o the_o jew_n he_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o they_o under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n that_o by_o all_o mean_v he_o may_v save_v some_o it_o appear_v too_o by_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o circumcise_n timothy_n by_o his_o intend_v and_o relax_v his_o discourse_n 26._o act._n 16._o 3._o act._n 21._o 26._o concern_v jewish_n rite_n it_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n command_v the_o disciple_n hear_v the_o pharisee_n though_o they_o endanger_v themselves_o with_o the_o leaven_n so_o that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o regard_n and_o reverence_v due_a to_o moses_n his_o chair_n in_o all_o proportion_n of_o reason_n our_o saviour_n have_v not_o allow_v it_o and_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n be_v at_o other_o time_n very_o severe_a as_o in_o the_o tradition_n of_o wash_a hand_n as_o in_o the_o young_a 10._o mat._n 15._o 1_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 19_o 17._o gal._n 5_o 2._o &_o 4._o 9_o 10._o man_n call_v he_o good_a and_o the_o apostle_n concern_v circumcision_n and_o jewish_a rite_n it_o be_v upon_o great_a account_n of_o preserve_v pure_a and_o safe_a the_o main_a point_n and_o design_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o christianity_n when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n i_o have_v propose_v with_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o it_o not_o that_o i_o have_v any_o thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o accuse_v my_o nation_n of_o by_o all_o 19_o act._n 28._o 19_o mean_n to_o be_v shun_v with_o
and_o inflame_v with_o a_o holy_a affection_n in_o a_o lowly_a imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a zeal_n wherewith_o god_n perform_v all_o his_o holy_a ordination_n thus_o as_o prince_n they_o have_v power_n with_o god_n because_o they_o offer_v he_o their_o petition_n according_a to_o his_o establish_v rule_n of_o government_n and_o his_o own_o holy_a will_n concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o now_o the_o understanding_n these_o rule_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o infallible_a to_o the_o prophet_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n inspire_v by_o he_o but_o to_o we_o in_o ordinary_a by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o true_a and_o right_a reason_n in_o deduction_n from_o that_o word_n and_o in_o which_o word_n and_o the_o deduction_n from_o it_o if_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v the_o efficacy_n will_v be_v certain_a because_o if_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n we_o be_v sure_o he_o hear_v we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v in_o some_o true_a sense_n the_o petition_n we_o ask_v of_o he_o this_o be_v so_o valuable_a a_o rule_n of_o prayer_n that_o daniel_n though_o so_o great_a a_o man_n of_o vision_n yet_o betake_v himself_o to_o this_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n dan._n 9_o by_o book_n of_o holy_a record_n and_o general_a chronology_n he_o know_v that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n be_v near_o its_o expiration_n and_o so_o set_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o be_v crown_v with_o this_o wonderful_a success_n and_o acceptance_n thus_o prayer_n prevail_v with_o god_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o change_n in_o he_o there_o be_v a_o configuration_n or_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o own_o unchangeable_a will_n his_o counsel_n of_o old_a that_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n be_v remonstrate_v to_o he_o by_o the_o humble_a servant_n desire_v of_o his_o servant_n that_o know_v they_o to_o be_v his_o counsel_n and_o who_o be_v order_v by_o the_o same_o counsel_n to_o inquire_v or_o beseech_v he_o by_o prayer_n according_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n he_o draw_v the_o parallel_a line_n to_o his_o own_o intention_n upon_o their_o heart_n desire_n and_o affection_n i_o have_v pursue_v this_o the_o further_a because_o it_o give_v a_o solution_n to_o that_o doubt_n how_o god_n without_o any_o change_n in_o himself_o hear_v prayer_n and_o also_o assure_v we_o this_o prayer_n be_v so_o remarkable_a as_o to_o be_v twice_o use_v in_o the_o same_o word_n most_o certain_o bear_v itself_o upon_o some_o certain_a principle_n from_o which_o we_o may_v argue_v to_o general_a practice_n the_o principle_n it_o rest_v upon_o must_v be_v this_o there_o be_v a_o establish_v order_n betwixt_o the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n his_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n and_o the_o nation_n or_o family_n not_o know_v not_o call_v on_o his_o name_n and_o this_o be_v know_v by_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n his_o wrath_n according_a to_o unchangeable_a law_n be_v always_o prepare_v against_o those_o that_o forsake_v he_o and_o that_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o he_o as_o nation_n it_o have_v be_v else_o a_o great_a presumption_n upon_o god_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o nation_n so_o to_o pray_v against_o they_o which_o may_v also_o give_v we_o account_v of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a imprecation_n and_o curse_n david_n and_o other_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n pour_v out_o against_o their_o own_o enemy_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o people_n they_o be_v found_v in_o their_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n his_o true_a worship_n love_n and_o service_n and_o as_o such_o their_o final_a destruction_n be_v decree_v against_o they_o by_o the_o most_o righteous_a law_n of_o divine_a government_n make_v know_v unto_o those_o holy_a man_n and_o so_o they_o pray_v for_o it_o as_o public_a person_n and_o not_o out_o of_o private_a wrath_n and_o revenge_n but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o main_a argument_n and_o this_o principle_n i_o be_o upon_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v against_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v without_o national_a religion_n lie_v deep_a in_o a_o first_o and_o more_o original_a principle_n viz._n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n a_o great_a duty_n lie_v upon_o nation_n as_o nation_n to_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n for_o else_o why_o shall_v god_n find_v fault_n why_o shall_v he_o be_v angry_a when_o none_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a order_n establish_v by_o god_n between_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o a_o people_n and_o their_o public_a true_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o duty_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o fit_v we_o for_o blessing_n and_o â—avour_n as_o the_o neglect_n and_o transgression_n of_o duty_n can_v be_v without_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n for_o thus_o god_n have_v place_v life_n and_o death_n one_o over_o against_o another_o yet_o so_o that_o life_n and_o blessing_n be_v always_o first_o even_o as_o duty_n be_v always_o before_o sin_n for_o god_n never_o make_v death_n and_o destruction_n even_o as_o he_o never_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n but_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o fail_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o so_o of_o that_o life_n and_o blessedness_n entail_v on_o our_o duty_n yet_o the_o obligation_n to_o national_a true_a religion_n be_v much_o more_o evident_a from_o these_o holy_a man_n pray_v down_o wrath_n upon_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n than_o it_o can_v have_v be_v from_o the_o pray_n for_o his_o favour_n to_o they_o that_o do_v know_v he_o and_o that_o do_v call_v on_o his_o name_n because_o his_o favour_n may_v have_v be_v vouchsafe_v upon_o term_n much_o below_o our_o substantial_a and_o inviolable_a duty_n as_o many_o of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n may_v be_v argument_n for_o and_o pledge_n of_o god_n gracious_a regard_n to_o the_o people_n he_o have_v so_o distinguish_v when_o the_o want_n of_o those_o sign_n will_v not_o have_v argue_v to_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a or_o positive_a duty_n lie_v upon_o any_o but_o the_o jew_n to_o such_o observance_n there_o may_v be_v many_o argument_n for_o the_o bounty_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n from_o external_n rite_n appoint_v by_o he_o and_o observe_v by_o his_o people_n though_o indeed_o these_o all_o refer_v to_o their_o essential_a duty_n and_o argue_v nothing_o without_o it_o yet_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o enforce_v to_o the_o opposite_a degree_n of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n because_o they_o be_v not_o observe_v when_o no_o substantial_a duty_n be_v violate_v uncircumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n may_v have_v in_o the_o main_a the_o same_o security_n from_o wrath_n with_o circumcision_n that_o keep_v the_o law_n also_o see_v then_o there_o be_v so_o great_a wrath_n against_o those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n it_o assure_v we_o the_o duty_n the_o obligation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o lie_v deep_a that_o the_o omission_n be_v so_o subject_v to_o the_o divine_a revenge_n and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o a_o society_n without_o religion_n be_v a_o high_a contempt_n of_o god_n a_o make_v flesh_n our_o arm_n and_o depart_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o from_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n a_o principality_n without_o a_o inscription_n a_o dedication_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v devote_v be_v like_o the_o build_n a_o tower_n up_o to_o heaven_n a_o sin_n like_o the_o sin_n of_o herod_n when_o he_o let_v that_o sacrilegious_a applause_n sink_v into_o he_o and_o give_v not_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o subject_n man_n to_o be_v at_o any_o time_n smite_v and_o blast_v by_o god_n who_o have_v say_v those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v but_o all_o else_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v whether_o nation_n or_o person_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o only_a the_o judgement_n upon_o the_o irreligion_n of_o particular_a person_n of_o particular_a family_n that_o be_v here_o intend_a though_o this_o be_v include_v and_o suppose_v but_o especial_o upon_o the_o irreligion_n of_o society_n knit_v and_o strengthen_v themselves_o without_o the_o true_a god_n upon_o principality_n exalt_v themselves_o and_o not_o by_o and_o with_o the_o almighty_a and_o supreme_a majesty_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n a_o obligation_n of_o be_v public_o religious_a there_o be_v a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o according_a to_o that_o fundamental_a principle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n
of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o this_o must_v be_v first_o because_o as_o righteousness_n and_o duty_n be_v before_o sin_n so_o blessing_n and_o favour_n be_v before_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n yet_o wrath_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o absolute_a duty_n violate_v than_o favour_n be_v of_o absolute_a duty_n observe_v because_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v more_o at_o liberty_n than_o his_o wrath_n which_o always_o depend_v on_o strict_a justice_n all_o which_o amount_v to_o the_o full_a proof_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o national_a religion_n from_o this_o prayer_n see_v national_a irreligion_n be_v so_o near_o the_o curse_n of_o divine_a fury_n and_o revenge_n have_v thus_o far_o consider_v national_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v found_v argum._n 2_o in_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o inviolable_a duty_n to_o god_n i_o come_v second_o to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o unquestionable_a rationality_n of_o the_o divine_a ordination_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o by_o a_o prerogative_n of_o power_n and_o goodness_n god_n will_v secure_v the_o true_a religion_n after_o the_o nation_n have_v so_o corrupt_v themselves_o and_o that_o he_o have_v now_o begin_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o suffer_v they_o to_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o way_n he_o find_v his_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v anew_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o from_o thence_o commence_v it_o into_o a_o national_a state_n even_o as_o he_o do_v the_o family_n wherein_o he_o have_v place_v it_o and_o that_o for_o the_o very_a sake_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n which_o family_n and_o nation_n have_v indeed_o many_o peculiar_o in_o its_o religious_a constitution_n such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o as_o i_o shall_v after_o account_v for_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o fitness_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o that_o model_n of_o humane_a society_n to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o acceptableness_n to_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o devote_v but_o because_o we_o may_v think_v this_o choose_n of_o abraham_n family_n and_o the_o nation_n rise_v from_o it_o be_v a_o interdict_v upon_o any_o other_o family_n or_o nation_n to_o institute_v a_o public_a national_a religion_n any_o other_o way_n than_o as_o they_o proselyte_v themselves_o to_o that_o one_o nation_n and_o family_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a there_o be_v elsewhere_o the_o footstep_n of_o national_a and_o family_n religion_n though_o more_o rare_a in_o that_o very_a time_n as_o in_o melchisedeck_v who_o be_v king_n of_o salem_n of_o peace_n and_o righteousness_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n so_o incorporate_n religion_n with_o his_o government_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n so_o that_o the_o erect_v a_o national_a religion_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o supersede_n the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o national_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o in_o judgement_n past_o our_o find_v out_o he_o so_o overlook_v they_o as_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o for_o he_o never_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o worship_v by_o give_v they_o fruitful_a time_n and_o season_n and_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n he_o be_v never_o far_o from_o they_o in_o that_o he_o give_v they_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o he_o they_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o being_n so_o that_o they_o wâ—re_v without_o excuse_n when_o at_o any_o time_n his_o wrath_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o they_o for_o not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n and_o be_v thankful_a belshazzar_n and_o his_o nation_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o god_n for_o not_o glorify_v that_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v his_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o his_o way_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v near_o the_o jew_n be_v allow_v to_o unite_v themselves_o to_o the_o jewish_a national_a religion_n when_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v grow_v so_o dark_a and_o obsolete_a among_o themselves_o and_o though_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o stranger_n yet_o god_n assure_v they_o a_o place_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n but_o because_o there_o be_v not_o provision_n enough_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o nation_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o religion_n it_o be_v certain_o at_o all_o time_n lawful_a and_o please_a to_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v national_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a jekovah_n though_o eminent_o know_v then_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o give_v reason_n always_o to_o his_o wrath_n against_o they_o whenever_o he_o please_v to_o execute_v it_o but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o three_o argument_n of_o near_a concernment_n to_o we_o the_o three_o argument_n i_o derive_v from_o the_o favour_n of_o christian_a religion_n argum._n 3_o to_o national_a religion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o several_a proof_n 1._o christianity_n repeal_v none_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n if_o therefore_o national_a religion_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o essential_a duty_n towards_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o nation_n it_o be_v certain_a christianity_n do_v not_o remove_v it_o but_o restore_v and_o exalt_v it_o to_o the_o great_a perfection_n christ_n come_v not_o to_o dissolve_v any_o of_o those_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o that_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o doctrine_n to_o its_o just_a integrity_n where_o it_o be_v false_o gloss_a upon_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o the_o former_a revelation_n of_o it_o to_o superadd_a what_o may_v render_v it_o most_o complete_a 2._o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v the_o second_o proof_n that_o if_o god_n not_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n which_o be_v useful_a for_o that_o state_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o real_a goodness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o pitch_v upon_o the_o national_a form_n of_o religion_n by_o his_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o abraham_n and_o moses_n as_o i_o have_v already_o argue_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v reverse_v by_o christ_n it_o remain_v therefore_o among_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n and_o learning_n on_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v 3._o christianity_n vouch_v itself_o a_o religion_n of_o the_o most_o public_a spirit_n and_o intention_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o high_a conduct_n of_o god_n to_o open_v all_o passage_n for_o truth_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n among_o man_n as_o innumerable_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n assure_v we_o so_o that_o the_o gospel_n most_o evident_o design_n itself_o to_o be_v free_a and_o public_a as_o the_o heaven_n as_o the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n may_v well_o be_v apply_v to_o it_o the_o line_n of_o it_o be_v go_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o therefore_o as_o naturalness_n and_o publiqueness_n agree_v so_o far_o the_o thing_n be_v undeniable_a 4._o many_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o go_v before_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o follow_v after_o have_v a_o particular_a favour_n for_o national_a religion_n to_o name_v some_o of_o a_o multitude_n christ_n shall_v sprinkle_v many_o nation_n he_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n go_v make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n the_o apostle_n magnify_v himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o nation_n he_o compare_v himself_o with_o the_o holy_a priesthood_n while_o by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o be_v negotiate_v in_o the_o offer_n up_o the_o nation_n a_o sacrifice_n consecrate_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n that_o be_v ever_o offer_v to_o god_n except_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n offer_v himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n resemble_v with_o the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o law_n or_o clothe_v with_o that_o denomination_n of_o priestliness_n use_n have_v appropriate_v to_o it_o and_o that_o to_o no_o other_o office_n but_o of_o preach_v to_o conversion_n rom._n 15._o 16._o but_o because_o i_o know_v the_o proof_n from_o these_o scripture_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v retrench_v by_o expound_v they_o of_o the_o diffusion_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o catholic_n church_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o
