doctrine_n deprave_v the_o mind_n and_o beget_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o godliness_n or_o christianity_n when_o regeneration_n or_o true_a conversion_n be_v prevent_v by_o be_v make_v in_o effect_n no_o more_o than_o civility_n join_v with_o a_o dead_a conformity_n to_o the_o exterior_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n when_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o a_o outside_n pharisaical_a holiness_n in_o some_o bodily_a severity_n and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o mere_a form_n and_o empty_a show_n without_o internal_a and_o real_a mortification_n and_o devotion_n when_o the_o exterior_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v retain_v but_o use_v after_o another_o manner_n than_o what_o become_v the_o gospel-church_n or_o suit_n the_o end_n of_o gospel-worship_n when_o a_o sapless_a and_o fruitless_a generation_n of_o man_n be_v nourish_v in_o holy_a order_n who_o cherish_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n profaneness_n or_o lukewarmness_n who_o show_v they_o a_o way_n to_o heaven_n that_o be_v smooth_a broad_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o flesh_n who_o serve_v or_o at_o least_o spare_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n who_o humour_n the_o vulgar_a sort_n in_o rude_a folly_n who_o give_v absolution_n upon_o formal_a and_o loose_a term_n and_o therewith_o a_o false_a repose_n to_o poor_a delude_a soul_n when_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o churchman_n be_v to_o promote_v superstition_n blind_a devotion_n and_o implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o hold_v people_n in_o the_o chain_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n and_o in_o the_o please_a bondage_n of_o carnal_a liberty_n their_o conscience_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n secure_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o certain_a tenant_n and_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o devout_a observance_n of_o certain_a external_a ordinance_n when_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v contrive_v to_o maintain_v fleshly_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n worldly_a pomp_n and_o power_n and_o the_o chief_a glory_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n lie_v in_o outward_a order_n without_o inward_a life_n and_o spirit_n in_o sacred_a administration_n when_o the_o weapon_n of_o its_o warfare_n be_v not_o spiritual_a but_o carnal_a suitable_a to_o a_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a state_n when_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o master_n upon_o earth_n be_v call_v obedience_n and_o their_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n when_o concord_n in_o the_o unprofitable_a or_o hurtful_a dictate_v of_o man_n be_v make_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o the_o constitution_n itself_o the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v consider_v be_v find_v defective_a for_o the_o true_a end_n of_o government_n and_o le_fw-fr we_o loose_v the_o rain_v of_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o by_o carnal_a allurement_n alienates_v the_o mind_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v it_o after_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o serve_v the_o voluptuosness_n covetousness_n and_o pride_n of_o its_o adherent_n for_o which_o cause_n its_o yoke_n be_v easy_a to_o the_o sensual_a part_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v scandalous_a to_o they_o that_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o become_v a_o stepmother_n to_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o conscientious_a when_o these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n prevail_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v turn_v into_o another_o thing_n than_o what_o it_o be_v indeed_o by_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n who_o serve_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o by_o the_o wisdom_n that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a square_a out_o to_o themselves_o and_o those_o that_o live_v under_o their_o influence_n a_o loose_a form_n of_o christianity_n not_o after_o christ_n but_o after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n but_o this_o corruption_n be_v more_o or_o less_o enormous_a in_o different_a age_n and_o country_n according_a to_o its_o great_a or_o near_a distance_n from_o the_o time_n and_o mean_n of_o pure_a knowledge_n and_o a_o less_o corrupt_a state_n may_v be_v sever_v from_o that_o which_o be_v more_o gross_o vicious_a and_o impure_a and_o yet_o remain_v a_o degeneration_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o let_v this_o be_v note_v that_o in_o a_o degenerate_a state_n the_o doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v so_o far_o retain_v as_o to_o contain_v thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n which_o may_v beget_v and_o preserve_v the_o vital_n of_o christianity_n in_o they_o that_o do_v not_o mingle_v with_o the_o other_o poisonous_a ingredient_n or_o at_o least_o not_o in_o their_o full_a extent_n yea_o the_o degeneration_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o less_o pernicious_a and_o perhaps_o only_o as_o a_o scab_n upon_o some_o part_n and_o not_o overspread_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o great_a multitude_n therein_o may_v profess_v and_o practise_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n thus_o the_o judaical_a church_n in_o its_o corrupt_a state_n retain_v the_o vital_n of_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o those_o time_n and_o be_v not_o season_v with_o the_o leaven_n of_o false_a teacher_n chap._n xiii_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatical_a degeneration_n the_o other_o deviation_n lie_v more_o out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o carnal_a gospeler_n and_o this_o be_v usual_o style_v sectarian_n whereof_o the_o particular_a by_o path_n be_v numberless_a but_o let_v this_o be_v note_v that_o whatsoever_o way_n swerve_v from_o the_o main_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o sect_n or_o faction_n yea_o though_o it_o spread_v so_o far_o and_o wide_a as_o that_o they_o who_o walk_v therein_o do_v for_o their_o huge_a multitude_n presume_v to_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o title_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherever_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n bear_v sway_n to_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o godliness_n where_o invention_n false_a or_o useless_a be_v make_v the_o necessary_a symbol_n of_o religion_n there_o a_o sectarian_n interest_n bear_v sway_v and_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n will_v not_o wipe_v off_o the_o blot_n of_o such_o a_o party_n the_o name_n of_o sectary_n may_v fit_v proud_a usurper_n as_o well_o as_o blind_a zealot_n this_o necessary_a proviso_n be_v make_v it_o remain_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o the_o more_o incoherent_a unstable_a and_o ungovernable_a sort_n of_o sect_n the_o root_n of_o the_o evil_a in_o this_o kind_n be_v common_o a_o heighten_a fancy_n and_o complexional_a zeal_n bear_v rule_n instead_o of_o sober_a judgement_n and_o a_o more_o intellectual_a spiritual_a and_o pure_a love_n it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o set_v down_o some_o notable_a instance_n for_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o recount_v they_o all_o some_o have_v be_v so_o far_o transport_v with_o the_o hatred_n of_o church_n tyranny_n and_o persecute_v pride_n and_o cruelty_n that_o they_o mind_v not_o the_o good_a of_o church_n unity_n order_n and_o government_n and_o they_o run_v so_o far_o from_o implicit_a faith_n in_o the_o dictate_v of_o proud_a man_n that_o themselves_o have_v proud_o slight_v the_o church_n directive_n judgement_n and_o all_o pastoral_a authority_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n and_o have_v fierce_o impugn_a it_o as_o opposite_a to_o christian_a liberty_n of_o the_o like_a strain_n be_v they_o that_o upon_o pretence_n of_o high_a attainment_n and_o great_a spirituality_n have_v reject_v external_a ordinance_n as_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o low_a and_o beggarly_a rudiment_n while_o they_o declare_v themselves_o hereby_o to_o be_v carnal_a and_o vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n some_o through_o abuse_n and_o mistake_v of_o divine_a promise_n concern_v the_o spirit_n teach_v have_v forsake_v the_o sure_a guidance_n of_o god_n law_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o uncertain_a intimation_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o dangerous_a impulse_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o pretend_v immediate_a inspiration_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o delusion_n of_o a_o exalt_a fancy_n and_o sometime_o they_o have_v real_o fall_v under_o satanical_a impression_n because_o there_o be_v the_o fleshly_a wisdom_n of_o the_o carnal_a mind_n that_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n some_o have_v disclaim_v reason_n itself_o as_o corrupt_v and_o carnal_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n follow_v their_o own_o wilful_a imagination_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o and_o delight_n in_o thing_n irrational_a and_o unintelligible_a and_o render_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o sound_a instruction_n a_o fanatic_a fury_n
authority_n and_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o their_o person_n and_o office_n yet_o it_o regulate_v the_o same_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v ambition_n avarice_n sensuality_n idleness_n haughtiness_n that_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v not_o be_v encourage_v to_o aspire_v to_o its_o promotion_n and_o that_o good_a man_n may_v not_o degenerate_a and_o that_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v hold_v by_o a_o society_n of_o man_n not_o carnal_a but_o true_o spiritual_a it_o be_v constitute_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o secure_v a_o succession_n of_o wise_a and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n from_o age_n to_o age_n which_o be_v the_o sure_a mean_n of_o the_o church_n perpetual_a good_a estate_n it_o be_v not_o frame_v to_o uphold_v thing_n only_o serviceable_a to_o a_o carnal_a interest_n but_o to_o enforce_v thing_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n and_o to_o suppress_v whatsoever_o tend_v to_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o disgrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o reform_v abuse_n impartial_o and_o effectual_o according_a to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n it_o enlarge_v the_o power_n of_o do_v good_a and_o restrain_v the_o power_n of_o hurt_v as_o much_o as_o the_o end_n of_o government_n will_v permit_v such_o restraint_n according_o its_o great_a severity_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o the_o best_a be_v leave_v most_o at_o liberty_n and_o secure_a from_o unnecessary_a molestation_n it_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o just_a and_o reasonable_a demand_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o choice_n and_o tender_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o intangle_a and_o perplex_v the_o same_o unnecessary_o it_o make_v the_o pastor_n government_n true_o pastoral_a that_o be_v not_o imperious_a and_o violent_a but_o paternal_a proceed_v by_o exhortation_n and_o doctrine_n and_o gentle_a instruction_n and_o love_n and_o when_o correction_n be_v necessary_a by_o the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n it_o aim_v at_o the_o form_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o govern_n of_o their_o conversation_n by_o good_a and_o sound_a principle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o aâ—…_n much_o as_o may_v be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o yet_o aâ—…_n suppose_v the_o exceed_a pravity_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n iâ—…_n leave_v not_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n mere_o to_o man_n good_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n buâ—…_n by_o due_a restraint_n curb_v the_o remainder_n oâ—…_n man_n perverseness_n it_o seek_v not_o to_o debase_v the_o people_n and_o the_o press_v their_o faculty_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o lead_v captive_a by_o politic_a man_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o to_o ennoble_v they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o advance_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o best_a improvement_n and_o according_o it_o take_v care_n that_o they_o