exception_n who_o be_v in_o their_o wit_n have_v natural_o a_o most_o earnest_a desire_n to_o preserve_v their_o life_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o keep_v themselves_o free_a from_o pain_n and_o trouble_v i_o think_v i_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o there_o must_v have_v be_v some_o extraordinary_a strong_a and_o even_o irresistible_a motive_n which_o can_v prevail_v upon_o such_o multitude_n of_o people_n to_o forsake_v they_o and_o their_o ancestor_n old_a religion_n and_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n which_o then_o have_v but_o new_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o in_o those_o day_n do_v seldom_o fail_v to_o involve_v its_o proselyte_n in_o most_o grievous_a trouble_n and_o persecution_n xvii_o that_o this_o motive_n can_v not_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o any_o profit_n or_o advantage_n in_o this_o life_n be_v most_o evident_a because_o christianity_n be_v in_o those_o day_n most_o common_o persecute_v even_o unto_o death_n it_o must_v therefore_o of_o 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he_o have_v appoint_v to_o teach_v his_o religion_n to_o the_o world_n for_o many_o year_n after_o his_o death_n do_v likewise_o continue_v to_o work_v many_o miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n which_o show_v that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o teach_v the_o thing_n by_o they_o allege_v to_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o jesus_n be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o he_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o distemper_n with_o a_o touch_n or_o bare_o with_o a_o word_n speak_v that_o he_o give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a speech_n to_o the_o dumb_a and_o strength_n and_o agility_n to_o the_o lame_a and_o maim_a that_o he_o raise_v several_a person_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o he_o himself_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o have_v be_v crucify_a and_o a_o spear_n thrust_v into_o his_o vital_n and_o have_v lie_v dead_a in_o a_o sepulchre_n unto_o the_o three_o day_n and_o last_o that_o after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v several_a time_n appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n he_o be_v at_o last_o open_o and_o in_o their_o sight_n take_v up_o alive_a into_o heaven_n the_o thing_n allege_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o his_o disciple_n be_v the_o heal_n the_o sick_a the_o lame_a the_o maim_a etc._n etc._n and_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n their_o speak_v all_o language_n although_o they_o never_o have_v learn_v they_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v pretend_v by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n and_o undoubted_o they_o must_v needs_o at_o least_o pretend_v something_o that_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a or_o else_o they_o never_o can_v have_v convert_v such_o vast_a multitude_n under_o so_o many_o disadvantage_n as_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n labour_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o pretend_v but_o real_o and_o actual_o perform_v be_v to_o my_o opinion_n uncontrollable_o evince_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o who_o declare_v these_o thing_n for_o truth_n unto_o the_o world_n who_o can_v not_o themselves_o be_v deceive_v in_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n who_o never_o will_v go_v about_o to_o impose_v a_o lie_n upon_o the_o world_n by_o which_o they_o can_v propose_v to_o themselves_o no_o manner_n of_o advantage_n in_o this_o life_n nor_o if_o it_o be_v a_o lie_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v who_o never_o will_v have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o poverty_n to_o rack_n to_o gibbet_n to_o fire_n and_o faggot_n in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o torment_n and_o death_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a fable_n who_o be_v man_n of_o unblameable_a life_n for_o their_o morality_n have_v doubtless_o more_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n than_o to_o affirm_v those_o thing_n for_o certain_a truth_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o know_v to_o be_v 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matter_n to_o go_v or_o send_v to_o the_o place_n to_o make_v enquiry_n and_o so_o to_o find_v out_o the_o cheat_n if_o a_o cheat_n it_o have_v be_v but_o that_o these_o same_o miracle_n and_o wonderful_a work_n do_v far_o surpass_v both_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o art_n be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o perform_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o wicked_a spirit_n do_v sufficient_o appear_v because_o the_o very_a intent_n and_o design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o propagate_v a_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n which_o by_o all_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o teach_v the_o pure_a and_o most_o strict_a morality_n to_o which_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o impure_a and_o evil_a spirit_n will_v contribute_v any_o help_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o these_o thing_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v perform_v either_o by_o the_o immediate_a
a_o token_n of_o his_o work_n stamp_v and_o engrave_v this_o his_o mark_n and_o character_n upon_o they_o x._o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n who_o build_v a_o convenient_a and_o goodly_a structure_n but_o he_o take_v care_n likewise_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o good_a order_n and_o repair_v after_o it_o be_v build_v and_o there_o be_v no_o fabric_n but_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n will_v visible_o decay_v if_o constant_a care_n be_v not_o take_v of_o it_o since_o therefore_o god_n have_v erect_v and_o frame_v this_o goodly_a structure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o since_o in_o so_o long_a a_o time_n there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o decay_n to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o as_o be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o hackwell_n in_o his_o apology_n on_o this_o subject_a i_o conclude_v that_o god_n not_o only_o make_v this_o world_n by_o his_o power_n but_o also_o govern_v it_o by_o his_o providence_n and_o for_o the_o only_a objection_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n against_o god_n providence_n namely_o that_o wicked_a man_n do_v often_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v whilst_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n be_v oppress_v with_o misery_n it_o be_v most_o easy_o and_o natural_o solve_v by_o suppose_v what_o shall_v anon_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_a reward_n for_o good_a man_n and_o sufficient_a punishment_n for_o the_o wicked_a to_o be_v distribute_v in_o a_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v which_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v equal_a at_o the_o last_o xi_o every_o parent_n who_o beget_v and_o bring_v up_o a_o child_n every_o master_n who_o feed_v and_o pay_v a_o servant_n every_o prince_n who_o govern_v and_o protect_v his_o subject_n and_o every_o benefactor_n who_o do_v any_o act_n of_o kindness_n for_o another_o may_v very_o reasonable_o and_o do_v always_o expect_v a_o return_n of_o love_n obedience_n and_o gratitude_n in_o due_a proportion_n to_o the_o benefit_n receive_v from_o they_o since_o than_o god_n be_v more_o than_o a_o parent_n to_o we_o for_o he_o make_v we_o and_o our_o parent_n too_o since_o he_o be_v so_o kind_a a_o master_n who_o give_v we_o our_o food_n and_o all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n since_o he_o govern_v and_o protect_v we_o by_o his_o overrule_a providence_n more_o effectual_o than_o any_o earthly_a prince_n do_v his_o subject_n and_o last_o since_o he_o be_v our_o great_a and_o supreme_a benefactor_n who_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o good_a which_o we_o possess_v and_o enjoy_v i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o he_o expect_v a_o return_n of_o love_n obedience_n and_o gratitude_n from_o we_o i_o will_v not_o say_v proportionable_a to_o the_o benefit_n receive_v from_o he_o for_o that_o perhaps_o may_v exceed_v our_o ability_n but_o proportionable_a unto_o our_o ability_n or_o capacity_n xii_o that_o god_n be_v wise_a and_o powerful_a i_o gather_v from_o his_o work_n which_o i_o contemplate_v in_o the_o visible_a world_n and_o from_o thence_o i_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v sufficient_o punish_v those_o person_n who_o despise_v he_o so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o love_v thank_v and_o obey_v he_o according_a as_o he_o expect_v and_o require_v from_o they_o that_o he_o be_v also_o good_a and_o gracious_a i_o gather_v from_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o relate_v both_o to_o our_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o from_o thence_o i_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v abundant_o reward_v all_o those_o person_n who_o take_v care_n to_o pay_v he_o that_o love_n gratitude_n and_o obedience_n which_o he_o expect_v xiii_o that_o these_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o final_o distribute_v in_o this_o life_n be_v very_o evident_a because_o we_o often_o see_v man_n that_o be_v notorious_o wicked_a enjoy_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o other_o that_o be_v conspicuous_o virtuous_a undergo_v almost_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n even_o unto_o their_o very_a grave_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o in_o which_o these_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v due_o distribute_v fourteen_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o who_o there_o be_v a_o service_n due_a and_o that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v dispense_v to_o all_o man_n according_a as_o they_o have_v perform_v or_o neglect_v that_o service_n the_o grand_a enquiry_n that_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o make_v be_v what_o he_o must_v do_v to_o avoid_v these_o punishment_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o these_o reward_n and_o here_o i_o think_v i_o may_v most_o easy_o and_o natural_o make_v these_o follow_a conclusion_n viz._n 1._o he_o who_o do_v what_o god_n require_v from_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v punish_v but_o reward_v 2._o god_n require_v from_o every_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v use_v his_o honest_a endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v his_o will_n as_o perfect_o as_o he_o can_v for_o this_o be_v but_o reason_n for_o every_o master_n to_o expect_v from_o his_o servant_n much_o more_o for_o such_o a_o master_n as_o god_n 3._o if_o a_o man_n do_v his_o hearty_a and_o best_a endeavour_n first_o to_o know_v and_o then_o to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n god_n will_v require_v no_o more_o from_o he_o for_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o expect_v and_o with_o his_o goodness_n to_o require_v any_o more_o from_o a_o man_n than_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v i._n e._n any_o more_o than_o his_o best_a and_o most_o hearty_a endeavour_n xv._o there_o be_v in_o the_o general_n but_o two_o way_n of_o find_v out_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o understanding_n the_o other_o be_v by_o attend_v to_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_z the_o world_n here_o then_o i_o conclude_v i_o must_v make_v it_o my_o business_n first_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o then_o to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o and_o my_o reason_n together_o in_o order_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v god_n will._n xvi_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n in_o galilee_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n caesar_n the_o roman_a empetor_n that_o he_o have_v a_o company_n of_o poor_a man_n for_o his_o disciple_n