society_n of_o mankind_n it_o declare_v itself_o a_o religion_n that_o love_v they_o and_z as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o testify_v the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o and_o the_o near_a resemblance_n between_o those_o civil_a and_o political_a union_n one_o with_o another_o found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o religious_a union_n which_o by_o the_o very_a same_o law_n of_o nature_n follow_v they_o as_o so_o unite_v christianity_n keep_v to_o the_o very_a same_o tenor_n of_o union_n it_o find_v any_o where_o and_o twine_v as_o close_v about_o the_o city_n neighbourhood_n and_o family_n make_v ready_a to_o its_o hand_n by_o civil_a association_n as_o it_o can_v not_o call_v man_n out_o to_o wilderness_n mountain_n or_o wood_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v abide_v in_o desert_n and_o solitude_n when_o persecution_n do_v not_o drive_v and_o force_v they_o out_o but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v denominate_v from_o those_o city_n and_o region_n where_o they_o be_v plant_v as_o the_o church_n of_o epheâ—â—â—â—_n 2._o 2_o cor_fw-la 9_o 2._o coriâ—th_n judaea_n galatia_n macedonia_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o christiâ—â—_n of_o achaia_n be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n achaia_n as_o if_o christianity_n be_v there_o become_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n and_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v call_v those_o very_a city_n where_o they_o be_v seat_v 1â—_n rev._n 1._o 1â—_n wherein_o it_o be_v observable_a the_o church_n of_o city_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o or_o in_o each_o city_n as_o one_o though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n certain_a they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o more_o congregation_n for_o their_o numerousness_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o call_v one_o because_o the_o city_n be_v one_o but_o the_o region_n not_o be_v so_o unite_v in_o government_n neighbourhood_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o civil_a union_n the_o distribution_n of_o church_n easy_o follow_v the_o distinction_n easy_o supposable_a in_o their_o civil_a state_n in_o region_n therefore_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o centre_n of_o union_n not_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o distance_n too_o great_a for_o coagmentation_n into_o one_o nor_o in_o the_o law_n and_o government_n at_o least_o with_o any_o respect_n of_o order_n towards_o religion_n they_o be_v therefore_o call_v church_n and_o not_o one_o church_n as_o they_o be_v without_o any_o exception_n in_o city_n even_o where_o the_o apostle_n name_v particular_a church_n in_o the_o house_n within_o those_o city_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o city_n itself_o they_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o one_o church_n of_o that_o city_n now_o all_o this_o speak_v the_o care_n christian_n religion_n use_v not_o to_o disturb_v but_o to_o conform_v to_o civil_a society_n and_o therefore_o especial_o to_o national_a the_o chief_a of_o those_o society_n and_o so_o i_o close_o this_o three_o argument_n for_o national_a religion_n derive_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o christian_a religion_n national_a religion_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o consideration_n in_o respect_n argum._n 4_o to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o god_n upon_o those_o nation_n that_o know_v he_o not_o that_o call_v not_o on_o his_o name_n be_v to_o be_v take_v at_o the_o full_a extent_n and_o duration_n in_o this_o world_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o so_o the_o happiness_n of_o nation_n who_o have_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n that_o have_v the_o everlasting_a arm_n under_o and_o about_o they_o spread_v itself_o not_o only_o upon_o time_n but_o upon_o eternity_n it_o be_v indeed_o general_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o nation_n be_v only_o judge_v as_o nation_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o if_o we_o close_o examine_v we_o shall_v find_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o reason_n very_o valuable_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v not_o only_o pass_v upon_o person_n single_a but_o in_o their_o community_n as_o they_o be_v lock_v in_o with_o their_o association_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o very_a period_n of_o time_n and_o the_o generation_n into_o which_o the_o community_n and_o association_n have_v be_v distribute_v so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o people_n of_o every_o nation_n come_v into_o judgement_n together_o but_o the_o people_n of_o every_o generation_n of_o this_o or_o that_o nation_n come_v distinct_o into_o judgement_n together_o beside_o those_o peculiarity_n of_o sin_n or_o grace_n wherein_o every_o man_n be_v individual_a to_o himself_o and_o no_o stranger_n intermeddle_v but_o he_o prove_v and_o enjoy_v his_o own_o work_n alone_o or_o bear_v his_o own_o burden_n there_o be_v also_o man_n interwoven_a action_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a wherein_o the_o community_n knot_n of_o society_n neighbourhood_n concurrence_n with_o the_o nation_n conformity_n with_o the_o age_n and_o generation_n shall_v be_v exact_o compare_v and_o weigh_v in_o the_o eternal_a judgement_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o the_o scripture_n than_o thus_o to_o represent_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o nation_n whole_a as_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n and_o egypt_n and_o 12._o ezek._n 32._o 18_o etc._n etc._n rom_n 2_o 12._o all_o its_o company_n all_o its_o host_n lie_v together_o the_o other_o nation_n with_o their_o multitude_n every_o one_o in_o their_o proper_a sort_n the_o uncircumcision_n and_o those_o without_o law_n be_v judge_v by_o themselves_o the_o circumcision_n and_o those_o under_o the_o law_n by_o themselves_o distinct_o our_o saviour_n speak_v oâ—_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o man_n of_o nineveh_n tyre_n aend_v sidon_n chorazin_n bethsaida_n and_o capernaum_n come_v into_o judgement_n in_o that_o union_n in_o that_o community_n wherein_o they_o be_v embody_v here_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o man_n of_o that_o generation_n as_o they_o be_v that_o generation_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a that_o the_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v with_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o distinction_n of_o nation_n because_o beside_o what_o other_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v the_o union_n of_o all_o bless_a person_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o of_o happy_a spirit_n one_o to_o another_o be_v so_o infinite_o great_a as_o to_o swallow_v up_o all_o distinction_n so_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o gentile_a scythian_n nor_o barbarian_a but_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o and_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o such_o national_a distinction_n our_o lord_n be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o who_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n the_o table_n of_o everlasting_a life_n at_o which_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n sit_v down_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o israel_n of_o god_n be_v the_o capital_a expression_n of_o happiness_n but_o still_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o think_v the_o distinction_n of_o nation_n be_v not_o so_o lose_v but_o that_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v as_o the_o substance_n of_o every_o nation_n in_o which_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o as_o it_o be_v by_o itself_o conserve_v a_o seed_n serve_v god_n in_o every_o age_n which_o be_v account_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o generation_n at_o that_o time_n and_o when_o god_n write_v down_o the_o people_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n he_o write_v they_o as_o under_o the_o head_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v there_o although_o they_o be_v all_o enroll_v as_o citizen_n of_o that_o common_a city_n of_o zion_n the_o city_n of_o david_n from_o who_o our_o lord_n spring_v and_o though_o all_o christian_n be_v one_o holy_a nation_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o very_a glorious_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v that_o after_o the_o distinct_a seal_v of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o each_o tribe_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o innumerable_a company_n not_o in_o a_o confusion_n but_o in_o a_o distinction_n so_o as_o to_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o all_o nation_n kindred_n people_n and_o tongue_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v be_v also_o mention_v in_o the_o same_o mystical_a book_n as_o keep_v under_o that_o distinction_n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o his_o corinthian_n and_o thessalonian_o as_o certain_a he_o shall_v meet_v they_o under_o those_o very_a name_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n he_o pray_v for_o israel_n as_o a_o nation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v he_o discourse_v their_o fall_v away_o and_o recovery_n in_o a_o national_a way_n for_o many_o particular_a israelite_n be_v then_o call_v and_o save_v but_o not_o in_o a_o national_a way_n as_o he_o insist_o beside_o all_o these_o fair_a
public_a too_o as_o it_o may_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n towards_o the_o people_n and_o of_o they_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v so_o over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n which_o consist_v in_o watchng_v for_o their_o soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o they_o and_o those_o soul_n therefore_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o administer_a of_o which_o be_v style_v a_o ruling_n all_o these_o require_v a_o particular_a presence_n one_o with_o another_o and_o in_o such_o a_o proportion_n of_o number_n one_o to_o another_o that_o the_o principal_a duty_n may_v not_o be_v defeat_v by_o the_o over-number_n but_o that_o the_o service_n of_o all_o one_o to_o another_o may_v extend_v to_o all_o may_v comprehend_v all_o may_v continual_o pass_v and_o re-pass_a between_o all_o and_o in_o which_o all_o may_v continual_o demonstrate_v their_o consent_n and_o agreement_n but_o yet_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o bar_n of_o a_o national_a religion_n see_v that_o a_o nation_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v have_v and_o undeniable_o must_v have_v a_o national_a union_n and_o if_o true_a religion_n be_v fix_v there_o and_o carry_v along_o with_o that_o union_n it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v a_o national_a religion_n at_o least_o and_o without_o any_o injury_n a_o national_a church_n the_o agreement_n in_o the_o one_o carry_v also_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o other_o make_v it_o so_o and_o as_o in_o such_o a_o national_a union_n though_o the_o standard_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o law_n judicature_n trade_n business_n militarystrength_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v preserve_v in_o capital_a city_n and_o court_n yet_o by_o the_o care_n of_o government_n they_o be_v all_o in_o due_a proportion_n distribute_v as_o the_o blood_n in_o the_o vein_n by_o fit_a channel_n to_o every_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v in_o circuit_n so_o the_o public_a agreement_n in_o religion_n settle_v the_o religious_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n more_o eminent_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o do_v most_o represent_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o it_o yet_o with_o due_a care_n of_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o bring_v it_o home_o particular_o to_o they_o and_o make_v the_o mutual_a intercourse_n in_o it_o free_a and_o open_a to_o all_o person_n in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o pass_v up_o and_o down_o and_o maintain_v a_o intercourse_n one_o with_o another_o that_o wherever_o they_o be_v or_o have_v occasion_n to_o be_v they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o freedom_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o national_a religion_n to_o which_o at_o all_o time_n they_o give_v a_o know_v and_o even_o conscious_a vote_n that_o agree_v in_o it_o the_o assembly_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o view_n under_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o nation_n together_o and_o as_o national_a union_n do_v not_o swallow_v up_o lesser_a or_o even_o family_n union_n no_o more_o do_v a_o national_a any_o lesser_a church_n or_o religious_a society_n except_o by_o man_n own_o fault_n and_o wherever_o man_n thus_o unite_v come_v in_o the_o nation_n they_o glad_o lie_v hold_v of_o the_o opportunity_n of_o join_v with_o any_o other_o particular_a assembly_n to_o which_o sameness_n of_o language_n and_o manner_n give_v they_o ready_a admission_n beside_o particular_a knowledge_n and_o that_o national_a religion_n can_v be_v so_o very_o particular_a as_o congregational_a be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o deny_v national_a and_o rest_v whole_o in_o congregational_a than_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v congregational_a and_o rest_n in_o family_n religion_n or_o to_o deny_v family_n and_o rest_n in_o personal_a religion_n because_o these_o be_v each_o close_a than_o other_o 3._o a_o three_o end_n of_o church_n come_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o more_o particular_o enforce_v national_a religion_n and_o justify_v its_o nationality_n viz._n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o illustrious_a famous_a and_o remarkable_a offer_n of_o religion_n to_o notice_n and_o observation_n for_o the_o draw_v in_o and_o congregate_a other_o to_o it_o thus_o a_o church_n be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o seat_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o magnificent_a house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o what_o more_o advantageous_a to_o this_o end_n than_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o know_v have_v great_o the_o odds_o of_o particular_a congregation_n in_o this_o illustriousness_n and_o magnificence_n nor_o do_v this_o run_v out_o yet_o to_o the_o build_n the_o babel_n of_o rome_n that_o will_v mount_v up_o as_o a_o tower_n to_o heaven_n or_o as_o too_o ambitious_a pyramid_n that_o be_v often_o rebuke_v with_o lightning_n from_o heaven_n for_o come_v too_o near_o it_o see_v as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v such_o a_o universality_n enforce_v be_v destructive_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o public_a religion_n humane_a society_n be_v so_o bound_v by_o nation_n though_o all_o the_o treaty_n of_o nation_n of_o the_o same_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v manage_v to_o give_v it_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o it_o that_o can_v be_v procurate_v in_o such_o treaty_n so_o much_o then_o as_o national_a exceed_v and_o extend_v itself_o beyond_o any_o narrow_a compass_n and_o yet_o rejoin_v itself_o to_o and_o with_o itself_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o particular_a congregation_n so_o much_o do_v it_o partake_v of_o the_o magnificency_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o publickness_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o return_v into_o the_o closeness_n of_o particular_a church_n with_o themselves_o and_o be_v the_o just_a point_n betwixt_o the_o tyranny_n ambition_n and_o endlesness_n of_o popish_a universality_n and_o put_v christianity_n under_o a_o bed_n or_o bushel_n national_a religion_n and_o national_a union_n in_o it_o be_v as_o a_o city_n set_v upon_o a_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v as_o a_o candle_n set_v upon_o so_o exalt_v a_o candlestick_n that_o give_v light_a to_o all_o within_o itself_o and_o about_o it_o even_o as_o far_o as_o the_o fame_n of_o that_o nation_n reach_v the_o church_n much_o more_o as_o rising_z up_o into_o a_o national_a state_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v be_v in_o some_o regard_n more_o exact_a in_o the_o most_o private_a we_o go_v out_o of_o our_o personal_a religion_n into_o family_n religion_n out_o of_o our_o family_n religion_n into_o congregational_a and_o as_o the_o christian_n at_o first_o most_o probable_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o humane_a society_n go_v out_o of_o congregation_n into_o consociation_n of_o church_n in_o religion_n so_o we_o out_o of_o all_o these_o where_o national_a union_n in_o true_a religion_n allow_v it_o go_v into_o that_o national_a state_n that_o we_o may_v build_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o high_a in_o so_o sensible_a and_o understand_v a_o consent_n and_o union_n in_o it_o so_o public_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n and_o though_o hereby_o it_o be_v as_o a_o net_n that_o draw_v in_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a even_o visible_o and_o apparent_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o possible_a care_n against_o it_o in_o particular_a congregation_n though_o still_o national_a when_o we_o further_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o corinth_n the_o state_n of_o the_o apocalyptick_a church_n the_o doubt_n will_v not_o be_v so_o cogent_a as_o to_o move_v national_a religion_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o only_a remain_a doubt_n be_v that_o thus_o national_a magistracy_n become_v as_o the_o head_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n the_o national_a religion_n be_v gather_v and_o unite_v in_o the_o magistrate_n and_o his_o law_n and_o that_o which_o shall_v only_o be_v unite_v in_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n become_v subject_a to_o another_o head_n on_o pretence_n of_o which_o magistrate_n have_v be_v attempt_v on_o too_o with_o force_n to_o bring_v their_o power_n to_o true_a religion_n the_o answer_n i_o give_v to_o this_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a in_o three_o head_n 1._o i_o always_o own_o any_o pretence_n take_v from_o exalt_v christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n to_o enforce_v civil_a power_n to_o ratify_v true_a religion_n into_o national_a constitution_n and_o law_n be_v most_o destructive_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n that_o be_v to_o use_v force_n for_o its_o own_o promotion_n and_o utter_o subvert_v government_n see_v private_a person_n may_v under_o this_o shelter_n and_o disguise_n rise_v up_o and_o invade_v and_o disturb_v any_o civil_a state_n or_o government_n whatever_o when_o religion_n be_v our_o birthright_n by_o our_o law_n it_o may_v be_v by_o the_o same_o law_n defend_v when_o it_o be_v not_o prayer_n