may_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o faith_n and_o godliness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o will_v make_v even_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a of_o they_o not_o brutus_n buâ—_n man_n and_o not_o mere_a natural_a man_n but_o christian_n or_o spiritual_a men._n the_o subject_n here_o describe_v have_v different_a degree_n of_o excellency_n as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o answerable_a to_o its_o rule_n and_o available_a to_o its_o end_n but_o notwithstanding_o divers_a defect_n and_o error_n if_o that_o which_o be_v wholesome_a and_o good_a be_v predominant_a it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o good_a constitution_n yet_o the_o best_a be_v most_o desirable_a of_o such_o consequence_n be_v the_o structure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n that_o if_o it_o be_v naught_o it_o have_v a_o continual_a evil_a influence_n on_o all_o church_n affair_n and_o pervert_v the_o whole_a course_n thereof_o and_o the_o make_n of_o many_o particular_a good_a law_n or_o rule_n will_v not_o help_v it_o for_o in_o that_o case_n they_o be_v render_v almost_o useless_a it_o be_v notable_o observe_v by_o a_o person_n of_o eminent_a worth_n church_n government_n be_v a_o fort_n or_o castle_n if_o traitor_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n get_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o the_o castle_n be_v ruin_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n leave_v to_o support_v itself_o by_o the_o innate_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n than_o be_v forcible_o maintain_v for_o contrary_a end_n and_o prove_v a_o mystery_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o tyranny_n chap._n xii_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o externalness_n and_o formality_n every_o kind_n of_o excellency_n in_o the_o present_a world_n have_v its_o counterfeit_n or_o false_a resemblance_n which_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n be_v the_o depravation_n or_o degeneration_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v its_o degeneration_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o it_o yet_o in_o this_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v easy_o mistake_v and_o exalt_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o dead_a image_n of_o christianity_n without_o the_o inward_a life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o work_v thereof_o be_v dead_a work_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o god_n it_o be_v the_o dominion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o unmortified_a lust_n under_o pretence_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n of_o some_o unnecessary_a opinion_n and_o unprofitable_a observance_n receive_v sometime_o from_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o private_a fancy_n sometime_o from_o the_o general_a custom_n and_o tradition_n or_o at_o the_o best_a a_o zeal_n of_o orthodoxality_n when_o that_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v not_o obey_v from_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o self-chosen_a godliness_n and_o not_o of_o god_n make_v take_v up_o to_o delude_v the_o conscience_n and_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n with_o high_a but_o ill-grounded_a hope_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o excuse_v it_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o carnal_a life_n and_o all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n and_o a_o life_n of_o purity_n goodness_n and_o impartial_a righteousness_n the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o gloss_n or_o varnish_n of_o superficial_a religiousness_n accompany_v with_o a_o dead_a kind_n of_o morality_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o education_n or_o from_o complexion_n otherwise_o call_v good_a nature_n but_o spring_v not_o from_o the_o root_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o a_o live_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o several_a imposture_n disguise_n and_o false_a pretence_n by_o which_o man_n delude_v themselves_o and_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v almost_o numberless_a yet_o they_o general_o fall_v into_o one_o of_o these_o two_o main_a current_n of_o religious_a aberration_n either_o the_o political_a popular_a and_o broad_a way_n of_o externalness_n and_o customariness_n or_o the_o devious_a path_n of_o sectarian_n dissetledness_n and_o extravagancy_n the_o more_o ample_a degeneration_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o mere_o formal_a external_a and_o political_a state_n thereof_o that_o have_v prevail_v far_o and_o near_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n this_o externalness_n be_v very_o plausible_a and_o specious_a but_o very_o consistent_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n accompany_v with_o a_o large_a indulgence_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o with_o much_o licentiousness_n of_o principle_n and_o practice_n and_o it_o cast_v the_o mind_n into_o a_o deep_a forgetfulness_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o substantial_a in_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o common_a road_n and_o broad_a way_n because_o most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o carnal_a spirit_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v some_o conscience_n of_o religion_n glad_o take_v up_o with_o a_o form_n that_o with_o more_o security_n and_o peace_n they_o may_v deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o as_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v most_o serviceable_a to_o superior_n for_o shape_a and_o sway_v the_o conscience_n of_o inferior_n to_o their_o will_n and_o to_o the_o end_n by_o they_o design_v according_o as_o it_o get_v ground_n it_o erect_v a_o frame_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o piety_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o be_v real_o a_o engine_n devise_v to_o destroy_v whatsoever_o may_v be_v true_o call_v by_o those_o lovely_a name_n when_o man_n false_a and_o vain_a invention_n rule_v instead_o of_o god_n oracle_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mingle_v with_o such_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o observance_n as_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n enervate_a the_o power_n and_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o misapprehension_n or_o misapplication_n of_o true_a
than_o other_o say_v the_o author_n of_o our_o profession_n when_o the_o religious_a apparent_o excel_v the_o choice_a part_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n then_o be_v wisdom_n apparent_o justify_v of_o her_o child_n natural_a man_n may_v have_v some_o amiable_a virtue_n by_o which_o they_o aim_v to_o commend_v themselves_o both_o to_o god_n and_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o no_o less_o manifest_a and_o necessary_a concernment_n they_o be_v licentious_a and_o remiss_a but_o the_o true_a christian_a make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a piety_n cause_v a_o intireneâ—…_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o good_a life_n so_o be_v due_o improve_v and_o stir_v up_o it_o will_v cause_v they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o only_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o in_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v acceptable_a and_o praiseworthy_a among_o the_o mere_o virtuous_a part_n of_o man_n but_o also_o to_o perform_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o above_o they_o and_o both_o a_o wonder_n and_o a_o reproof_n unto_o they_o religion_n have_v a_o good_a savour_n among_o all_o man_n by_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o relative_a duty_n and_o nothing_o render_v it_o more_o unsavoury_a than_o the_o violate_v of_o those_o bond_n and_o the_o non-performance_n of_o those_o due_n which_o arise_v from_o natural_a or_o civil_a relation_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v our_o proper_a sphere_n our_o daily_a walk_n and_o constant_a business_n wherein_o we_o be_v most_o accountable_a to_o god_n and_o useful_a to_o man_n industry_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n conduce_v to_o reputation_n but_o idleness_n and_o improvidence_n be_v very_o scandalous_a upon_o this_o account_n godliness_n be_v sometime_o reproach_v by_o occasion_n of_o some_o idle_a pretender_n and_o other_o that_o be_v pious_a but_o inconsiderate_a and_o imprudent_a religious_a exercise_n must_v be_v attend_v seasonable_o and_o in_o due_a order_n idle_a and_o careless_a person_n that_o wander_v from_o their_o calling_n how_o full_a soever_o of_o good_a word_n must_v be_v number_v among_o those_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a when_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o temporal_a well_o be_v and_o so_o indulgent_a to_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o great_a shame_n to_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n and_o prejudice_n by_o such_o perverseness_n or_o improvidence_n as_o if_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o industry_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o necessary_a concernment_n of_o this_o world_n in_o like_a manner_n a_o discreet_a and_o moderate_a use_n of_o riches_n a_o generous_a frugality_n and_o frugal_a liberality_n avoid_v fordo_v covetousness_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o vain_a ostentation_n and_o deliciousness_n on_o the_o other_o be_v of_o good_a report_n and_o gain_n esteem_v but_o to_o live_v either_o too_o narrow_o or_o too_o profuse_o taint_v a_o man_n reputation_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o profession_n to_o be_v constant_a or_o always_o the_o same_o be_v a_o noble_a property_n and_o be_v have_v in_o much_o honour_n and_o hereunto_o true_a christianity_n give_v the_o great_a adnantage_n it_o be_v main_a principle_n be_v evident_a and_o unchangeable_a with_o the_o allowance_n of_o prudential_a accommodation_n according_a to_o time_n and_o place_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a it_o be_v a_o chief_a point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o bring_v our_o might_n and_o main_a to_o the_o great_a &_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o watch_v with_o jealousy_n against_o every_o devise_n of_o man_n that_o will_v undermine_v they_o but_o to_o be_v more_o cautious_a and_o spare_v in_o point_n of_o less_o importance_n yet_o the_o occasion_n of_o much_o contest_v among_o they_o that_o own_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v ill_o advise_v if_o we_o lay_v our_o main_a stock_n where_o our_o main_a interest_n be_v not_o touch_v several_a matter_n touch_v religion_n have_v be_v carry_v in_o a_o vicissitude_n according_a to_o the_o change_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n not_o alter_v it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o fix_v a_o necessity_n upon_o such_o thing_n from_o which_o the_o urgency_n of_o aftertime_n may_v enforce_v we_o to_o drawback_n unless_o we_o will_v desert_v our_o station_n before_o we_o have_v a_o discharge_n from_o our_o master_n in_o heaven_n the_o espouse_v of_o some_o controvert_v form_n and_o doctrine_n may_v end_v in_o a_o divorce_n dishonourable_a enough_o although_o it_o be_v conscientious_a and_o the_o reproach_n hereof_o may_v be_v aggravate_v by_o the_o pretend_a constancy_n of_o other_o in_o erroneous_a way_n when_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o the_o pertinacy_n of_o a_o selfish_a mind_n or_o a_o adhere_n to_o a_o worldly_a interest_n when_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n some_o form_n may_v be_v safe_o choose_v as_o most_o advantageous_a and_o yet_o not_o assert_v to_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a and_o again_o some_o other_o may_v be_v lay_v aside_o as_o inconvenient_a and_o yet_o not_o damn_v as_o impious_a or_o simple_o evil_a the_o parent_n of_o true_a constancy_n be_v godly_a wisdom_n have_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o evident_a and_o unchangeable_a truth_n with_o a_o just_a latitude_n in_o thing_n not_o determine_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n and_o so_o there_o may_v ordinary_o happen_v to_o the_o same_o man_n some_o diversity_n of_o practice_n at_o different_a time_n that_o deserve_v not_o the_o brand_n of_o time_n serve_v which_o be_v often_o too_o rash_o object_v for_o the_o same_o fix_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o integrity_n will_v direct_v to_o this_o way_n or_o method_n of_o a_o sacred_a action_n at_o one_o time_n and_o at_o another_o time_n to_o that_o which_o be_v far_o different_a yea_o and_o when_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v