that_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n go_v about_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n teach_v and_o preach_v that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n after_o the_o roman_a manner_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n the_o roman_a governor_n of_o judea_n that_o after_o his_o death_n his_o disciple_n go_v about_o into_o all_o or_o most_o part_n of_o the_o then_o know_a world_n teach_v and_o preach_v that_o this_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o go_v into_o heaven_n that_o in_o a_o few_o year_n they_o convert_v a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o people_n in_o all_o place_n to_o this_o belief_n that_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o belief_n be_v call_v christian_n that_o they_o be_v most_o cruel_o persecute_v and_o many_o thousand_o of_o they_o put_v to_o death_n and_o that_o with_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v christian_n that_o these_o persecution_n be_v several_a time_n renew_v aga_v they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o about_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n daily_o increase_v and_o that_o not_o only_a idiot_n and_o unlearned_a man_n but_o great_a scholar_n and_o philosopher_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n all_o this_o be_v mere_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v never_o yet_o deny_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o abundant_o testify_v by_o the_o history_n and_o other_o write_n of_o those_o time_n and_o have_v be_v so_o general_o receive_v for_o truth_n as_o well_o by_o the_o opposer_n as_o believer_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o constant_a universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n from_o those_o day_n even_o unto_o this_o time_n that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o or_o of_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n as_o of_o this_o now_o since_o all_o man_n general_o have_v a_o strong_a inclination_n to_o retain_v and_o stick_v to_o that_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o which_o both_o they_o and_o their_o father_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o no_o less_o a_o aversion_n to_o all_o causeless_a innovation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n moreover_o since_o all_o man_n without_o
power_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n who_o be_v both_o the_o framer_n and_o controller_n of_o nature_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n by_o the_o mediation_n and_o ministry_n of_o good_a spirit_n who_o always_o act_n obedient_o to_o his_o will._n so_o that_o whether_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o it_o be_v god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o original_a and_o author_n of_o all_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n now_o then_o since_o god_n do_v interpose_v his_o power_n to_o work_v such_o strange_a and_o stupenduous_a thing_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o true_a for_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a power_n only_o to_o cheat_v and_o deceive_v the_o world_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o lie_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n from_o heaven_n that_o whosoever_o will_v believe_v on_o jesus_n and_o receive_v and_o live_v according_a to_o his_o religion_n shall_v be_v make_v very_o happy_a in_o thenext_v life_n this_o very_a thing_n be_v the_o grand_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n teach_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v reason_n sufficient_a to_o believe_v this_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o also_o xx._n but_o jesus_n himself_o be_v long_o since_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o his_o disciple_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n depart_v out_o of_o the_o world_n here_o i_o think_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v to_o who_o or_o to_o what_o i_o must_v apply_v myself_o that_o amid_o the_o several_a party_n in_o the_o world_n who_o all_o call_v themselves_o true_a and_o orthodox_n christian_n each_o condemn_v all_o other_o but_o themselves_o i_o may_v be_v true_o and_o sure_o inform_v what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a religion_n or_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o live_v according_a to_o in_o order_n to_o my_o future_a happiness_n for_o if_o i_o do_v not_o this_o i_o must_v either_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n and_o so_o lose_v my_o future_a happiness_n or_o else_o take_v it_o altogether_o upon_o trust_n and_o by_o chance_n and_o then_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o i_o light_v upon_o the_o wrong_n and_o must_v needs_o run_v a_o very_a great_a hazard_n and_o though_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o mistake_n and_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o help_v it_o will_n doubtless_o find_v a_o easy_a pardon_n from_o god_n yet_o he_o who_o fall_v into_o error_n for_o want_v of_o moderate_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n have_v i_o think_v no_o pretence_n either_o to_o pardon_v or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o pity_n xxi_o the_o roman_a catholic_n do_v tell_v i_o that_o i_o must_v apply_v myself_o to_o the_o church_n this_o church_n they_o define_v to_o be_v that_o society_n of_o person_n who_o prosess_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n this_o church_n they_o say_v be_v infallible_a and_o not_o only_o do_v not_o but_o can_v err_v in_o any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n go_v then_o say_v they_o to_o this_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o she_o teach_v and_o there_o you_o have_v certain_o and_o infallible_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o i_o can_v give_v my_o assent_n to_o follow_v this_o their_o direction_n because_o i_o find_v such_o great_a difficulty_n in_o my_o way_n as_o i_o think_v be_v insuparable_a at_o least_o i_o be_o sure_a such_o as_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o overcome_v for_o first_o although_o it_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o company_n of_o people_n some_o where_o or_o other_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v yet_o what_o solid_a proof_n can_v be_v bring_v that_o this_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n who_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v alone_o the_o true_a church_n and_o shall_v always_o keep_v and_o maintain_v among_o they_o the_o true_a and_o uncorrupt_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o matter_n be_v a_o question_n of_o revelation_n and_o positive_a institution_n be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o natural_a reason_n and_o as_o for_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v even_o ridiculous_a to_o think_v that_o any_o sober_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n shall_v be_v convince_v by_o they_o as_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o impartial_o read_v what_o the_o romish_a and_o protestant_a divine_n have_v write_v on_o this_o controversy_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o those_o text_n but_o be_v fair_o and_o natural_o capable_a of_o another_o interpretation_n and_o must_v be_v very_o much_o strain_v and_o wrest_v to_o make_v they_o countenance_v the_o romish_a doctrine_n beside_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v general_o teach_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o authority_n or_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n especial_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v any_o way_n doubtful_a except_o he_o receive_v the_o proposal_n and_o interpretation_n thereof_o from_o this_o their_o church_n which_o they_o say_v be_v infallible_a so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n before_o he_o can_v any_o way_n be_v sure_a of_o the_o credit_n or_o even_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o then_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o scripture-argument_n to_o prove_v a_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v before_o the_o argument_n can_v have_v any_o force_n or_o even_o be_v as_o much_o as_o certain_o understand_v and_o if_o they_o tell_v i_o that_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n do_v testify_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o can_v only_o say_v that_o the_o protestant_n divine_n who_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v man_n of_o as_o much_o learning_n and_o integrity_n as_o the_o romish_a do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o nor_o have_v i_o skill_n enough_o in_o language_n and_o antiquity_n to_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o judge_v of_o this_o dispute_n neither_o do_v i_o understand_v by_o what_o authority_n the_o write_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o error_n shall_v be_v obtrude_v on_o i_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o determine_v my_o assent_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n second_o suppose_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v preserve_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o particular_a and_o private_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o that_o church_n may_v teach_v false_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n here_o than_o i_o demand_v how_o shall_v i_o certain_o distinguish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a man_n and_o how_o shall_v i_o certain_o know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o church_n doctrine_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o agree_v who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v authority_n to_o declare_v and_o expound_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n or_o neither_o alone_a but_o both_o together_o or_o if_o they_o be_v unanimous_a in_o this_o point_n yet_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o such_o a_o particular_a person_n who_o possess_v the_o chair_n be_v a_o true_a and_o lawful_a pope_n or_o such_o a_o particular_a assembly_n a_o true_a and_o lawful_a general_n council_n or_o suppose_v they_o can_v satisfy_v i_o in_o this_o demand_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o council_n now_o sit_v nor_o if_o there_o be_v can_v i_o go_v to_o they_o or_o to_o the_o pope_n to_o receive_v instruction_n nor_o can_v the_o pope_n or_o a_o council_n be_v at_o leisure_n to_o satisfy_v the_o demand_n of_o every_o private_a enquirer_n how_o then_o can_v i_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n do_v both_o right_o understand_v and_o faithful_o propose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o i_o especial_o since_o