and_o divine_a reason_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o introduce_v it_o into_o nation_n beyond_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o popish_a antichristian_a ambition_n or_o wild_a and_o curse_a enthusiasm_n with_o all_o their_o savage_a effect_n 2._o where_o there_o be_v national_a religion_n even_o the_o national_a authority_n be_v first_o christianize_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o headship_n no_o foundation_n but_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n take_v place_n upon_o a_o national_a state_n in_o profession_n of_o he_o if_o the_o christianity_n then_o be_v remove_v by_o falsehood_n take_v place_n instead_o of_o truth_n the_o nationalness_n stay_v but_o the_o religion_n the_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v the_o church_n be_v depart_v from_o it_o and_o retire_v where_o it_o may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o its_o own_o truth_n the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o congregation_n as_o it_o be_v national_a the_o headship_n organization_n be_v no_o other_o than_o national_a but_o no_o more_o than_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n or_o other_o city_n or_o region_n make_v a_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o those_o other_o church_n no_o more_o do_v national_a law_n or_o magistracy_n make_v the_o national_a religion_n christianity_n if_o receive_v settle_v there_o if_o not_o receive_v or_o afterward_o expulse_v leave_v law_n magistracy_n city_n to_o themselves_o and_o so_o it_o deal_v with_o church_n or_o form_n of_o they_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o 3._o all_o union_n in_o true_a religion_n be_v free_a rational_a voluntary_a it_o own_v no_o compulsion_n of_o law_n or_o magistracy_n except_o in_o thing_n moral_o good_a or_o evil_n so_o that_o in_o this_o only_o be_v the_o difference_n from_o national_a agreement_n in_o other_o thing_n that_o of_o religion_n be_v voluntary_a and_o by_o consent_n prince_n and_o governor_n may_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o mother_n by_o honorary_a reward_n and_o encouragement_n they_o may_v give_v all_o freedom_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o protect_v it_o by_o law_n they_o may_v fence_v it_o in_o with_o the_o strict_a observation_n of_o all_o moral_a observance_n they_o may_v offer_v and_o take_v care_n for_o the_o persuasion_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v address_v to_o all_o their_o subject_n many_o such_o demonstration_n of_o their_o love_n to_o true_a religion_n be_v allow_v by_o god_n but_o despotical_o to_o command_v or_o compel_v be_v not_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a christian_a though_o national_a religion_n christ_n kingdom_n not_o be_v of_o this_o world_n refuse_v even_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n much_o more_o that_o of_o private_a force_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o its_o most_o proper_a interest_n our_o saviour_n religion_n hate_v all_o thing_n of_o violence_n and_o cruelty_n it_o be_v not_o of_o its_o spirit_n he_o do_v all_o by_o instrument_n of_o his_o own_o and_o if_o nation_n have_v make_v their_o religion_n yea_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n a_o essential_a of_o their_o government_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o and_o the_o good_a opinioof_n that_o government_n be_v a_o low_a and_o lesser_a interest_n than_o truth_n and_o o_o bedience_n to_o christ_n christ_n never_o intend_v christianity_n for_o a_o politic_a engine_n or_o expedient_a yet_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o government_n in_o its_o full_a right_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o concernful_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n than_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o patient_n suffer_v with_o its_o reasonableness_n though_o it_o be_v unhappy_a for_o those_o ruler_n that_o put_v christian_n upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o unhappy_a be_v that_o power_n that_o be_v seal_v to_o with_o martyr_n suffering_n yet_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o god_n a_o strict_a account_n why_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o national_a religion_n what_o reason_n counterbalance_v to_o he_o the_o great_a reason_n give_v for_o national_a religion_n and_o therein_o shall_v receive_v his_o sentence_n from_o christ_n if_o any_o upon_o just_a reason_n desert_n a_o congregation_n though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o as_o i_o have_v at_o large_a set_v out_o be_v a_o little_a sanctuary_n reserve_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n with_o a_o faithful_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n where_o it_o can_v be_v enjoy_v in_o great_a which_o be_v else_o though_o with_o some_o disadvantage_n in_o all_o other_o regard_v to_o be_v prefer_v for_o their_o publickness_n and_o not_o without_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v refrain_v from_o or_o desert_v if_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o of_o weight_n they_o stand_v at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o schism_n against_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o law_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o malignancy_n of_o it_o to_o draw_v this_o discourse_n now_o to_o a_o conclusion_n let_v i_o subjoin_v some_o rule_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n of_o certain_a good_a effect_n to_o the_o management_n of_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v national_a religion_n rule_n 1._o that_o the_o religion_n offer_v for_o national_a shall_v in_o the_o substantial_o of_o it_o be_v all_o of_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o sound_a reason_n from_o it_o and_o in_o indifferent_n or_o necessary_o adhere_v circumstance_n prepare_v by_o so_o public_a a_o spirit_n as_o to_o project_v least_o of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n that_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o beget_v no_o divide_v controversy_n but_o leave_v room_n to_o the_o particular_a judgement_n of_o man_n where_o point_n absolute_o necessary_a be_v secure_v so_o all_o thing_n of_o external_a mode_n or_o form_n shall_v be_v so_o free_o and_o generous_o design_v that_o every_o man_n particular_a apprehension_n may_v be_v most_o at_o liberty_n without_o which_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o national_a religion_n be_v surprise_v rule_n 2._o that_o in_o circumstantial_o of_o religion_n what_o be_v prepare_v and_o settle_v so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v alter_v by_o any_o private_a dispose_n nor_o allow_v to_o any_o private_a choice_n without_o scandal_n to_o the_o public_a every_o man_n shall_v consider_v his_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n on_o one_o side_n as_o on_o the_o other_o to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o scruple_n as_o in_o the_o apostle_n instance_n of_o eat_v there_o be_v liberty_n on_o one_o side_n to_o eat_v all_o thing_n but_o this_o do_v not_o determine_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o eat_v that_o be_v not_o liberty_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n a_o expediency_n not_o to_o eat_v the_o liberty_n be_v more_o conserve_v in_o not_o eat_v than_o in_o eat_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o use_n or_o not_o use_v of_o all_o indifferent_a thing_n where_o then_o as_o to_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o advantage_n for_o public_a religion_n incline_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n to_o the_o use_n or_o not_o use_v of_o indifferent_a thing_n it_o be_v our_o great_a liberty_n to_o move_v ourselves_o that_o way_n and_o not_o to_o be_v deter_v with_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o by_o so_o do_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o prophet_n zachariahs_n resolution_n concern_v the_o fast_n wherein_o those_o that_o will_v have_v they_o lay_v down_o and_o other_o will_v keep_v they_o still_o a_o foot_n differ_v he_o first_o show_v they_o of_o no_o value_n with_o god_n then_o bid_v they_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n zach._n 8._o 10._o for_o though_o outward_a form_n uniformity_n or_o variety_n in_o they_o be_v of_o no_o account_n in_o themselves_o with_o god_n but_o either_o way_n in_o the_o uniformity_n or_o the_o variety_n they_o that_o serve_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o yet_o the_o angry_a dissent_n and_o disagreement_n that_o disjoin_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o disable_v the_o union_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v like_o the_o cover_n the_o altar_n with_o tear_n of_o complaint_n and_o make_v the_o offering_n unacceptable_a that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o unity_n god_n be_v delight_v in_o without_o uniformity_n be_v plain_a by_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o evangelist_n in_o their_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n where_o there_o be_v perfect_a unity_n yet_o without_o uniformity_n it_o be_v plain_a too_o by_o a_o consideration_n of_o god_n smell_v a_o savour_n of_o rest_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a where_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n yet_o unity_n but_o the_o contention_n and_o quarrel_n that_o often_o arise_v about_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o god_n displeasure_n what_o may_v most_o cure_v they_o be_v then_o most_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o choose_v but_o what_o that_o be_v i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o prescribe_v
we_o whatever_a small_a distinction_n make_v the_o they_o and_o the_o we_o be_v both_o one_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o so_o unite_v though_o not_o bind_v up_o in_o the_o same_o form_n with_o we_o for_o a_o gracious_a audience_n and_o reception_n of_o their_o and_o our_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o union_n in_o the_o main_a may_v convey_v all_o our_o service_n into_o one_o before_o god_n where_o indeed_o if_o they_o be_v as_o he_o require_v they_o meet_v strip_v of_o all_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n form_n and_o ceremony_n faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v alone_o able_a to_o mount_v thither_o with_o they_o and_o service_n so_o raise_v can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v spare_v for_o small_a difference_n in_o a_o national_a religious_a interest_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o all_o such_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n if_o darius_n though_o a_o heathen_a prince_n have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o virtue_n 10_o ezr._n 6._o 10_o of_o that_o true_a religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o as_o to_o engage_v those_o of_o so_o great_a difference_n from_o he_o in_o their_o sense_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o son_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o know_v the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o it_o by_o great_a act_n of_o favour_n to_o one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o can_v be_v whole_o one_o yet_o all_o join_v in_o pray_v for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o one_o another_o service_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n whereof_o we_o be_v not_o only_o civil_a but_o religious_a member_n and_o if_o we_o be_v true_o religious_a shall_v be_v so_o account_v with_o god_n yet_o with_o the_o abatement_n of_o our_o sinful_a difference_n and_o division_n how_o shall_v we_o therefore_o unite_v that_o we_o may_v lose_v none_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v wrought_v but_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n rule_n 6._o it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o our_o nation_n that_o if_o any_o man_n truâ—y_o understand_v consider_v and_o pronounce_v of_o our_o national_a religion_n it_o stand_v in_o the_o scripture_n make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n in_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n repentance_n love_n of_o god_n fear_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n all_o act_n of_o justice_n love_n mercy_n compassion_n true_a sincere_a preach_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n prayer_n use_v of_o sacrament_n the_o lordsday_n religious_a discourse_n &_o conference_n catechetical_a instruction_n and_o education_n of_o youth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n restraint_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n intemperance_n and_o sensuality_n general_o and_o throughout_o the_o nation_n compulsion_n of_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n and_o his_o worship_n for_o what_o be_v hypocrisy_n in_o they_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o good_a man_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o say_v again_o that_o be_v true_o our_o national_a religion_n all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o order_n decency_n outward_a form_n or_o mode_n be_v but_o the_o vehicle_n the_o conveyance_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n if_o the_o main_a end_n of_o which_o be_v obtain_v viz._n that_o these_o religious_a act_n be_v perform_v but_o with_o that_o peace_n and_o freedom_n from_o confusion_n confusion_n destructive_a of_o all_o public_a action_n and_o with_o that_o honourableness_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o every_o nation_n and_o this_o nation_n particular_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o whatever_o on_o these_o account_n be_v command_v in_o our_o national_a religion_n i_o free_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v as_o reconcilable_a with_o these_o character_n forbear_v such_o who_o though_o agree_v in_o all_o main_a thing_n upon_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o understand_v they_o so_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o they_o as_o so_o who_o deserve_v compassion_n these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o partition-wall_n in_o our_o national_a worship_v of_o god_n one_o with_o another_o nor_o can_v they_o without_o great_a rigour_n and_o censor_n ousness_n very_o evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v condemn_v in_o those_o who_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o substantial_a national_a religion_n the_o publickness_n and_o more_o universal_a benefit_n of_o it_o wherein_o they_o be_v most_o true_o zealous_a pay_v obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o they_o rule_n 7._o let_v we_o all_o strive_v labour_n preach_v hear_v and_o pray_v and_o even_o suffer_v in_o the_o reformation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o endeavour_n to_o reform_v all_o other_o according_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a rule_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n profess_v in_o this_o kingdom_n as_o our_o national_a religion_n that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v to_o praise_n honour_n and_o glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n at_o his_o come_n before_o who_o nothing_o but_o the_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n of_o substantial_a truth_n and_o goodness_n can_v stand_v all_o else_o will_v be_v burn_v off_o as_o hay_o and_o chaff_n by_o the_o fire_n of_o that_o day_n and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v hot_a and_o contentious_a for_o they_o be_v save_v only_o as_o by_o fire_n with_o difficulty_n and_o loss_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o our_o union_n and_o love_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v to_o we_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o presence_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o blessing_n that_o neither_o our_o candlestick_n may_v be_v remove_v nor_o our_o nation_n the_o present_a place_n of_o it_o be_v take_v away_o for_o general_o both_o be_v remove_v one_o with_o the_o other_o or_o soon_o after_o one_o another_o rule_n 8._o let_v no_o man_n be_v discourage_v from_o the_o most_o zealous_a affectionate_a join_v himself_o to_o and_o promote_a national_a religion_n because_o oâ—_n that_o veneration_n due_a to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o true_a christian_a religion_n differ_v no_o more_o in_o the_o strict_a notion_n from_o a_o church_n than_o a_o body_n of_o man_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o society_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o a_o institution_n that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o institution_n plant_v in_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o institution_n give_v by_o revelation_n for_o one_o be_v the_o appointment_n of_o god_n of_o old_a from_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o humane_a society_n the_o other_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o inability_n of_o it_o to_o its_o end_n a_o institution_n therefore_o do_v not_o repeal_v a_o natural_a law_n but_o take_v care_n it_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o complete_v in_o its_o chief_a end_n israel_n be_v a_o church_n to_o god_n be_v so_o devote_v to_o he_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n according_a to_o the_o original_a 6._o exod._n 19_o 6._o law_n be_v elevate_v by_o the_o institution_n to_o its_o true_a perfection_n as_o a_o nation_n the_o christian_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n as_o he_o style_v they_o succeed_v into_o the_o place_n of_o that_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n consecrate_a to_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n upon_o nation_n though_o but_o stranger_n scatter_v abroad_o yet_o to_o show_v the_o 1â—_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1â—_n great_a value_n god_n have_v of_o a_o nation_n devote_v to_o he_o they_o be_v style_v a_o holy_a nation_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o seat_n 9_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v a_o nation_n unite_v in_o that_o true_a religion_n both_o a_o church_n as_o that_o catholic_n church_n have_v thereby_o a_o residence_n in_o it_o and_o much_o more_o than_o those_o forementioned_a scatter_a jew_n a_o holy_a nation_n as_o it_o be_v national_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n make_v perfect_a by_o the_o institution_n where_o then_o a_o nation_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o holy_a rule_n of_o practice_n the_o catholic_n love_n of_o all_o christian_n baptise_a into_o the_o same_o body_n make_v to_o drink_v into_o that_o one_o spirit_n in_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n minister_a the_o same_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n infallible_o deliver_v and_o seal_v with_o miracle_n all_o
