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religion_n new_a old_a testament_n 3,965 5 8.0680 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27637 The principles of Protestant truth and peace in four treatises : viz. the true state of liberty of conscience, in freedom from penal laws and church-censures, the obligations to national true religion, the nature of scandal, paricularly as it relates to indifferent things, a Catholick catechism, shewing the true grounds upon which the Catholick religion is ascertained / by Tho. Beverley ... Beverley, Thomas. 1683 (1683) Wing B2188A; ESTC R12543 325,863 502

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christianity_n have_v find_v it_o most_o to_o their_o advantage_n of_o edification_n to_o unite_v with_o such_o a_o congregation_n of_o christian_n all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o may_v create_v a_o obligation_n to_o such_o conjunction_n but_o because_o the_o hot_a dispute_n in_o relation_n to_o christian_a practice_n so_o as_o to_o conserve_v peace_n and_o order_n have_v rise_v in_o this_o very_a juncture_n of_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o settle_v upon_o a_o indisputable_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o leave_v out_o what_o be_v more_o intricate_a and_o controversal_a that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n extend_v here_o to_o love_n and_o peace_n in_o these_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o that_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v rule_n for_o such_o holy_a grave_a and_o honourable_a society_n under_o the_o name_n of_o church_n as_o must_v needs_o invite_v all_o of_o the_o same_o excellent_a christian_a temper_n into_o their_o 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nothing_o over_o or_o above_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o steward_n and_o he_o that_o have_v least_o shall_v have_v nothing_o under_o that_o measure_n if_o he_o be_v find_v faithful_a so_o the_o congregation_n have_v the_o equal_a glory_n of_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o church_n to_o be_v little_a representation_n of_o and_o embody_v with_o his_o own_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o grand_a union_n of_o all_o christian_n with_o the_o head_n here_o then_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o union_n in_o church_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n and_o much_o confirm_v and_o exalt_v by_o christianity_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n shall_v be_v make_v as_o public_a and_o universal_a as_o may_v be_v go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o baptise_v all_o nation_n be_v the_o very_a commission_n christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o first_o ambassador_n and_o be_v continue_v to_o all_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o of_o 19_o mat._n 26._o 19_o the_o world_n of_o that_o age_n only_o but_o to_o that_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v till_o his_o second_o come_v until_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n the_o great_a congregation_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a receptacle_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v rare_o speak_v of_o especial_o when_o declare_v etc._n psal_n 100_o 1._o 117._o 16._o 1_o etc._n etc._n in_o its_o magnificence_n with_o a_o less_o public_a character_n than_o all_o people_n all_o nation_n all_o land_n the_o round_a world_n in_o its_o whole_a circle_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o all_z the_o earth_n true_a religion_n aspire_v to_o it_o even_o under_o the_o narrow_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o this_o very_a sense_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o his_o time_n the_o whole_a creation_n groan_v and_o travel_v in_o pain_n until_o etc._n rom._n 8._o 19_o etc._n etc._n now_o and_o the_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o it_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v gather_v together_o under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n nor_o will_v some_o of_o every_o nation_n satisfy_v the_o full_a intention_n of_o this_o magnificence_n but_o that_o nation_n as_o nation_n embody_v and_o kingdom_n as_o kingdom_n shall_v become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n be_v the_o plenary_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n when_o even_o as_o of_o israel_n a_o indisputable_o national_a church_n god_n shall_v say_v of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o of_o egypt_n and_o assyria_n know_v to_o israel_n so_o well_o and_o know_v so_o well_o as_o rank_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o choose_v as_o representative_n of_o the_o whole_a heathen_a world_n yet_o of_o these_o god_n shall_v say_v bless_a be_v egypt_n my_o people_n and_o assyria_n the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n and_o israel_n ult_n isa_n 19_o ult_n my_o inheritance_n for_o in_o that_o day_n israel_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o three_o with_o egypt_n and_o assyria_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o highway_n through_o they_o all_o and_o they_o shall_v serve_v together_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o free_a passage_n of_o truth_n through_o all_o a_o high_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n throughout_o and_o a_o union_n of_o worship_n so_o then_o if_o we_o find_v so_o much_o for_o a_o national_a religion_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o grasp_v more_o than_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o then_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o if_o our_o saviour_n commission_n for_o make_v disciple_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n extend_v to_o all_o nation_n if_o the_o prophetic_a book_n of_o the_o new_a
scripture_n and_o reason_n agreeable_a to_o it_o and_o deduce_v from_o it_o and_o herein_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o national_a religion_n 13._o rom._n 11._o 13._o i_o magnify_v my_o office_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o will_v first_o consider_v of_o the_o radical_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o join_v ourselves_o with_o other_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o how_o it_o rise_v from_o personal_a religion_n the_o substratum_fw-la or_o foundation_n of_o all_o and_o by_o what_o degree_n it_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o rise_v and_o how_o it_o most_o rational_o determine_v itself_o in_o national_a religion_n it_o ought_v to_o attempt_v thus_o high_a and_o can_v successful_o attempt_v high_o in_o the_o way_n of_o association_n to_o spread_v thus_o far_o and_o can_v expatiate_v to_o any_o purpose_n beyond_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o give_v such_o argument_n for_o national_a religion_n out_o of_o scripture_n as_o it_o do_v not_o afford_v to_o any_o other_o figure_n of_o union_n in_o it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n therefore_o it_o necessary_o must_v be_v suppose_v and_o grant_v that_o personal_a religion_n be_v the_o fundamental_a religion_n even_o as_o a_o nation_n or_o even_o universality_n of_o humane_a nature_n must_v become_v a_o notion_n without_o particular_a person_n in_o who_o all_o community_n subsist_v even_o so_o must_v national_a or_o catholic_n religion_n vanish_v into_o imagination_n if_o it_o be_v not_o sustain_v by_o particular_a and_o personal_a piety_n nation_n and_o family_n call_v upon_o god_n most_o necessary_o imply_v and_o include_v the_o particular_a person_n of_o each_o do_v so_o and_o herein_o it_o be_v further_a considerable_a that_o every_o man_n be_v a_o complete_a be_v within_o himself_o that_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o he_o be_v in_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n a_o little_a world_n within_o himself_o so_o he_o be_v a_o kingdom_n a_o society_n within_o himself_o and_o we_o may_v say_v in_o this_o sense_n he_o be_v a_o church_n within_o himself_o also_o as_o solomon_n call_v himself_o cohele_v the_o congregate_a ecclesiastes_n ecclesiastes_n or_o the_o preach_a soul_n in_o that_o great_a treaty_n with_o himself_o suppose_v his_o soul_n a_o congregation_n and_o a_o preacher_n within_o and_o to_o itself_o first_o and_o then_o to_o the_o public_a so_o ought_v every_o man_n to_o be_v to_o himself_o here_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o inviolable_a duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o religion_n because_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v absent_a from_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o force_n to_o surprise_v the_o passage_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o heaven_n or_o to_o hinder_v the_o soul_n congregate_a in_o holy_a meditation_n and_o discourse_n within_o itself_o and_o as_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o consider_v he_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o or_o command_v without_o divine_a authority_n for_o as_o thus_o consider_v he_o can_v be_v force_v by_o any_o and_o he_o be_v accountable_a 12._o rom._n 14._o 4_o 12._o countable_a only_a to_o god_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o his_o own_o master_n every_o one_o shall_v give_v account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a argument_n the_o apostle_n insist_o upon_o for_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o disputable_a thing_n in_o religion_n every_o man_n on_o this_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v 15_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 15_o able_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o not_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o implicit_a faith_n it_o will_v be_v no_o man_n excuse_n he_o be_v lead_v or_o command_v into_o a_o false_a faith_n or_o idolatrous_a worship_n every_o man_n also_o upon_o this_o same_o account_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v confession_n 10._o rom._n 10._o 10._o with_o his_o mouth_n to_o salvation_n in_o his_o proper_a place_n and_o station_n and_o in_o a_o narrow_a sense_n yet_o a_o sense_n as_o large_a as_o his_o capacity_n and_o rank_n every_o true_a christian_a be_v a_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v truth_n must_v 15._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o be_v settle_v and_o strong_o seat_v in_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o must_v expose_v truth_n and_o bear_v it_o out_o in_o confession_n and_o holy_a practice_n and_o be_v himself_o a_o temple_n or_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n where_o god_n will_v please_v to_o walk_v and_o dwell_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o way_n oblige_v to_o join_v with_o a_o family_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o large_a community_n in_o a_o false_a religion_n though_o he_o shall_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o true_a or_o shall_v as_o abraham_n forsake_v his_o people_n or_o his_o father_n house_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v alone_o 18._o gen._n 12._o 1._o gen._n 2._o 18._o though_o in_o true_a religion_n if_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o he_o be_v make_v for_o society_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v imperfect_a without_o it_o herein_o he_o resemble_v god_n in_o some_o low_a degree_n in_o who_o image_n and_o likeness_n he_o be_v make_v god_n be_v a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v in_o himself_o yet_o he_o have_v please_v himself_o in_o communicativeness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o in_o the_o attraction_n of_o all_o in_o their_o several_a kind_n especial_o angel_n and_o man_n to_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o be_v holy_a in_o be_v happy_a alone_o thus_o man_n though_o if_o he_o can_v not_o have_v society_n in_o true_a religion_n he_o will_v be_v yet_o a_o complete_a and_o absolute_a figure_n alone_o yet_o where_o and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v have_v society_n in_o it_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v complete_a alone_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o prove_v a_o cypher_n a_o nothing_o if_o he_o affect_v and_o covet_v to_o be_v alone_o whatever_o he_o have_v if_o he_o have_v not_o love_n he_o be_v nothing_o god_n be_v love_n and_o therefore_o rejoice_v in_o communication_n from_o himself_o and_o with_o himself_o and_o so_o must_v so_o do_v every_o good_a man_n every_o holy_a man_n also_o if_o there_o be_v true_a personal_a religion_n there_o must_v be_v religious_a society_n for_o man_n be_v make_v for_o society_n and_o if_o he_o meet_v he_o must_v meet_v with_o that_o religjous_a sense_n he_o have_v upon_o himself_o with_o that_o i_o say_v he_o must_v meet_v with_o other_o which_o seem_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o religious_a society_n for_o if_o a_o man_n meet_v with_o his_o own_o religion_n other_o that_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o religion_n there_o arise_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o all_o to_o meet_v together_o but_o further_a man_n be_v make_v for_o society_n and_o the_o first_o and_o supreme_a end_n of_o society_n as_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o society_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n bind_v to_o be_v religious_a society_n marriage_n 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most_o agreeable_a interpretation_n of_o that_o controvert_v place_n so_o that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n all_o along_o the_o history_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n we_o shall_v find_v religion_n contend_v into_o publickness_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o humane_a society_n yea_o humane_a nature_n have_v take_v this_o so_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o society_n in_o the_o world_n political_o unite_v or_o not_o whole_o barbarous_a but_o it_o be_v cement_v in_o religion_n though_o be_v so_o general_o but_o false_a religion_n it_o prove_v no_o better_a than_o heathenism_n there_o may_v have_v be_v private_a cabal_n of_o atheism_n but_o there_o never_o be_v a_o public_a association_n against_o a_o god_n know_v and_o believe_v except_o