and_o no_o way_n contradictory_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o plain_a and_o sound_a reason_n and_o if_o in_o many_o other_o point_n of_o speculation_n which_o by_o some_o be_v adopt_v into_o religion_n i_o be_o either_o whole_o ignorant_a or_o perhaps_o doubtful_a and_o undetermined_a or_o it_o may_v be_v mistake_v yet_o if_o to_o the_o belief_n which_o i_o have_v here_o profess_v i_o do_v superadd_a a_o virtuous_a and_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o moderate_a christian_n who_o do_v not_o in_o effect_n make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o be_v uncharitable_a but_o will_v allow_v that_o i_o may_v be_v save_v but_o wherein_o this_o virtuous_a and_o christian_a life_n consist_v and_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n which_o the_o gospel_n oblige_v we_o all_o to_o perform_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pure_a morality_n as_o to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n or_o those_o of_o positive_a institution_n as_o to_o be_v baptise_a to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o this_o small_a work_n to_o which_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v a_o gentleman_n religion_n part_n iii_o 1._o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o viz._n to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a according_a to_o his_o ability_n those_o action_n i_o call_v good_a which_o either_o be_v eternal_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o nature_n circumstance_n and_o mutual_a relation_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n and_o therefore_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o every_o impartial_a rational_a be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v part_n 2._o §_o 18._o for_o which_o we_o must_v appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n as_o we_o do_v to_o his_o eye_n without_o any_o other_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v or_o else_o be_v express_o command_v by_o god_n of_o his_o own_o positive_a will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o who_o as_o be_v his_o creature_n we_o all_o owe_v a_o entire_a obedience_n for_o which_o we_o must_v have_v our_o recourse_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o all_o the_o positive_a institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v abrogate_a and_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o annul_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n although_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o which_o contain_v the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o eternal_a good_a and_o evil_n and_o wherein_o the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o that_o law_n consist_v be_v not_o only_o abet_v and_o confirm_v but_o also_o very_o much_o improve_v by_o he_o and_o such_o action_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o good_a that_o be_v to_o say_v either_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n or_o else_o positive_o forbid_v by_o god_n i_o call_v evil_a i_o be_o indeed_o of_o opinion_n that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n whereby_o some_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v indifferent_a be_v enjoin_v or_o forbid_v but_o also_o either_o in_o particular_a or_o at_o least_o in_o general_n a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o all_o those_o action_n which_o be_v eternal_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v do_v or_o avoid_v by_o we_o and_o this_o design_v by_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o direction_n and_o instruction_n of_o those_o man_n who_o have_v not_o ability_n to_o dive_v into_o and_o discover_v those_o thing_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o describe_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o may_v be_v enough_o for_o i_o to_o collect_v the_o precept_n and_o prohibition_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o to_o vouch_v no_o other_o authority_n or_o reason_n but_o his_o will_n for_o they_o but_o because_o every_o man_n duty_n will_v probable_o make_v the_o great_a impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n when_o he_o be_v satisfy_v as_o to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o convince_v of_o its_o obligation_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o i_o proceed_v first_o to_o infer_v as_o much_o of_o our_o duty_n as_o i_o can_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n and_o then_o to_o superadd_a where_o there_o be_v occasion_n what_o god_n have_v positive_o ordain_v and_o command_v as_o to_o any_o point_n and_o this_o with_o the_o same_o conciseness_n that_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o my_o second_o part_n neither_o enlarge_n upon_o those_o argument_n nor_o recite_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o suppose_v my_o reader_n to_o be_v able_a to_o call_v to_o mind_n upon_o the_o least_o hint_n of_o they_o 2._o to_o begin_v then_o since_o god_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a be_v in_o himself_o and_o so_o love_a and_o beneficent_a to_o we_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o possible_o we_o can_v and_o true_a and_o complete_a love_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o one_o person_n exert_v towards_o another_o as_o its_o object_n consist_v in_o a_o unseigned_a desire_n first_o of_o always_o do_v what_o may_v be_v true_o grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o person_n belove_v and_o second_o of_o enjoy_v and_o be_v with_o he_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v the_o more_o ardent_a and_o zealous_a we_o be_v in_o our_o love_n to_o god_n the_o better_a undoubted_o it_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o engage_v our_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o will_n unto_o he_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v all_o thing_n but_o yet_o this_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o the_o earnestness_n of_o those_o sudden_a motion_n which_o sometime_o may_v arise_v within_o we_o upon_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n excellency_n and_o goodness_n because_o to_o be_v thus_o passionate_o affect_v be_v not_o whole_o in_o our_o power_n and_o sometime_o lest_o so_o when_o we_o most_o earnest_o desire_v it_o but_o the_o true_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o judge_v whether_o we_o love_v god_n or_o not_o be_v by_o examine_v whether_o we_o be_v steadfast_a in_o our_o resolution_n and_o according_o diligent_a in_o our_o endeavour_n constant_o to_o obey_v he_o and_o keep_v all_o his_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o please_v and_o consequent_o to_o enjoy_v and_o for_o ever_o be_v with_o he_o and_o where_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o firm_o root_v in_o the_o will_n and_o bring_v forth_o plenty_n of_o fruit_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n it_o be_v certain_o nevertheless_o acceptable_a to_o he_o although_o it_o do_v not_o so_o passionate_o move_v our_o affection_n as_o we_o can_v wish_v or_o desire_v and_o as_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o almighty_a god_n be_v derive_v from_o and_o do_v depend_v upon_o that_o of_o love_v of_o he_o or_o rather_o indeed_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o so_o be_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o same_o forementioned_a rule_n that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o inward_a impulse_n upon_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o under_o our_o command_n as_o by_o the_o steady_a agreeableness_n of_o our_o will_n and_o action_n unto_o all_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v right_a and_o good_a 3._o since_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a and_o consequent_o the_o most_o worthy_a of_o all_o being_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o may_v be_v now_o to_o honour_v any_o person_n be_v in_o other_o word_n inward_o to_o esteem_v and_o outward_o to_o show_v our_o respect_n to_o he_o our_o inward_a esteem_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o be_v and_o attribute_n and_o our_o outward_a respect_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v show_v as_o well_o by_o abstain_v from_o all_o action_n which_o may_v savour_v of_o any_o neglect_n or_o irreverence_n towards_o he_o as_o by_o perform_v all_o such_o as_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v suitable_a both_o to_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o 4._o since_o god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o know_v all_o even_o the_o most_o secret_a thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v possible_o be_v deceive_v or_o impose_v on_o we_o shall_v on_o this_o consideration_n be_v very_o watchful_a and_o careful_a upon_o all_o occasion_n how_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o his_o presence_n and_o
that_o way_n which_o he_o think_v to_o be_v the_o true_a from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o two_o man_n who_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n may_v yet_o both_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o heathen_a may_v be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o a_o christian_a if_o they_o be_v but_o strong_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o if_o the_o objection_n mean_v that_o i_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n without_o any_o other_o help_n to_o find_v out_o the_o trut_fw-mi of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o i_o have_v assert_v that_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o learning_n aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o help_v he_o can_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n see_v §_o 14._o and_o §_o 25._o but_o if_o the_o mean_v be_v that_o i_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o choose_v that_o religion_n which_o after_o a_o serious_a enquiry_n appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o best_a which_o be_v all_o that_o i_o contend_v for_o in_o this_o i_o say_v no_o more_o than_o what_o all_o man_n must_v and_o do_v say_v as_o well_o as_o i._o for_o either_o a_o man_n must_v never_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n at_o all_o and_o then_o he_o choose_v his_o religion_n by_o mere_a chance_n and_o since_o there_o be_v many_o false_a religion_n and_o but_o one_o true_a it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o he_o light_v upon_o a_o wrong_a one_o or_o if_o he_o do_v inquire_v either_o he_o must_v choose_v that_o which_o he_o think_v not_o to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o then_o he_o act_v against_o his_o conscience_n or_o that_o which_o he_o think_v be_v the_o best_a which_o be_v what_o i_o assert_v and_o what_o every_o man_n of_o sense_n profess_v himself_o to_o do_v second_o as_o there_o be_v many_o difference_n in_o the_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o man_n concern_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n abstruse_a and_o obscure_a so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n so_o apparent_a and_o evident_a that_o man_n who_o be_v sincere_a and_o unbiased_a if_o they_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n can_v never_o differ_v about_o they_o among_o which_o i_o think_v i_o may_v reckon_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v of_o necessity_n to_o any_o man_n salvaton_n §_o 3._o and_o whereas_o the_o world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o year_n find_v that_o compel_a man_n to_o this_o or_o that_o religion_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o sentiment_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o beget_v unity_n of_o any_o sort_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o have_v even_o distract_v mankind_n not_o only_o with_o variety_n of_o opinion_n each_o party_n take_v a_o delight_n to_o thwart_v other_o but_o also_o with_o war_n and_o confusion_n if_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o himself_o to_o follow_v what_o religion_n he_o please_v as_o he_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o his_o sincerity_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o most_o man_n have_v no_o worldly_a interest_n to_o serve_v by_o this_o or_o that_o religion_n will_v in_o time_n be_v bring_v to_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o every_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n and_o as_o for_o thing_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o of_o a_o inferior_a sort_n as_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 26._o if_o man_n will_v be_v but_o peaceable_a their_o mistake_v and_o consequent_o their_o difference_n about_o they_o can_v do_v no_o great_a harm_n but_o if_o man_n will_v still_o differ_v even_o about_o the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n i_o know_v no_o remedy_n for_o it_o upon_o earth_n but_o must_v refer_v the_o matter_n whole_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n three_o i_o do_v not_o maintain_v that_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o error_n that_o be_v a_o turk_n or_o a_o heathen_a whatsoever_o the_o strength_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o persuasion_n may_v be_v be_v in_o as_o sure_a a_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n as_o he_o who_o be_v a_o orthodox-man_n and_o a_o christian_n how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o those_o that_o be_v mistake_v and_o can_v help_v it_o i_o do_v not_o determine_v all_o that_o i_o will_v insinuate_v §_o 14._o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v any_o man_n for_o any_o error_n or_o mistake_v which_o he_o fall_v into_o through_o a_o pure_a desect_v of_o his_o understanding_n and_o not_o through_o any_o fault_n or_o neglect_v of_o his_o will._n but_o how_o far_o he_o will_v reward_v such_o a_o person_n for_o his_o good_a mean_v be_v more_o than_o i_o can_v tell_v xxxv_o four_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n do_v in_o effect_n undermine_v and_o enervate_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o all_o civil_a government_n by_o open_v a_o way_n for_o all_o malefactor_n to_o escape_v punishment_n how_o great_a soever_o their_o crime_n may_v be_v if_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v plead_v thus_o for_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v commit_v such_o a_o th_a or_o murder_n of_o which_o he_o be_v accuse_v and_o that_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v his_o duty_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o act_v according_a to_o this_o persuasion_n the_o magistrate_n who_o know_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v able_a certain_o to_o discover_v but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o real_a truth_n that_o he_o be_v so_o persuade_v and_o if_o every_o man_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v bind_v to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n of_o thing_n with_o what_o conscience_n can_v a_o magistrate_n punish_v such_o a_o person_n for_o that_o fact_n which_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o commit_v i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o that_o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o man_n may_v think_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o commit_v the_o most_o horrid_a villainy_n since_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v that_o whoso_o kill_v they_o will_v think_v he_o do_v god_n service_n joh._n 16._o 2._o and_o how_o far_o god_n almighty_a will_v be_v merciful_a unto_o such_o person_n who_o commit_v such_o fact_n out_o of_o pure_a ignorance_n and_o not_o out_o of_o malice_n i_o have_v rather_o st._n paul_n shall_v determine_v than_o i._o see_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 13._o but_o to_o the_o objection_n i_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o clear_a conviction_n and_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n if_o therefore_o upon_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o circumstance_n he_o be_v well_o satisfy_v and_o real_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o plea_n from_o a_o malefactor_n be_v no_o real_a truth_n but_o only_o a_o mese_n trick_n and_o pretence_n in_o hope_n to_o escape_v punishment_n he_o ought_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o to_o pronounce_v his_o sentence_n according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o come_v up_o close_o to_o the_o objection_n and_o which_o i_o think_v be_v the_o full_a and_o true_a answer_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o inquire_v or_o regard_v how_o the_o matter_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o as_o to_o be_v thereby_o any_o way_n influence_v in_o the_o pass_v his_o judgement_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o he_o if_o he_o be_v well_o and_o thorough_o convince_v that_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o act_n be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o case_n wherein_o a_o man_n offend_v high_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n on_o the_o offender_n because_o the_o fault_n which_o he_o may_v have_v commit_v do_v not_o it_o may_v be_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o damage_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a society_n which_o and_o which_o only_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o magistrate_n such_o for_o example_n be_v many_o act_n of_o covetousness_n or_o of_o prodigality_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o provide_v by_o any_o humane_a law_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v stand_v absolve_v before_o the_o
tribunal_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o just_o condemn_v by_o the_o magistrate_n thus_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n have_v commit_v theft_n or_o murder_n and_o upon_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n have_v obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n from_o god_n yet_o nevertheless_o if_o such_o a_o person_n be_v accuse_v and_o legal_o convict_v of_o such_o crime_n before_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n he_o not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o put_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o execution_n agnin_v he_o though_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v ever_o so_o penitent_a that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o terror_n unto_o other_o for_o if_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v every_o malefactor_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o repentance_n which_o can_v certain_o be_v discover_v by_o any_o but_o god_n may_v escape_v the_o lash_n of_o the_o law_n by_o which_o mean_v all_o wicked_a man_n will_v be_v encourage_v to_o commit_v all_o sort_n of_o crime_n thus_o also_o when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o conquer_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n we_o read_v how_o they_o send_v spy_n to_o make_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o land_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o invade_v it_o now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o these_o spy_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o have_v god_n almighty_n warrant_n for_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o have_v be_v take_v by_o any_o of_o the_o canaanitish_a magistrate_n and_o legal_o convict_v of_o their_o design_n who_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o have_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o have_v punish_v they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o war_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o magistrate_n business_n to_o inquire_v who_o keep_v or_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o many_o case_n where_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o they_o who_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o thereby_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v upon_o a_o due_a conviction_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n it_o be_v his_o business_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o weal-public_a provide_v that_o he_o do_v nothing_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a king_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o xxxvi_o but_o five_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n yet_o this_o doctrine_n which_o here_o be_v teach_v must_v certain_o defeat_v and_o cancel_v all_o that_o authority_n with_o which_o the_o church_n be_v endow_v and_o invest_v for_o though_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v no_o more_o to_o look_v after_o but_o only_o the_o peace_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n yet_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v commit_v mere_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v the_o church_n call_v any_o man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o any_o sin_n or_o transgression_n when_o a_o man_n may_v plead_v for_o himself_o that_o he_o think_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n which_o plea_n if_o real_o true_a and_o who_o but_o god_n can_v disprove_v it_o be_v sufficient_a according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n to_o justify_v he_o before_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o indemnify_v he_o from_o all_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n of_o a_o christian_a society_n be_v twofold_a viz._n either_o that_o authority_n wherewith_o it_o be_v invest_v immediate_o by_o god_n or_o that_o which_o be_v confer_v on_o it_o by_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v a_o civil_a authority_n though_o exercise_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n because_o it_o be_v derive_v altogether_o from_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o what_o be_v but_o now_o say_v touch_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o as_o for_o that_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n immediate_o by_o god_n it_o be_v evident_o no_o more_o than_o this_o viz._n a_o authority_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o persuade_v man_n every_o where_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o a_o authority_n to_o exclude_v those_o man_n out_o of_o the_o society_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o it_o who_o do_v not_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o christian_a law_n other_o authority_n than_o this_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n by_o god_n and_o nothing_o that_o i_o have_v say_v do_v in_o the_o least_o tend_v to_o abridge_v they_o any_o way_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o however_o any_o man_n may_v be_v excuse_v before_o god_n by_o invincible_a ignorance_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o a_o christian_a xxxvii_o six_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o i_o have_v several_a time_n in_o this_o discourse_n make_v use_v of_o a_o distinction_n which_o distinction_n be_v nevertheless_o render_v altogether_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a by_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o discourse_n itself_o the_o distinction_n be_v between_o necessary_a matter_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o necessary_a which_o be_v refer_v to_o â—_o 26._o and_o elsewhere_o but_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n any_o far_a than_o to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n from_o thence_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v alike_o necessary_a in_o religion_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v within_o a_o man_n power_n according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o within_o his_o power_n be_v not_o necessary_a so_o that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n may_v be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o one_o man_n and_o not_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o another_o which_o confound_v the_o distinction_n and_o render_v it_o useless_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o by_o thing_n necessary_a i_o mean_v all_o such_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v within_o his_o power_n such_o as_o be_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v etc._n etc._n by_o thing_n not_o necessary_a i_o mean_v such_o as_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v so_o much_o as_o to_o search_v after_o the_o lgnorance_n whereof_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v sinful_a before_o god_n although_o it_o may_v have_v be_v in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o have_v know_v they_o such_o be_v a_o great_a many_o curious_a speculation_n which_o divine_n do_v trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n with_o which_o they_o themselves_o do_v yet_o confess_v be_v not_o necessary_a to_o any_o man_n salvation_n and_o consequent_o which_o a_o man_n be_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o trouble_v his_o head_n with_o than_o with_o any_o problem_n either_o in_o geometry_n or_o natural_a philosophy_n xxxviii_o seven_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o encourage_v man_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o not_o to_o take_v any_o care_n or_o pain_n to_o inform_v themselves_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n or_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o for_o why_o shall_v a_o man_n take_v any_o pain_n to_o get_v more_o knowledge_n which_o will_v it_o may_v be_v bring_v trouble_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o when_o ignorance_n be_v no_o manner_n of_o bar_n to_o his_o salvation_n for_o let_v he_o but_o live_v according_a to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o he_o already_o have_v and_o god_n it_o seem_v require_v no_o more_o from_o he_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o knowledge_n will_v not_o serve_v his_o turn_n except_o he_o have_v use_v his_o best_a endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o perfect_o as_o he_o can_v as_o i_o have_v show_v all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v §_o 14._o which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a and_o can_v help_v it_o yet_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o encouragement_n or_o excuse_n for_o those_o who_o ignorance_n be_v their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v thirty-nine_o my_o reason_n have_v thus_o bring_v i_o to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o