which_o be_v mark_n of_o segregation_n from_o false_a church_n or_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n false_o so_o call_v here_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o nation_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n and_o here_o be_v the_o holy_a nation_n according_a to_o both_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o institution_n so_o again_o where_o a_o nation_n bring_v home_o religion_n into_o the_o most_o particular_a national_a district_v or_o division_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o particular_a church_n here_o be_v a_o nation_n of_o church_n which_o in_o regard_n they_o all_o consent_n in_o one_o national_a union_n be_v without_o any_o impropriety_n style_v a_o national_a church_n and_o every_o such_o society_n be_v both_o a_o holy_a society_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n devote_v to_o god_n and_o a_o church-society_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n direct_v and_o perfect_v that_o law_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o christ_n i_o understand_v to_o be_v that_o where_o he_o say_v if_o two_o or_o three_o agree_v and_o be_v gather_v or_o enchurch_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o wherein_o he_o do_v not_o only_o encourage_v the_o small_a number_n in_o case_n of_o exigency_n or_o necessity_n but_o couch_v some_o rule_n whereby_o much_o great_a number_n whether_o of_o christian_n in_o separation_n from_o civil_a society_n or_o unite_v according_a to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v form_v as_o first_o in_o all_o except_v the_o universality_n that_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o each_o particular_a must_v therefore_o partake_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o church_n 2._o in_o a_o number_n proportionable_a to_o edification_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christian_a religion_n 3._o in_o the_o humility_n modesty_n and_o unaspiringness_n of_o christianity_n for_o he_o that_o institute_v his_o church_n in_o such_o small_a number_n and_o those_o not_o force_v but_o agree_v project_v nothing_o by_o that_o institution_n for_o domination_n or_o grandieur_fw-fr 4._o in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n christian_n religion_n profess_v for_o church_n institute_v in_o such_o a_o paucity_n of_o member_n be_v never_o design_v to_o be_v court_n of_o forensick_a business_n nor_o capable_a of_o subordinate_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o their_o member_n shall_v be_v fatigue_v with_o long_a and_o tedious_a suit_n and_o appeal_n remove_v from_o one_o part_n to_o another_o worse_o than_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n as_o the_o romish_a tyranny_n have_v contrive_v whereas_o our_o saviour_n method_n for_o complaint_n and_o admonition_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n for_o reconciliation_n in_o case_n of_o repentance_n or_o severe_a discipline_n in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n be_v natural_a easy_a and_o speedy_a as_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o observer_n 5._o christian_n church_n allow_v in_o two_o or_o three_o show_v the_o care_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o proportion_n betwixt_o the_o strength_n and_o gift_n of_o his_o ordinary_a minister_n since_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o apostolic_a measure_n and_o their_o charge_n and_o trust_v for_o our_o lord_n will_v not_o by_o his_o institution_n give_v any_o reason_n to_o moses_n his_o complaint_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o bear_v this_o great_a people_n thus_o be_v our_o saviour_n institution_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o though_o it_o do_v not_o lay_v any_o absolute_a interdict_v upon_o the_o true_o prudential_a though_o additional_a constitution_n either_o of_o nation_n or_o other_o humane_a society_n proceed_v according_a to_o the_o general_a maxim_n upon_o which_o society_n strengthen_v themselves_o yet_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o what_o be_v so_o do_v may_v not_o enact_v any_o thing_n by_o which_o the_o main_a and_o great_a end_n of_o this_o institution_n shall_v be_v defeat_v however_o that_o the_o institution_n shall_v never_o be_v plead_v but_o stand_v free_a from_o the_o error_n man_n fall_v too_o often_o into_o in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o maxim_n forenamed_a whereby_o they_o will_v aggrandise_v society_n in_o religious_a thing_n or_o make_v it_o comport_v with_o civil_a state_n but_o that_o his_o institution_n shall_v be_v a_o stand_a rule_n first_o to_o avoid_v they_o after_o to_o discover_v and_o reform_v they_o or_o if_o they_o grow_v extreme_a and_o not_o to_o be_v reduce_v as_o in_o popery_n to_o warrant_v a_o withdraw_n from_o they_o but_o to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o our_o purpose_n if_o the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o particular_a church_n institute_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v obtain_v there_o be_v no_o encounter_n but_o a_o most_o happy_a agreement_n between_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o national_a religion_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n which_o as_o i_o before_o assert_v be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o desert_n or_o wilderness_n or_o shut_v up_o in_o cell_n and_o cloister_n or_o confine_v to_o one_o point_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o donatist_n will_v have_v have_v the_o true_a church_n but_o be_v to_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o nation_n and_o city_n as_o the_o very_a place_n of_o the_o candlestick_n or_o church_n from_o which_o in_o just_a indignation_n to_o those_o place_n when_o unworthy_a of_o they_o they_o be_v remove_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o business_n trade_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n let_v then_o true_a religion_n as_o christianity_n contend_v and_o will_v at_o last_o in_o much_o high_a degree_n overcome_v be_v as_o wide_a as_o the_o universe_n let_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n and_o the_o universal_a church_n will_v be_v as_o wide_a bring_v it_o into_o particular_a society_n and_o particular_a church_n will_v be_v as_o many_o as_o numerous_a as_o they_o a_o church-state_n be_v indeed_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n the_o church-catholick_n be_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o universe_n because_o there_o be_v fall_v angel_n unholy_a and_o unhappy_a because_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o same_o state_n but_o this_o be_v only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o happiness_n consequent_a upon_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o separation_n and_o this_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n agree_v in_o thus_o particular_a church_n whenever_o they_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o particular_a society_n it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o its_o due_a administration_n restore_v that_o and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o institution_n become_v both_o one_o then_o a_o nation_n and_o a_o national_a church_n coalesce_v into_o one_o then_o civil_a society_n in_o particular_a and_o particular_a church_n grow_v into_o one_o and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o with_o great_a delight_n because_o all_o his_o institution_n natural_a and_o reveal_v unite_v in_o one_o i_o have_v only_o one_o caution_n to_o add_v that_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n hither_o to_o in_o the_o world_n be_v far_o from_o perfection_n that_o whethersoever_o we_o look_v we_o can_v find_v it_o so_o that_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o in_o hope_n of_o it_o be_v perpetual_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o change_v except_o thing_n be_v no_o way_n tolerable_a but_o the_o very_a substance_n rule_n and_o principle_n be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o art_n of_o retirement_n and_o withdraw_v from_o they_o leave_v we_o shall_v consider_v how_o the_o pious_a jew_n and_o israelite_n how_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n how_o the_o undefiled_a name_n in_o sardis_n manage_v themselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o great_a corruption_n what_o retreat_v from_o the_o evil_n and_o yet_o join_v in_o all_o that_o be_v good_a be_v visible_a in_o their_o practice_n what_o kind_n of_o division_n the_o good_a and_o approve_a corinthian_n make_v from_o the_o misdemeanour_n 19_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o of_o the_o bad_a without_o forsake_v the_o church_n that_o we_o may_v imitate_v their_o example_n and_o continue_v to_o do_v the_o great_a service_n to_o the_o church_n or_o nation_n we_o be_v member_n of_o neither_o silence_v our_o due_a resentment_n of_o evil_a in_o our_o place_n and_o station_n nor_o rend_v ourselves_o from_o that_o body_n we_o be_v of_o but_o that_o all_o our_o thing_n 14._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 14._o may_v be_v do_v in_o charity_n rule_n 9_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v we_o not_o think_v nation_n and_o other_o incorporation_n of_o mankind_n slide_v away_o with_o this_o world_n and_o be_v whole_o lose_v in_o the_o future_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o only_o
adultery_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o his_o lord_n the_o one_o be_v plain_a temptation_n the_o other_o scandal_n arise_v from_o the_o to_o he_o uninterpretable_a suffer_v of_o our_o saviour_n though_o both_o be_v great_a and_o grievous_a sin_n 3._o scandal_n be_v a_o temptation_n to_o some_o great_a sin_n or_o course_n of_o sin_n for_o though_o the_o least_o sin_n introduce_v upon_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o religion_n and_o reason_n be_v true_o scandal_n and_o partake_v in_o its_o woe_n yet_o those_o scandal_n of_o daily_a almost_o unavoidable_a incursion_n in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n be_v break_v in_o their_o deadly_a effect_n by_o the_o daily_a and_o general_a repentance_n and_o desire_n of_o pardon_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n all_o true_a convert_v live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o who_o can_v understand_v his_o scandal_n deliver_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a one_o may_v every_o good_a man_n pray_v but_o keep_v back_o thy_o servant_n from_o insolent_a scandal_n that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v dominion_n so_o that_o i_o be_v innocent_n and_o free_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n the_o sin_n that_o scandal_n precipitate_v upon_o may_v be_v either_o in_o the_o refusal_n disavowment_n rejection_n or_o despite_n to_o some_o of_o the_o prime_a manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o infidelity_n or_o unbelief_n or_o some_o great_a enormity_n of_o practice_n and_o it_o may_v be_v absolve_v and_o finish_v in_o some_o notorious_a act_n of_o sin_n or_o may_v run_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n in_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o sin_n or_o transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o act_n in_o all_o along_o life_n and_o die_v in_o this_o snare_n of_o satan_n in_o this_o captivity_n under_o he_o it_o may_v be_v partial_a only_o there_o be_v a_o reserve_n of_o the_o soul_n preserve_v by_o grace_n by_o which_o the_o renew_a soul_n recover_v itself_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v offend_v or_o scandalise_v in_o christ_n on_o the_o night_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o peter_n in_o a_o foul_a manner_n and_o yet_o they_o even_o his_o faith_n do_v not_o fail_v they_o and_o he_o most_o eminent_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o break_a snare_n but_o man_n devoid_a of_o any_o principle_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n be_v though_o in_o several_a degree_n lock_v within_o the_o scandal_n and_o can_v be_v rescue_v out_o of_o it_o but_o by_o a_o renovation_n to_o repentance_n the_o first_o repentance_n yea_o even_o the_o best_a man_n under_o the_o power_n of_o scandal_n as_o we_o now_o describe_v it_o be_v for_o the_o present_a inwrape_v and_o involve_v so_o that_o the_o whole_a man_n seem_v to_o fall_v and_o the_o whole_a strength_n for_o that_o time_n so_o far_o as_o be_v visible_a be_v take_v captive_a now_o by_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o a_o man_n be_v never_o scandalize_v but_o when_o he_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o this_o scripture-sense_n but_o when_o he_o himself_o offend_v to_o be_v just_o displease_v with_o other_o man_n sin_n or_o defile_v religion_n with_o impure_a mixture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v offend_v but_o when_o a_o man_n himself_o displease_v and_o offend_v god_n and_o against_o his_o duty_n 4._o scandal_n in_o wrap_n in_o sin_n and_o the_o dreadful_a consequent_n of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o mischief_n and_o deadly_a issue_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o complemental_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n only_o that_o there_o be_v life_n and_o in_o the_o pathway_n thereof_o that_o there_o be_v no_o death_n none_o of_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o stroke_n of_o it_o of_o the_o avant_fw-fr courier_n of_o death_n it_o be_v wisdom_n alone_o that_o be_v health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n who_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o its_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o the_o way_n of_o scandal_n so_o close_o unite_v with_o sin_n though_o they_o seem_v right_a in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o eye_n yet_o be_v all_o along_o the_o way_n of_o death_n and_o most_o evident_o so_o in_o their_o end_n gild_n divine_a displeasure_n perplexity_n anguish_n of_o mind_n grief_n if_o the_o sin_n be_v feel_v however_o a_o wound_n a_o stripe_n upon_o conscience_n and_o a_o mark_n of_o that_o stroke_n of_o that_o wound_n and_o stripe_n whether_o feel_v or_o not_o that_o can_v never_o be_v wear_v off_o but_o by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n weakness_n inability_n loss_n of_o vigour_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n 〈◊〉_d action_n and_o often_o down_o right_a apostasy_n be_v the_o fruitâ—_n 〈◊〉_d scandal_n for_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o prejudice_n a_o mortification_n 〈◊〉_d dead_a work_n upon_o the_o conscience_n dispirit_v it_o to_o holiâ—â—â—â—_n more_o and_o more_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n therein_o be_v his_o double_a strength_n through_o scandal_n man_n stumble_v and_o fall_v be_v discourage_v and_o lie_v down_o at_o length_n out_o of_o choice_n and_o with_o resolution_n to_o continue_v where_o they_o be_v as_o most_o easy_a qui_fw-la iaceo_fw-la in_o terris_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la unde_fw-la cadat_fw-la upon_o all_o this_o ensue_v at_o last_o eternal_a death_n if_o not_o prevent_v by_o repentance_n 5._o scandal_n be_v cover_v under_o some_o plausible_a pretence_n or_o disguise_n of_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n for_o reason_n be_v a_o efflux_n from_o god_n the_o sovereign_a reason_n and_o light_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n any_o true_a principle_n of_o true_a reason_n and_o right_o apply_v be_v undoubted_o a_o divine_a oracle_n and_o will_v justify_v any_o pretention_n ground_v upon_o it_o now_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o divine_a revelation_n be_v refuse_v or_o avowed_o force_v from_o the_o genuine_a sense_n because_o either_o the_o revelation_n or_o all_o natural_a interpretation_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o scandal_n but_o detect_v and_o expose_v it_o it_o then_o fly_v under_o a_o umbrage_n of_o reason_n as_o separate_v from_o such_o revelation_n or_o set_v it_o up_o to_o limit_v and_o control_v such_o revelation_n but_o if_o it_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o scripture_n it_o than_o serve_v itself_o of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o wrest_v and_o misapplyed_n for_o the_o high_a the_o authority_n be_v that_o be_v vouch_v and_o pretend_a the_o deep_a the_o scandal_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o pharisee_n the_o great_a both_o master_n and_o bondman_n of_o scandal_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o galley_n slave_n of_o it_o in_o the_o roman_n antichristianisme_n and_o they_o be_v so_o because_o they_o be_v defend_v and_o flank_v on_o all_o side_n as_o they_o miserable_o delude_v themselves_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n together_o with_o the_o to_o they_o equal_a or_o indeed_o superior_a awful_a tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n by_o which_o they_o circumscribe_v and_o keep_v under_o the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n by_o like_a tradition_n and_o faith_n of_o their_o church_n now_o all_o these_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o join_v in_o perpetuate_a the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o irreversible_a by_o god_n himself_o and_o settle_v a_o indefeisible_a state_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n upon_o the_o jew_n alone_o without_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o as_o their_o mere_a proselyte_n all_o these_o as_o they_o deem_v represent_v a_o messiah_n of_o quite_o another_o figure_n another_o character_n than_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o he_o as_o they_o conclude_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o his_o doctrine_n blasphemy_n upon_o which_o rock_n of_o offence_n the_o vessel_n of_o their_o church_n and_o even_o nation_n itself_o beside_o their_o particular_a soul_n be_v most_o dismal_o shipwreck_a but_o not_o only_a thing_n of_o so_o good_a a_o title_n and_o claim_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v counter-scarfed_a with_o a_o doctrine_n but_o even_o such_o vile_a thing_n as_o balaam_n teach_v eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n in_o honour_n of_o the_o idol_n and_o commit_v fornication_n when_o contrive_v into_o scandal_n must_v have_v a_o doctrine_n for_o they_o for_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n in_o scandal_n even_o jezabel_n put_v on_o the_o veil_n of_o a_o prophetess_n and_o call_v herself_o so_o and_o under_o it_o teach_v and_o seduce_v which_o may_v abate_v to_o we_o the_o wonder_n of_o rome_n calling_n itself_o a_o church_n and_o its_o adultery_n sorcery_n and_o idolatry_n catholic_n christian_a religion_n 6._o scandal_n by_o such_o a_o principle_n of_o