to_o a_o submit_v to_o what_o have_v sometime_o be_v reject_v i_o mean_v reject_v not_o as_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a but_o as_o inconvenient_a or_o less_o profitable_a when_o we_o be_v at_o liberty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v the_o best_a way_n but_o when_o confine_v we_o must_v do_v as_o well_o as_o we_o may_v in_o that_o state_n and_o the_o submission_n signify_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o simple_a lawfulness_n but_o not_o of_o the_o comparative_a goodness_n or_o desirableness_n of_o the_o thing_n impose_v since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v give_v his_o church_n a_o legacy_n of_o peace_n in_o he_o with_o tribulation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suffer_v with_o reputation_n be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n it_o sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o inevitable_o that_o the_o godly_a suffer_v much_o in_o such_o case_n which_o the_o loose_a sort_n account_n nicety_n and_o needless_a scruple_n in_o which_o case_n their_o suffering_n be_v precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o high_o value_v the_o jot_n and_o tittle_n of_o his_o law_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o honourable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n but_o when_o their_o cause_n be_v so_o unquestionable_a that_o all_o sober_a spirit_n of_o orthodox_n belief_n must_v needs_o regard_v it_o their_o suffering_n have_v much_o more_o glory_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a will_v be_v more_o constant_a and_o uniform_a in_o adhere_v to_o such_o a_o cause_n howbeit_o if_o they_o suffer_v for_o conscience_n sake_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o world_n account_v nicety_n yet_o a_o upright_a and_o prudent_a walk_v with_o a_o peaceable_a spirit_n submissive_a in_o thing_n clear_o indifferent_a and_o bear_v with_o other_o intolerable_a difference_n will_v be_v a_o ample_a defence_n unto_o they_o and_o gain_v respect_n and_o peradventure_o mollify_v those_o that_o do_v the_o injury_n furthermore_o let_v it_o be_v here_o note_v that_o to_o the_o sufferer_n it_o be_v no_o less_o honourable_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o immorality_n malignity_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o carnal_a christian_n than_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o any_o article_n thereof_o in_o opposition_n to_o infidel_n heretic_n or_o blasphemer_n for_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v of_o less_o regard_n yet_o this_o kind_n of_o suffer_v be_v more_o dishonourable_a to_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o persecutor_n who_o be_v his_o profess_a servant_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v more_o grievous_a to_o the_o persecute_a than_o if_o they_o suffer_v from_o those_o that_o disow_v his_o name_n or_o be_v his_o more_o avow_a enemy_n chap._n xix_o the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n of_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o sure_a mean_n of_o promote_a true_a religion_n false_a and_o corrupt_a way_n bear_v sway_n by_o a_o people_n ignorance_n but_o religion_n in_o its_o right_n and_o sound_a
the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n among_o man_n a_o tract_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o christianity_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o in_o the_o world_n design_v its_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n among_o profess_a christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o its_o sure_a propagation_n to_o future_a age_n with_o the_o point_n of_o church-unity_n and_o schism_n discuss_v by_o john_n corbet_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n 1679._o the_o preface_n a_o disquisition_n concern_v religion_n and_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a wherein_o several_a party_n be_v vehement_o carry_v divers_a way_n whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n according_a to_o their_o different_a interest_n or_o apprehension_n be_v apt_a to_o stir_v up_o jealousy_n and_o to_o meet_v with_o prejudice_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n be_v manage_v as_o advise_o as_o sincere_o it_o be_v humble_o crave_v that_o the_o present_a management_n thereof_o may_v find_v a_o favourable_a reception_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v in_o itself_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o sincerity_n and_o sobriety_n this_o treatise_n be_v not_o frame_v for_o a_o present_a occasion_n or_o any_o temporary_a design_n but_o insist_o upon_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n universal_o and_o perpetual_o it_o aim_v at_o the_o advancement_n of_o mere_a christianity_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a concernment_n thereof_o it_o leave_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o appropriate_a to_o the_o several_a party_n and_o persuasion_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v it_o engage_v not_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o these_o time_n touch_v form_n of_o church_n government_n but_o in_o any_o form_n such_o depravation_n or_o deficiency_n be_v blame_v as_o hinder_v the_o power_n purity_n unity_n stability_n or_o amplitude_n of_o religion_n nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o government_n to_o the_o right_n of_o superior_n and_o civil_a pre-eminences_a or_o to_o decency_n unity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v here_o suggest_v sedition_n and_o faction_n be_v evict_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o this_o interest_n which_o can_v hold_v its_o own_o only_a in_o those_o way_n that_o make_v for_o the_o common_a good_a both_o of_o ruler_n and_o subject_n our_o design_n carry_v no_o other_o danger_n than_o the_o more_o ample_a diffusion_n of_o true_a christianity_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n among_o man_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o the_o sure_a propagation_n thereof_o to_o future_a age_n here_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o vital_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v be_v remove_v and_o here_o be_v other_o thing_n of_o conscientious_a or_o prudent_a consideration_n and_o let_v these_o so_o far_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v find_v clear_a and_o cogent_a i_o have_v rather_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o defect_n or_o weakness_n than_o with_o uncharitableness_n and_o therefore_o be_o ready_a to_o renounce_v every_o line_n and_o every_o expression_n in_o this_o book_n that_o can_v stand_v with_o true_a christian_a charity_n in_o the_o utmost_a extent_n thereof_o let_v it_o not_o be_v take_v amiss_o that_o to_o obviate_v suspicion_n or_o prejudice_n i_o declare_v myself_o in_o the_o thing_n here_o follow_v i_o be_o one_o age_v in_o the_o ministry_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o experience_n be_o not_o eager_a for_o any_o party_n but_o mellow_v with_o charity_n towards_o real_a christian_n of_o all_o party_n i_o have_v vehement_o desire_v the_o union_n of_o the_o more_o moderate_a dissenter_n with_o the_o establish_v order_n by_o reasonable_a accommodation_n as_o for_o other_o that_o remain_v dissatisfy_v about_o such_o union_n yet_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o christian_n i_o do_v as_o earnest_o desire_v a_o indulgence_n for_o they_o within_o such_o limit_n as_o may_v stand_v with_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n though_o i_o be_o cast_v into_o the_o state_n of_o nonconformity_n yet_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n if_o i_o be_v make_v capable_a thereof_o by_o the_o relaxation_n of_o some_o injunction_n my_o principle_n be_v for_o a_o close_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o laudable_a in_o any_o establish_v government_n and_o for_o a_o bear_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v tolerable_a and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v direct_v they_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o such_o principle_n order_n or_o practice_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n or_o the_o great_a endanger_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n that_o retain_v they_o while_o the_o apostolic_a doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v maintain_v the_o content_n chap._n i._n the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o character_n of_o true_a christian_n chap._n ii_o of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o christian_a religion_n viz._n holy_a doctrine_n chap._n iii_o the_o order_n of_o divine_a worship_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n chap._n iu._n the_o due_a dispensation_n of_o god_n word_n or_o public_a preach_v chap._n v._o the_o due_a performance_n of_o public_a prayer_n chap._n vi_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n chap._n vii_o religious_a family-government_n chap._n viii_o private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a discourse_n and_o edify_v conversation_n chap._n ix_o the_o prevalence_n of_o true_a religion_n or_o real_a godliness_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o a_o nation_n chap._n x._o christian_a unity_n and_o concord_n chap._n xi_o a_o good_a frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n chap._n xii_o of_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o first_o externalness_n and_o formality_n chap._n xiii_o the_o sectarian_n and_o fanatical_a degeneration_n chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o way_n of_o preserve_a religion_n uncorrupt_a chap._n xv._n the_o enmity_n of_o the_o world_n against_o real_a godliness_n and_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o it_o consider_v chap._n xvi_o religion_n main_a strength_n next_o under_o the_o power_n of_o god_n lie_v in_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n chap._n xvii_o religion_n may_v be_v advance_v by_o human_a prudence_n what_o way_n and_o method_n it_o can_v admit_v in_o order_n to_o its_o advancement_n chap._n xviii_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n lie_v much_o in_o its_o venerable_a estimation_n among_o man_n chap._n xix_o the_o most_o ample_a diffusion_n of_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o sure_a mean_n of_o promote_a true_a religion_n chap._n xx._n the_o advantage_n of_o human_a learning_n to_o the_o same_o end_n chap._n xxi_o the_o general_a civility_n or_o common_a honesty_n of_o a_o nation_n make_v it_o more_o general_o receptive_a of_o real_a christianity_n or_o godliness_n chap._n xxii_o the_o increase_n of_o religion_n be_v promote_v by_o be_v make_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v passable_a among_o man_n chap._n xxiii_o the_o observe_v of_o a_o due_a latitude_n in_o religion_n make_v for_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n thereof_o chap._n xxiv_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n in_o prevent_v and_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o fanatical_a and_o sectarian_n error_n chap._n xxv_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o national_a and_o the_o settle_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n chap._n xxvi_o of_o submission_n to_o thing_n impose_v by_o lawful_a authority_n chap._n xxvii_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o seek_v reformation_n chap._n xxviii_o consideration_n tend_v to_o a_o due_a enlargement_n and_o unity_n in_o church-communion_n chap._n xxix_o whether_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n be_v lessen_v by_o amplitude_n and_o comprehensiveness_n chap._n xxx_o factious_a usurpation_n be_v destructive_a to_o religion_n interest_n chap._n xxxi_o of_o lead_v and_o follow_v and_o of_o combination_n chap._n xxxii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o high_a power_n in_o promote_a the_o religionsness_n of_o their_o people_n chap._n xxxiii_o the_o church_n true_a interest_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n the_o conclusion_n a_o book_n entitle_v the_o interest_n of_o england_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o two_o part_n former_o publish_v by_o the_o same_o author_n pag._n 7._o lin_v 3._o read_v service_n pag._n 19_o l._n 11._o read_v whereas_o pag._n 27._o l._n 24._o read_v so_o pag._n 28._o l._n 14._o read_v be_v pag._n 29._o l._n 14._o read_v regardable_a pag._n 31._o l._n 16._o read_v this_o ib._n l._n 18._o read_v apposite_a pag._n 39_o l._n 14._o read_v be_v able_a to_o make_v pag._n 41._o l._n 31._o read_v affect_v pag._n 53._o l._n 19_o read_v for_o the_o pag._n 59_o l._n 5._o read_v face_n of_o pag._n 60._o l._n 12._o read_v exercise_n pag._n 67._o l._n 3._o read_v religion_n pag._n 71._o l._n