direct_v i_o where_o and_o how_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o it_o it_o follow_v now_o that_o i_o shall_v put_v this_o speculation_n into_o practice_n that_o i_o will_v search_v the_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o diligence_n i_o can_v and_o set_v my_o mind_n with_o all_o its_o faculty_n on_o work_n to_o find_v out_o as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o able_a of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o i_o may_v the_o better_o conform_v myself_o unto_o it_o this_o with_o god_n help_n i_o design_v speedy_o to_o do_v and_o the_o result_n of_o my_o thought_n shall_v be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n if_o what_o i_o here_o write_v prove_v acceptable_a but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o think_v it_o not_o improper_a here_o to_o add_v some_o general_a consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o rule_n and_o guide_n to_o i_o or_o to_o any_o other_o person_n who_o shall_v set_v himself_o upon_o such_o a_o enquiry_n to_o direct_v our_o judgement_n aright_o to_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o all_o mistake_v about_o it_o xl._n first_o then_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v calculate_v for_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v every_o sober_a man_n who_o serious_o consider_v the_o argument_n on_o which_o it_o rely_v and_o be_v not_o lead_v astray_o by_o passion_n by_o prejudice_n or_o worldly_a interest_n that_o this_o be_v so_o appear_v very_o evident_o from_o hence_o because_o both_o jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o judge_v of_o what_o they_o teach_v yea_o and_o why_o even_o of_o yourselves_o judge_v you_o not_o what_o be_v right_a say_v jesus_n luk._n 12._o 57_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a say_v st._n paul_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 21._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o say_v st._n peter_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n say_v st._n john_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o hence_o than_o i_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o christian_a religion_n which_o contradict_v the_o clear_a and_o evident_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o otherwise_o a_o rational_a man_n can_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n see_v §_o 33._o xli_o second_o it_o appear_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v calculate_v not_o only_o nor_o chief_o for_o man_n of_o great_a and_o deep_a learning_n but_o also_o for_o those_o of_o ordinary_a plain_a and_o mean_a capacity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a in_o christianity_n but_o what_o may_v be_v as_o well_o understand_v by_o every_o ordinary_a illiterate_a man_n as_o by_o the_o great_a scholar_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o unlearned_a man_n to_o be_v as_o good_a a_o christian_n as_o one_o that_o be_v learned_a whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v most_o apparent_o declare_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n say_v jesus_n matth._n 11._o 25._o to_o which_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v exact_o agree_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 19_o to_o verse_n 7._o of_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o a_o caution_n that_o philosophy_n shall_v not_o corrupt_v our_o christianity_n col._n 2._o 8._o and_o warn_v timothy_n against_o science_n false_o so_o call_v 2_o tim._n 6._o 20._o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v throughout_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o philosophy_n or_o any_o other_o humane_a learning_n will_v qualify_v a_o man_n ever_o the_o better_a to_o become_v a_o christian_n i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o as_o thing_n stand_v at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v high_o convenient_a that_o the_o teacher_n and_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v competent_o skill_v in_o humane_a learning_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o defend_v their_o religion_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o it_o against_o those_o who_o use_v so_o much_o art_n and_o skill_n either_o to_o corrupt_v or_o oppose_v it_o but_o where_o a_o man_n set_v up_o not_o for_o a_o teacher_n but_o only_o for_o a_o true_a believer_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o scholarship_n but_o only_o of_o a_o plain_a and_o sober_a understanding_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o all_o necessary_a instruction_n for_o a_o good_a christian_n or_o else_o why_o shall_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v so_o particular_o to_o the_o poor_a matth._n 11._o 5._o who_o be_v common_o illiterate_a and_o how_o shall_v the_o poor_a in_o this_o world_n become_v so_o rich_a of_o faith_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o jam._n 2._o 5._o from_o whence_o i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o all_o such_o doctrine_n the_o understanding_n and_o proof_n whereof_o depend_v either_o on_o the_o subtle_a spcculation_n of_o humane_a philosophy_n or_o the_o nicety_n and_o criticism_n of_o grammatical_a learning_n or_o the_o curious_a knowledge_n of_o history_n and_o antiquity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o necessary_a part_n of_o christianity_n xlii_o three_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o main_a design_n of_o jesus_n and_o of_o his_o disciple_n who_o he_o send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n not_o wise_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o speculation_n but_o better_o and_o more_o virtuous_a as_o to_o their_o life_n and_o action_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edisi_v say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o thus_o also_o chap._n 13._o of_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o prophecy_n the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v of_o no_o value_n before_o god_n without_o charity_n and_o that_o by_o charity_n he_o mean_v a_o life_n lead_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n susficient_o appear_v by_o the_o sequel_n of_o that_o chapter_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o tit._n 2._o 13._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n for_o what_o end_n to_o make_v they_o more_o wise_a more_o learned_a or_o more_o losty_a in_o their_o speculation_n no_o such_o thing_n but_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o to_o omit_v a_o multitude_n of_o text_n which_o may_v be_v allege_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o matter_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v what_o we_o be_v tell_v rom._n 2._o 6_o etc._n etc._n that_o god_n will_v render_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o it_o be_v our_o deed_n that_o be_v our_o practice_n our_o live_a and_o conversation_n that_o we_o be_v chief_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v command_v thing_n that_o be_v pure_o ceremonial_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o influence_n upon_o virtue_n and_o morality_n as_o undoubted_o he_o do_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o he_o do_v command_v any_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o owe_v obedience_n to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v over_o we_o he_o may_v also_o reveal_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v mere_o speculative_a and_o have_v nothing_o practical_a in_o they_o and_o whosoever_o be_v convince_v of_o any_o such_o revelation_n be_v undoubted_o bind_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o the_o thing_n so_o reveal_v although_o they_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o understanding_n as_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 33._o but_o from_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o since_o virtue_n and_o morality_n be_v undoubted_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o christianity_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v chief_o regard_v and_o attend_v to_o by_o all_o christian_n nor_o ought_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v pure_o ceremonial_a or_o speculative_a to_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n except_o it_o appear_v very_o evident_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v or_o command_v it_o very_o evident_o i_o say_v for_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v conceive_v in_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a expression_n it_o be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o he_o that_o be_v
guilty_a of_o such_o a_o mistake_n can_v very_o hardly_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o fault_n xliii_o four_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n almighty_n his_o attribute_n and_o his_o law_n may_v in_o part_n be_v gather_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n antecedent_n to_o any_o revelation_n be_v evident_a from_o reason_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 20._o see_v psal_n 19_o 1._o and_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thiug_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o now_o although_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n which_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v i_o think_v again_o repeat_v and_o far_o explain_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o because_o it_o may_v be_v that_o this_o will_v not_o appear_v so_o plain_o to_o every_o one_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a here_o to_o note_n that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n of_o of_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v by_o our_o natural_a reason_n although_o the_o same_o shall_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v again_o repeat_v in_o scripture_n for_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n st._n paul_n pronounce_v the_o ancient_a gentile_n to_o be_v without_o excuse_n because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n that_o be_v have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o their_o natural_a understanding_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n by_o own_v and_o obey_v he_o rom._n 1._o 20_o 21_o etc._n etc._n and_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o exhort_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n we_o shall_v think_v on_o these_o thing_n phil._n 4._o 8._o xliv_o five_o he_o that_o write_v a_o treatise_n upon_o any_o subject_a whatsoever_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n that_o his_o reader_n shall_v particular_o observe_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v it_o down_o plain_o as_o a_o main_a conclusion_n nor_o will_v he_o fail_v if_o he_o be_v discreet_a as_o often_o as_o occasion_n require_v to_o repeat_v and_o refer_v to_o it_o that_o the_o more_o notice_n may_v be_v take_v of_o his_o mean_v and_o design_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v mention_v only_o occasional_o and_o collateral_o and_o not_o as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n be_v not_o always_o express_v with_o so_o much_o care_n and_o exactness_n but_o that_o often_o even_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o may_v be_v misunderstand_v