and_o mute_a in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o neglect_v of_o duty_n upon_o these_o appearance_n and_o who_o can_v say_v herein_o i_o have_v make_v my_o heart_n clean_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o this_o transgression_n so_o far_o have_v he_o be_v scandalize_v and_o endanger_v to_o his_o ruin_n this_o be_v the_o first_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o primary_n scandal_n be_v place_v here_o that_o man_n think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n god_n shall_v have_v so_o much_o love_n fear_v honour_n obedience_n so_o much_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o 2._o even_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v like_a to_o that_o first_o great_a principle_n and_o equal_a to_o it_o both_o because_o the_o whole_a riches_n and_o treasure_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v deposit_v and_o concenter_v in_o it_o so_o that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o 3._o john_n 17._o 3._o father_n nor_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n nor_o the_o eternal_a life_n proceed_v from_o it_o who_o have_v not_o the_o son_n who_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v send_v even_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n so_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o wherever_o it_o be_v reveal_v if_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n of_o the_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n 6._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 6._o of_o god_n shine_v to_o they_o especial_o and_o more_o particular_o that_o great_a attribute_n of_o divine_a mercy_n and_o pardon_v grace_n be_v illustrate_v and_o break_v out_o with_o bright_a and_o warm_a beam_n in_o this_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n 12._o act_n 4._o 12._o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o his_o be_v the_o only_a name_n give_v under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v save_v this_o indeed_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o the_o only_a master_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n who_o take_v 16._o isa_n 28._o 16._o upon_o they_o as_o the_o like_a master_n of_o reason_n but_o this_o corner_n stone_n of_o truth_n be_v lay_v so_o sure_a and_o of_o so_o try_v a_o excellency_n 6._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 6._o that_o all_o that_o reject_v and_o spurn_v at_o it_o stumble_v and_o fall_v be_v snare_v and_o break_v they_o be_v false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o truth_n that_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o and_o while_o even_o the_o builder_n refuse_v it_o it_o will_v yet_o rise_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n 7._o ver_fw-la 7._o it_o have_v now_o surmount_v before_o any_o impartial_a judge_n all_o other_o name_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o that_o to_o strike_v at_o it_o where_o it_o be_v know_v and_o receive_v argue_v a_o disaffection_n and_o be_v scandalize_v at_o religion_n itself_o and_o be_v become_v the_o same_o with_o deny_v god_n providence_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n corrupt_a reason_n and_o lucian-wit_n aim_v at_o religion_n in_o its_o very_a essence_n when_o it_o pretend_v to_o dash_v upon_o that_o and_o if_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o encounter_v with_o god_n own_o administration_n by_o moses_n there_o be_v yet_o such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o tolerable_a etc._n mat._n 10._o 15._o etc._n etc._n for_o sodam_fw-la and_o gomorrah_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o those_o that_o refuse_v it_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o several_a place_n testify_v how_o much_o great_a will_v the_o condemnation_n be_v now_o when_o it_o have_v so_o perfect_o antiquate_v all_o that_o pretention_n against_o it_o and_o wear_v out_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o elder_a paganism_n and_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n 25._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 25._o style_v it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n strong_a than_o man_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o easy_a place_n for_o the_o attack_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o will_v find_v themselves_o in_o a_o gin_n or_o trap_n when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v gain_v ground_n and_o make_v entrance_n and_o shatter_v to_o piece_n when_o they_o believe_v a_o conquest_n for_o god_n take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 19_o 20._o craftiness_n and_o he_o know_v the_o wise_a thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v vain_a every_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christ_n be_v 12._o heb._n 3._o 12._o depart_v from_o the_o live_n god_n transaction_n in_o prayer_n or_o public_a discourse_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o divine_a as_o they_o send_v forth_o the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o his_o name_n which_o be_v as_o a_o ointment_n pour_v out_o the_o apostle_n desire_v to_o 8._o 1_o cor._n â—_o 2._o phil._n 3._o 8._o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o top_n and_o transcendency_n of_o knowledge_n apostolic_a epistle_n full_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v the_o best_a pattern_n for_o sermon_n much_o exceed_v the_o rationalism_n or_o moralism_n of_o tâ—â—_n wise_a philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o scandal_n first_o take_v â—nd_n then_o give_v to_o speak_v little_a of_o he_o all_o preach_v be_v not_o give_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o knowledge_n ult_n 2_o cor._n 2._o ult_n and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o life_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v deadly_a a_o symptom_n to_o death_n the_o very_a divert_v though_o to_o other_o part_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n speak_v man_n offend_v in_o he_o when_o they_o do_v not_o find_v he_o and_o express_v he_o the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n in_o all_o the_o bright_a morning_n star_n the_o amen_o and_o though_o a_o battology_n a_o vain_a repetition_n in_o name_v he_o be_v blamable_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o blame_n to_o conceal_v he_o even_o in_o the_o best_a discourse_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o ray_n of_o religion_n be_v pale_a more_o weak_a and_o chill_a as_o they_o fall_v far_a off_o from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o bless_a be_v he_o in_o these_o day_n even_o in_o these_o day_n whoever_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o he_o 3._o the_o spirituality_n purity_n cleanness_n and_o chasteness_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n dictate_v by_o the_o clear_a and_o sincere_a light_n of_o natural_a conscience_n approve_v by_o divine_a revelation_n or_o found_v institute_v and_o direct_v by_o that_o undoubted_a heavenly_a oracle_n be_v the_o next_o great_a pillar_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v settle_v but_o against_o this_o sensual_a and_o defile_a imagination_n have_v in_o all_o age_n raise_v scandal_n and_o so_o befool_v reason_n that_o it_o have_v cast_v down_o many_o wound_a yea_o many_o strong_a man_n in_o their_o intellectual_a endowment_n and_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n have_v be_v ensnare_v and_o ruin_v by_o it_o it_o have_v be_v the_o renown_n therefore_o of_o those_o prince_n in_o sacred_a story_n that_o have_v have_v the_o religious_a magnanimity_n to_o resist_v the_o charm_n of_o this_o sorceress_n and_o keep_v divine_a worship_n uncorrupted_a in_o who_o glory_n so_o much_o as_o the_o high_a place_n be_v a_o dark_a shade_n and_o eclipse_v they_o though_o it_o have_v fair_a pretence_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n have_v be_v most_o evident_o brand_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o most_o wretched_a state_n of_o be_v scandalize_v and_o idol_n for_o the_o most_o abhor_a scandal_n this_o be_v the_o snare_n of_o gideon_n and_o his_o house_n and_o yet_o as_o interpreter_n give_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n as_o innocent_a at_o first_o as_o lay_v up_o the_o ephod_n he_o have_v inquire_v at_o in_o his_o danger_n as_o a_o monument_n of_o gratitude_n for_o his_o victory_n that_o be_v after_o turn_v thus_o into_o a_o scandal_n judge_n 8._o 27._o this_o be_v the_o scandal_n balaam_n teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n these_o be_v the_o wiles_n the_o gin_n and_o trap_n in_o which_o the_o
scandal_n play_v itself_o upon_o indifferent_n 4._o the_o great_a consideration_n against_o press_v indifferent_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v come_v into_o scandal_n so_o much_o as_o by_o example_n 5._o the_o answer_n of_o the_o several_a objection_n that_o may_v be_v use_v to_o disparallel_a indifferent_n because_o of_o other_o circumstance_n with_o these_o indifferent_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o state_v the_o nature_n of_o indifferent_n with_o relation_n to_o god_n in_o these_o four_o character_n of_o they_o 1._o they_o be_v thing_n in_o themselves_o lawful_a innocent_a and_o in_o their_o use_n as_o of_o themselves_o no_o way_n displease_v to_o god_n so_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v with_o great_a boldness_n and_o earnestness_n of_o meat_n that_o be_v forbid_v under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n i_o be_o say_v he_o in_o respect_n to_o they_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v pure_a in_o the_o case_n of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n he_o declare_v all_o thing_n viz._n of_o that_o kind_a be_v lawful_a that_o be_v with_o regard_n to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v use_v aright_o if_o they_o be_v take_v by_o the_o right_a handle_n although_o meat_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o idol_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o infinite_a evil_n that_o can_v taint_v what_o god_n have_v make_v good_a there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o all_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o thing_n be_v original_o and_o we_o in_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o in_o or_o for_o no_o idol_n or_o demon_n there_o be_v one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n by_o who_o in_o a_o reconcile_a and_o atone_v state_n after_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o curse_n by_o sin_n be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o and_o by_o no_o demon-mediator_n or_o intercessor_n this_o right_a title_n claim_v and_o propriety_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n no_o daemon_n can_v expulse_v god_n and_o christ_n so_o fill_v all_o thing_n that_o a_o idol_n can_v be_v but_o a_o nothing_o 2._o these_o indifferent_n or_o the_o use_n of_o they_o can_v commend_v we_o to_o god_n as_o of_o themselves_o we_o be_v not_o the_o better_a if_o we_o eat_v or_o the_o worse_a if_o we_o eat_v not_o meat_n commend_v we_o not_o to_o god_n 3._o there_o may_v yet_o be_v so_o religious_a and_o advantageous_a use_n of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o may_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o due_a circumstance_n and_o the_o elevation_n of_o they_o to_o the_o best_a and_o worthy_a end_n be_v occasion_n i_o say_v occasion_n only_o of_o religious_a service_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o that_o on_o either_o side_n which_o show_v their_o indifferency_n for_o one_o side_n may_v be_v make_v a_o occasion_n of_o religious_a action_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o so_o neither_o side_n oblige_v we_o more_o than_o other_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v god_n thanks_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v he_o that_o eat_v meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o god_n right_o and_o not_o in_o the_o right_n of_o the_o daemon_n be_v a_o partaker_n by_o grace_n or_o divine_a bounty_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o meat_n be_v god_n and_o his_o provision_n and_o the_o idol_n to_o he_o that_o understand_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o and_o not_o the_o idol_n it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o these_o thing_n the_o apostle_n command_v whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatever_o you_o do_v that_o be_v or_o not_o eat_v or_o not_o drink_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 4._o they_o may_v be_v use_v amiss_o both_o way_n in_o some_o circumstance_n it_o be_v good_a not_o to_o eat_v flesh_n or_o drink_v wine_n even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v they_o may_v in_o some_o circumstance_n be_v inexpedient_n and_o not_o edify_v that_o be_v by_o a_o diminutive_a way_n of_o speak_v run_v counter_a to_o the_o end_n of_o edification_n and_o scandalize_v other_o they_o that_o have_v knowledge_n concern_v their_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o best_a use_n of_o they_o may_v yet_o so_o use_v they_o as_o to_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n and_o wound_v their_o righteous_a conscience_n and_o so_o sin_n against_o christ_n but_o they_o that_o eat_v without_o knowledge_n eat_v so_o as_o to_o eat_v with_o scandal_n to_o doubt_v and_o be_v damn_v in_o their_o eat_v on_o the_o the_o other_o side_n they_o which_o use_v they_o not_o that_o eat_v not_o that_o will_v not_o eat_v may_v so_o not_o eat_v as_o to_o turn_v they_o into_o another_o sort_n of_o scandal_n while_o they_o grow_v superstitious_o afraid_a to_o touch_v taste_n or_o handle_v and_o therefore_o he_o that_o use_v indifferent_a thing_n aright_o only_o make_v use_v of_o that_o side_n of_o they_o he_o choose_v as_o a_o occasion_n or_o act_v â—o_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o he_o desire_v to_o do_v in_o all_o he_o do_v without_o place_v any_o weight_n on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o christian_a full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o eat_v eat_v and_o give_v god_n thanks_o but_o know_v meat_n commend_v he_o not_o to_o god_n make_v it_o no_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o eat_v and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n forbear_v it_o the_o christian_n that_o eat_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o liberty_n he_o have_v as_o in_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n not_o to_o eat_v either_o meat_n unclean_a according_a to_o moses_n or_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n without_o lay_v any_o stress_n of_o religion_n upon_o his_o abstinence_n in_o either_o but_o only_o the_o assurance_n he_o be_v not_o the_o worse_a in_o not_o eat_v and_o thereby_o avoid_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o either_o doubt_n in_o himself_o or_o scandalize_a any_o other_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n he_o make_v use_v of_o his_o liberty_n in_o distinguish_v a_o day_n upon_o any_o good_a occasion_n that_o be_v distinguish_v under_o the_o law_n without_o observe_v of_o day_n as_o a_o point_n of_o religion_n but_o only_a place_n a_o religious_a action_n on_o that_o day_n according_a to_o the_o liberty_n he_o have_v in_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o so_o avoid_v the_o doubt_n in_o himself_o of_o not_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v and_o the_o scandal_n to_o any_o other_o but_o now_o he_o that_o not_o eat_v slip_v unaware_o into_o a_o surmise_n of_o evil_a in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o he_o do_v a_o great_a act_n of_o religion_n in_o not_o eat_v and_o so_o dare_v not_o touch_v taste_n handle_v or_o he_o that_o will_v gain_v as_o he_o think_v upon_o god_n by_o observe_v day_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o scandal_n of_o make_v his_o weakness_n a_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n even_o as_o he_o that_o for_o the_o vaunt_n of_o his_o liberty_n eat_v licentious_o and_o careless_o of_o other_o or_o think_v in_o eat_v he_o do_v god_n service_n or_o in_o eat_v slide_v into_o his_o old_a awe_v or_o pang_n of_o devotion_n to_o the_o idol_n and_o eat_v in_o his_o right_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o so_o be_v defile_v or_o last_o eat_v when_o he_o be_v in_o doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o example_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a scandal_n the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o now_o from_o all_o these_o character_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a 1._o indifferent_a thing_n be_v far_o below_o the_o scale_n of_o divine_a institution_n though_o these_o institution_n be_v but_o positive_a and_o not_o of_o eternal_a goodness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v lift_v up_o into_o that_o state_n the_o divine_a appointment_n design_n they_o to_o and_o shall_v if_o use_v according_a to_o those_o appointment_n be_v make_v efficacious_a to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o that_o power_n and_o grace_n from_o which_o they_o receive_v their_o original_a so_o that_o they_o do_v make_v we_o better_o they_o do_v commend_v we_o to_o god_n if_o we_o observe_v the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o and_o we_o be_v the_o worse_a in_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o neglect_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o scale_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o that_o order_n of_o which_o god_n by_o the_o very_a law_n of_o rational_a nature_n be_v the_o author_n stand_v and_o not_o of_o confusion_n so_o that_o though_o this_o order_n run_v or_o aught_o to_o run_v along_o and_o conduct_v all_o humane_a action_n and_o so_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o a_o point_n of_o religion_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o religious_a service_n and_o action_n do_v indeed_o commend_v