inherent_a righteousness_n by_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v true_o name_v righteous_a not_o only_o before_o man_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o which_o can_v be_v no_o more_o without_o good_a work_n then_o the_o sun_n without_o light_n that_o this_o be_v so_o perfect_a as_o not_o to_o lack_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o righteousness_n nor_o to_o be_v maim_v in_o any_o principal_a part_n thereof_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o degree_n and_o some_o accidental_a part_n it_o be_v imperfect_a that_o the_o faithful_a can_v by_v this_o inherent_a righteousness_n abide_v the_o strict_a trial_n of_o divine_a justice_n but_o they_o be_v acquit_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o their_o deserve_a punishment_n by_o the_o mere_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n that_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v so_o far_o bestow_v on_o believer_n and_o make_v they_o that_o in_o the_o merit_n and_o consideration_n thereof_o they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o condemnation_n of_o hell_n be_v justify_v unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o adopt_a to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o impute_a righteousness_n in_o this_o sense_n can_v be_v gainsay_v that_o no_o faith_n be_v justify_v but_o that_o which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o everlasting_a life_n be_v faith_n alone_o not_o as_o exclude_v repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n but_o as_o exclude_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o legal_a covenant_n and_o this_o be_v no_o derogation_n from_o the_o free_a grace_n that_o the_o faithful_a keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o duty_n without_o reserve_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n that_o obedience_n every_o way_n perfect_a be_v require_v of_o the_o faithful_a as_o their_o duty_n but_o not_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a death_n yet_o under_o that_o penalty_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o sincere_a obedience_n that_o good_a work_n have_v relation_n to_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o the_o seed_n to_o have_a as_o the_o race_n and_o combat_n to_o the_o prize_n as_o the_o work_n to_o the_o reward_n not_o according_a to_o equality_n or_o condignity_n or_o merit_v strict_o so_o call_v but_o according_a to_o free_a compact_n or_o congruity_n that_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o own_o justification_n by_o a_o true_a fix_a persuasion_n that_o exclude_v hesitation_n and_o suspense_n and_o cause_v holy_a security_n peace_n and_o joy_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o labour_v for_o such_o assurance_n which_o arise_v partly_o from_o the_o divine_a promise_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o infeigned_a faith_n that_o though_o godliness_n stand_v not_o in_o absolute_a perfection_n yet_o it_o stand_v in_o that_o integrity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n a_o indubitable_a evidence_n whereof_o can_v be_v have_v without_o a_o very_a careful_a and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o continue_v earnest_a endeavour_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n that_o all_o human_a action_n must_v have_v a_o actual_a or_o habitual_a reference_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n for_o that_o end_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o work_v mighty_o in_o god_n choose_v whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v must_v watch_v and_o pray_v and_o strive_v and_o bestow_v his_o chief_a care_n and_o pain_n therein_o and_o so_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n not_o of_o a_o popish_a outside_n formal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a and_o real_a mortification_n and_o self_n denial_n in_o continual_a dependence_n on_o god_n grace_n who_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n in_o the_o position_n aforego_v all_o nice_a obscure_a perplex_a and_o unnecessary_a notion_n be_v avoid_v and_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o gospel_n doctrine_n be_v attend_v this_o simplicity_n and_o plainess_n make_v the_o truth_n much_o more_o intelligible_a and_o less_o controvertible_a where_o a_o multitude_n of_o nice_a term_n and_o notion_n be_v vain_a and_o hurtful_a superfluity_n that_o muffle_v the_o truth_n and_o cloud_v man_n judgement_n and_o multiply_v controversy_n and_o cause_v much_o confusion_n chap._n iii_o the_o due_a order_n of_o gospel_n worship_n forasmuch_o as_o divine_a worship_n be_v the_o first_o and_o near_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o aim_v immediate_o at_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n name_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o soul_n devote_v to_o he_o the_o due_a order_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a concernment_n of_o true_a religion_n whereupon_o such_o a_o order_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v most_o desirable_a as_o have_v most_o tendency_n to_o exalt_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n name_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o soul_n pure_a devotion_n and_o doubtless_o that_o have_v most_o tendency_n thereunto_o which_o be_v most_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o fetch_n of_o man_n wit_n in_o commend_v their_o will-worship_n god_n best_o know_v what_o service_n will_v please_v he_o best_o and_o do_v we_o most_o good_a it_o become_v we_o neither_o to_o contemn_v god_n authority_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o institution_n nor_o to_o control_v his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o addition_n of_o vain_a invention_n and_o this_o will_v bring_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o a_o reasonable_a service_n most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n our_o lord_n christ_n be_v to_o establish_v a_o more_o perfect_a way_n than_o what_o have_v be_v before_o lay_v this_o foundation_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n according_o he_o antiquate_v the_o old_a legal_a form_n great_a in_o outward_a furniture_n and_o visible_a spendor_n but_o comparative_o small_a in_o substance_n and_o inward_a power_n and_o institute_v a_o other_o of_o a_o far_o different_a strain_n wherein_o the_o ritual_n and_o external_o be_v few_o and_o plain_a but_o their_o substance_n and_o inward_a power_n be_v great_a and_o mighty_a and_o when_o he_o abrogate_a former_a thing_n which_o for_o their_o time_n have_v the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n because_o they_o suit_v not_o with_o the_o gospel_n state_n and_o be_v in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n call_v carnal_a ordinance_n that_o be_v not_o good_a doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o man_n shall_v erect_v new_a frame_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o those_o old_a thing_n that_o be_v pass_v away_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n after_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n as_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n which_o be_v worship_v and_o best_a fit_v to_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n indeed_o so_o it_o be_v also_o most_o efficacious_a to_o make_v the_o worshipper_n more_o know_v in_o religion_n more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a in_o spirit_n and_o conversation_n and_o every_o way_n more_o perfect_a in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n irreverence_n rudeness_n sordidness_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o negligence_n in_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o here_o commend_v under_o the_o simplicity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o gospel_n worship_n due_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v to_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o decency_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o will_v render_v the_o service_n undecent_a such_o as_o be_v convenient_a place_n of_o assemble_v common_o call_v church_n comely_a furniture_n and_o convenient_a utensil_n therein_o a_o grave_a habit_n not_o of_o special_a sanctity_n but_o of_o civil_a decency_n for_o a_o minister_n all_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v vile_a and_o beggarly_a but_o graceful_a and_o seemly_a likewise_o a_o well_o compose_v countenance_n and_o reverend_a gesture_n be_v requisite_a in_o all_o that_o present_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n sit_v or_o loll_v or_o cover_v the_o head_n or_o have_v the_o hat_n halfway_n on_o in_o prayer_n be_v among_o we_o unseemly_o except_o natural_a infirmity_n call_v for_o indulgence_n herein_o but_o laugh_v talk_a gaze_v about_o in_o our_o attendance_n on_o religious_a exercise_n be_v no_o better_a than_o profaneness_n and_o to_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n walk_v with_o our_o hat_n on_o
holy_a in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o church_n that_o be_v in_o particular_a house_n teach_v that_o christian_a family_n shall_v resemble_v church_n for_o piety_n and_o godly_a order_n by_o family-godliness_n religion_n thrive_v exceed_o and_o decay_v as_o much_o by_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o by_o domestic_a instruction_n knowledge_n be_v much_o increase_v for_o this_o private_a particular_a teach_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v more_o heed_v than_o that_o which_o be_v public_a and_o general_a and_o person_n be_v hereby_o prepare_v to_o attend_v with_o profit_n upon_o the_o public_a preach_v good_a principle_n be_v infuse_v and_o impression_n of_o good_a be_v make_v upon_o those_o that_o live_v under_o such_o government_n and_o where_o much_o may_v not_o be_v wrought_v at_o present_a towards_o conversion_n something_o may_v stick_v upon_o they_o which_o may_v afterward_o appear_v when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v visit_v they_o more_o powerful_o moreover_o national_a and_o church_n reformation_n shall_v here_o begin_v nation_n will_v be_v wicked_a and_o church_n corrupt_v while_o family_n remain_v disorder_v but_o by_o the_o reformation_n of_o these_o lesser_a society_n the_o large_a be_v easy_o reform_v as_o the_o whole_a street_n be_v make_v clean_o where_o every_o one_o will_v sweep_v his_o own_o door_n which_o be_v but_o a_o easy_a task_n it_o be_v most_o desirable_a that_o house_n of_o eminent_a person_n be_v exemplary_a in_o this_o kind_n as_o it_o appear_v king_n david_n be_v by_o that_o profession_n i_o will_v walk_v within_o my_o house_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n i_o will_v not_o know_v a_o wicked_a person_n he_o that_o walk_v in_o a_o perfect_a way_n shall_v serve_v i_o but_o it_o be_v lamentable_a that_o in_o so_o many_o family_n of_o profess_a christian_n of_o high_a and_o low_a degree_n wickedness_n carry_v it_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n in_o drunkenness_n swear_v curse_a open_a profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n in_o hatred_n of_o godliness_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o in_o many_o other_o free_a from_o debauchedness_n and_o open_a lewdness_n there_o be_v no_o face_n religion_n no_o divine_a worship_n perform_v no_o godly_a discipline_n no_o instruction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n observe_v shall_v any_o profess_v subjection_n to_o god_n maintain_v under_o his_o charge_n and_o government_n a_o open_a rebellion_n against_o god_n or_o at_o least_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o he_o shall_v not_o god_n rule_v where_o his_o servant_n rule_v wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o christian_a householder_n in_o their_o several_a house_n to_o offer_v prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n daily_o both_o morning_n and_o evening_n as_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n to_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n in_o prayer_n sing_v of_o psalm_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o other_o holy_a book_n in_o repeat_v sermon_n instruct_v child_n and_o servant_n and_o in_o take_v account_n of_o their_o diligence_n and_o proficiency_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v not_o formal_o and_o customary_o but_o conscientious_o in_o good_a carnest_n and_o to_o good_a effect_n it_o be_v their_o charge_n also_o to_o hold_v a_o prudent_a hand_n over_o child_n in_o their_o minority_n and_o not_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o a_o course_n of_o idleness_n sensual_a pleasure_n or_o any_o inordinate_a liberty_n also_o to_o make_v intercession_n to_o god_n for_o those_o under_o their_o tuition_n to_o allow_v