of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o this_o must_v be_v first_o because_o as_o righteousness_n and_o duty_n be_v before_o sin_n so_o blessing_n and_o favour_n be_v before_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n yet_o wrath_n be_v a_o more_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o absolute_a duty_n violate_v than_o favour_n be_v of_o absolute_a duty_n observe_v because_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v more_o at_o liberty_n than_o his_o wrath_n which_o always_o depend_v on_o strict_a justice_n all_o which_o amount_v to_o the_o full_a proof_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o national_a religion_n from_o this_o prayer_n see_v national_a irreligion_n be_v so_o near_o the_o curse_n of_o divine_a fury_n and_o revenge_n have_v thus_o far_o consider_v national_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v found_v argum._n 2_o in_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o inviolable_a duty_n to_o god_n i_o come_v second_o to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o unquestionable_a rationality_n of_o the_o divine_a ordination_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o by_o a_o prerogative_n of_o power_n and_o goodness_n god_n will_v secure_v the_o true_a religion_n after_o the_o nation_n have_v so_o corrupt_v themselves_o and_o that_o he_o have_v now_o begin_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o suffer_v they_o to_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o way_n he_o find_v his_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v anew_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o from_o thence_o commence_v it_o into_o a_o national_a state_n even_o as_o he_o do_v the_o family_n wherein_o he_o have_v place_v it_o and_o that_o for_o the_o very_a sake_n of_o his_o true_a worship_n which_o family_n and_o nation_n have_v indeed_o many_o peculiar_o in_o its_o religious_a constitution_n such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o as_o i_o shall_v after_o account_v for_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o fitness_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o that_o model_n of_o humane_a society_n to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o acceptableness_n to_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o devote_v but_o because_o we_o may_v think_v this_o choose_n of_o abraham_n family_n and_o the_o nation_n rise_v from_o it_o be_v a_o interdict_v upon_o any_o other_o family_n or_o nation_n to_o institute_v a_o public_a national_a religion_n any_o other_o way_n than_o as_o they_o proselyte_v themselves_o to_o that_o one_o nation_n and_o family_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a there_o be_v elsewhere_o the_o footstep_n of_o national_a and_o family_n religion_n though_o more_o rare_a in_o that_o very_a time_n as_o in_o melchisedeck_v who_o be_v king_n of_o salem_n of_o peace_n and_o righteousness_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n so_o incorporate_n religion_n with_o his_o government_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n so_o that_o the_o erect_v a_o national_a religion_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o supersede_n the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o national_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o in_o judgement_n past_o our_o find_v out_o he_o so_o overlook_v they_o as_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o for_o he_o never_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o worship_v by_o give_v they_o fruitful_a time_n and_o season_n and_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n he_o be_v never_o far_o from_o they_o in_o that_o he_o give_v they_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o he_o they_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o being_n so_o that_o they_o w●re_v without_o excuse_n when_o at_o any_o time_n his_o wrath_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o they_o for_o not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n and_o be_v thankful_a belshazzar_n and_o his_o nation_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o god_n for_o not_o glorify_v that_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n be_v his_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o his_o way_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v near_o the_o jew_n be_v allow_v to_o unite_v themselves_o to_o the_o jewish_a national_a religion_n when_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v grow_v so_o dark_a and_o obsolete_a among_o themselves_o and_o though_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o stranger_n yet_o god_n assure_v they_o a_o place_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n but_o because_o there_o be_v not_o provision_n enough_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o nation_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o religion_n it_o be_v certain_o at_o all_o time_n lawful_a and_o please_a to_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v national_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a jekovah_n though_o eminent_o know_v then_o to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o give_v reason_n always_o to_o his_o wrath_n against_o they_o whenever_o he_o please_v to_o execute_v it_o but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o three_o argument_n of_o near_a concernment_n to_o we_o the_o three_o argument_n i_o derive_v from_o the_o favour_n of_o christian_a religion_n argum._n 3_o to_o national_a religion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o several_a proof_n 1._o christianity_n repeal_v none_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n if_o therefore_o national_a religion_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o essential_a duty_n towards_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o reasonable_a service_n of_o nation_n it_o be_v certain_a christianity_n do_v not_o remove_v it_o but_o restore_v and_o exalt_v it_o to_o the_o great_a perfection_n christ_n come_v not_o to_o dissolve_v any_o of_o those_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o that_o be_v to_o restore_v the_o doctrine_n to_o its_o just_a integrity_n where_o it_o be_v false_o gloss_a upon_o and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o the_o former_a revelation_n of_o it_o to_o superadd_a what_o may_v render_v it_o most_o complete_a 2._o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v the_o second_o proof_n that_o if_o god_n not_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n which_o be_v useful_a for_o that_o state_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o real_a goodness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o pitch_v upon_o the_o national_a form_n of_o religion_n by_o his_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o abraham_n and_o moses_n as_o i_o have_v already_o argue_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v reverse_v by_o christ_n it_o remain_v therefore_o among_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n and_o learning_n on_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v 3._o christianity_n vouch_v itself_o a_o religion_n of_o the_o most_o public_a spirit_n and_o intention_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o high_a conduct_n of_o god_n to_o open_v all_o passage_n for_o truth_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n among_o man_n as_o innumerable_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n assure_v we_o so_o that_o the_o gospel_n most_o evident_o design_n itself_o to_o be_v free_a and_o public_a as_o the_o heaven_n as_o the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n may_v well_o be_v apply_v to_o it_o the_o line_n of_o it_o be_v go_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o its_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o therefore_o as_o naturalness_n and_o publiqueness_n agree_v so_o far_o the_o thing_n be_v undeniable_a 4._o many_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o go_v before_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o follow_v after_o have_v a_o particular_a favour_n for_o national_a religion_n to_o name_v some_o of_o a_o multitude_n christ_n shall_v sprinkle_v many_o nation_n he_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n go_v make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n the_o apostle_n magnify_v himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o nation_n he_o compare_v himself_o with_o the_o holy_a priesthood_n while_o by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o be_v negotiate_v in_o the_o offer_n up_o the_o nation_n a_o sacrifice_n consecrate_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n that_o be_v ever_o offer_v to_o god_n except_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n offer_v himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n resemble_v with_o the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o law_n or_o clothe_v with_o that_o denomination_n of_o priestliness_n use_n have_v appropriate_v to_o it_o and_o that_o to_o no_o other_o office_n but_o of_o preach_v to_o conversion_n rom._n 15._o 16._o but_o because_o i_o know_v the_o proof_n from_o these_o scripture_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v retrench_v by_o expound_v they_o of_o the_o diffusion_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o catholic_n church_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o
and_o shift_v for_o the_o gain_v opportunity_n for_o the_o assemble_v themselves_o and_o preserve_v their_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o mutual_a duty_n much_o more_o easy_o than_o any_o great_a association_n can_v for_o our_o saviour_n intend_v all_o for_o use_n not_o for_o form_n he_o mind_v not_o nominal_a titular_a bishop_n and_o church_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v plead_v the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o small_a number_n of_o christian_n may_v agree_v and_o associate_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o presence_n but_o now_o that_o this_o appointment_n be_v in_o bar_n of_o great_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v grant_v for_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a our_o saviour_n design_v all_o thing_n under_o the_o gosplel_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o thing_n now_o according_a to_o that_o the_o first_o end_n of_o all_o society_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o more_o than_o solitude_n this_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v true_a religion_n in_o society_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o least_o of_o society_n to_o the_o great_a that_o be_v not_o too_o great_a for_o the_o end_n of_o society_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o as_o he_o give_v no_o frame_n of_o positive_a law_n or_o worship_n no_o pedagogy_n of_o precept_n so_o no_o institution_n of_o bound_v church_n but_o that_o in_o case_n of_o strait_n and_o exigency_n his_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v administer_v in_o the_o very_o small_a of_o society_n with_o confidence_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o presence_n when_o it_o have_v freedom_n it_o may_v enlarge_v itself_o further_o and_o further_o and_o if_o it_o have_v favour_n of_o nation_n and_o government_n ascend_v to_o the_o great_a yet_o with_o this_o reserve_n that_o if_o in_o