those_o who_o do_v vehement_o and_o zealous_o fall_v in_o with_o conformity_n to_o these_o imposition_n in_o indifferent_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v scandalize_v and_o that_o very_o deep_o this_o case_n do_v not_o i_o confess_v arise_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n except_o by_o the_o other_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o that_o to_o the_o corinth_n which_o give_v it_o not_o only_o as_o if_o compliance_n against_o the_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n upon_o the_o trust_n of_o example_n be_v the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n but_o that_o the_o weak_a christian_n not_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o strong_a do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o not_o prepossess_v as_o they_o be_v that_o the_o idol_n be_v nothing_o sink_v into_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o of_o idolatrous_a reverence_n and_o worship_n as_o if_o they_o know_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o eat_v in_o a_o idol_n temple_n but_o devotion_n to_o he_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o scandal_n though_o i_o believe_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v chief_o as_o i_o have_v explain_v it_o yet_o too_o often_o fall_v out_o in_o these_o case_n those_o ceremony_n that_o have_v be_v promote_v into_o divine_a service_n or_o into_o the_o ornament_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o place_n of_o it_o have_v be_v though_o dangerous_o enough_o yet_o not_o so_o ill_o design_v as_o afterward_o abuse_v by_o more_o ignorant_a person_n who_o greedy_a and_o fond_a of_o a_o sensual_a and_o external_a religion_n have_v be_v transport_v upon_o superstition_n and_o sometime_o downright_a idolatry_n and_o this_o often_o note_v in_o scripture_n under_o the_o very_a name_n of_o scandal_n thus_o i_o before_o observe_v in_o the_o case_n of_o gideon_n ephod_n his_o house_n and_o all_o israel_n be_v ensnare_v beyond_o the_o first_o intention_n thus_o in_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n continue_v no_o doubt_n in_o memory_n of_o the_o miracle_n yet_o afterward_o prove_v so_o great_a a_o snare_n that_o they_o burn_v incense_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a balaam_n cast_v his_o snare_n at_o first_o in_o a_o less-guilty_a feast_v with_o the_o midianite_n upon_o their_o idol_n sacrifice_n not_o know_v to_o be_v such_o poisonous_a meat_n and_o by_o degree_n toll_v they_o on_o into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n thus_o the_o apostle_n by_o divine_a direction_n condescend_v to_o the_o weakness_n of_o convert-jew_n among_o the_o roman_n on_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n in_o some_o of_o their_o rite_n but_o just_a now_o expire_a degenerate_v afterward_o into_o such_o a_o judaisme_n that_o the_o same_o apostle_n be_v most_o severe_a against_o it_o and_o that_o very_a strength_n of_o the_o corinthian_a christian_n or_o at_o least_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o unknowing_a follow_v their_o example_n become_v afterward_o into_o a_o infamous_a doctrine_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o very_a enchant_a seduction_n of_o the_o prophetess_n jezebel_n who_o teach_v the_o people_n of_o christ_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n in_o honour_n to_o they_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o picture_n into_o place_n of_o religious_a worship_n suppose_v it_o as_o innocent_a as_o can_v be_v suppose_v at_o first_o yet_o be_v abuse_v speedy_o into_o all_o imaginable_a corruption_n and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v all_o the_o remonstrance_n concern_v more_o innocent_a rite_n as_o they_o can_v vindicate_v they_o from_o scrupulosity_n on_o one_o side_n so_o can_v preserve_v they_o from_o man_n place_v too_o much_o of_o their_o religion_n in_o they_o on_o the_o other_o whereby_o the_o true_a conscience_n of_o it_o be_v weaken_v the_o virtue_n and_o vigour_n of_o conscience_n in_o thing_n true_o religious_a weaken_a and_o spend_v by_o have_v be_v lay_v out_o unnecessary_o upon_o extern_a observance_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n like_o fornication_n with_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o commute_v of_o such_o flattery_n of_o conscience_n for_o substantial_a piety_n as_o the_o jew_n will_v exchange_v new-moon_n and_o oblation_n for_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n it_o must_v be_v indeed_o acknowledge_v not_o only_o humane_a appointment_n but_o even_o divine_a command_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o injury_n of_o scandal_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n one_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o though_o scandal_n press_v never_o so_o hard_a the_o other_o may_v and_o aught_o for_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o ordain_v by_o god_n the_o principle_n sin_v against_o in_o scandal_n be_v the_o exceed_a purity_n of_o religion_n the_o substantial_a piety_n and_o most_o spiritual_a and_o rational_a worship_n of_o himself_o god_n require_v and_o expect_v by_o his_o word_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n he_o have_v command_v be_v adjust_v to_o those_o end_n even_o as_o he_o provide_v they_o and_o all_o he_o have_v not_o command_v shall_v stand_v off_o or_o at_o least_o be_v present_o supersede_v when_o become_v the_o prey_n of_o scandal_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n scandal_n shelter_n itself_o under_o order_n decency_n or_o edification_n of_o the_o ignorant_a obedience_n to_o authority_n and_o press_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a under_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o sort_n of_o scandal_n arise_v from_o indifferent_a thing_n upon_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o persuade_v to_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o even_o they_o may_v be_v scandalize_v by_o unlawful_a and_o very_a sinful_a censoriousness_n and_o passion_n place_v too_o much_o of_o their_o sense_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o dislike_n of_o such_o addition_n to_o divine_a worship_n division_n and_o separation_n on_o both_o side_n from_o the_o publick_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o national_a union_n in_o religion_n beyond_o the_o merit_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o further_o than_o the_o case_n at_o its_o utmost_a extent_n can_v require_v and_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n be_v such_o as_o the_o endeavour_v notion_n of_o it_o will_v make_v it_o a_o fall_n into_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o schism_n the_o principle_n offend_v against_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o scandal_n be_v that_o great_a love_n of_o christian_n and_o union_n in_o divine_a worship_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n make_v so_o fundamental_a in_o christianity_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n lie_v too_o both_o way_n that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o additional_n we_o may_v desert_v those_o much_o high_a consideration_n and_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o love_n and_o union_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o they_o the_o apostle_n represent_v this_o great_a mischief_n not_o under_o the_o formal_a account_n of_o scandal_n in_o the_o discourse_n to_o the_o roman_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o he_o after_o refer_v to_o it_o express_o as_o such_o when_o he_o join_v scandal_n and_o division_n together_o but_o 17._o rom._n 16._o 17._o in_o the_o discourse_n itself_o he_o both_o set_v out_o the_o heat_n on_o both_o side_n in_o judge_v and_o despise_v and_o argue_v on_o both_o side_n with_o high_a strength_n of_o divine_a reason_n against_o the_o evil_a both_o way_n and_o this_o be_v certain_a the_o more_o excellent_a our_o religion_n the_o more_o desirable_a our_o public_a worship_n and_o communion_n for_o the_o piety_n rationality_n and_o order_n of_o it_o the_o more_o pure_a our_o national_a church_n and_o association_n in_o religion_n be_v and_o the_o great_a the_o sin_n of_o separation_n the_o more_o do_v the_o apostle_n argument_n against_o scandalize_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferency_n press_v and_o urge_v we_o why_o shall_v our_o good_a be_v think_v evil_a of_o or_o blaspheme_v why_o shall_v our_o public_a worship_n and_o national_a religion_n be_v once_o think_v to_o be_v ceremony_n why_o shall_v our_o communion_n be_v clog_v with_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a avail_n than_o meat_n and_o drink_v why_o shall_v we_o lose_v those_o from_o our_o communion_n who_o own_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o contend_v for_o those_o divine_a thing_n though_o they_o have_v not_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n for_o ceremony_n when_o they_o that_o serve_v god_n in_o they_o though_o they_o can_v join_v in_o lesser_a thing_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n so_o shall_v be_v approve_v of_o man_n or_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o separation_n be_v so_o great_a and_o even_o schism_n itself_o why_o for_o our_o meat_n for_o our_o indifferent_a thing_n shall_v they_o perish_v for_o who_o christ_n die_v or_o such_o a_o work_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o they_o be_v destroy_v 4._o the_o severity_n passion_n transport_v beyond_o the_o value_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o instrument_n of_o cruelty_n can_v be_v without_o scandal_n upon_o the_o imposer_n of_o indifferency_n and_o those_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v
taskmaster_n under_o they_o can_v be_v without_o scandal_n for_o while_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v zealous_a of_o order_n decency_n uniformity_n they_o sin_n against_o the_o precept_n of_o love_n unity_n mercy_n peace_n and_o exchange_v too_o often_o those_o excellent_a pastoral-stave_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n for_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o foolish_a shepherd_n 16._o zech._n 11._o 7._o 15_o 16._o that_o extend_v not_o to_o any_o true_a act_n of_o pastoral_a care_n visit_v heal_v feed_v but_o tear_v and_o rend_v last_o bystander_n and_o neuter_n have_v the_o woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o scandal_n come_v upon_o they_o for_o they_o mis-judge_n of_o the_o excellent_a religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o these_o great_a miscarriage_n and_o it_o fall_v under_o their_o misrepute_n as_o if_o it_o stand_v in_o ceremonial_n in_o regard_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o cautious_a that_o the_o good_a of_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o as_o if_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v only_o meat_n and_o drink_n for_o whereas_o the_o substantial_o of_o christianity_n justify_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n ceremonial_n lead_v to_o atheism_n as_o if_o religion_n be_v but_o the_o craft_n of_o party_n use_v trifle_n for_o interest_n rule_n and_o domination_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o when_o multiply_v by_o dispute_n about_o these_o indifferent_n bring_v mistrust_n upon_o all_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a last_o the_o heat_n cruelty_n and_o persecution_n use_v on_o these_o account_n can_v but_o look_v very_o strange_a and_o full_a of_o horror_n to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o how_o can_v it_o but_o appear_v prodigy_n and_o portent_n that_o christian_a religion_n that_o count_v upon_o nothing_o but_o persecution_n of_o itself_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v turn_v the_o weapon_n use_v against_o it_o upon_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v most_o notorious_o infamous_a in_o the_o popish_a inhumanities_n or_o what_o stranger_n can_v think_v well_o of_o such_o a_o christianity_n and_o then_o more_o dire_a it_o be_v that_o protestant_a religion_n brand_a popery_n as_o a_o religion_n of_o blood_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o as_o tinctured_a with_o any_o of_o that_o spirit_n and_o that_o any_o of_o these_o evil_n shall_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o indifferent_n that_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v devise_v by_o man_n that_o be_v not_o equal_a to_o god_n law_n that_o may_v be_v change_v for_o which_o other_o country_n that_o use_v they_o not_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v whereas_o substantial_a order_n and_o decency_n be_v the_o same_o throughout_o the_o world_n some_o small_a local_a difference_n allow_v for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o complaint_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o reason_n that_o appear_v to_o dissenter_n against_o they_o be_v great_a and_o weighty_a in_o themselves_o let_v they_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o application_n yet_o a_o great_a reason_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o any_o thing_n if_o misapprehend_v be_v of_o much_o more_o weight_n than_o a_o very_a slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a reason_n for_o it_o however_o true_a and_o though_o in_o a_o much_o inferior_a cause_n i_o acknowledge_v yet_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o make_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o unavoidable_a argument_n against_o atheism_n that_o the_o endure_a of_o inconsiderable_a inconvenience_n though_o certain_a be_v much_o more_o eligible_a to_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o the_o adventure_n upon_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a inconveniency_n though_o suppose_v uncertain_a in_o a_o like_a manner_n though_o of_o a_o low_a consequence_n and_o yet_o not_o altogether_o low_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n though_o possible_o upon_o mistake_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hazard_v upon_o suppose_v the_o more_o certain_a little_a inconvenience_n of_o man_n not_o conform_v to_o indifferency_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o equal_a poise_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o shall_v brief_o present_v the_o objection_n against_o indulgence_n to_o dissenter_n in_o indifferency_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o scandal_n and_o the_o answer_n that_o may_v be_v return_v to_o they_o object_n 1._o if_o scandal_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o thing_n we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o all_o thing_n even_o out_o of_o the_o world_n nay_o out_o of_o religion_n itself_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o scandal_n even_o the_o best_a thing_n answ_n it_o will_v be_v yet_o a_o considerable_a service_n do_v to_o the_o world_n the_o christian_a world_n if_o but_o so_o much_o of_o scandal_n be_v defalk_v as_o have_v its_o play_n in_o indifferent_n the_o abatement_n will_v be_v above_o what_o can_v easy_o be_v believe_v if_o all_o that_o have_v swell_v the_o account_n of_o scandal_n from_o indifferent_a thing_n have_v be_v wise_o and_o thrifty_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o entrance_n of_o christianity_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o the_o argument_n why_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v and_o yet_o shall_v be_v so_o be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o indifferent_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o use_n of_o which_o make_v we_o not_o the_o better_a nor_o the_o non-use_a the_o worse_o but_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n be_v incomputable_o great_a so_o that_o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o a_o abatement_n have_v bring_v infinite_a recompense_n with_o usury_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n for_o that_o little_a profit_n if_o any_o that_o can_v grow_v from_o barren_a and_o dead_a indifferent_n in_o religion_n though_o consider_v as_o separate_v from_o scandal_n object_n 2._o the_o apostle_n himself_o be_v enforce_v to_o change_v his_o voice_n concern_v indulgence_n to_o the_o weak_a in_o the_o judaique_a rite_n and_o to_o vote_v the_o persist_v in_o a_o love_n to_o they_o damnable_a and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n brand_v the_o idolothytes_n concede_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v afterward_o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n so_o that_o the_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v so_o masterless_a unruly_a and_o headstrong_a as_o to_o endanger_v main_a concernment_n in_o religion_n if_o not_o reform_v the_o due_a time_n of_o indulgence_n be_v allow_v for_o it_o answ_n the_o mischief_n if_o near_o observe_v always_o grow_v from_o make_v more_o accession_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o religious_a service_n than_o god_n have_v make_v for_o the_o judaize_v in_o the_o galatian_n the_o will-worship_n and_o show_v of_o wisdom_n among_o the_o colossian_n the_o forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n all_o grow_v upon_o the_o same_o root_n even_o the_o idolatry_n and_o luxury_n of_o the_o idolothytes_n come_v not_o from_o a_o wise_a and_o christian_n assert_v god_n right_a above_o the_o idol_n but_o from_o sink_v down_o into_o the_o sensual_a worship_n of_o the_o idol_n by_o a_o daily_a conversation_n at_o his_o table_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o unite_n heathenism_n with_o christianity_n of_o one_o of_o which_o either_o judaisme_n or_o heathenism_n most_o rite_n be_v but_o the_o offspring_n the_o great_a danger_n be_v either_o in_o exalt_v god_n creature_n into_o a_o state_n and_o for_o uses_n and_o end_v above_o what_o he_o ordain_v they_o at_o humane_a pleasure_n and_o arbitrement_n or_o retrench_v the_o liberty_n god_n have_v give_v in_o the_o free_a use_n of_o his_o own_o creature_n for_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n for_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n now_o this_o can_v alike_o extend_v to_o the_o sign_n and_o ceremony_n create_v by_o humane_a imagination_n and_o impose_v with_o rigour_n and_o that_o not_o only_o on_o civil_a account_n which_o we_o meddle_v not_o with_o but_o upon_o religious_a where_o god_n be_v only_o supreme_a at_o which_o door_n have_v enter_v all_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n into_o the_o world_n wind_v itself_o by_o lesser_a degree_n and_o so_o mount_v itself_o to_o the_o very_a top_n the_o great_a use_n of_o the_o apostle_n two_o discourse_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o main_a position_n that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o indifferency_n wherein_o the_o use_n or_o non-use_a can_v commend_v we_o to_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o scandalize_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o offer_v scandal_n to_o any_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o which_o it_o be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o scandal_n run_v in_o the_o industrious_a impose_v and_o bind_v observation_n either_o by_o example_n that_o expect_v conformity_n to_o it_o or_o any_o more_o violent_a influence_n upon_o compliance_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o persuade_v to_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o ritual_a distinction_n of_o day_n or_o meat_n but_o only_o the_o not_o eat_v such_o or_o such_o meat_n happen_v in_o these_o