servant_n time_n for_o secret_a duty_n last_o to_o purge_v their_o family_n of_o sinful_a disorder_n and_o to_o remove_v scandal_n as_o careful_o as_o the_o israelite_n cleanse_v their_o house_n from_o leaven_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n as_o the_o religious_a care_n of_o superior_n so_o the_o submission_n and_o teachableness_n of_o inferior_n be_v enjoin_v child_n servant_n and_o sojourner_n in_o godly_a family_n be_v come_v into_o the_o lord_n heritage_n and_o portion_n and_o under_o his_o special_a protection_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n to_o live_v under_o such_o a_o discipline_n and_o to_o be_v hold_v unto_o such_o exercy_n but_o shall_v improve_v the_o advantage_n and_o be_v follower_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o whatsoever_o imperfection_n they_o find_v therein_o they_o shall_v not_o malignant_o aggravate_v the_o same_o but_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o good_a and_o consider_v the_o defect_n as_o the_o remainder_n of_o human_a weakness_n chap._n viii_o private_a mutual_a exhortation_n pious_a discourse_n and_o edify_a conversation_n it_o be_v also_o of_o great_a advantage_n when_o christian_a people_n be_v enure_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religious_a converse_n and_o discourse_n for_o edification_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o keep_v themselves_o in_o spiritual_a life_n and_o vigour_n and_o daily_o build_v up_o one_o another_o on_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n advance_v heaven-ward_n and_o it_o be_v as_o comely_a as_o advantageous_a the_o royal_a prophet_n understand_v what_o be_v seemly_a and_o worthy_a of_o he_o in_o his_o conversation_n and_o he_o say_v i_o will_v talk_v of_o thy_o commandment_n before_o prince_n and_o not_o be_v ashamed_a be_v it_o not_o seemly_a for_o those_o that_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n above_o and_o for_o fellowtravell_n r_v towards_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n to_o mention_v the_o affair_n of_o their_o own_o country_n it_o be_v also_o sweet_a and_o lovely_a a_o partake_n of_o that_o grace_n that_o be_v pour_v into_o christ_n lip_n and_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o all_o such_o as_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yea_o be_v not_o convert_v bind_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o seek_v the_o conversion_n of_o other_o we_o have_v receive_v this_o holy_a commandment_n let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o the_o use_n of_o edify_v that_o it_o may_v administer_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n indeed_o holy_a language_n proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o scandalous_a person_n or_o detect_v hypocrite_n be_v disgrace_v and_o lose_v its_o savour_n if_o affectation_n and_o vanity_n appear_v therein_o it_o have_v not_o so_o sweet_a a_o relish_n but_o this_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o gracious_a word_n which_o holy_a and_o humble_a man_n of_o inoffensive_a life_n speak_v feel_o from_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o those_o that_o judge_v they_o hypocrite_n god_n will_v judge_v moreover_o honest_a mind_n may_v be_v sometime_o guilty_a of_o imprudence_n and_o thereby_o occasion_v some_o disgust_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o wholesome_a to_o be_v unacceptable_a and_o ineffectual_a nevertheless_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a matter_n for_o any_o one_o from_o the_o baseness_n of_o some_o hypocrite_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a christian_n to_o take_v occasion_n of_o pour_v out_o contempt_n upon_o this_o godly_a practice_n yea_o whosoever_o give_v a_o check_n to_o it_o upon_o pretence_n of_o its_o unseasonableness_n and_o impertinency_n at_o some_o time_n be_v not_o well_o advise_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o true_a religion_n because_o for_o one_o that_o be_v overforward_a herein_o a_o hundred_o be_v too_o backward_o and_o that_o among_o the_o wise_a and_o able_a who_o may_v reap_v a_o harvest_n of_o much_o good_a if_o they_o be_v not_o too_o rich_a or_o sluggish_a the_o most_o have_v need_v rather_o of_o the_o spur_n than_o the_o bridle_n in_o this_o case_n wherefore_o discretion_n will_v mind_v the_o season_n in_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v beautiful_a and_o not_o inconsiderate_o force_v discourse_n and_o run_v on_o therein_o when_o it_o will_v not_o be_v entertain_v as_o in_o the_o set_a time_n of_o other_o man_n sport_n or_o business_n nor_o will_v it_o press_v any_o beyond_o due_a measure_n and_o what_o they_o can_v well_o receive_v lest_o that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v precious_a become_v nauseous_a or_o untastfull_a opportunity_n and_o leisure_n will_v sufficient_o offer_v itself_o for_o set_v and_o solemn_a conference_n and_o beside_o this_o there_o will_v be_v room_n almost_o continual_o to_o put_v in_o by_o the_o by_o a_o word_n that_o may_v take_v effect_n how_o forcible_a be_v right_a word_n it_o have_v sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o short_a say_v occasional_o let_v fall_v upon_o a_o prepare_a mind_n have_v enter_v deep_a and_o stick_v close_o yea_o that_o which_o take_v not_o much_o at_o present_a may_v be_v remember_v and_o have_v its_o effect_n after_o a_o long_a time_n and_o then_o be_v matter_n of_o much_o blessing_n and_o praise_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a preacher_n look_v this_o way_n in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n for_o thou_o
their_o union_n and_o fellowship_n be_v chief_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a their_o unity_n be_v far_o great_a than_o what_o outward_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o sometime_o than_o what_o themselves_o can_v discern_v among_o themselves_o in_o particular_a by_o reason_n of_o many_o inferior_a yet_o very_o disquiet_v difference_n and_o discord_n nevertheless_o it_o behoove_v they_o to_o provide_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v what_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o that_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n by_o their_o walk_n in_o love_n and_o peace_n unity_n be_v the_o church_n strength_n and_o beauty_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n it_o make_v religion_n lovely_a and_o draw_v forth_o blessing_n &_o praise_n from_o the_o beholder_n of_o it_o and_o win_v the_o world_n to_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n of_o that_o piety_n which_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o live_v in_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o mutual_a charity_n but_o division_n be_v the_o church_n weakness_n and_o deformity_n the_o reproach_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o scandal_n against_o christianity_n and_o a_o objection_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n against_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o present_a divide_a state_n of_o religion_n each_o party_n be_v apt_a to_o appropriate_v godliness_n to_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o to_o carry_v it_o towards_o other_o as_o if_o they_o do_v so_o and_o they_o that_o be_v loud_a in_o accuse_v dissenter_n of_o uncharitableness_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v themselves_o as_o uncharitable_a as_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n have_v a_o peculiar_a people_n distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o by_o a_o peculiar_a character_n but_o it_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o party_n of_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n or_o denomination_n that_o be_v narrow_a than_o mere_a christianity_n and_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v to_o receive_v one_o a_o other_o as_o god_n have_v receive_v they_o indeed_o the_o best_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v best_a esteem_v and_o their_o fellowship_n be_v most_o desire_a but_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o universality_n and_o in_o a_o strict_a combination_n set_v up_o as_o divide_a party_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n for_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v and_o if_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n forsake_v the_o rest_n the_o whole_a must_v needs_o die_v christian_n concord_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o aggregation_n of_o thing_n inconsistent_a as_o the_o fellowship_n of_o righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n the_o communion_n of_o light_n with_o darkness_n the_o concord_n of_o christ_n with_o belial_n to_o set_v up_o unity_n against_o piety_n be_v a_o conspiracy_n against_o christ_n who_o be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o pretend_v piety_n against_o unity_n be_v to_o oppose_v christ_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n who_o kingdom_n be_v the_o reign_n of_o love_n in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n and_o peace_n must_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o inseparable_a companion_n walk_v together_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n without_o fellowship_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o same_o holy_a way_n this_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o great_a compliance_n in_o matter_n of_o mere_a external_a order_n and_o consequent_o much_o more_o regardable_a in_o our_o estimation_n and_o reception_n of_o person_n though_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o spirit_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v count_v a_o small_a matter_n the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v much_o concern_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o church_n communion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o difficulty_n for_o they_o to_o live_v together_o in_o love_n who_o one_o church_n can_v hold_v church_n division_n common_o divide_v affection_n and_o draw_v man_n into_o party_n and_o divide_a interest_n and_o make_v they_o seek_v to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n by_o weaken_v all_o other_o to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o general_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o unchurch_a of_o church_n and_o renounce_v of_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v dread_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n yea_o all_o unnecessary_a distance_n shall_v be_v avoid_v lest_o they_o lead_v to_o great_a alienation_n and_o direct_a enmity_n and_o opposition_n those_o church_n that_o can_v hold_v local_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o difference_n that_o destroy_v not_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n shall_v yet_o maintain_v a_o dear_a and_o tender_a christian_a love_n one_o to_o another_o and_o profess_v their_o own_n of_o each_o other_o as_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v agree_v together_o upon_o certain_a just_a and_o equal_a rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o their_o unavoidable_a difference_n so_o as_o may_v lest_o prejudice_n charity_n and_o common_a good_a and_o least_o harden_v the_o ungodly_a and_o grieve_v the_o weak_a or_o dishonour_n god_n or_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o common_a great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n amicable_o promote_a the_o common_a cause_n of_o christianity_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o in_o which_o they_o be_v agree_v and_o open_v their_o disagreement_n to_o the_o people_n as_o little_a as_o they_o can_v schism_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a separation_n from_o or_o division_n in_o a_o church_n and_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n and_o to_o be_v detest_v both_o for_o its_o exceed_a sinfulness_n and_o woeful_a consequent_n but_o it_o have_v be_v so_o disguise_v and_o the_o odious_a name_n have_v be_v so_o confuse_o cast_v abroad_o and_o so_o unreasonable_o and_o malicious_o misapply_v that_o it_o be_v too_o slight_o think_v of_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v sad_o lay_v to_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v common_a with_o the_o strong_a party_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n to_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v no_o better_a name_n for_o other_o than_o schismatic_n and_o so_o the_o reproach_n be_v but_o contemn_v by_o they_o that_o suffer_v it_o and_o the_o sin_n itself_o be_v too_o little_o fear_v on_o all_o side_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o temporal_a law_n nor_o secular_a power_n nor_o any_o prevalence_n of_o strength_n or_o interest_n that_o make_v a_o church_n