any_o time_n or_o place_n national_a christianity_n vary_v from_o the_o true_a original_a christianity_n as_o often_o it_o have_v be_v sound_a to_o do_v so_o that_o it_o can_v even_o in_o substantial_a thing_n be_v consent_v in_o with_o a_o pure_a conscience_n privater_a congregation_n even_o to_o the_o most_o particular_a be_v always_o ready_a for_o christian_n to_o retire_v into_o for_o so_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n allow_v where_o the_o public_a be_v not_o safe_a and_o yet_o when_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o corrupt_v nor_o liberty_n of_o join_v without_o commixture_n with_o those_o corruption_n deny_v there_o may_v yet_o be_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o separation_n thus_o the_o great_a society_n be_v not_o in_o bar_n of_o the_o least_o when_o true_a religion_n require_v they_o thus_o the_o least_o be_v not_o in_o bar_n of_o the_o great_a when_o christianity_n be_v at_o full_a freedom_n for_o it_o be_v close_o ally_v with_o that_o wisdom_n whereby_o king_n ought_v to_o reign_v and_o prince_n to_o decree_v justice_n by_o which_o prince_n 16._o prov._n 8._o 15_o 16._o ought_v to_o rule_v and_o noble_n yea_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o that_o wisdom_n which_o rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v its_o delight_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i_o have_v therefore_o before_o observe_v that_o christian_a religion_n at_o the_o very_a first_o join_v itself_o as_o near_o as_o it_o can_v to_o all_o humane_a society_n make_v ready_a to_o it_o as_o family_n village_n region_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o rage_n of_o persecution_n will_v permit_v christian_a society_n unite_a themselves_o unto_o distant_a and_o national_a correspondency_n among_o themselves_o now_o it_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a indeed_o with_o the_o world_n that_o in_o few_o instance_n there_o have_v be_v a_o good_a state_n of_o national_a religion_n to_o yield_v a_o full_a conscientious_a compliance_n with_o yet_o this_o will_v no_o more_o argue_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o than_o it_o do_v against_o any_o other_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a ordination_n of_o god_n or_o against_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o immediate_o govern_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o so_o often_o and_o so_o notorious_o corrupt_v in_o judah_n and_o more_o general_o in_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o yet_o to_o show_v how_o to_o the_o very_a utmost_a without_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a we_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o any_o that_o be_v good_a in_o a_o nation_n and_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a in_o national_a religion_n when_o elijah_n have_v as_o it_o be_v desert_v his_o place_n and_o the_o good_a influence_n his_o be_v in_o public_a may_v have_v have_v and_o that_o god_n find_v he_o alone_o he_o do_v by_o way_n of_o reproof_n ask_v he_o what_o he_o do_v alone_o in_o 9_o 1_o king_n 19_o 9_o the_o wilderness_n and_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o great_a number_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v to_o baal_n than_o he_o know_v of_o with_o who_o he_o may_v join_v himself_o if_o corruption_n will_v argue_v against_o any_o good_a appointment_n or_o ordination_n of_o god_n it_o will_v argue_v against_o church_n of_o the_o very_a first_o form_n or_o constitution_n those_o church_n in_o the_o revelation_n who_o corruption_n be_v severe_o tax_v and_o threaten_v yet_o be_v without_o any_o censure_n as_o to_o their_o constitution_n and_o while_o separation_n from_o those_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v yet_o a_o separation_n from_o impurity_n be_v high_o commend_v and_o promise_a reward_n those_o name_n 4._o rev._n 3._o 4._o in_o sardis_n that_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n be_v assure_v they_o shall_v walk_v with_o christ_n in_o white_a for_o he_o judge_v they_o worthy_a from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v no_o form_n of_o church_n can_v recommend_v thing_n disagree_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o true_o form_v soever_o those_o church_n be_v for_o church_n be_v constitute_v for_o join_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n not_o in_o those_o that_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o separation_n from_o corruption_n do_v not_o necessitate_v separation_n from_o church_n while_o there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o worship_n preserve_v pure_a to_o unite_v in_o so_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o sincere_o religious_a to_o make_v true_a religion_n as_o public_a as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o several_a society_n that_o be_v find_v to_o engraft_v it_o upon_o now_o that_o every_o society_n that_o be_v the_o feat_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n a_o church_n i_o allow_v and_o therefore_o will_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o scripture-notion_n of_o a_o church_n and_o i_o find_v the_o original_a word_n take_v out_o of_o the_o septuagint_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o translate_v the_o hebrew_n kahal_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o general_o render_v congregation_n although_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n what_o be_v in_o the_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o render_v church_n so_o that_o from_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v very_o plain_a as_o the_o universal_a or_o national_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o church_n as_o by_o st._n stephen_n act_v 7._o 38._o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o the_o universal_a assembly_n of_o christian_n consider_v as_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o congregation_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o holy_a record_n be_v the_o scripture_n or_o write_n and_o the_o volume_n of_o scripture_n the_o bible_n or_o book_n as_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o evangil_n or_o gospel_n so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o congregation_n and_o as_o lesser_a congregation_n of_o that_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a body_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n or_o church_n even_o so_o lesser_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n or_o church_n in_o allusion_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o two_o or_o three_o be_v importance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o word_n of_o like_a importance_n gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o universal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o christian_n see_v only_o together_o by_o god_n and_o particular_a assembly_n of_o christian_n that_o meet_v together_o under_o each_o other_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n even_o as_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o they_o be_v all_o under_o
because_o god_n to_o who_o we_o proper_o and_o first_o unite_v in_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o public_a and_o universal_a be_v in_o who_o all_o holy_a spirit_n unite_v one_o with_o another_o and_o from_o who_o whoever_o separate_v separate_v also_o from_o all_o good_a spirit_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o only_a dangerous_a schism_n 2._o because_o the_o one_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n our_o lord_n the_o one_o mediator_n will_v have_v all_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o as_o the_o catholic_n truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o have_v therefore_o reconcile_v and_o recapitulate_v all_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n into_o one_o catholic_n body_n in_o himself_o the_o catholic_n head_n 3._o because_o god_n manifestation_n of_o himself_o be_v the_o only_a true_a public_a authentic_a record_n of_o this_o religion_n and_o all_o other_o not_o derive_v from_o hence_o be_v private_a and_o false_a and_o the_o meeting_n set_v up_o to_o celebrate_v any_o other_o religion_n than_o thus_o manifest_v be_v indeed_o the_o close_a schismatical_a conventicle_n for_o none_o can_v be_v public_a assembly_n where_o god_n the_o supreme_o public_a and_o all_o holy_a spirit_n withdraw_v with_o he_o be_v not_o and_o all_o be_v public_a though_o but_o of_o two_o or_o three_o where_o god_n the_o public_a itself_o and_o in_o who_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o saint_n meet_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o quest_n whence_o do_v you_o take_v occasion_n to_o call_v that_o public_a or_o catholic_n that_o be_v divine_a answ_n from_o the_o apostle_n peter_n who_o when_o he_o be_v assert_v concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n prophecy_n affirm_v it_o a_o principle_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n and_o that_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v it_o can_v be_v private_a he_o avow_v the_o original_a to_o be_v divine_a now_o the_o plain_a opposite_a to_o private_a be_v public_a in_o that_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o oppose_v public_a but_o divine_a to_o private_a it_o be_v plain_a in_o his_o sense_n divine_a be_v the_o only_a public_a and_o whatever_o be_v true_o public_a be_v divine_a and_o all_o else_o private_a quest_n how_o therefore_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v private_a to_o oppose_v it_o to_o public_a or_o divine_a answ_n idiotick_a or_o private_a be_v apply_v to_o person_n who_o knowledge_n be_v very_o narrow_a and_o strait_a and_o they_o have_v cognisance_n of_o nothing_o beyond_o their_o little_a own_a 2._o to_o those_o that_o have_v no_o public_a character_n of_o office_n or_o magistracy_n and_o last_o to_o such_o who_o care_n interest_n and_o concern_v be_v confine_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o even_o thus_o private_a be_v just_o affix_v to_o all_o except_o only_o to_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o derive_v from_o he_o no_o create_a knowledge_n either_o angelic_a or_o humane_a be_v comprehensive_a enough_o to_o be_v the_o fountain_n no_o power_n or_o authority_n be_v supreme_a or_o vast_a enough_o to_o enact_v nor_o be_v any_o care_n or_o concern_v for_o the_o world_n of_o soul_n large_a or_o receptive_a enough_o to_o ordain_v a_o catholic_n religion_n lead_v to_o a_o common_a salvation_n but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o spirit_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n quest_n what_o evidence_n of_o this_o be_v there_o answ_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o result_n of_o reason_n that_o whoever_o consider_v it_o can_v deny_v it_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n all_o who_o have_v pretend_v to_o found_v a_o religion_n have_v pretend_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o derive_v and_o receive_v it_o from_o god_n for_o who_o can_v know_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v but_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o spirit_n that_o know_v and_o search_v itself_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o first_o to_o be_v know_v or_o what_o authority_n can_v prescribe_v without_o much_o less_o against_o omnipotency_n or_o who_o can_v spread_v tender_a mercy_n over_o all_o the_o creation_n but_o the_o faithful_a creator_n himself_o all_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o true_o catholic_n public_a religion_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o record_v god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o man_n of_o this_o catholic_n public_a religion_n answ_n they_o be_v two_o the_o law_n engrave_v upon_o man_n heart_n justify_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o constant_a miracle_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n that_o carry_v semblable_a line_n of_o all_o that_o be_v write_v upon_o man_n heart_n for_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o man_n for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o to_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n the_o work_n that_o god_n command_v man_n to_o do_v be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o the_o eternal_a word_n or_o reason_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n be_v the_o light_n that_o light_v the_o reason_n of_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n quest_n which_o be_v the_o second_o record_n answ_n the_o second_o record_n be_v divine_a revelation_n collect_v into_o holy_a scripture_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n reproof_n instruction_n correction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o even_o as_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v