be_v wise_a he_o shall_v understand_v these_o thing_n prudent_a and_o he_o shall_v know_v they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a in_o themselves_o and_o lie_v in_o straight_a line_n one_o to_o another_o the_o just_a shall_v walk_v in_o they_o though_o transgressor_n fall_n therein_o in_o fine_a magistrate_n especial_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v against_o push_v on_o scandal_n as_o private_a christian_n and_o more_o as_o they_o be_v the_o custodes_fw-la the_o public_a guardian_n of_o conscience_n but_o if_o they_o fail_v in_o their_o duty_n obedience_n to_o they_o can_v disannul_v the_o charge_n against_o scandal_n lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o nor_o can_v their_o law_n prescribe_v against_o moderation_n obj._n 6._o but_o when_o time_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o doubtful_a to_o satisfy_v themselves_o if_o they_o come_v not_o off_o from_o their_o scruple_n it_o argue_v humour_n and_o faction_n be_v high_a in_o the_o case_n or_o a_o superstition_n on_o the_o other_o side_n answ_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o very_a happy_a a_o very_a rare_a thing_n when_o christian_n surmount_v their_o doubt_n happy_a be_v he_o that_o condemn_v not_o himself_o wherein_o he_o allow_v himself_o it_o be_v a_o very_a privilege_a case_n to_o be_v well_o and_o wise_o satisfy_v after_o doubt_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v not_o be_v hasty_o censure_v if_o those_o that_o have_v be_v unsatisfied_a can_v present_o answer_v our_o lure_n to_o the_o other_o side_n and_o the_o time_n be_v much_o large_a that_o be_v necessary_a in_o some_o case_n than_o in_o other_o the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v reasonable_a shall_v go_v off_o more_o quick_a as_o shadow_n of_o the_o night_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v never_o return_v any_o more_o but_o the_o reason_n against_o eat_v at_o a_o idol_n feast_n be_v near_a moral_a be_v much_o more_o durable_a and_o may_v last_v even_o while_o the_o world_n stand_v where_o or_o whenever_o idolatry_n have_v place_n in_o the_o first_o reformation_n from_o popery_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o expect_v the_o superstitious_a rite_n and_o custom_n that_o have_v gain_v upon_o man_n mind_n with_o the_o reputation_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v daily_o wear_v off_o but_o the_o reason_n of_o doubt_n in_o indifferent_n affix_v to_o divine_a worship_n take_v from_o that_o perpetual_a obligation_n of_o preserve_v it_o pure_a settle_v upon_o the_o base_a of_o true_a sound_a reason_n and_o much_o more_o favour_v by_o scripture_n well_o arm_v with_o experience_n of_o event_n must_v always_o continue_v in_o force_n and_o so_o no_o time_n may_v be_v large_a enough_o for_o get_v off_o from_o those_o scruple_n that_o spring_v from_o they_o but_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v indeed_o take_v away_o but_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o turbulence_n faction_n or_o unruliness_n be_v suppose_v to_o lie_v deep_a than_o the_o scruple_n it_o be_v best_a to_o unmask_v it_o by_o take_v away_o so_o just_a a_o cause_n to_o manage_v itself_o upon_o and_o by_o so_o great_a a_o kindness_n to_o conscience_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v tender_v to_o heap_v coal_n of_o fire_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o such_o person_n either_o to_o reform_v they_o or_o condemn_v they_o beyond_o apology_n or_o if_o superstition_n and_o place_v religion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o have_v a_o zeal_n against_o ceremony_n be_v suspect_v even_o that_o do_v but_o increase_v the_o scandal_n arise_v from_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o make_v they_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o stumbling-block_n out_o of_o man_n way_n you_o cure_v the_o superstition_n on_o the_o other_o side_n too_o by_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n object_n 7._o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n or_o national_a religion_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o such_o guard_n upon_o both_o piety_n order_n and_o unity_n for_o beside_o that_o public_a authority_n have_v think_v they_o fit_a there_o be_v many_o private_a christian_n zealous_a of_o they_o and_o that_o will_v be_v scandalize_v if_o they_o be_v take_v away_o as_o if_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v break_v let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o of_o they_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v as_o own_v the_o public_a authority_n most_o answ_n i_o have_v already_o assert_v in_o answer_n to_o some_o part_n of_o this_o objection_n 1._o that_o religion_n and_o piety_n be_v its_o own_o best_a guard_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n preserve_v most_o awful_a as_o well_o as_o most_o pure_a in_o its_o own_o spirituality_n and_o truth_n 2._o that_o all_o natural_a and_o necessary_a order_n and_o decency_n be_v always_o to_o be_v secure_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v as_o be_v above_o the_o scale_n of_o mere_a indifferent_n 3._o that_o unity_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o inviolate_a love_n of_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o centre_v in_o those_o principal_a thing_n love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o not_o in_o one_o face_n of_o uniformity_n which_o be_v if_o place_v upon_o ceremonial_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o variable_a as_o the_o phase_n of_o the_o moon_n 4._o i_o add_v the_o more_o public_a society_n in_o religion_n be_v intend_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v the_o more_o comprehensive_a the_o form_n of_o union_n must_v be_v the_o prudence_n and_o holy_a caution_n of_o that_o first_o council_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v always_o to_o be_v follow_v when_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o near_a union_n and_o as_o great_a a_o uniformity_n as_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a either_o in_o the_o several_a church_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o doubt_n and_o dispute_n have_v arisen_a concern_v the_o term_n of_o their_o union_n be_v that_o prime_a canon_n make_v happy_a have_v it_o be_v if_o that_o pattern_n have_v be_v ever_o since_o keep_v to_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n one_o necessary_a by_o a_o perpetual_a morality_n one_o other_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n or_o scandal_n the_o other_o two_o necessary_a at_o that_o time_n but_o by_o alteration_n of_o time_n they_o drop_v off_o as_o to_o any_o religious_a import_n except_o as_o general_a nature_n may_v check_v at_o they_o 5._o the_o band_v of_o society_n in_o unnecessary_a rite_n be_v rather_o of_o ecclesiastic_a interest_n and_o domination_n than_o of_o the_o concern_v of_o christian_a religion_n 6._o if_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n that_o some_o can_v serve_v god_n without_o adorn_v their_o worship_n with_o these_o arbitrary_a rite_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n they_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n see_v the_o danger_n of_o scandalize_a lie_n most_o on_o the_o side_n of_o ceremony_n they_o be_v those_o that_o shall_v have_v it_o to_o themselves_o before_o god_n not_o they_o that_o doubt_n or_o because_o it_o be_v the_o public_o establish_v order_n they_o shall_v carry_v the_o happiness_n the_o privilege_n of_o their_o full_a persuasion_n humble_o and_o compassionate_o be_v not_o high_o mind_v but_o fear_v lest_o in_o some_o part_n of_o that_o wherein_o they_o seem_v so_o clear_a cause_n of_o condemn_v themselves_o lie_v hide_v at_o present_a and_o afterward_o start_v out_o but_o all_o this_o can_v be_v a_o standard_n for_o other_o they_o that_o be_v doubtful_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v screw_v up_o by_o engine_n and_o pulley_n to_o this_o happiness_n see_v then_o there_o be_v some_o that_o dare_v not_o serve_v god_n in_o this_o way_n we_o must_v seek_v out_o other_o term_n of_o union_n and_o they_o be_v very_o near_o we_o the_o vital_a union_n of_o christianity_n our_o national_a reform_v religion_n which_o may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o if_o we_o will_v let_v it_o in_o these_o lesser_a distinction_n it_o do_v not_o make_v diverse_a church_n in_o primitive_a rome_n that_o some_o christian_n distinguish_v meat_n and_o day_n and_o other_o do_v not_o yet_o the_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o the_o gospel-freedom_n from_o judaic_a bondage_n be_v of_o more_o concernment_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o that_o time_n than_o all_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o despotic_a ceremony_n can_v be_v worth_a to_o it_o now_o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o head_n of_o scandal_n always_o remember_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o indifferency_n that_o all_o that_o it_o be_v have_v be_v name_v already_o and_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v indifferency_n and_o it_o may_v not_o contend_v with_o scandal_n that_o be_v mighty_a than_o it_o for_o scandal_n be_v scandal_n real_a mischief_n and_o lay_v about_o it_o from_o
creature_n without_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v make_v with_o a_o possibility_n of_o high_a advancement_n and_o perfection_n as_o he_o be_v of_o fall_v from_o his_o present_a perfection_n by_o not_o adhere_v to_o his_o creator_n according_a to_o what_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o quest_n what_o relation_n do_v these_o two_o record_n bear_v to_o one_o another_o be_v both_o of_o god_n answ_n it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a they_o shall_v either_o of_o they_o one_o contradict_v another_o but_o that_o they_o unite_v with_o confirm_v and_o justify_v one_o another_o and_o one_o pass_v out_o of_o and_o repass_v into_o another_o but_o the_o latter_a being_n more_o full_a clear_a and_o perfect_a make_v not_o only_o the_o addition_n of_o what_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o former_a but_o do_v much_o inlighten_v and_o clear_v it_o and_o since_o the_o fall_n it_o be_v not_o where_o else_o perfect_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o revelation_n yet_o so_o that_o whatever_o of_o it_o remain_v or_o be_v reinkindle_v by_o revelation_n do_v both_o prepare_v a_o man_n to_o receive_v and_o do_v also_o assure_v he_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n quest_n you_o have_v show_v with_o what_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o excellent_a contrivance_n all_o thing_n be_v lay_v by_o the_o creator_n let_v i_o now_o hear_v from_o you_o the_o use_v i_o be_o to_o make_v of_o it_o answ_n this_o teach_v we_o to_o adore_v applaud_v the_o fidelity_n and_o goodness_n of_o our_o holy_a maker_n and_o to_o confess_v whatever_o disorder_n have_v invade_v this_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v owe_v altogether_o to_o the_o perverseness_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n who_o destruction_n be_v of_o himself_o alone_o and_o his_o help_n only_o in_o god_n return_v he_o to_o himself_o according_a to_o this_o first_o designation_n quest_n what_o then_o be_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o this_o public_a and_o catholic_n religion_n answ_n god_n the_o universal_a be_v receive_v into_o his_o own_o most_o public_a glory_n life_n and_o happiness_n the_o universe_n of_o his_o holy_a creation_n be_v praise_v glorify_v enjoy_v and_o admire_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o to_o eternity_n 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 quest_n how_o do_v a_o change_n begin_v in_o this_o catholic_n state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o place_n of_o which_o we_o now_o see_v endless_a schism_n and_o confusion_n answ_n the_o fall_v angel_n a_o high_a region_n of_o spirit_n be_v anathematise_v out_o of_o heaven_n settle_v in_o a_o black_a and_o detestable_a heresy_n and_o separation_n from_o god_n quest_n how_o do_v this_o affect_v man_n answ_n they_o immediate_o endeavour_v upon_o humane_a nature_n be_v new_o breathe_v from_o god_n and_o receive_v into_o society_n with_o himself_o and_o all_o bless_a spirit_n to_o propagate_v their_o own_o malignancy_n into_o it_o in_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o to_o separate_v it_o with_o themselves_o from_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o happy_a public_a quest_n with_o what_o appearance_n be_v so_o malicious_a a_o attempt_n cover_v answ_n under_o the_o plausible_a disguise_n of_o man_n set_v up_o for_o happiness_n and_o become_v a_o public_a within_o himself_o without_o and_o against_o the_o divine_a oracle_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o mischievous_a design_n that_o lie_v hide_v under_o this_o answ_n to_o have_v enslave_v humane_a nature_n under_o perpetual_a vassalage_n to_o the_o pseudo-catholick_n synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o have_v depend_v upon_o a_o lie_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o for_o infallibility_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o hellish_a attempt_n answ_n too_o unhappy_o successful_a it_o be_v for_o draw_v our_o unwary_a progenitor_n from_o the_o royal_a law_n implant_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o render_v suspicious_a to_o they_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o divine_a universal_a spirit_n they_o give_v heed_n to_o a_o unknown_a obscure_a spirit_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o so_o monstrous_a a_o seduction_n answ_n they_o lose_v their_o place_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a write_v in_o heaven_n and_o forfeit_v it_o from_o all_o their_o posterity_n quest_n but_o do_v these_o excommunicate_a spirit_n prevail_v upon_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o become_v absolute_o and_o immediate_o of_o their_o separation_n answ_n no_o for_o god_n clothe_v himself_o in_o his_o son_n with_o the_o compassion_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n lay_v hold_v upon_o humane_a nature_n as_o the_o head_n of_o its_o recovery_n in_o that_o very_a nature_n certain_o reconcile_a his_o own_o seed_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o his_o church_n into_o a_o state_n more_o catholic_n than_o the_o first_o he_o god-man_n be_v so_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o it_o and_o with_o a_o redundance_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o mankind_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o restoration_n to_o their_o first_o communion_n with_o advantage_n if_o build_v upon_o aright_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o foundation_n lay_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o all_o man_n especial_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v for_o the_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o first_o catholic_n state_n of_o religion_n answ_n the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n before_o the_o fall_n viz._n the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n preserve_v in_o the_o soul_n with_o direct_a aspect_n upon_o god_n obligation_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o desire_v of_o his_o favour_n and_o when_o man_n find_v himself_o in_o a_o fall_v estate_n and_o under_o gild_n and_o yet_o that_o god_n spare_v he_o and_o have_v patience_n with_o he_o there_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o true_a reason_n hope_n of_o and_o desire_v after_o his_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n and_o motion_n of_o return_n to_o he_o by_o repentance_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n 2._o revelation_n most_o exact_o suit_v to_o our_o recovery_n out_o of_o that_o miserable_a estate_n with_o which_o god_n immediate_o succour_v our_o first_o parent_n against_o despair_n for_o that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n in_o relief_n against_o satan_n take_v possession_n of_o man_n as_o his_o spoil_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n a_o everlasting_a enmity_n be_v immediate_o kindle_v between_o they_o quest_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a superintendent_n mission_v or_o send_v in_o the_o son_n name_n to_o negotiate_v our_o return_n to_o and_o preserve_v ourselves_o in_o the_o true_a catholic_n religion_n answ_n the_o divine_a spirit_n alone_o conduct_v we_o by_o heavenly_a assistance_n enlighten_v we_o in_o the_o uncorrupted_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n by_o reveal_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o reveal_v religion_n by_o its_o intimate_v union_n with_o natural_a and_o enable_v we_o to_o cut_v the_o line_n of_o the_o one_o run_v into_o the_o other_o with_o innumerable_a maze_n of_o union_n sometime_o prepare_v we_o for_o reveal_v religion_n by_o natural_a always_o to_o the_o true_a natural_a by_o reveal_v and_o so_o confirm_v they_o to_o we_o by_o one_o another_o quest_n you_o have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o creation_n providence_n evidence_n of_o divine_a presence_n and_o miracle_n what_o place_v they_o have_v in_o the_o renewal_n of_o man_n state_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o redeemer_n answ_n these_o be_v all_o in_o the_o very_a same_o place_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o settlement_n attend_v the_o doctrine_n and_o divine_a law_n they_o be_v to_o seal_v with_o assurance_n they_o be_v divine_a and_o give_v the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o that_o law_n in_o the_o power_n majesty_n rectitude_n and_o order_n they_o themselves_o carry_v and_o so_o testify_v of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n of_o what_o excellency_n it_o be_v and_o that_o even_o before_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v embody_a and_o minister_v to_o by_o his_o sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o miracle_n and_o lie_a wonder_n that_o impose_v on_o man_n answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o counterfeit_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n the_o universal_a miracle_n and_o all_o true_a divine_a miracle_n be_v like_o they_o general_o in_o their_o beneficence_n to_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o come_v along_o with_o manifest_o distinguish_v they_o cap._n iii_o of_o the_o uncontroversible_a law_n of_o natural_a religion_n quest_n there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o of_o account_n give_v in_o general_a of_o public_a and_o catholic_n religion_n show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v from_o god_n it_o be_v now_o necessary_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n and_o first_o what_o it_o be_v that_o remain_v certain_a and_o evident_o public_a or_o that_o be_v of_o god_n in_o the_o law_n write_v upon_o