nor_o can_v we_o be_v always_o certain_a what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o a_o writer_n from_o such_o accidental_a expression_n which_o sometime_o may_v be_v use_v figurative_o sometime_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n or_o accommodation_n sometime_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o people_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o literal_a truth_n of_o they_o except_o he_o give_v we_o foam_v far_a explication_n of_o his_o mind_n from_o whence_o i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gacher_v from_o those_o collateral_a and_o occasional_a expression_n which_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n in_o general_n and_o of_o each_o book_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a xlv_o i_o have_v thus_o brief_o and_o plain_o give_v i_o hope_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o christianity_n in_o general_n if_o i_o find_v that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v be_v likely_a to_o do_v any_o good_a in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v proceed_v with_o god_n assistance_n to_o draw_v out_o and_o publish_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o a_o christian_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la to_o the_o 2d_o and_o 3d._n part._n page_n 48._o l._n 16._o read_v my_o own_o p._n 59_o l._n 12._o for_o of_o r._n and._n p._n 82._o l._n 11._o for_o love_n r._n live_v p._n 110._o l._n 3._o deal_n it_o p._n 113._o l._n 12._o for_o every_o r._n very_a p._n 254._o for_o that_o r._n than_o p._n 260._o l._n 16._o r._n office_n in_o a_o settle_a church_n book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o a._n and_o j._n churchil_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n titus_n livius_n roman_a history_n boccacio_n novel_n and_o tale_n sir_n paul_n ricaut_n life_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n rushworth_n historical_a collection_n lloyd_n dictionarium_fw-la histor_n poeticum_fw-la geographicum_fw-la statute_n of_o ireland_n bolton_n justice_n of_o ireland_n leybourn_n dyalling_n buchanan_n chronicle_n and_o history_n of_o the_o king_n of_o scotland_n machiavil_n work_n sir_n simon_n de_fw-fr ewe_n journal_n of_o parliament_n queen_n elizabeth_n dr._n brady_n introduction_n to_o the_o history_n of_o england_n milton_n paradise_n regain_v leybourn_n cursus_fw-la mathematicus_fw-la sir_n roger_n l'estrange_n aesop_n fable_n clark_n praxis_fw-la cur._n ecclesiasticis_fw-la dr._n gibson_n anatomy_n mounseur_fw-fr le_fw-fr clerc_n logica_fw-la etc._n etc._n drelincourt_n of_o death_n leybourn_n arithmetic_n protestant-reconciler_n complete_a homer_n iliad_n poetae_fw-la minores_fw-la royal_a grammar_n gibbon_n heraldry_n patridge_n treasury_n of_o physic_n opus_fw-la reformatum_fw-la bishop_n wilkins_n of_o prayer_n and_o preach_v thibault_n chemistry_n glasier_n chemistry_n valerius_n maximus_n english_a two_o treatise_n of_o government_n the_o three_o letter_n for_o toleration_n some_o consideration_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o lower_a interest_n and_o raise_v the_o value_n of_o money_n sir_n william_n temple_n observation_n on_o holland_n miscellanea_fw-la dr._n burnet_n travel_n plato_n redevivus_fw-la selden_n table-talk_a debate_n of_o oxon_n and_o westminster-parliament_n livill_a orationes_fw-la selectae_fw-la 12o._o sleidan_n de_fw-fr quatuor_fw-la fummis_fw-la imperiis_fw-la aristotle_n rhetoric_n english_a dr._n whitby_n several_a piece_n patridge_n astrology_n isoratis_fw-la oration_n large_a 12o._o guide_v to_o heaven_n 24o._o latin-testament_n the_o 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certain_o good_a and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o well_o perform_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v i_o hope_v at_o
least_o that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o do_v may_v move_v some_o more_o able_a and_o judicious_a person_n to_o take_v the_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o supply_v those_o defect_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a the_o continuation_n of_o a_o gentleman_n religion_n be_v the_o second_o part_n 1._o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o find_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v express_v divine_a matter_n real_o and_o true_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o deliver_v be_v most-certain_o true_a although_o many_o time_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o design_n and._n mean_v of_o some_o expression_n and_o passage_n which_o do_v occur_v therein_o i_o think_v it_o indeed_o to_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o man_n of_o any_o reasonable_a learning_n and_o prudence_n shall_v modest_o offer_v 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intelligible_a for_o though_o we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v part_v 1_o §_o 33._o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v a_o explicit_a assent_n to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o self-evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o i_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o part_v 1_o §_o 33._o nor_o must_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v interpret_v above_o the_o level_n of_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a reason_n whatever_o the_o literal_a sense_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o three_o whether_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o solid_a argument_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n for_o though_o a_o doctrine_n be_v both_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a yet_o still_o it_o may_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v these_o rule_n i_o have_v endeavour_v strict_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o propose_v and_o i_o desire_v my_o reader_n careful_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v offer_v unto_o he_o but_o here_o i_o must_v desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v fuppose_v he_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o with_o the_o common_a argument_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n do_v ground_n and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o ease_n as_o well_o as_o my_o own_o i_o shall_v save_v myself_o the_o labour_n of_o mention_v such_o argument_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v usual_o bring_v to_o prove_v those_o point_n which_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v controvert_v between_o different_a party_n i_o shall_v ordinary_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o hint_n at_o some_o of_o those_o text_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v use_v on_o either_o side_n of_o which_o i_o can_v scarce_o suppose_v any_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o be_v but_o moderate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o several_a party_n that_o profess_v it_o 3._o to_o believe_v what_o god_n make_v know_v and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v be_v what_o all_o man_n call_v religion_n but_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n require_v from_o no_o man_n part_n 1_o §_o 14._o when_o therefore_o damnation_n be_v denounce_v in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o they_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o not_o of_o such_o who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a either_o for_o want_v of_o capacity_n john_n 9_o 41._o or_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n joh._n 15._o 22._o but_o for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v both_o the_o capacity_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n through_o negligence_n to_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n of_o god_n will_n my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n beside_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v require_v we_o diligent_o to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v sufficient_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o observation_n but_o full_o to_o comprehend_v his_o nature_n or_o declare_v in_o all_o point_n what_o he_o be_v be_v by_o all_o allow_a to_o be_v impossible_a to_o we_o 5._o that_o god_n never_o have_v a_o beginning_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o conclude_v part_n 1_o §_o 6._o and_o if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a yet_o my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o decay_n nor_o ever_o shall_v have_v a_o end_v 6._o the_o nature_n of_o every_o material_a be_v seem_v necessary_o to_o imply_v a_o possibility_n of_o have_v its_o part_n disjoin_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o and_o consequent_o of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o destroy_v and_o theresore_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v which_o be_v intelligent_a and_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o any_o material_a part_n i_o call_v a_o spirit_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n as_o for_o those_o expression_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a which_o do_v occur_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o seem_v to_o imply_v bodily_a part_n it_o be_v manifest_o obvious_a that_o they_o must_v be_v pure_o metaphorical_a 7._o our_o experience_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v visible_a to_o we_o be_v ever_o material_a since_o 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extatick_a dream_n and_o vision_n 8._o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v conceive_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v i._n e._n to_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n i_o can_v find_v nothing_o which_o to_o i_o appear_v more_o difficult_a than_o what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v in_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o in_o its_o self_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v almighty_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o sure_a who_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o attribute_n 9_o that_o god_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o
to_o be_v a_o person_n wonderful_a a_o counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o who_o government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o unto_o who_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o nation_n shall_v be_v now_o although_o there_o may_v some_o difficulty_n be_v start_v as_o to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o of_o those_o and_o such_o like_a prophecy_n which_o do_v occur_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n consider_v how_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o christianity_n have_v endeavour_v to_o obscure_v and_o perplex_v they_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v evident_o a_o fair_a consonant_a and_o reasonable_a application_n of_o all_o these_o prediction_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o ever_o be_v any_o other_o person_n to_o who_o they_o can_v be_v apply_v beside_o himself_o and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o one_o but_o god_n to_o foretell_v a_o thing_n with_o so_o many_o circumstance_n so_o long_o before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o think_v i_o may_v very_o well_o from_o hence_o conclude_v not_o only_o against_o the_o jew_n who_o acknowledge_v but_o also_o against_o all_o other_o who_o may_v perhaps_o at_o first_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o to_o this_o we_o add_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o transcendent_a goodness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n of_o which_o see_v part_n 1_o §_o 19_o i_o think_v the_o argument_n will_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o demonstration_n 37._o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o find_v such_o thing_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o do_v plain_o show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a man_n in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v other_o expression_n also_o i_o find_v frequent_o