seal_v by_o creation_n and_o providence_n so_o have_v revelation_n always_o be_v by_o evidence_n of_o divinity_n and_o miracle_n a_o new_a creation_n proportion_v to_o the_o end_n of_o those_o revelation_n miracle_n of_o mere_a power_n or_o justice_n as_o upon_o pharaoh_n of_o great_a mercy_n and_o benefaction_n only_o as_o by_o the_o most_o merciful_a saviour_n of_o mercy_n and_o sometime_o of_o justice_n as_o by_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o law_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n quest_n i_o perceive_v then_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o clear_a to_o man_n by_o the_o law_n write_v in_o his_o heart_n answ_n no_o for_o some_o part_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o our_o very_a nature_n as_o man_n that_o they_o be_v concreated_a with_o we_o and_o engrave_v upon_o our_o very_a soul_n and_o the_o immediate_a motion_n of_o our_o faculty_n must_v needs_o lead_v we_o to_o they_o while_o right_a and_o straight_o and_o continue_v in_o that_o perfect_a state_n wherein_o our_o creator_n leave_v they_o for_o he_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v all_o be_v good_a and_o very_o good_a and_o he_o appoint_v a_o sabbatism_n for_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o especial_o his_o rational_a creature_n the_o morning_n star_n to_o sing_v together_o and_o praise_v he_o for_o they_o but_o there_o be_v other_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v as_o the_o break_n up_o of_o the_o great_a deep_a of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o can_v be_v know_v to_o the_o high_a understanding_n of_o angel_n or_o arch-angel_n only_o by_o revelation_n much_o less_o to_o man_n a_o reason_n of_o a_o low_a orb_n and_o least_o of_o all_o as_o fall_v and_o corrupt_v yet_o suppose_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v abide_v in_o their_o first_o clearness_n and_o luster_n all_o his_o faculty_n will_v have_v immediate_o receive_v and_o adore_a god_n in_o all_o such_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o congratulated_n those_o mighty_a accession_n of_o light_n and_o truth_n quest_n but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o any_o revelation_n when_o man_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o good_a while_o he_o continue_v so_o answ_n revelation_n be_v even_o then_o necessary_a to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o creature_n to_o have_v happiness_n and_o perfection_n within_o itself_o but_o to_o be_v in_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o and_o expectation_n from_o the_o creator_n for_o even_o that_o perfection_n wherein_o adam_n be_v make_v be_v thus_o to_o maintain_v continue_v and_o assure_v itself_o and_o so_o to_o rise_v to_o high_a perfection_n he_o have_v therefore_o at_o first_o a_o doctrine_n by_o revelation_n suitable_a to_o the_o two_o sacramental_a tree_n so_o that_o though_o he_o be_v perfect_a as_o such_o a_o
answ_n by_o stay_v the_o due_a time_n upon_o the_o uncontrovertible_a doctrine_n and_o command_n of_o nature_n law_n yield_v full_a obedience_n to_o god_n in_o they_o tremble_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o base_a alloy_n to_o they_o a_o man_n shall_v see_v reveal_v truth_n shine_v out_o upon_o natural_a and_o join_v itself_o to_o it_o and_o with_o it_o thus_o many_o of_o the_o father_n come_v over_o to_o christianity_n and_o so_o in_o all_o part_n of_o scripture_n by_o rise_v from_o the_o most_o fundamental_a truth_n love_v and_o obey_v a_o man_n shall_v ascend_v by_o due_a degree_n to_o those_o more_o remote_a thus_o good_a man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n wait_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o just_a consideration_n move_v upon_o the_o line_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o that_o of_o the_o new_a except_o sometime_o a_o light_n shine_v sudden_o round_a about_o man_n as_o in_o extraordinary_a conversion_n quest_n you_o seem_v then_o to_o think_v false_a religion_n and_o all_o division_n in_o the_o true_a have_v most_o near_o spring_v up_o from_o over-confidence_n of_o thing_n not_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o public_a and_o divine_a truth_n answ_n i_o do_v so_o indeed_o although_o i_o know_v man_n not_o like_v to_o retain_v truth_n but_o be_v bewitch_v by_o false_a imagination_n betray_v they_o both_o to_o the_o plague_n of_o lose_a and_o fall_v spirit_n war_a under_o the_o prince_n of_o our_o disorder_a air_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o the_o various_a art_n of_o man_n who_o corrupt_a religion_n for_o the_o end_v they_o have_v to_o serve_v themselves_o of_o by_o it_o i_o know_v man_n faculty_n of_o search_n inquiry_n into_o and_o comprehension_n of_o truth_n be_v much_o shriveled_a and_o shrink_v up_o i_o know_v endless_a doubt_n and_o incertainty_n be_v bring_v upon_o religion_n by_o darkness_n and_o false_a appearance_n to_o soul_n that_o be_v so_o full_a of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o delusion_n within_o themselves_o and_o desert_v by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n i_o acknowledge_v all_o these_o cause_n of_o error_n yet_o i_o be_o assure_v the_o close_a adherence_n to_o god_n in_o truth_n evident_o divine_a and_o not_o remove_v far_o into_o a_o religious_a esteem_n of_o thing_n till_o upon_o the_o same_o evidence_n be_v the_o mean_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v secure_a from_o dangerous_a error_n or_o schism_n from_o the_o true_a public_a and_o whatever_o be_v not_o so_o evident_o public_a and_o divine_a be_v liable_a to_o private_a interpretation_n and_o so_o to_o error_n and_o when_o man_n be_v overween_a upon_o private_a interpretation_n they_o easy_o fall_v into_o error_n and_o when_o they_o be_v surly_a and_o masterly_a upon_o it_o it_o move_v wrath_n emulation_n strife_n so_o that_o both_o falsehood_n and_o cruelty_n have_v enter_v in_o at_o this_o door_n and_o range_v over_o the_o world_n quest_n but_o ought_v we_o to_o stupefy_v all_o inquiry_n and_o benumb_v judgement_n in_o every_o thing_n not_o evident_o divine_a answ_n not_o so_o but_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o humble_o and_o modest_o to_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v vast_a tract_n of_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n beyond_o what_o we_o know_v but_o we_o must_v feel_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o before_o we_o can_v receive_v they_o yet_o to_o carry_v ourselves_o with_o due_a concession_n to_o every_o man_n sense_n that_o though_o their_o sense_n can_v nor_o aught_o to_o master_v we_o no_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o expect_v we_o shall_v they_o which_o will_v exceed_o reconcile_v or_o abate_v difference_n and_o retrench_v the_o mischievous_a effect_n the_o world_n have_v so_o long_o groan_v under_o by_o so_o many_o religion_n of_o nation_n name_n of_o church_n and_o person_n propagate_a their_o private_a that_o be_v not_o divine_a sense_n and_o that_o with_o clamour_n and_o too_o often_o with_o rude_a force_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o mischief_n of_o make_v defection_n from_o this_o public_a catholic_a divine_a truth_n for_o private_a sense_n answ_n the_o angel_n fall_v from_o heaven_n be_v certain_o upon_o private_a sense_n and_o interest_n adam_n from_o innocency_n and_o paradise_n upon_o the_o same_o the_o jew_n fall_v from_o be_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o idiotism_n of_o have_v religion_n for_o their_o own_o all_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o heathen_n have_v rise_v from_o hence_o all_o the_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n have_v come_v from_o a_o overlove_v to_o private_a opinion_n this_o be_v the_o most_o damnable_a antichristianism_n of_o rome_n to_o make_v its_o private_a catholic_n all_o persecution_n of_o heathen_n rome_n inquisition_n and_o massacre_n have_v be_v inflame_v in_o this_o furnace_n the_o love_n of_o make_v private_a public_a and_o in_o lesser_a and_o more_o unfundamental_a point_n private_a interpretation_n enforee_v as_o if_o it_o be_v public_a have_v discompose_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o not_o only_o disturb_v their_o peace_n but_o stain_v their_o purity_n quest_n i_o seem_v to_o myself_o in_o all_o this_o unhappy_a babelism_n or_o confusion_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v very_o apprehensive_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n answ_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v zealous_a for_o divine_a glory_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n that_o river_n of_o tear_n shall_v run_v down_o our_o eye_n because_o of_o the_o injury_n do_v by_o man_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n but_o yet_o to_o be_v so_o concern_v as_o to_o be_v scandalize_v be_v to_o forget_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o the_o public_a than_o we_o be_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o dispose_n be_v to_o make_v our_o private_a the_o public_a we_o must_v then_o consider_v that_o if_o 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seem_v especial_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o intend_v those_o who_o come_v with_o a_o high_a pretention_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o a_o immediate_a doctrine_n from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o bring_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n such_o infallible_a proof_n and_o assurance_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o have_v descend_v down_o from_o they_o to_o we_o in_o sacred_a history_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v they_o may_v just_o anathematise_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n that_o preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n they_o be_v most_o certain_a who_o ever_o 8._o gal._n 1._o 8._o call_v or_o proclaim_v christ_n lord_n be_v authorise_a to_o do_v so_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o man_n can_v by_o the_o 3._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o same_o spirit_n declare_v he_o accurse_v see_v that_o spirit_n
but_o with_o his_o mouth_n must_v make_v confession_n of_o it_o to_o salvation_n 2._o true_a religion_n become_v national_a have_v the_o desence_n and_o security_n of_o national_a wisdom_n force_n and_o strength_n against_o false_a religion_n and_o its_o force_n and_o endeavour_n to_o expel_v the_o true_a and_o become_v national_a itself_o for_o a_o nation_n divide_v against_o itself_o in_o religion_n how_o can_v its_o religious_a interest_n stand_v when_o though_o the_o main_n be_v agree_v yet_o if_o difference_n of_o a_o under_o nature_n be_v manage_v with_o high_a exasperation_n it_o must_v needs_o endanger_v the_o staple_n religion_n itself_o by_o weaken_v dispirit_v and_o divide_v the_o strength_n that_o shall_v engage_v for_o it_o while_o every_o one_o take_v care_n for_o his_o private_a sentiment_n and_o be_v jealous_a of_o be_v undermine_v or_o oppress_v in_o they_o the_o public_a and_o common_a religion_n can_v be_v environ_v and_o defend_v with_o that_o vigour_n and_o union_n a_o nation_n unite_v in_o protestancy_n be_v the_o great_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n what_o can_v single_a interest_n do_v in_o this_o case_n even_o experience_n teach_v those_o that_o dissent_n from_o one_o another_o in_o many_o thing_n even_o in_o national_a reform_v religion_n to_o acknowledge_v this_o union_n the_o fort-royal_a against_o the_o hostile_a invasion_n of_o popery_n which_o shall_v conciliate_v they_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a among_o themselves_o 3._o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v national_a secure_v best_a against_o those_o undermine_a enemy_n of_o atheism_n heresy_n enthusiasm_n wild_a and_o monstrous_a opinion_n profaneness_n neglect_v of_o all_o religion_n coldness_n lukewarmness_n which_o take_v shelter_n and_o manage_v their_o defence_n from_o the_o division_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o nation_n settle_v and_o confirm_v into_o avow_a sect_n and_o several_a party_n but_o national_a union_n in_o a_o true_a religion_n strike_v they_o both_o with_o 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out_o of_o the_o national_a bank_n or_o bottom_n or_o sullen_o let_v it_o lie_v dead_a such_o kind_n of_o partying_n in_o religion_n without_o necessity_n be_v like_o the_o hetaeriae_fw-la or_o cabal_n in_o civil_a government_n consultation_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a and_o so_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o it_o a_o injury_n of_o great_a guilt_n see_v we_o owe_v so_o much_o to_o the_o public_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o intend_v in_o the_o argue_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v object_v to_o it_o as_o a_o occasion_n