according_a to_o the_o undeniable_a sense_n of_o scripture_n quest_n but_o the_o nearness_n of_o these_o father_n to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n must_v needs_o enable_v they_o either_o from_o what_o they_o themselves_o receive_v warm_a from_o their_o lip_n or_o from_o what_o they_o have_v from_o other_o not_o quite_o cold_a to_o know_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n discipline_n manner_n of_o life_n purpose_n their_o sense_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o mean_v of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o so_o to_o deliver_v it_o to_o after-age_n answ_n whatever_o they_o have_v speak_v or_o write_v give_v we_o more_o light_a and_o advantage_n to_o understand_v and_o behold_v scripture_n in_o its_o own_o light_n aught_o from_o they_o or_o from_o any_o other_o to_o be_v accept_v with_o great_a regard_n but_o if_o it_o do_v not_o thus_o it_o can_v be_v accept_v even_o from_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n themselves_o upon_o a_o single_a or_o divide_a authority_n they_o be_v so_o bound_v by_o the_o very_a thing_n and_o word_n they_o themselves_o have_v once_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n that_o all_o the_o deference_n to_o their_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a thing_n above_o other_o be_v to_o be_v make_v reasonable_a in_o the_o clear_a expound_v what_o themselves_o and_o other_o have_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o to_o be_v discern_v in_o the_o very_a write_n themselves_o and_o not_o to_o be_v draw_v oracular_o out_o of_o their_o breast_n when_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v not_o upon_o they_o for_o he_o that_o be_v spiritual_a i._n e._n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v inspiration_n to_o or_o pretend_v to_o it_o must_v acknowledge_v all_o that_o be_v either_o true_o write_v or_o speak_v by_o the_o same_o inspiration_n to_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 37._o and_o as_o for_o the_o newness_n freshness_n and_o life_n of_o truth_n give_v by_o divine_a revelation_n god_n gracious_o provide_v it_o shall_v remain_v as_o revelation_n leave_v it_o and_o the_o evidence_n it_o have_v do_v so_o appear_v with_o it_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n divine_a never_o lose_v of_o its_o life_n nor_o abate_v of_o its_o vigour_n what_o it_o be_v so_o many_o age_n ago_o that_o it_o abide_v now_o what_o the_o holy-ghost_n speak_v so_o many_o age_n ago_o that_o it_o speak_v now_o as_o warm_o as_o then_o all_o divine_a truth_n give_v be_v after_o the_o power_n of_o a_o endless_a life_n the_o eternal_a increated_a spirit_n live_v in_o it_o and_o give_v divine_a quickness_n to_o it_o it_o be_v yesterday_o to_o day_n the_o same_o for_o ever_o and_o so_o breathe_v its_o own_o sense_n in_o scripture_n by_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n it_o vouchsafe_v to_o holy_a humble_a and_o diligent_a waiter_n upon_o he_o in_o this_o even_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n though_o the_o extraordinary_a motion_n be_v withdraw_v quest_n but_o still_o the_o gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o those_o eminent_a man_n with_o all_o the_o light_n truth_n grace_n learning_n and_o reason_n they_o shine_v to_o we_o with_o aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v and_o improve_v answ_n yes_o doubtless_o for_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a be_v of_o virtue_n and_o deserve_a praise_n they_o be_v public_a and_o of_o god_n wherever_o they_o be_v find_v and_o whatever_o there_o be_v in_o these_o elder_n in_o their_o nearness_n to_o the_o first_o time_n their_o holiness_n their_o suffering_n their_o great_a learning_n their_o encounter_n of_o paganism_n their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n their_o heavenliness_n their_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n all_o be_v a_o donation_n and_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o they_o to_o his_o church_n and_o mankind_n in_o general_n quest_n and_o do_v not_o there_o arise_v great_a evidence_n to_o christianity_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o from_o such_o eminent_a witness_n answ_n no_o doubt_n there_o do_v both_o to_o christianity_n in_o particular_a and_o to_o all_o religion_n virtue_n and_o goodness_n in_o general_a but_o yet_o neither_o their_o write_n nor_o practice_n can_v in_o any_o wise_a become_v scripture_n to_o we_o they_o all_o lead_n to_o scripture_n and_o aught_o to_o do_v so_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v see_v and_o reflect_v in_o scripture_n light_n and_o from_o thence_o they_o receive_v their_o lustre_n for_o though_o they_o be_v a_o subordinate_a testimony_n as_o have_v be_v say_v yet_o christian_a religion_n have_v great_a testimony_n and_o first_o enable_v they_o to_o give_v a_o valuable_a testimony_n to_o itself_o by_o communicate_v so_o great_a knowledge_n and_o worth_n to_o they_o and_o beside_o all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v so_o voluminous_a as_o not_o to_o be_v read_v over_o by_o the_o most_o so_o doubtful_a in_o their_o genuiness_n that_o they_o can_v be_v examine_v but_o with_o great_a labour_n and_o well_o prepare_v judgement_n so_o disputable_a in_o their_o sense_n that_o to_o attain_v a_o certainty_n in_o it_o will_v cut_v off_o time_n from_o the_o great_a employment_n of_o meditation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n where_o man_n calling_n lie_v otherwise_o so_o that_o to_o receive_v our_o religion_n from_o hence_o be_v of_o too_o remote_a a_o assurance_n to_o any_o one_o much_o more_o to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o book_n and_o study_v for_o their_o profession_n but_o every_o man_n whether_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a be_v concern_v deep_o to_o try_v his_o religion_n with_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o another_o for_o he_o and_o god_n have_v therefore_o provide_v a_o word_n nigh_o he_o even_o in_o his_o mouth_n and_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o have_v also_o take_v care_n by_o stir_v up_o so_o many_o both_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_a christian_n to_o separate_v themselves_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o all_o sacred_a knowledge_n that_o there_o be_v a_o worthy_a exercise_n of_o the_o learned_a world_n herein_o and_o great_a advantage_n arise_v thereby_o for_o universal_a knowledge_n even_o to_o the_o less_o learned_a and_o the_o very_a unlearned_a quest_n but_o do_v the_o father_n themselves_o distinguish_v thus_o their_o own_o and_o one_o another_o write_n from_o scripture_n answ_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a as_o have_v be_v already_o affirm_v they_o put_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o most_o excellent_a monument_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v but_o humane_a whether_o their_o own_o or_o other_o and_o inspire_v page_n else_o clement_n ignatius_n and_o other_o may_v as_o well_o have_v be_v canonize_v by_o they_o as_o what_o be_v from_o they_o come_v down_o to_o we_o for_o sacred_a canon_n itself_o and_o even_o as_o they_o do_v we_o may_v see_v the_o great_a odds_o betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o as_o we_o adore_v god_n the_o supreme_a author_n so_o the_o sovereign_a preserver_n of_o scripture_n who_o by_o divine_a evidence_n and_o by_o superintend_v providence_n have_v divide_v the_o bind_v of_o scripture_n at_o so_o great_a a_o remove_n from_o all_o the_o write_n in_o the_o world_n whether_o christian_n or_o profane_a the_o apocryphal_a book_n not_o except_v which_o though_o too_o adventurous_o join_v so_o general_o in_o a_o volume_n with_o scripture_n yet_o be_v evident_o disproportion_v in_o the_o majesty_n of_o sense_n and_o divine_a eloquence_n quest_n be_v there_o no_o great_a authority_n of_o the_o first_o council_n answ_n how_o many_o human_n soever_o meet_v they_o can_v make_v up_o divine_a where_o it_o be_v not_o before_o nor_o can_v a_o multitude_n of_o private_n constitute_v a_o public_a divine_a and_o public_a may_v be_v declare_v but_o can_v be_v make_v so_o by_o such_o contribution_n all_o determination_n of_o council_n be_v infinite_o outweigh_v in_o value_n and_o overrule_v in_o authority_n by_o scripture_n indeed_o public_a and_o divine_a quest_n but_o in_o such_o a_o number_n of_o his_o servant_n may_v we_o not_o conclude_v god_n be_v certain_o among_o they_o and_o do_v guide_v they_o answ_n give_v they_o all_o the_o advantage_n that_o can_v be_v give_v and_o either_o we_o must_v say_v they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v and_o then_o we_o must_v receive_v their_o decree_n as_o scripture_n and_o they_o must_v be_v attest_v to_o we_o as_o scripture_n be_v attest_v or_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_o guide_v and_o then_o their_o decree_n must_v be_v try_v as_o all_o fallible_n ought_v to_o be_v by_o a_o rule_n sure_a than_o themselves_o if_o even_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o be_v at_o first_o try_v and_o find_v perfect_a nay_o if_o even_o all_o that_o god_n propose_v to_o we_o as_o from_o himself_o come_v lade_v with_o its_o own_o proper_a evidence_n how_o much_o more_o must_v that_o which_o be_v confess_o humane_a be_v try_v by_o that_o which_o be_v confess_o
sinner_n the_o whole_a platform_n of_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v become_v like_o the_o original_a law_n of_o righteousness_n by_o which_o man_n be_v form_v and_o answer_n to_o it_o in_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o perfection_n as_o therefore_o the_o plot_n of_o restoration_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n infold_v it_o within_o itself_o and_o answer_v every_o way_n exact_o to_o it_o so_o that_o very_a law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n own_v the_o reconciliation_n and_o atonement_n by_o that_o great_a sacrifice_n as_o equilateral_a to_o itself_o the_o dimension_n of_o one_o be_v find_v correspondent_a in_o the_o other_o and_o each_o to_o be_v try_v one_o by_o the_o other_o so_o great_a a_o sacrifice_n will_v be_v unnecessary_a if_o it_o have_v not_o so_o great_a a_o law_n to_o answer_v so_o great_a a_o law_n can_v be_v answer_v by_o so_o great_a a_o sacrifice_n and_o only_o by_o that_o it_o must_v have_v that_o it_o can_v need_v it_o can_v acknowledge_v no_o other_o so_o then_o the_o one_o may_v be_v measure_v by_o the_o other_o the_o holiness_n purity_n of_o such_o a_o law_n violate_v require_v such_o a_o effectual_a pacification_n and_o purgation_n of_o conscience_n such_o a_o renovation_n as_o christianity_n set_v before_o we_o such_o a_o sacrifice_n such_o a_o renovation_n or_o sanctification_n by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n from_o it_o teach_v we_o what_o a_o excellent_a law_n be_v violate_v so_o often_o therefore_o be_v the_o lamb_n make_v the_o title_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o savour_n so_o oâ—ten_v it_o be_v signal_o record_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o new-jerusalem_n to_o show_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n breathe_v in_o and_o from_o it_o in_o renovation_n and_o sanctification_n 3._o the_o liberty_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v bring_v in_o by_o his_o gospel_n be_v another_o equilateral_a character_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v measure_v by_o each_o of_o the_o former_a and_o it_o also_o measure_v they_o it_o be_v not_o a_o liberty_n from_o holiness_n it_o be_v not_o a_o liberty_n from_o close_a application_n to_o the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o need_v it_o on_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o but_o it_o be_v a_o liberty_n from_o any_o imposition_n that_o be_v ceremonial_a and_o do_v not_o by_o its_o intrinsique_n worth_n and_o goodness_n or_o by_o its_o supreme_a ordination_n from_o god_n centre_n in_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n conscience_n and_o whole_a soul_n yea_o whatever_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v the_o jew_n be_v not_o only_o reverse_v but_o despise_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christian_a liberty_n if_o it_o do_v not_o square_a with_o it_o so_o that_o no_o yoke_n of_o ceremonial_a bondage_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o that_o which_o have_v be_v be_v take_v away_o and_o a_o yoke_n of_o humane_a imposiing_n be_v under_o the_o gospel-anathema_n the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n of_o redemption_n by_o christ_n may_v be_v just_o measure_v by_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o conscience_n to_o do_v well_o in_o thing_n intrinsical_o good_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v inward_o purge_v and_o atone_v by_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n do_v also_o true_o measure_v this_o liberty_n for_o on_o one_o side_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n that_o can_v never_o take_v away_o sin_n but_o to_o the_o blood_n offer_v by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n which_o certain_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a on_o the_o other_o side_n this_o liberty_n lay_v not_o open_a the_o enclosure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n nor_o remove_v the_o barrier_n of_o justice_n against_o sin_n if_o not_o satisfy_v and_o atone_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n 4._o last_o that_o which_o answer_v to_o each_o of_o these_o character_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v that_o be_v have_v no_o secular_a interest_n no_o interest_n of_o this_o present_a world_n that_o it_o look_v not_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o on_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v that_o be_v eternal_a such_o be_v the_o godliness_n such_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n such_o the_o christian_a liberty_n that_o their_o uses_n and_o end_n be_v too_o great_a and_o large_a to_o centre_n in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o though_o themselves_o be_v the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o present_a state_n yet_o they_o no_o way_n make_v it_o or_o the_o grandeur_n of_o it_o a_o interest_n but_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o city_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o this_o religion_n say_v my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n now_o as_o this_o measure_v each_o of_o the_o other_o character_n so_o each_o of_o they_o measure_v it_o such_o a_o transcendent_a holiness_n and_o purity_n can_v alone_o see_v god_n in_o eternal_a habitation_n such_o a_o sacrifice_n alone_o can_v have_v its_o blood_n enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n make_v without_o hand_n have_v obtain_v a_o eternal_a inheritance_n such_o a_o blood_n speak_v alone_o in_o the_o heaven_n better_a thing_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n a_o conscience_n so_o free_a so_o perfect_v have_v boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a and_o none_o else_o these_o be_v all_o fit_v and_o consecrate_a to_o eternity_n and_o eternity_n to_o they_o light_n and_o trivial_a holiness_n insignificant_a ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o purgation_n a_o cumber_v of_o external_n observation_n invent_v by_o man_n can_v never_o enter_v within_o the_o veil_n nor_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o such_o divine_a thing_n to_o grasp_v at_o this_o world_n and_o a_o patrimony_n on_o earth_n be_v as_o gross_a and_o out_o of_o square_a so_o that_o these_o thing_n exact_o measure_v one_o another_o and_o square_v together_o quest_n how_o be_v the_o foursquare_a city_n or_o the_o true_a church_n adjust_v to_o these_o dimension_n answ_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o before_o mention_v in_o have_v these_o and_o these_o only_a in_o its_o doctrine_n its_o worship_n its_o practice_n and_o obedience_n its_o discipline_n or_o government_n quest_n how_o be_v the_o false_a church_n out_o of_o square_a to_o all_o these_o answ_n in_o that_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n constitute_v according_a to_o these_o and_o pretend_v a_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o the_o miracle_n attest_v they_o it_o have_v be_v most_o extravagant_a from_o they_o by_o its_o traditional_a addition_n and_o counterfeit_n of_o they_o every_o of_o which_o be_v a_o violation_n and_o irregularity_n from_o one_o or_o all_o of_o these_o character_n or_o equal_a side_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o great_a lie_n upon_o they_o with_o which_o they_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o agree_v be_v not_o only_o a_o endless_a variation_n from_o but_o a_o flat_a opposition_n to_o they_o and_o a_o despit_v they_o with_o themselves_o so_o strange_o so_o monstrous_o misshapen_v and_o that_o in_o so_o great_a number_n that_o as_o in_o mockage_n to_o the_o many_o excellent_a thing_n our_o saviour_n do_v and_o teach_v so_o many_o that_o if_o they_o be_v all_o write_v the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v even_o so_o if_o all_o the_o numerous_a and_o prodigious_a excursion_n of_o the_o antichristian_a church_n and_o antichrist_n the_o head_n of_o it_o from_o christian_a religion_n by_o its_o indeterminable_a swarm_n of_o new_a piece_n of_o antichristianism_n shall_v be_v write_v the_o whole_a world_n itself_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v the_o volume_n that_o will_v be_v write_v quest_n but_o do_v not_o the_o profession_n of_o so_o much_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o such_o a_o eminence_n like_o tbe_n city_n upon_o the_o hill_n that_o can_v be_v hide_v give_v it_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o most_o famous_a church_n if_o not_o the_o catholic_n as_o it_o call_v itself_o answ_n christianity_n so_o abuse_v as_o in_o the_o popish_a religion_n be_v infinite_o the_o more_o dishonour_v for_o the_o eminence_n of_o the_o antichurch_n that_o so_o expose_v it_o and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o eminence_n of_o antichrist_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v indeed_o and_o true_o god_n in_o his_o church_n and_o show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n in_o his_o oracle_n wonder_n and_o miracle_n but_o they_o be_v