apply_v to_o he_o which_o can_v possible_o agree_v to_o any_o man_n or_o create_v be_v whatsoever_o but_o only_o unto_o god_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v §_o 22._o and_o although_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a distinction_n make_v between_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n yet_o be_v he_o always_o speak_v of_o but_o as_o one_o person_n here_o than_o i_o know_v not_o better_a how_o to_o express_v my_o sentiment_n than_o by_o say_v that_o in_o the_o one_o and_o single_a person_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o conjunction_n of_o both_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n and_o consequent_o that_o christ_n be_v real_o and_o true_o both_o god_n and_o man._n and_o if_o the_o same_o objection_n be_v make_v against_o this_o doctrine_n as_o be_v against_o that_o of_o the_o trinity_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v apprehend_v i_o shall_v also_o return_v the_o same_o answer_n as_o i_o have_v already_o do_v to_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o §_o 23._o to_o which_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n 38._o he_o who_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n to_o be_v sure_o will_v allow_v of_o his_o eternal_a existence_n as_o to_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v his_o humane_a nature_n that_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o that_o after_o some_o year_n spend_v in_o preach_v and_o do_v good_a he_o be_v through_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o at_o their_o vehement_a desire_n condemn_v by_o pilate_n the_o roman_a governor_n to_o be_v crucify_v which_o be_v according_o do_v and_o a_o spear_n thrust_v into_o his_o side_n that_o be_v dead_a he_o be_v bury_v and_o lay_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n unto_o the_o three_o day_n upon_o which_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o aster_n several_a time_n converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n that_o he_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o from_o they_o and_o receive_v into_o heaven_n unto_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a glory_n where_o he_o be_v our_o perpetual_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o evident_o and_o without_o controversy_n testify_v by_o his_o disciple_n who_o veracity_n i_o have_v assert_v part_n 1_o §_o 19_o and_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o authority_n i_o have_v prove_v part_n 1._o §_o 23._o &c_n &c_n that_o no_o reasonable_a man_n i_o think_v can_v now_o deny_v or_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o although_o there_o be_v one_o or_o two_o passage_n of_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o christ_n before_o his_o resurrection_n do_v descend_v into_o hell_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o venture_v nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o determine_v whether_o by_o the_o word_n hell_n be_v mean_v the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a only_o or_o the_o place_n of_o the_o damn_a or_o if_o the_o latter_a signification_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o he_o descend_v thither_o only_o i_o conclude_v certain_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n there_o because_o i_o do_v not_o find_v the_o least_o intimation_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o suffering_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o do_v or_o be_v to_o endure_v beyond_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o yield_v up_o his_o life_n upon_o the_o cross_n 39_o what_o god_n may_v have_v do_v have_v he_o so_o please_v without_o any_o other_o consideration_n but_o only_o by_o virture_n of_o his_o own_o absolute_a authority_n if_o he_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o consideration_n of_o that_o obedience_n which_o he_o perform_v and_o those_o suffering_n which_o he_o undergo_v who_o shall_v dare_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o or_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o he_o now_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v we_o the_o offer_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v so_o plain_o declare_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o and_o since_o i_o find_v god_n send_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o love_n not_o to_o some_o few_o particular_a person_n only_o but_o even_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o since_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v die_v for_o all_o and_o to_o have_v be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n without_o any_o exception_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o all_o man_n who_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v may_v have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v the_o better_a for_o christ_n and_o his_o suffering_n if_o through_o their_o own_o default_n they_o have_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o forfeit_v that_o benefit_n which_o be_v design_v they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o dispute_v but_o that_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n who_o by_o faith_n foresee_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o redemption_n which_o he_o wrought_v although_o they_o die_v before_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v to_o stand_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n that_o even_o those_o person_n who_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n may_v yet_o for_o his_o sake_n find_v mercy_n from_o god_n because_o god_n who_o perfect_o know_v the_o most_o secret_a inclination_n of_o all_o heart_n may_v clear_o foresee_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v propose_v and_o offer_v unto_o they_o they_o will_v have_v own_v he_o and_o submit_v unto_o his_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n and_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v a_o mild_a doom_n than_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n mat._n 11._o 21_o 22._o and_o how_o far_o this_o may_v extend_v to_o all_o such_o as_o labour_v under_o very_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la although_o not_o strict_o invincible_a i_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a judge_n 40._o but_o however_o god_n may_v think_v fit_a to_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o be_v either_o ignorant_a of_o or_o strong_o prejudice_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n with_o true_a believer_n be_v plain_o enough_o declare_v all_o those_o who_o receive_v and_o own_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o so_o many_o separate_a person_n each_o of_o they_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o be_v always_o represent_v
in_o scripture_n as_o join_v together_o in_o one_o society_n or_o body_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o which_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o chief_a or_o head_n and_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o under_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o but_o not_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n oblige_v to_o join_v with_o or_o submit_v to_o any_o one_o person_n as_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v any_o such_o person_n as_o his_o deputy_n upon_o earth_n he_o must_v either_o have_v declare_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n with_o great_a plainness_n and_o evidence_n or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o man_n for_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o whereas_o the_o argument_n which_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n bring_v to_o prove_v either_o that_o such_o a_o vicar_n there_o must_v be_v or_o that_o st._n peter_n the_o apostle_n be_v the_o man_n or_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o not_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n both_o in_o his_o bishopric_n and_o authority_n be_v all_o so_o weak_a and_o precarious_a so_o force_v and_o perplex_v and_o so_o full_o confute_v by_o the_o protestant_a divine_n that_o nothing_o in_o my_o opinion_n but_o blindness_n of_o understanding_n or_o worldly_a interest_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n still_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o now_o that_o christ_n institute_v but_o one_o church_n in_o which_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o good_a liver_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v comprise_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o although_o through_o the_o mistake_v and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n this_o church_n be_v rend_v and_o divide_v into_o opposite_a and_o contend_v part_n and_o party_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o according_a to_o its_o true_a and_o primitive_a constitution_n it_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v one_o as_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n by_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v but_o one_o society_n although_o there_o may_v arise_v faction_n and_o different_a interest_n in_o it_o nor_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v esteem_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n who_o be_v not_o ready_a and_o willing_a according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o power_n and_o knowledge_n to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o those_o very_a term_n and_o none_o other_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v as_o near_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v find_v and_o apprehend_v they_o moreover_o that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n on_o which_o christ_n have_v found_v the_o church_n and_o by_o which_o he_o will_v have_v it_o regulate_v be_v exact_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o sound_a morality_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a although_o every_o particular_a member_n thereof_o have_v both_o his_o frailty_n and_o his_o sin_n which_o yet_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o and_o so_o become_v holy_a as_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a or_o else_o he_o violate_v one_o of_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a law_n and_o so_o become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o outlaw_n of_o the_o church_n and_o forfeit_v his_o part_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n and_o whereas_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n on_o the_o score_n of_o their_o be_v god_n choose_a and_o peculiar_a people_n than_o any_o or_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o contrary_a now_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o equal_o entitle_v unto_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o advantage_n thereon_o depend_v who_o take_v care_v due_o to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o so_o that_o whereas_o former_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n may_v have_v be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_a as_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n limit_v to_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v catholic_n that_o be_v to_o say_v universal_a as_o be_v no_o way_n confine_v to_o one_o place_n or_o nation_n all_o people_n be_v equal_o choose_v by_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o will_v receive_v and_o love_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n 41._o in_o those_o several_a revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n unto_o adam_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v still_o a_o plain_a intimation_n give_v they_o that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v there_o shall_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n arise_v in_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v yet_o more_o clear_o make_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o person_n do_v according_o come_v and_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n he_o neither_o suggest_v to_o they_o nor_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o any_o