further_o to_o explain_v this_o whole_a doctrine_n and_o the_o great_a objection_n i_o can_v conceive_v in_o prejudice_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v concern_v national_a religion_n i_o reduce_v to_o these_o follow_v obj._n 1_o when_o god_n give_v the_o great_a instance_n and_o pattern_n of_o national_a religion_n especial_o as_o in_o a_o national_a church_n how_o much_o otherwise_o do_v he_o find_v it_o than_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v derive_v from_o our_o saviour_n institution_n he_o begin_v it_o in_o a_o holy_a root_n that_o sprout_v out_o and_o grow_v and_o flourish_v into_o a_o nation_n holy_a to_o god_n by_o his_o appointment_n they_o meet_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o solemn_a feast_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o public_a ordinance_n the_o priest_n and_o more_o especial_o the_o high-priest_n be_v in_o most_o authorirative_a deputation_n from_o god_n between_o he_o and_o that_o peculiar_a people_n that_o they_o may_v unite_v all_o as_o in_o one._n the_o temple_n altar_n and_o holy_a of_o holies_n be_v as_o the_o common_a centre_n of_o all_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o a_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v to_o have_v multiply_v any_o of_o these_o and_o so_o to_o have_v make_v a_o division_n they_o have_v prophet_n who_o be_v their_o extraordinary_a national_a minister_n their_o office_n and_o sermon_n close_o relate_v to_o the_o general_a state_n last_o their_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v under_o the_o strict_a obligation_n to_o attemper_v their_o government_n and_o administration_n to_o the_o religious_a law_n give_v by_o god_n to_o that_o people_n beside_o all_o this_o they_o have_v the_o levite_n disperse_v through_o their_o city_n and_o village_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o place_n wherein_o they_o assemble_v for_o constant_a exercise_n of_o religion_n but_o now_o what_o a_o silence_n be_v there_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o they_o with_o relation_n to_o nation_n in_o our_o lord_n appointment_n his_o apostle_n call_v man_n out_o of_o judaisme_n or_o heathenism_n the_o then_o religion_n of_o nation_n into_o private_a and_o particular_a assembly_n call_v church_n under_o pastor_n particular_a to_o they_o without_o any_o rule_n for_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o expectation_n of_o service_n from_o they_o which_o argue_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v national_a church_n or_o if_o he_o do_v by_o the_o prophet_n 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church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n either_o of_o a_o national_a christian_n religion_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o a_o national_a church_n 3._o a_o national_a church_n or_o a_o national_a religion_n must_v depend_v upon_o a_o national_a magistracy_n the_o church_n must_v be_v gather_v in_o they_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o they_o subject_a to_o their_o law_n and_o penal_a statute_n and_o beyond_o this_o those_o that_o can_v be_v every_o way_n compliant_a with_o the_o whole_a national_a scheme_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o enemy_n to_o or_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o government_n of_o the_o nation_n because_o the_o government_n and_o the_o religion_n be_v incorporate_a together_o whereas_o the_o law_n and_o religion_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o only_o how_o far_o be_v this_o from_o a_o national_a church_n to_o give_v first_o a_o answer_n to_o these_o objection_n together_o the_o argument_n already_o mention_v do_v mighty_o prevail_v with_o i_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a christianity_n shall_v by_o any_o of_o its_o influence_n so_o much_o as_o suspend_v so_o absolute_a a_o natural_a duty_n upon_o mankind_n as_o this_o viz._n to_o consecrate_v national_a association_n to_o god_n in_o national_a religion_n but_o that_o it_o be_v always_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o people_n to_o unite_v in_o national_a christian_n religion_n or_o that_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n shall_v cut_v off_o so_o great_a a_o privilege_n of_o nation_n as_o that_o to_o entitle_v themselves_o national_o to_o god_n and_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n and_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o only_a true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o the_o very_a proper_a and_o natural_a glory_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n may_v not_o at_o all_o time_n be_v endeavour_v by_o every_o particular_a nation_n however_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v more_o literal_o fulfil_v hereafter_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o universality_n
its_o own_o depth_n the_o spirit_n to_o who_o be_v know_v all_o its_o own_o design_n from_o the_o first_o foundation_n or_o beginning_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o high_a stone_n in_o the_o structure_n or_o end_v of_o it_o the_o top_n be_v know_v to_o it_o in_o the_o very_a bottom_n the_o end_n in_o the_o beginning_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v see_v to_o man_n only_o in_o the_o rudiment_n or_o foundation_n and_o seem_v to_o mean_v no_o more_o appear_v at_o that_o very_a time_n to_o he_o in_o the_o compliment_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o that_o compliment_n as_o certain_o and_o just_o as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o first_o rudiment_n or_o foundation_n as_o out_o of_o egypt_n have_v i_o call_v my_o son_n be_v as_o true_o apply_v to_o christ_n come_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v then_o come_v to_o its_o perfection_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o israel_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o true_o mean_v the_o last_o as_o the_o first_o though_o none_o can_v know_v its_o sense_n but_o itself_o till_o itself_o reveal_v it_o quest_n how_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v the_o true_a key_n of_o interpretation_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n answ_n by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o justify_v the_o first_o writer_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v commissioned_n by_o god_n great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n holy_a heavenly_a become_v god_n as_o the_o author_n such_o speech_n as_o none_o beside_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n ever_o speak_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n with_o former_a scripture_n miracle_n mighty_a efficacy_n upon_o conscience_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o abolish_n of_o sin_n the_o end_v design_v in_o all_o the_o remove_v all_o low_a form_n and_o ceremony_n for_o the_o time_n be_v into_o a_o most_o high_a spiritual_n substantial_a religion_n true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n introduce_v these_o with_o 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as_o if_o it_o can_v natural_o arise_v from_o so_o many_o word_n and_o syllable_n so_o put_v together_o have_v power_n and_o virtue_n by_o themselves_o to_o signify_v so_o high_a since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v a_o reach_n in_o they_o which_o none_o can_v grasp_v or_o fathom_n but_o itself_o and_o contrive_v that_o sense_n so_o into_o word_n as_o none_o can_v summon_v it_o but_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o rest_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o light_n and_o reveal_v it_o into_o new_a and_o high_a scripture_n and_o that_o it_o appear_v as_o undeniable_o they_o do_v so_o as_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n itself_o be_v scripture_n answ_n the_o industry_n of_o such_o worthy_a person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v to_o trace_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o old_a as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o go_v but_o if_o they_o can_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o cavil_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n or_o to_o the_o scruple_n of_o good_a man_n it_o still_o remain_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n the_o spirit_n that_o carry_v by_o a_o almighty_a hand_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n carry_v those_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a by_o the_o same_o also_o and_o from_o one_o single_a glance_n of_o its_o mean_v that_o itself_o with_o divine_a artifice_n have_v leave_v draw_v there_o it_o derive_v that_o full_a face_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o new_a to_o be_v its_o sense_n in_o the_o old_a than_o that_o samson_n riddle_v in_o the_o exposition_n shall_v be_v his_o sense_n in_o the_o dark_a cover_n of_o it_o in_o word_n that_o can_v not_o else_o import_v it_o he_o that_o create_v the_o word_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o even_o then_o inspire_v they_o with_o that_o divine_a sense_n as_o with_o life_n may_v yet_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v entomb_v in_o they_o till_o itself_o that_o entrust_v it_o there_o give_v it_o a_o resurrection_n in_o the_o new_a quest_n but_o will_v you_o have_v none_o undertake_v in_o the_o interpret_n or_o expound_v scripture_n except_o by_o inspiration_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o immediate_a divine_a presence_n where_o either_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o express_v as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o undoubted_a interpreter_n or_o the_o interpretation_n deduce_v as_o evident_o as_o any_o consequence_n by_o reason_n answ_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o discourage_v or_o lessen_v such_o undertake_n i_o rather_o wish_v all_o the_o lord_n people_n thus_o far_o prophet_n to_o search_v the_o mean_v of_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n they_o can_v attain_v and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o part_n of_o the_o prophetic_a office_n upon_o they_o will_v read_v and_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o quest_n but_o how_o be_v such_o interpretation_n consistent_a with_o the_o apostle_n so_o great_a assertion_n that_o scripture_n 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be_v private_a in_o regard_n of_o its_o derivation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n from_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n yet_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a sense_n in_o other_o place_n do_v still_o maintain_v the_o free_a and_o public_a course_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n 3._o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n thus_o guide_v itself_o according_a to_o the_o evident_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o its_o clear_a part_n and_o take_v that_o as_o a_o clew_n into_o the_o more_o abstruse_a part_n of_o scripture_n necessary_o encounter_v much_o sound_n and_o excellent_a truth_n near_o ally_v to_o public_a and_o divine_a in_o all_o knowledge_n natural_a historical_a chronological_n moral_a political_n pertain_v to_o language_n and_o eloquence_n which_o make_v the_o world_n more_o lightsome_a and_o less_o subject_a to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n how_o great_a a_o light_n of_o all_o learning_n have_v break_v out_o from_o the_o very_a endeavour_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n the_o high_a honour_n and_o venerable_a estimation_n of_o scripture_n the_o much_o ascertain_v true_a public_a religion_n and_o the_o universal_a good_a 4._o many_o great_a truth_n and_o undoubted_o divine_a in_o themselves_o that_o be_v more_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o have_v not_o please_v the_o public_a wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n to_o give_v such_o assurance_n of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o yet_o may_v present_v very_o large_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n into_o the_o great_a scripture-reason_n in_o such_o point_n though_o but_o particular_o for_o