and_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v excuse_v they_o from_o schism_n that_o act_n uncharitable_o against_o their_o brethren_n and_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o godliness_n nor_o be_v they_o forthwith_o to_o be_v count_v schismatic_n who_o can_v in_o all_o point_n observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o can_v neglect_v to_o yield_v their_o help_n to_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n that_o will_v otherwise_o want_v due_a mean_n of_o salvation_n when_o god_n have_v call_v they_o to_o that_o service_n with_o a_o woe_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o must_v dread_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n true_o so_o call_v let_v it_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o schismatical_a imposition_n as_o the_o people_n be_v to_o shun_v schismatical_a recusancy_n and_o disobedience_n as_o well_o the_o pastor_n wisdom_n as_o the_o people_n due_a submission_n be_v here_o importunate_o call_v for_o when_o superior_n know_v how_o to_o command_v and_o inferior_n how_o to_o obey_v thing_n will_v go_v as_o well_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o our_o imperfect_a state_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v best_a assure_v by_o suppress_v all_o conscientious_a inquiry_n into_o its_o decree_n so_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n be_v most_o secure_v by_o the_o most_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o upright_a conscience_n in_o all_o its_o adherent_n that_o church_n that_o claim_v to_o herself_o a_o infallibility_n or_o challenge_n and_o obtain_v from_o her_o partaker_n a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o her_o determination_n without_o further_a enquiry_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o break_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o her_o peace_n if_o she_o multiply_v constitution_n and_o impose_v any_o devise_a doctrine_n and_o ordinance_n suitable_a to_o
and_o carnal_a interest_n to_o false_a way_n and_o vain_a invention_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o behoove_v the_o zealous_a religionist_n to_o be_v careful_a even_o to_o jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o and_o in_o this_o care_n hearty_o and_o entire_o to_o resign_v and_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o such_o resignation_n and_o conformity_n he_o secure_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o in_o he_o lie_v the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n be_v god_n law_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v write_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o natural_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o supernatural_a be_v divine_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v to_o be_v own_v in_o both_o though_o in_o the_o latter_a it_o have_v appear_v more_o abundant_o because_o therein_o be_v give_v we_o a_o full_a instruction_n in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n kingdom_n which_o in_o the_o other_o be_v not_o give_v for_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v know_v by_o nature_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v know_v thereby_o the_o light_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a and_o not_o easy_o able_a to_o fix_v the_o heart_n therein_o not_o so_o much_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n as_o from_o the_o pravity_n of_o our_o mind_n reason_n be_v lay_v asleep_a and_o all_o our_o faculty_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o brutish_a life_n what_o be_v the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o that_o light_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o define_v and_o though_o it_o be_v harsh_a to_o determine_v that_o they_o be_v all_o utter_o and_o universal_o forsake_v of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o gentilism_n be_v a_o very_a forlorn_a state_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o church_n in_o supernatural_a revelation_n by_o which_o he_o have_v not_o only_o instruct_v we_o in_o thing_n supernatural_a not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v know_v in_o this_o life_n but_o also_o more_o perfect_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n now_o transcribe_v into_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o religion_n or_o morality_n that_o may_v not_o be_v find_v therein_o beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o nature_n and_o scripture_n what_o certain_a and_o stable_a rule_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o conversation_n have_v the_o church_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n or_o consent_n in_o mere_a or_o all_o tradition_n or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v so_o evident_a as_o need_v no_o confirmation_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o acquiescence_n or_o accord_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o visible_a universal_a supreme_a power_n for_o whereas_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o do_v nor_o will_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o be_v and_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o that_o maintain_v such_o a_o catholic_n supremacy_n can_v agree_v in_o what_o subject_n the_o same_o reside_v whether_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n and_o as_o several_a pope_n so_o have_v several_a council_n of_o equal_a amplitude_n and_o authority_n often_o cross_v one_o another_o and_o consequent_o some_o of_o both_o kind_n must_v needs_o have_v err_v and_o it_o still_o remain_v a_o controversy_n undeterminable_a which_o council_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o which_o to_o be_v reject_v unless_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n hitherto_o disagree_v herein_o will_v be_v bind_v up_o by_o the_o resolve_n of_o one_o party_n that_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o their_o own_o pretend_a infallibility_n to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n true_o so_o call_v or_o a_o representative_a of_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v never_o yet_o congregat_v wherefore_o let_v the_o faithful_a rest_n upon_o the_o old_a right_a foundation_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o infallibility_n be_v unquestionable_a such_o be_v the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v safe_a in_o divine_a matter_n not_o to_o be_v venturous_a without_o its_o warrant_n they_o best_o secure_v themselves_o from_o error_n who_o keep_v to_o that_o rule_n which_o be_v both_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a some_o pretend_v to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v puritanism_n affirm_v that_o the_o mystery_n thereof_o lie_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v authorize_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o there_o be_v those_o of_o that_o denomination_n who_o disallow_v whatsoever_o institute_v worship_n be_v not_o so_o authorize_v but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o all_o particular_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o divine_a worship_n which_o admit_v of_o endless_a variation_n be_v define_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v those_o natural_a and_o civil_a circumstance_n without_o which_o action_n be_v not_o performable_a but_o they_o suppose_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o time_n place_n method_n furniture_n etc._n etc._n and_o those_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o take_v for_o part_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v make_v direct_a and_o immediate_a sign_n of_o honour_n give_v to_o god_n by_o their_o use_n and_o all_o of_o this_o kind_a some_o do_v judge_n or_o at_o least_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n appointment_n my_o design_n oblige_v i_o to_o shun_v the_o intangle_a of_o this_o discourse_n with_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o i_o write_v not_o either_o for_o or_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o uncommanded_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o show_v that_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o safe_a by_o acquiescence_n in_o that_o only_a which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v than_o by_o addition_n of_o new_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n devise_v by_o man_n who_o even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o may_v too_o easy_o deviate_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o who_o know_v not_o that_o too_o much_o yield_v to_o man_n devise_v form_n and_o right_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o wisdom_n make_v way_n for_o the_o departure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o christendom_n from_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n all_o duty_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v clear_o prove_v from_o scripture_n though_o the_o particular_a instance_n thereof_o that_o be_v innumerable_a and_o their_o infinite_o variable_a circumstance_n can_v be_v there_o express_v as_o for_o institute_v worship_n it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o defect_n in_o those_o part_n thereof_o that_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n as_o needs_o to_o be_v make_v up_o by_o the_o human_a addition_n of_o other_o new_a part_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n mere_o circumstantial_a belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a not_o determine_v of_o god_n and_o must_v be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o human_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n none_o that_o know_v what_o they_o say_v in_o magnify_v the_o write_a word_n will_v teach_v the_o people_n not_o to_o rely_v upon_o impartial_a reason_n which_o no_o true_a revelation_n do_v ever_o contradict_v but_o we_o be_v so_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o human_a understanding_n that_o in_o case_n of_o any_o seem_a contrariety_n between_o scripture_n and_o reason_n not_o to_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o preeminence_n we_o know_v be_v most_o unreasonable_a be_v scripture_n liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v so_o be_v reason_n be_v there_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n so_o in_o human_a ratiocination_n much_o more_o whosoever_o can_v apprehend_v right_a reason_n can_v rational_o apprehend_v god_n write_v word_n which_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o who_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o itself_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v by_o rational_a inference_n and_o deduction_n
common_a remissness_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v deplorable_a sometime_o the_o manner_n of_o opposition_n against_o seducer_n be_v unadvised_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o contend_v for_o truth_n by_o wrath_n and_o clamour_n and_o contumelious_a language_n and_o usage_n inhance_v the_o price_n of_o error_n and_o add_v to_o its_o reputation_n but_o the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o converse_v much_o with_o our_o plain_a heart_a people_n and_o to_o season_v they_o with_o right_a principle_n and_o to_o detect_v the_o subtle_a method_n of_o deceitful_a worker_n and_o the_o dangerous_a issue_n of_o their_o allurement_n and_o by_o honest_a and_o inoffensive_a application_n to_o prepossess_v those_o hold_n of_o which_o deceiver_n seek_v to_o possess_v themselves_o and_o here_o it_o be_v of_o chief_a importance_n that_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a and_o able_a person_n upon_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o professor_n be_v more_o prevail_a than_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n upon_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o prudent_a leader_n servile_a temporize_a with_o vulgar_a fancy_n degrade_n the_o authority_n and_o wisdom_n of_o prudent_a guide_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o vulgar_a spirit_n and_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o that_o pass_n that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o inconsiderate_a shall_v sway_v the_o church_n interest_n let_v person_n of_o approve_a worth_n be_v more_o faithful_a and_o noble_a than_o by_o such_o servility_n and_o treachery_n to_o raise_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o weak_a sort_n let_v they_o rather_o commend_v themselves_o by_o their_o know_a integrity_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o by_o be_v ready_a also_o in_o all_o condescension_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v they_o to_o their_o edification_n and_o such_o faithfulness_n be_v the_o sure_a mean_n to_o