other_o revelation_n be_v ever_o after_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o always_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o gospel_n complete_v and_o finish_v all_o that_o declaration_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o or_o his_o will_n unto_o mankind_n until_o the_o general_a judgement_n and_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v give_v i_o no_o manner_n of_o assurance_n of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o conclude_v that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n will_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n as_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_o know_v and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o extinguish_v while_o the_o world_n last_v so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o new_a revelation_n to_o revive_v and_o restore_v it_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o certain_a company_n of_o man_n evident_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n teach_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n without_o any_o error_n or_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v what_o i_o can_v no_o where_n find_v promise_v or_o foretell_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v plain_o seem_v to_o foretell_v that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n shall_v prevail_v and_o take_v place_n even_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v but_o light_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a century_n before_o the_o reformation_n with_o that_o draught_n of_o it_o which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v if_o he_o be_v impartial_a i_o think_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prediction_n 42._o whether_o or_o no_o god_n have_v or_o do_v at_o any_o time_n communicate_v or_o bestow_v any_o extraordinary_a grace_n or_o assistance_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v no_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o altogether_o stranger_n unto_o that_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o be_v a_o question_n which_o the_o virtuous_a life_n and_o heroic_a action_n of_o some_o brave_a heathen_n make_v it_o hard_o positive_o to_o determine_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o that_o he_o will_v give_v so_o much_o grace_n and_o strength_n to_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v become_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n as_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o their_o own_o sufficient_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v do_v be_v what_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o who_o do_v but_o in_o general_n consider_v the_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o god_n design_v even_o unto_o all_o man_n but_o more_o especial_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o send_v our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n into_o the_o world_n although_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a promise_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o grace_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a be_v in_o scripture_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v plain_a and_o general_o own_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o that_o this_o
seem_v but_o a_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n yet_o since_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v express_o appoint_v and_o command_v it_o and_o since_o his_o apostle_n be_v always_o most_o careful_a to_o perform_v it_o insomuch_o that_o even_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o heaven_n be_v yet_o require_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o order_n to_o become_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o ceremony_n i_o think_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v off_o or_o discontinue_v although_o whether_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o dip_v the_o body_n under_o the_o water_n or_o by_o sprinkle_v the_o water_n upon_o it_o to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a and_o to_o be_v regulate_v only_o by_o prudence_n or_o the_o custom_n of_o particular_a place_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o word_n baptise_v signify_v any_o more_o than_o to_o wash_v which_o may_v be_v do_v either_o way_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n dip_v all_o those_o who_o they_o baptize_v moreover_o since_o sprinkle_v as_o well_o as_o dip_v may_v sufficient_o denote_v the_o wash_n and_o cleanse_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o since_o baptism_n be_v not_o express_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n determine_v to_o either_o of_o these_o way_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o other_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n so_o far_o indifferent_a to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o prudence_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n direct_v and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o substance_n and_o design_n of_o his_o command_n be_v careful_o retain_v i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o be_v so_o very_o solicitous_a about_o a_o circumstance_n of_o it_o except_o it_o can_v evident_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o determine_v it_o 53._o since_o than_o baptism_n be_v as_o the_o entrance_n or_o door_n of_o admittance_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o they_o and_o they_o only_a who_o be_v due_o qualify_v to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n be_v fit_a to_o have_v baptism_n administer_v to_o they_o if_o any_o person_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o out_o of_o the_o chucrh_n until_o he_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n he_o be_v then_o and_o only_o then_o qualify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n when_o have_v repent_v of_o all_o his_o former_a sin_n he_o believe_v and_o own_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o receive_v and_o profess_v that_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o authorize_v and_o oblige_v himself_o to_o live_v according_a to_o all_o those_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o very_a condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n indespensable_o require_v from_o his_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o according_a as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o perform_v it_o but_o if_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n or_o be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_a guardian_n as_o that_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v he_o up_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o do_v promise_n and_o engage_v so_o to_o educate_v he_o such_o a_o child_n as_o this_o even_o before_o he_o come_v to_o any_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v yet_o qualify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o presumption_n that_o he_o will_v perform_v what_o god_n require_v from_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o continue_v if_o by_o apostasy_n or_o wickedness_n he_o do_v not_o in_o process_n of_o time_n separate_v himself_o again_o from_o it_o for_o this_o beyond_o dispute_n be_v the_o case_n of_o in_o sant_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a if_o male_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o thereby_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o within_o his_o covenant_n if_o they_o be_v either_o the_o son_n or_o servant_n bear_v in_o the_o house_n of_o believe_v person_n and_o who_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n be_v express_o say_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o be_v but_o another_o expression_n for_o become_v of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o one_o sure_o will_v offer_v to_o say_v that_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n be_v make_v worse_a than_o it_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n especial_o since_o he_o have_v express_o command_v that_o little_a child_n shall_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o be_v forbid_v for_o that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o not_o only_o adult_a person_n who_o make_v a_o due_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o also_o such_o infant_n as_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v without_o any_o obstacle_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n 54._o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o suggest_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a custom_n with_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a which_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v undoubted_o accompany_v with_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o their_o receive_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n positive_o prescribe_v and_o command_v i_o do_v not_o find_v clear_o prove_v and_o therefore_o although_o i_o dare_v not_o hasty_o condemn_v those_o particular_a church_n where_o this_o same_o custom_n be_v disuse_v or_o intermit_v yet_o since_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o order_n to_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n be_v for_o ever_o continue_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o i_o have_v say_v part_n 2._o §_o 42._o and_o therefore_o ought_v ever_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o although_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o all_o language_n without_o learn_v they_o be_v cease_v from_o among_o we_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o person_n that_o have_v be_v baptize_v together_o with_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o their_o growth_n and_o continuance_n in_o grace_n which_o be_v common_o call_v confirmation_n be_v a_o prudent_a and_o godly_a custom_n and_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n 55._o as_o every_o particular_a man_n whatsoever_o be_v oblige_v in_o his_o own_o private_a person_n to_o honour_n and_o worship_n god_n so_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n incorporate_v for_o the_o better_a serve_v of_o god_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o she_o associate_v capacity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o assemble_v together_o for_o his_o worship_n and_o because_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n the_o universal_a church_n therefore_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o subdivide_v itself_o into_o particular_a church_n and_o those_o again_o into_o particular_a congregation_n according_a as_o they_o find_v to_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o pursue_v that_o same_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o incorporate_v moreover_o since_o all_o these_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n be_v still_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o found_v it_o follow_v that_o none_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o constitute_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n among_o themselves_o which_o may_v give_v a_o just_a occasiou_n for_o the_o break_n of_o that_o union_n and_o concord_n which_o he_o design_v and_o have_v command_v always_o to_o be_v maintain_v among_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a matter_n ought_v every_v where_o so_o to_o be_v order_v as_o that_o if_o a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n shall_v travel_v into_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o any_o christian_a congregation_n where_o he_o come_v which_o just_o shall_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o he_o from_o assemble_v or_o communicate_v with_o it_o 56._o the_o particular_a act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o these_o christian_a assembly_n be_v all_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o their_o incorporation_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o each_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v the_o end_n that_o every_o christian_n be_v suppose_v to_o pursue_v all_o which_o be_v