or_o a_o bad_a religion_n when_o yet_o christian_n be_v under_o the_o fiery_a trial_n when_o they_o be_v continual_o under_o persecution_n for_o their_o religion_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v righteousness_n because_o able_a to_o justify_v itself_o to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n when_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o deny_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o high_a power_n as_o not_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v christian_n at_o their_o command_n what_o then_o do_v this_o largeness_n frankness_n and_o freedom_n of_o expression_n mean_a on_o the_o part_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v subject_n and_o that_o not_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o ●ons●ience_n sake_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o when_o yet_o they_o be_v present_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n of_o christianity_n to_o deny_v subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o great_a command_n of_o magistracy_n in_o religion_n on_o the_o part_n of_o magistrate_n that_o they_o be_v only_o a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n and_o a_o praise_n to_o they_o that_o do_v well_o that_o he_o that_o do_v well_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a when_o upon_o the_o true_a estimate_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n how_o can_v all_o this_o be_v reconcile_v but_o by_o reduce_v all_o to_o the_o just_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o divine_a ordination_n fix_v the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o people_n obedience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o religion_n thus_o so_o far_o as_o natural_a religion_n extend_v so_o far_o the_o magistrate_n power_n extend_v here_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a hither_o be_v the_o people_n obedience_n to_o come_v in_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience_n sake_n these_o be_v the_o ancient_a landmark_n thar_z ought_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v i_o speak_v not_o at_o all_o of_o civil_a obedience_n now_o but_o of_o obedience_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n as_o a_o thief_n as_o a_o evildoer_n 16._o 1_o pet._n 4._o 15_o 16._o as_o a_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v offence_n against_o natural_a religion_n or_o for_o violation_n of_o godliness_n command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n then_o quietness_n and_o peace_n of_o life_n be_v just_o deny_v you_o but_o if_o you_o suffer_v as_o christian_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a when_o you_o come_v to_o suffer_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o excellent_a religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n and_o assure_v to_o you_o here_o there_o be_v no_o suffer_v just_o due_a to_o you_o therefore_o your_o suffering_n shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o you_o with_o divine_a glory_n from_o heaven_n from_o whence_o christianity_n be_v reveal_v let_v we_o lay_v the_o whole_a together_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o magistrate_n be_v heathen_n and_o enemy_n to_o christian_a religion_n and_o christian_n can_v pay_v they_o no_o obedience_n in_o recede_v from_o christianity_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v not_o the_o mutual_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n and_o protection_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o common_a centre_n wherein_o even_o in_o religious_a consideration_n the_o protection_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o meet_v and_o that_o uncontroversable_o on_o both_o side_n good_a and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o as_o one_o place_n call_v it_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n another_o good_a work_n another_o do_v well_o this_o then_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o the_o world_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n universal_a religion_n absolute_a religion_n natural_a religion_n even_o as_o natural_a justice_n universal_a justice_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o transaction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n yet_o if_o magistrate_n will_v inflict_v suffering_n upon_o christian_n 2d_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2d_o hold_v fast_o their_o profession_n they_o be_v teach_v by_o christianity_n to_o suffer_v patient_o not_o as_o if_o suffering_n be_v due_a to_o they_o but_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v do_v natural_a religion_n may_v be_v maintain_v one_o great_a branch_n of_o which_o be_v uphold_v government_n in_o all_o its_o honour_n and_o plenipotence_n but_o therefore_o in_o testimony_n to_o they_o that_o suffering_n be_v not_o due_a to_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n shall_v rest_v upon_o they_o even_o as_o in_o all_o undue_a administration_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n where_o humane_a law_n the_o law_n of_o this_o or_o that_o government_n have_v take_v no_o care_n suffering_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o innocent_a but_o their_o appeal_n lie_v above_o the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v this_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o ever_o there_o be_v no_o impeachment_n lie_v against_o man_n from_o the_o violation_n of_o natural_a religion_n their_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n be_v the_o just_a right_n of_o their_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n praise_v security_n a_o state_n out_o of_o fear_n be_v due_a to_o they_o as_o well-doer_n as_o to_o those_o that_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a many_o other_o be_v the_o expression_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o apostolic_a write_n look_v this_o way_n that_o the_o great_a letter_n of_o commendation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n concern_v person_n and_o their_o way_n in_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n come_v under_o their_o judicature_n be_v the_o intrinsic_a and_o real_a goodness_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o life_n at_o the_o beam_n of_o natural_a conscience_n this_o be_v the_o royal_a law_n every_o one_o be_v to_o fulfil_v in_o these_o thing_n 18._o jam._n 2._o 8._o rom._n 14._o 18._o we_o must_v serve_v christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n thus_o they_o must_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n thus_o they_o must_v take_v care_n against_o the_o name_n 1._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 1._o of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v thus_o they_o must_v put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n 16._o ●_o pet._n 2._o 15._o &_o 3._o 16._o of_o foolish_a man_n and_o make_v they_o ashamed_a now_o it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o severity_n of_o profession_n and_o life_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n will_v not_o justify_v the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o a_o assume_v religion_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n as_o of_o the_o sober_a moral_a heathen_a jew_n turk_n papist_n or_o any_o master_n of_o sect_n of_o most_o unblameable_a life_n among_o protestant_n that_o be_v to_o be_v try_v in_o a_o consistory_n proper_a to_o it_o the_o argument_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v to_o be_v weigh_v the_o nature_n scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_o all_o its_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o at_o last_o it_o stand_v at_o god_n judgment-seat_n where_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v judge_v but_o thus_o the_o argument_n be_v the_o more_o enforce_v that_o where_o there_o be_v the_o testimonial_n of_o natural_a religion_n fair_o write_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o though_o we_o be_v not_o nor_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v induce_v by_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n it_o give_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n or_o seek_v everlasting_a happiness_n in_o it_o yet_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o humanity_n in_o allow_v peaceable_a life_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v upon_o scripture_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o argue_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o under_o every_o argument_n to_o observe_v the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o argum._n 1._o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o argue_v from_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o it_o to_o god_n that_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v also_o general_a religion_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o common_a peace_n in_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o allow_v the_o hospitableness_n of_o humanity_n to_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o dogmatise_v nothing_o but_o what_o upon_o due_a hear_n and_o discourse_n they_o offer_v to_o make_v out_o consistent_a and_o fair_o agree_v with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a even_o upon_o a_o violent_a suspicion_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o inquire_v hear_v and_o receive_v reason_n if_o it_o can_v be_v give_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o altar_n of_o testimony_n we_o read_v of_o joshua_n 22._o 10._o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o magnificency_n of_o it_o at_o the_o first_o to_o entertain_v man_n of_o this_o general_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v as_o in_o revival_n of_o what_o have_v be_v
can_v not_o contradict_v itself_o no_o dream_n wonder_v or_o predication_n however_o fulfil_v be_v authentic_a enough_o to_o draw_v the_o jew_n from_o the_o true_a god_n that_o 1._o deut._n 13._o 1._o have_v so_o supreme_o demonstrate_v himself_o to_o they_o nor_o may_v any_o angel_n or_o spirit_n that_o be_v immediate_a inspiration_n or_o doctrine_n give_v by_o it_o seduce_v they_o from_o christ_n so_o evident_o seal_v to_o they_o in_o the_o new_a by_o god_n the_o father_n and_o therefore_o 27._o gal._n 6._o 27._o all_o pretension_n to_o the_o contrary_a how_o high_a soever_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v with_o detestation_n they_o know_v all_o that_o endeavour_v it_o must_v know_v themselves_o deceiver_n the_o great_a crime_n against_o natural_a religion_n and_o indeed_o none_o so_o subject_a to_o humane_a inquiry_n to_o their_o detection_n or_o severity_n when_o detect_v as_o impostor_n pretend_v divine_a revelation_n nor_o to_o their_o most_o authoritative_a restraint_n and_o repression_n as_o the_o wild_a enthusiast_n though_o with_o more_o mercy_n because_o he_o be_v himself_o so_o great_o deceive_v and_o delude_v and_o next_o to_o these_o a_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n can_v hardly_o if_o at_o all_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o christian_a power_n as_o shall_v clear_v he_o from_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a offender_n against_o natural_a religion_n the_o sum_n than_o be_v this_o he_o to_o who_o christianity_n be_v propose_v as_o faithful_a and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n with_o such_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o natural_a religion_n and_o its_o own_o evidence_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o draw_v any_o man_n intelligent_a and_o conscientious_a to_o it_o and_o yet_o reject_v and_o refuse_v he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n who_o will_v judge_n the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n by_o that_o very_a gospel_n of_o truth_n rom._n 2._o 16._o he_o that_o apostatise_n from_o it_o when_o he_o have_v once_o receive_v it_o may_v be_v just_o call_v to_o the_o most_o strict_a account_n by_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o as_o they_o find_v reason_n further_o censure_v or_o punish_v it_o be_v ordinary_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o apostate_n from_o so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n once_o taste_v but_o with_o great_a violation_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o conscience_n he_o that_o pretend_v divine_a revelation_n against_o that_o which_o have_v so_o ample_a a_o patent_n from_o heaven_n may_v most_o righteous_o be_v first_o discover_v expose_v and_o after_o deal_v with_o as_o the_o most_o flagitious_a self-guilty_a deceiver_n by_o christian_a ruler_n who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o divine_a veng●●●●e_n in_o such_o case_n and_o 4._o rom._n 13._o 4._o by_o private_a christian_n for_o his_o natural_a evil_a work_n cast_v out_o of_o their_o whole_a society_n religious_a or_o civil_a except_o he_o appear_v a_o enthusiastic_a phrenetick_a who_o in_o pity_n to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o bethlehem_n from_o do_v so_o great_a injury_n to_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o first_o argument_n concern_v the_o acceptableness_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o god_n our_o saviour_n guide_v myself_o in_o it_o by_o this_o rule_n viz._n the_o most_o comprehensive_a religion_n in_o charity_n to_o other_o while_o we_o keep_v to_o main_a foundation_n in_o our_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o pure_a strict_a rule_n in_o ourselves_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a