gain_v they_o love_v and_o honour_n let_v the_o religious_a beware_v of_o seek_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o magnify_v among_o one_o another_o or_o of_o overprize_v each_o other_o esteem_n this_o latter_a seem_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o draw_v peter_n to_o a_o fit_a of_o dissimulation_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n while_o he_o seek_v too_o much_o to_o please_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n sometime_o we_o know_v not_o our_o own_o spirit_n it_o be_v good_a to_o beware_v of_o provocation_n like_o to_o be_v give_v or_o take_v upon_o a_o suppose_a affront_n or_o injury_n man_n of_o part_n have_v be_v hurry_v into_o dangerous_a contest_v and_o to_o make_v head_n against_o petty_a passionate_a opposition_n they_o have_v run_v beyond_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o wrought_v strange_a confusion_n discretion_n and_o charity_n seek_v to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v and_o not_o to_o exasperate_v a_o offend_a brother_n it_o be_v well_o observe_v that_o no_o turbulent_a opinion_n or_o party_n do_v usual_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o church_n neglect_n of_o some_o truth_n or_o duty_n wherefore_o if_o a_o evil_a spirit_n seek_v a_o occasion_n of_o mischief_n reform_v the_o abuse_n and_o so_o prevent_v his_o work_n upon_o the_o simple_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o some_o of_o upright_a heart_n be_v deceive_v with_o a_o fancy_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o perfect_a way_n may_v pass_v into_o the_o tent_n of_o sectary_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v church_n order_n and_o external_a worship_n a_o compassionate_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v of_o such_o as_o walk_v honest_o and_o retain_v those_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o may_v be_v a_o groundwork_n for_o save_a faith_n and_o godly_a life_n now_o towards_o such_o the_o great_a charity_n be_v exercise_v in_o labour_v to_o remove_v the_o stumbling-block_n of_o their_o error_n and_o to_o make_v it_o plain_a before_o they_o that_o the_o faithful_a who_o communion_n they_o forsake_v contend_v for_o the_o perfection_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n and_o the_o lively_a use_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o opposition_n to_o unwritten_a tradition_n man_n invention_n implicit_a faith_n ignorant_a devotion_n and_o mere_a formality_n that_o they_o declare_v by_o word_n and_o deed_n against_o the_o iniquity_n and_o impiety_n of_o this_o evil_a world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o that_o they_o insist_v upon_o no_o form_n or_o usage_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v command_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n or_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o general_a reason_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o seek_v no_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o advancement_n in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n and_o last_o that_o human_a infirmity_n must_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a in_o they_o that_o have_v not_o obtain_v angelical_a perfection_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a before_o honest_a people_n that_o have_v be_v seduce_v into_o sectarian_n error_n chap._n xxv_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o sound_a state_n of_o religion_n by_o make_v it_o national_a and_o the_o settle_a interest_n of_o nation_n christs_n little_a flock_n can_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o retire_v within_o themselves_o alone_o from_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o they_o must_v needs_o remain_v a_o part_n of_o kingdom_n &_o commonwealth_n with_o the_o world_n in_o general_n they_o must_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o the_o power_n that_o be_v will_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o and_o their_o way_n for_o which_o cause_n their_o aim_n and_o action_n as_o far_o as_o their_o sacred_a rule_n allow_v must_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o direct_v unto_o the_o general_a peace_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o nation_n whereof_o they_o be_v &_o in_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o civil_a right_n by_o this_o mean_n religion_n interest_n may_v incorporate_v with_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o a_o nation_n &_o run_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n that_o pure_a religion_n may_v take_v root_n and_o spread_v and_o prosper_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v its_o external_a frame_n to_o the_o consistency_n of_o a_o national_a settlement_n the_o just_a â—aâ—aude_n hereof_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o substantial_o of_o divine_a worship_n and_o thing_n necessary_a to_o church_n unity_n and_o order_n but_o it_o go_v not_o beyond_o these_o and_o be_v fix_v in_o this_o extent_n it_o be_v in_o a_o way_n to_o gain_v beside_o the_o support_n and_o power_n of_o the_o law_n the_o nation_n unstrain_a compliance_n and_o approbation_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n ecclesiastical_a tyranny_n be_v a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n always_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n unfixedness_n and_o unlimited_a liberty_n consist_v not_o with_o that_o stability_n wherein_o all_o prudent_a governor_n will_v settle_v their_o own_o affair_n as_o also_o with_o that_o general_a tranquillity_n and_o repose_n which_o be_v the_o health_n of_o any_o people_n if_o one_o be_v raise_v to_o empire_n by_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a party_n he_o can_v settle_v himself_o nor_o stand_v upon_o firm_a ground_n till_o he_o wind_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o same_o intent_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n so_o to_o fix_v the_o term_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o not_o to_o set_v a_o perpetual_a bar_n against_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o people_n a_o church_n state_n so_o bar_v though_o it_o be_v assert_v with_o a_o veterane_n army_n and_o can_v enclose_v all_o preferment_n both_o of_o honour_n and_o profit_n within_o itself_o to_o be_v at_o its_o disposal_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o see_v how_o it_o can_v ever_o obtain_v a_o firm_a establishment_n for_o a_o christian_a nation_n in_o general_a be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o bar_v of_o such_o privilege_n as_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o christian_n be_v enrage_v and_o likely_a to_o be_v engage_v as_o one_o man_n to_o oppose_v that_o which_o they_o take_v for_o intolerable_a oppression_n or_o if_o they_o care_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v they_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o contrary_a interest_n and_o party_n in_o religion_n or_o to_o infidelity_n barbarism_n atheism_n or_o some_o destructive_a way_n or_o other_o now_o the_o intention_n here_o propound_v may_v take_v effect_n if_o the_o constitution_n shut_v out_o none_o from_o sacred_a and_o spiritual_a privilege_n but_o such_o as_o make_v not_o profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n or_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o true_a
time_n as_o the_o present_a case_n require_v as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o housholder_n will_v direct_v he_o how_o far_o to_o bear_v with_o fault_n and_o weakness_n in_o his_o family_n so_o the_o magistrate_n by_o wisdom_n will_v discern_v what_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o in_o his_o commonwealth_n so_o far_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o true_a and_o just_a end_n of_o government_n chap._n xxxiii_o the_o church_n true_a interest_n to_o be_v pursue_v by_o ecclesiastical_a person_n nothing_o be_v more_o precious_a and_o among_o christian_n nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o value_v than_o the_o good_a of_o god_n church_n for_o it_o be_v christ_n and_o god_n great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v that_o the_o church_n name_n be_v abuse_v and_o its_o interest_n mistake_v most_o perverse_o for_o none_o have_v more_o pretend_v for_o the_o church_n than_o they_o who_o business_n be_v to_o get_v and_o keep_v worldly_a pomp_n and_o power_n with_o carnal_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o make_v law_n and_o rule_n serviceable_a to_o these_o end_n and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n and_o debauch_v the_o life_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o blind_a obedience_n to_o such_o law_n and_o maintain_v their_o worldly_a dominion_n over_o christ_n heritage_n and_o who_o value_n all_o man_n howsoever_o qualify_v as_o they_o stand_v affect_v to_o their_o estate_n and_o according_o stick_v not_o to_o reject_v the_o eminent_o good_a and_o to_o receive_v the_o notorious_o bad_a in_o the_o romish_a church_n all_o this_o be_v palpable_a now_o let_v these_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o they_o that_o list_v to_o give_v that_o name_n to_o a_o state_n of_o pride_n and_o luxury_n of_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n of_o carnal_a and_o devilish_a policy_n under_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n be_v betray_v to_o everlasting_a perdition_n wherefore_o those_o in_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v solicitous_a of_o the_o church_n welfare_n shall_v state_n the_o interest_n thereof_o aright_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o carnal_a mind_n but_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o man_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o mystical_a society_n of_o regenerate_v person_n unite_v in_o christ_n their_o head_n by_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o person_n external_o own_v such_o a_o internal_a state_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o promote_v and_o propagate_v the_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v the_o people_n of_o their_o charge_n real_o good_a and_o to_o advance_v they_o what_o they_o can_v in_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o meekness_n and_o love_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o they_o as_o example_n of_o all_o purity_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v more_o sensible_a and_o solicitous_a about_o the_o corruption_n and_o sinful_a disorder_n than_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v more_o zealous_a for_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n than_o for_o their_o own_o honour_n wealth_n or_o power_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n more_o than_o their_o own_o thing_n the_o minister_n that_o discharge_v their_o office_n well_o be_v in_o scripture_n declare_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o that_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o honourable_a settle_a maintenance_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o for_o its_o excellency_n require_v to_o be_v support_v by_o the_o help_n of_o excellent_a gift_n as_o learning_n eloquence_n and_o prudence_n not_o now_o to_o be_v obtain_v by_o miracle_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o mean_n with_o much_o cost_n and_o labour_n and_o questionless_a the_o withdraw_n of_o these_o support_v tend_v to_o the_o church_n ruin_n nevertheless_o a_o inordinate_a and_o licentious_a collation_n and_o accumulation_n of_o preferment_n make_v for_o the_o service_n of_o covetousness_n ambition_n and_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o for_o the_o decay_n of_o sobriety_n vigilancy_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o pastor_n be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a this_o exorbitancy_n after_o the_o roman_a empire_n become_v christian_n allure_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n and_o give_v they_o advantage_n by_o carnal_a art_n to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o chief_a seat_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o mean_v religion_n degenerate_v into_o externalness_n and_o carnality_n and_o that_o which_o be_v then_o name_v the_o church_n be_v at_o length_n turn_v into_o a_o worldly_a state_n which_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o corrupt_a till_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v fulfil_v in_o it_o where_o christianity_n have_v recover_v itself_o out_o of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o late_a time_n and_o knowledge_n be_v general_o diffuse_v among_o the_o people_n the_o sufficiency_n industry_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n will_v be_v inquire_v after_o negligence_n