and_o most_o like_a that_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n the_o common_a bosom_n of_o love_n peace_n hope_n rest_n the_o 2._o arg._n prove_v natural_a religion_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o centre_n arg._n 2_o of_o common_a peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o religion_n be_v this_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a code_n of_o natural_a religion_n of_o which_o every_o man_n have_v a_o part_n for_o himself_o so_o that_o we_o may_v all_o appeal_v one_o to_o another_o as_o it_o be_v to_o page_n and_o line_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o so_o write_v in_o that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n within_o we_o whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o our_o duty_n and_o whether_o we_o have_v not_o sin_v in_o do_v contrary_a and_o indeed_o thus_o to_o do_v be_v the_o universal_a usage_n of_o man_n in_o all_o their_o debate_n one_o with_o another_o as_o face_n answer_v to_o face_n in_o water_n so_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o man_n in_o this_o natural_a religion_n as_o the_o part_n of_o humane_a body_n agree_v in_o all_o man_n so_o do_v these_o proportion_n and_o lineament_n of_o soul_n we_o may_v with_o great_a certainty_n solicit_v man_n upon_o these_o principle_n than_o evil_a man_n tempt_v one_o another_o upon_o common_a depravation_n for_o corruption_n though_o all_o one_o in_o the_o fountain_n yet_o lie_v in_o more_o several_a vein_n than_o these_o law_n of_o natural_a conscience_n so_o that_o man_n 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whole_o out_o of_o the_o childishness_n of_o ceremony_n or_o opinion_n 2._o the_o weak_a christian_n who_o the_o apostle_n very_o gentle_o and_o tacit_o signify_v by_o those_o that_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o be_v under_o some_o abatement_n from_o this_o perfection_n of_o judgement_n they_o have_v somewhat_o of_o reverence_n for_o those_o rite_n former_o of_o divine_a appointment_n though_o they_o sincere_o too_o value_n christ_n above_o all_o even_o as_o the_o perfect_a to_o the_o first_o the_o apostle_n advise_v let_v we_o whole_o and_o entire_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v perfect_a we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o least_o to_o take_v we_o off_o to_o the_o second_o he_o allow_v first_o all_z the_o toleration_n of_o charity_n till_o and_o confident_o foretell_v god_n will_v reveal_v even_o this_o to_o they_o viz._n not_o only_o the_o supreme_a excellency_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o 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as_o much_o from_o mind_v this_o same_o thing_n and_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o the_o other_o side_n solicitude_n no_o doubt_v it_o do_v if_o we_o just_o explain_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o case_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o resolve_v this_o question_n i_o will_v observe_v the_o importance_n of_o this_o same_o rule_n give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o another_o of_o his_o epistle_n a_o place_n very_a parallel_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o much_o of_o the_o same_o expression_n with_o this_o to_o the_o philippian_n the_o right_a explication_n of_o which_o will_v also_o much_o confirm_v the_o exposition_n give_v of_o this_o rule_n see_v as_o i_o say_v they_o be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v gal._n 6._o 14_o 15_o 16._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o and_o i_o to_o the_o world_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v on_o they_o and_o mercy_n and_o upon_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n here_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n and_o bring_v in_o that_o divine_a religion_n upon_o it_o ●ere_z be_v a_o conformity_n to_o his_o death_n by_o which_o all_o worldly_a sensual_a and_o fleshly_a glory_n whether_o in_o fleshly_a religion_n or_o fleshly_a life_n which_o minister_v one_o to_o another_o be_v crucify_v to_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o to_o it_o but_o most_o especial_o the_o apostle_n level_v here_o against_o a_o fleshly_a religion_n observe_v the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n so_o active_a instead_o of_o a_o
new_a creature_n to_o delight_v to_o glory_n in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o outward_a conformity_n of_o their_o proselyte_n he_o observe_v the_o great_a bait_n of_o ceremonial_a religion_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o set_v a_o good_a face_n on_o thing_n how_o mean_a sovever_n as_o idolater_n carve_v and_o guild_v a_o post_n glory_n in_o appearance_n though_o without_o true_a satisaction_n to_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n make_v spiritual_a religion_n look_v like_o nothing_o but_o to_o the_o true_a christian_a who_o know_v the_o gospel_n so_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a a_o thing_n a_o fleshly_a religion_n be_v out_o of_o date_n a_o new_a creation_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o that_o exemplify_v in_o a_o life_n of_o excellent_a holiness_n substantial_a goodness_n and_o purity_n plant_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v of_o the_o only_a avail_n in_o this_o profession_n and_o he_o that_o make_v circumcision_n any_o thing_n separate_v from_o this_o or_o if_o he_o shall_v fly_v over_o to_o the_o other_o extreme_a to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o uncircumcision_n as_o if_o they_o may_v atone_v for_o the_o want_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n as_o a_o more_o perfect_a remove_n from_o judaisme_n and_o consign_v a_o man_n self_n over_o to_o christianity_n both_o be_v alike_o mistake_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n who_o value_v only_o this_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n viz._n a_o make_v the_o new_a creature_n in_o christ_n all_o and_o every_o thing_n else_o nothing_o and_o who_o act_n according_a to_o it_o the_o peace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v upon_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o true_a israel_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v plain_a if_o any_o man_n make_v the_o other_o side_n of_o a_o ceremony_n the_o not_o observe_v it_o a_o point_n of_o real_a substantial_a religion_n to_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o and_o value_v that_o fear_n as_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n without_o the_o more_o intrinsic_a part_n and_o effect_n of_o that_o fear_n he_o err_v from_o christianity_n as_o the_o bigot_z for_o ceremony_n do_v but_o this_o do_v not_o imply_v every_o one_o that_o preserve_v and_o will_v not_o recede_v from_o his_o liberty_n though_o he_o know_v the_o true_a use_n and_o disuse_n of_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a yet_o will_v not_o be_v ceremonial_o bind_v by_o any_o on_o earth_n be_v present_o afraid_a of_o a_o ceremony_n or_o that_o he_o be_v so_o because_o he_o will_v not_o set_v it_o too_o near_o divine_a institution_n in_o his_o practice_n or_o encumber_v his_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o it_o though_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o never_o so_o often_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o imposition_n but_o order_n decency_n or_o submission_n to_o government_n all_o this_o do_v not_o argue_v he_o make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o substantial_a religion_n not_o to_o endure_v ceremony_n which_o he_o esteem_v himself_o neither_o the_o better_a nor_o the_o worse_o but_o place_n all_o in_o christ_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n to_o commend_v he_o to_o god_n thus_o we_o have_v the_o first_o and_o very_o deep_a foundation_n for_o true_a christian_a peace_n lie_v in_o the_o absolute_a substantialness_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n substantial_o good_a even_o as_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o perfect_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o they_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n stretch_v out_o in_o the_o utmost_a pursuit_n with_o the_o same_o intenseness_n that_o man_n strive_v for_o mastery_n and_o take_v nothing_o ceremonial_a into_o any_o degree_n of_o this_o value_n if_o into_o any_o at_o all_o as_o the_o fullgrown_a christian_a do_v not_o this_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o this_o rule_n even_o as_o to_o that_o to_o the_o galatian_n and_o to_o the_o philippian_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o give_v into_o every_o christian_n hand_n to_o judge_n and_o walk_v by_o with_o this_o inscription_n upon_o it_o whoever_o live_v and_o act_n by_o this_o same_o rule_n though_o he_o may_v require_v toleration_n in_o some_o thing_n that_o god_n may_v in_o time_n reveal_v to_o he_o yet_o he_o be_v together_o with_o all_o christian_n the_o israel_n of_o god_n build_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o at_o unity_n and_o at_o peace_n with_o itself_o and_o who_o that_o look_n upon_o christianity_n and_o this_o rule_n of_o it_o can_v but_o be_v amaze_v essential_a christianity_n shall_v not_o draw_v up_o the_o entire_a love_n and_o zeal_n of_o christian_n to_o it_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v only_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n and_o so_o value_v one_o another_o in_o it_o as_o to_o be_v unite_v and_o reconcile_v above_o and_o beyond_o all_o other_o bitterness_n now_o this_o first_o head_n i_o have_v be_v insist_v upon_o be_v that_o in_o which_o christian_n have_v all_o one_o judgement_n and_o speak_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o admit_v not_o the_o least_o variation_n here_o all_o the_o line_n of_o christian_a reveal_v religion_n meet_v no_o fundamental_a point_n that_o be_v not_o include_v in_o this_o rule_n for_o he_o to_o who_o image_n there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o conformity_n must_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o that_o be_v crucify_v must_v be_v man_n all_o purity_n from_o sin_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n must_v be_v find_v where_o there_o be_v the_o power_n of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n the_o whole_a glory_n of_o self-confidence_n self-righteousness_n worldly_a pomp_n and_o vanity_n must_v be_v crucify_v where_o there_o be_v the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n where_o the_o glory_n be_v only_o in_o his_o cross_n where_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o a_o man_n and_o a_o man_n to_o the_o world_n where_o there_o be_v a_o reach_v forth_o to_o the_o utmost_a to_o attain_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o a_o press_v forward_o for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o must_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a life_n in_o his_o resurrection_n lie_v treasure_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o future_a state_n and_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v urge_v as_o under_o so_o great_a necessity_n there_o must_v be_v a_o extremity_n of_o evil_n on_o the_o other_o side_n signify_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v they_o then_o that_o be_v agree_v here_o may_v well_o tolerate_v one_o another_o in_o lesser_a difference_n while_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o subvert_v over-pressed_n or_o defeat_v by_o other_o addition_n this_o than_o may_v well_o be_v account_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o peace_n so_o great_a a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v according_a to_o 1._o tit._n 1._o 1._o godliness_n 2._o the_o second_o head_n under_o which_o may_v be_v discourse_v the_o efficacy_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n to_o peace_n be_v that_o in_o christianity_n there_o be_v a_o unite_n spirit_n of_o love_n flow_v from_o those_o several_a point_n of_o union_n wherein_o christian_n be_v close_o one_o with_o another_o conjoin_v and_o compact_v and_o so_o acquiesce_v in_o a_o true_o divine_a peace_n for_o the_o principal_a internal_a tie_n of_o union_n be_v that_o one_o spirit_n this_o one_o spirit_n convey_v itself_o and_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o love_n and_o so_o in_o peace_n for_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o be_v of_o the_o integrity_n of_o this_o whole_a body_n for_o so_o i_o shall_v choose_v to_o expound_v 14._o col._n 3._o 14._o that_o perfectness_n because_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v exhort_v to_o all_o those_o grace_n that_o do_v most_o conserve_v the_o union_n of_o the_o body_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n goodness_n humbleness_n meekness_n patience_n forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o forgiveness_n 13._o v._o 13._o one_o of_o another_o if_o any_o one_o have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o another_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v but_o above_o all_o say_v the_o apostle_n put_v on_o love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n and_o let_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o your_o heart_n unto_o which_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n so_o here_o be_v the_o love_n that_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o peace_n consequent_a upon_o it_o unto_o which_o christian_n be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n and_o both_o of_o they_o guard_v with_o all_o those_o unite_n heal_a virtue_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o that_o love_n and_o peace_n be_v most_o cherish_v conserve_v and_o secure_v peace_n itself_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o that_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o that_o real_a effective_a union_n the_o spirit_n accomplish_v by_o virtue_n of_o which_o the_o part_n all_o rest_n