in_o their_o administration_n and_o irregularity_n in_o their_o life_n will_v not_o pass_v without_o note_v the_o ignorant_a idle_a and_o scandalous_a will_v fall_v into_o contempt_n outward_a formality_n will_v be_v no_o cover_n as_o in_o dark_a time_n they_o be_v distinctive_a habit_n and_o reverend_a title_n alone_o will_v not_o procure_v veneration_n the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n will_v sink_v and_o fall_v without_o remedy_n if_o real_a worth_n do_v not_o uphold_v it_o in_o such_o time_n man_n will_v not_o be_v to_o learn_v that_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o secular_a power_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v one_o party_n to_o be_v orthodox_n and_o the_o rest_n heretical_a or_o schismatical_a external_n violence_n which_o be_v the_o common_a support_n of_o false_a religion_n will_v in_o this_o case_n do_v little_a good_a but_o it_o will_v render_v they_o that_o call_v for_o it_o the_o more_o odious_a and_o more_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o cause_n wherefore_o the_o clergy_n must_v resolve_v to_o do_v worthy_o and_o fulfil_v their_o ministry_n or_o they_o must_v extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v extinguish_v they_o but_o if_o as_o faithful_a shepherd_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n and_o tender_a the_o state_n thereof_o if_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o teach_v with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n if_o they_o pity_v and_o succour_v the_o weak_a and_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v lame_a that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n if_o they_o use_v the_o rod_n of_o discipline_n with_o judgement_n and_o paternal_a affection_n if_o they_o discard_v and_o lay_v by_o man_n unprofitable_a institute_n and_o maintain_v all_o divine_a ordinance_n in_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o chief_o urge_v the_o observance_n of_o the_o indispensable_a command_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v man_n from_o externalness_n and_o make_v it_o their_o chief_a aim_n that_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n may_v reign_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o profess_a christian_n then_o shall_v they_o magnify_v their_o office_n and_o establish_v their_o authority_n and_o hold_v their_o flock_n in_o a_o unfeigned_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o feel_v the_o force_n of_o the_o ministerial_a warfare_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o inferior_a difference_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o cause_v disgust_n or_o aversation_n or_o break_v those_o strong_a bond_n of_o the_o people_n sincere_a regard_n towards_o their_o pastor_n but_o they_o will_v rather_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n the_o conclusion_n no_o great_a thing_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o security_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a religion_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n among_o man_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o their_o politic_a administration_n all_o secular_a affair_n and_o philosophical_a speculation_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o sound_a state_n and_o true_a interest_n thereof_o be_v a_o contemplation_n worthy_a of_o the_o great_a mind_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a honour_n of_o the_o high_a power_n it_o be_v the_o royal_a interest_n of_o that_o potentate_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o of_o that_o bless_a society_n which_o be_v incorporate_v under_o he_o their_o lord_n and_o head_n and_o who_o that_o in_o any_o degree_n have_v true_o know_v the_o felicity_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o hope_n for_o a_o
the_o spirit_n among_o christian_n be_v witness_v maintain_v and_o strengthen_v by_o their_o holy_a communion_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o but_o be_v darken_v weaken_a and_o lessen_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a dissension_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o unity_n here_o commend_v be_v primary_o that_o of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o internal_a and_o invisible_a state_n or_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n have_v in_o themselves_o the_o spirit_n and_o life_n and_o power_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o concord_n in_o any_o external_a order_n with_o a_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o holy_a soul_n his_o live_a member_n be_v not_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o new_a nature_n and_o divine_a life_n secondary_o it_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o external_a and_o visible_a state_n which_o be_v consequent_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o internal_a and_o stand_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o profess_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n arise_v from_o it_o where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o true_a holiness_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o a_o sensual_a earthly_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apparent_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o god_n have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o adhere_n to_o a_o external_a church_n order_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v holy_a love_n which_o be_v unself_v and_o impartial_a be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o this_o unity_n without_o which_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a thing_n as_o the_o body_n without_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a and_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o cement_n that_o hold_v altogether_o in_o this_o mystical_a society_n for_o this_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o several_a member_n dispose_v they_o to_o look_v not_o to_o their_o own_o thing_n but_o also_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o and_o not_o to_o the_o undue_a advancement_n of_o a_o party_n but_o to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a body_n whosoever_o want_v this_o love_n have_v no_o vital_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o no_o part_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o ennoble_v strengthen_v and_o every_o way_n bless_v by_o the_o communion_n of_o holy_a love_n among_o all_o its_o live_a member_n or_o real_a christian_n than_o by_o a_o outside_n uniformity_n in_o the_o minute_n circumstance_n or_o accidental_a mode_n of_o religion_n by_o this_o love_n it_o be_v more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o intelligent_a beholder_n than_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ornament_n or_o any_o worldly_a splendour_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a whether_o catholic_n or_o particular_a may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o threefold_a respect_n or_o in_o three_o very_a different_a point_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n thereof_o be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o all_o weighty_a matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o second_o and_o next_o in_o account_n be_v in_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church-worship_n ministry_n and_o discipline_n consider_v as_o of_o christ_n institution_n and_o abstract_v from_o all_o thing_n superad_v by_o man_n the_o three_o and_o low_a point_n be_v in_o those_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a form_n and_o order_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la but_o leave_v in_o specie_fw-la to_o human_a determination_n of_o these_o several_a point_n of_o unity_n there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o different_a valuation_n according_a to_o their_o different_a value_n our_o first_o and_o chief_a regard_n be_v due_a to_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a point_n which_o respect_v christian_a faith_n and_o life_n the_o next_o regard_n be_v due_a to_o that_o which_o be_v next_o in_o value_n that_o which_o respect_v the_o very_a constitution_n or_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n and_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o that_o also_o which_o respect_v the_o accidental_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o not_o before_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o worth_n thing_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o church_n good_a estate_n and_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a stress_n must_v be_v lay_v upon_o unity_n in_o they_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n the_o rule_n or_o law_n of_o church_n unity_n be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whosoever_o keep_v that_o unity_n which_o have_v god_n word_n for_o its_o rule_n keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o whosoever_o boast_v of_o a_o unity_n that_o be_v not_o square_v by_o this_o rule_n his_o boast_n be_v but_o vain_a a_o hypothesis_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v express_o prescribe_v in_o scripture_n be_v by_o some_o false_o ascribe_v to_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o religion_n god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v prescribe_v all_o those_o part_n of_o his_o worship_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o he_o he_o have_v likewise_o therein_o institute_v those_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o church_n assembly_n and_o have_v define_v the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o those_o officer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_o and_o integral_n of_o church_n state_n as_o for_o the_o circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a he_o have_v lay_v down_o general_a rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n thereof_o the_o particular_n be_v both_o needless_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v enumerate_v and_o define_v in_o this_o point_n god_n have_v declare_v his_o mind_n deut._n 4._o 2._o you_o shall_v not_o add_v unto_o the_o word_n which_o i_o command_v you_o neither_o shall_v you_o diminish_v aught_o from_o it_o deut._n 12._o 32._o what_o soever_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o the_o prohibition_n be_v not_o mere_o of_o alter_v the_o rule_n god_n write_a word_n by_o addition_n or_o diminution_n but_o of_o do_v more_o or_o less_o than_o the_o rule_n require_v as_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o of_o preserve_v the_o rule_n but_o of_o observe_v what_o be_v command_v in_o it_o such_o human_a institution_n in_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v in_o mere_a subserviency_n to_o divine_a institution_n for_o the_o necessary_a and_o convenient_a modify_n and_o order_v thereof_o be_v not_o proper_o addition_n to_o god_n commandment_n for_o they_o be_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v with_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v command_v but_o of_o mere_a circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n belong_v to_o those_o thing_n and_o these_o circumstantial_o be_v in_o genere_fw-la necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v general_o command_v in_o the_o word_n though_o not_o in_o particular_a but_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v in_o specie_fw-la by_o those_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o such_o determination_n belong_v they_o that_o assert_v and_o stand_v to_o this_o only_a rule_n provide_v best_a for_o the_o unity_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v whatsoever_o they_o find_v contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o be_v more_o easy_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o acceptable_a worship_n and_o all_o warrantable_a obedience_n they_o lay_v the_o great_a weight_n on_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o moment_n they_o careful_o regard_v all_o divine_a institution_n and_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v and_o they_o maintain_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o one_o another_o in_o the_o more_o inconsiderable_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n the_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n do_v ancient_o determine_v for_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o natural_o convenient_a that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o administrator_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n in_o divine_a worship_n and_o know_v best_a what_o be_v most_o expedient_a for_o their_o own_o society_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o determination_n of_o necessary_a circumstance_n within_o their_o