of_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o give_v answer_n 1._o many_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v name_v as_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o national_a church_n be_v not_o yet_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n as_o national_a in_o general_a but_o of_o that_o particular_a national_a church_n and_o typical_a of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o more_o particular_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o temple_n the_o high_a priest_n the_o holy_a of_o holies_n the_o altar_n the_o sacrifice_n the_o solemn_a feast_n with_o such_o like_a serve_v only_o as_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o the_o want_n of_o they_o argue_v nothing_o against_o national_a religion_n 2._o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o typical_a or_o who_o main_a and_o sole_a intention_n be_v not_o to_o adorn_v and_o complete_a that_o whole_a frame_n but_o rest_v upon_o universal_a principle_n of_o reason_n truth_n and_o duty_n can_v never_o be_v abrogate_a but_o be_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v national_a hope_v in_o god_n and_o be_v oblige_v in_o our_o duty_n even_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o the_o duty_n of_o magistrate_n and_o people_n towards_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a instruction_n of_o public_a minister_n of_o religion_n of_o care_n for_o place_n of_o meeting_n for_o divine_a worship_n throughout_o a_o nation_n continue_v still_o and_o need_v no_o new_a command_n in_o the_o gospel_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n by_o draw_v christian_n into_o particular_a private_a society_n it_o amount_v but_o to_o thus_o much_o that_o christ_n the_o lord_n of_o t●e_v church_n do_v not_o find_v his_o church_n universal_a as_o necessary_o diffuse_v itself_o into_o nation_n nor_o can_v it_o in_o reason_n be_v so_o for_o see_v it_o be_v in_o divine_a providence_n for_o great_a and_o weighty_a reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a now_o to_o speak_v intend_a and_o order_v that_o hundred_o of_o year_n shall_v pass_v over_o christianity_n ere_o it_o have_v the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o supreme_a christian_a magistrate_n there_o must_v have_v be_v for_o that_o space_n no_o religion_n or_o church_n if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o other_o form_n but_o national_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v in_o those_o day_n within_o nation_n city_n town_n and_o village_n yet_o of_o low_a stature_n in_o comparison_n of_o national_a religion_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o christian_a emperor_n considerable_a indeed_o in_o itself_o and_o its_o diffusion_n through_o so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o acknowledge_v by_o law_n or_o government_n till_o long_o after_o its_o first_o entrance_n and_o at_o all_o time_n upon_o the_o change_n of_o a_o christian_a magistracy_n into_o a_o pagan_a a_o apostate_n a_o heretical_a or_o idolatrous_a succession_n or_o the_o complex_fw-la of_o all_o antichristianism_n which_o early_o invade_v the_o church_n and_o even_o cover_v and_o obscure_v it_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n the_o church_n of_o necessity_n must_v fall_v back_o into_o such_o a_o low_a state_n and_o subsist_v upon_o its_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o own_o prudential_a accommodation_n to_o the_o state_n of_o time_n without_o the_o magistrate_n care_v and_o protection_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o take_v care_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a divine_a institution_n which_o be_v found_v in_o that_o promise_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o to_o which_o belong_v primary_o all_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a expression_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o be_v give_v original_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o propagate_v promote_v build_v up_o and_o strengthen_v it_o and_o shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n ascension_n far_o above_o all_o heaven_n be_v certain_o continue_v to_o it_o till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n to_o the_o full_a measure_n and_o stature_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o member_n all_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v but_o little_a image_n and_o representation_n of_o this_o in_o these_o its_o excellency_n and_o the_o more_o they_o participate_v of_o it_o the_o more_o true_o be_v they_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o diffuse_v for_o one_o model_n for_o one_o frame_n to_o comprehend_v there_o be_v therefore_o allowance_n give_v by_o christ_n for_o lesser_a association_n of_o this_o catholic_n church_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o because_o of_o the_o discountenance_n of_o nation_n and_o worldly_a power_n at_o first_o and_o since_o upon_o true_a christianity_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o matth._n 15._o 18_o etc._n etc._n express_o fix_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o small_a part_n of_o this_o church_n where_o but_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v assure_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a the_o whole_a neighbour_a discourse_n centre_n in_o the_o least_o assembly_n agree_v in_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o suppose_v first_o a_o great_a number_n the_o church_n and_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a fewness_n upon_o some_o exigency_n of_o christian_n practise_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n together_o it_o bring_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o audience_n in_o their_o appeal_n to_o heaven_n and_o presence_n with_o their_o whole_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o the_o small_a number_n not_o by_o way_n of_o limitation_n to_o but_o encouragement_n of_o so_o small_a a_o number_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a the_o very_a same_o declaration_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v or_o bind_v by_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v stand_v good_a in_o heaven_n the_o very_a same_o be_v say_v here_o to_o the_o small_a society_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n upon_o their_o own_o member_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o themselves_o have_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o proceed_v he_o commit_v to_o they_o even_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o church_n be_v pillar_n and_o rock_n of_o truth_n even_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a minister_n and_o either_o or_o all_o be_v no_o more_o but_o praecones_fw-la each_o in_o their_o kind_n or_o publisher_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n declare_v in_o his_o word_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n pitch_v upon_o so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o christian_n agree_v be_v certain_o this_o because_o he_o will_v appoint_v no_o other_o form_n to_o his_o church_n than_o such_o as_o can_v live_v as_o can_v subsist_v under_o any_o civil_a government_n whatever_o whether_o friendly_a or_o unfriendly_a to_o it_o he_o give_v it_o no_o other_o shape_n but_o what_o it_o may_v attain_v and_o keep_v under_o any_o state_n of_o civil_a law_n under_o any_o enmity_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o nation_n as_o the_o jewish_a be_v who_o god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n single_v out_o and_o manage_v to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o a_o mighty_a power_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n and_o conserve_v by_o the_o same_o rule_v it_o with_o a_o immediate_a sensible_a presence_n after_o he_o have_v form_v it_o by_o precise_a law_n and_o settle_v the_o just_a bound_n of_o all_o officer_n in_o their_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o the_o place_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indifferent_a to_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n it_o do_v as_o it_o make_v its_o progress_n convert_v certain_a number_n to_o itself_o at_o first_o which_o have_v no_o privilege_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o power_n but_o the_o edge_n of_o all_o turn_v against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o form_n of_o church_n be_v compose_v to_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o providence_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n must_v be_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o very_a lest_o of_o society_n of_o christian_n two_o or_o two_o or_o three_o as_o our_o saviour_n significant_o point_v upon_o small_a society_n for_o such_o be_v most_o fit_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o condition_n that_o can_v befall_v lesser_a and_o single_a body_n move_v every_o way_n
of_o christ_n for_o a_o devotion_n to_o the_o true_a god_n without_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n can_v thus_o sanctify_v or_o honour_v he_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o rational_a in_o than_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o account_n of_o which_o and_o of_o its_o whole_a content_a aught_o to_o be_v so_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o nothing_o of_o a_o diverse_a spirit_n from_o it_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o nor_o any_o thing_n of_o its_o integral_n or_o essential_a nature_n take_v from_o it_o but_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v it_o will_v change_v the_o account_n and_o so_o we_o need_v not_o make_v a_o traverse_v over_o all_o falsehood_n to_o know_v truth_n but_o by_o have_v a_o right_a understanding_n in_o and_o just_a contemplation_n of_o truth_n the_o most_o even_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n we_o come_v to_o know_v itself_o by_o itself_o and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o although_o there_o be_v no_o other_o false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o and_o set_v it_o off_o by_o and_o withal_o to_o descry_v every_o false_a way_n offer_v to_o we_o and_o to_o hate_v it_o yea_o we_o observe_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v but_o doubtful_o propose_v and_o stay_v it_o its_o due_a time_n of_o examination_n and_o so_o either_o accept_v or_o reject_v it_o or_o if_o we_o see_v full_a reason_n for_o neither_o still_o suspend_v it_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o our_o country_n our_o church_n our_o be_v baptise_a or_o educate_v in_o it_o that_o will_v justify_v our_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o true_a it_o be_v not_o the_o high_a reverence_n of_o it_o the_o devotion_n we_o use_v in_o it_o our_o hate_v of_o those_o that_o speak_v blasphemous_o of_o it_o will_v make_v good_a our_o religion_n what_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n may_v not_o be_v justify_v upon_o such_o topic_n it_o be_v not_o that_o we_o find_v many_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n in_o a_o religion_n that_o will_v justify_v it_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n that_o can_v be_v call_v religion_n that_o do_v not_o espouse_v many_o true_a principle_n and_o in_o christian_a religion_n antichristianism_n vie_v with_o christianity_n itself_o upon_o the_o fundamental_a creed_n which_o itself_o confess_v with_o true_a christanity_n but_o have_v build_v upon_o they_o new_a creed_n of_o its_o own_o and_o so_o corrupt_v all_o for_o what_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o perfect_a as_o true_a religion_n be_v must_v needs_o be_v corrupt_v by_o any_o addition_n all_o that_o be_v pure_a and_o true_a be_v already_o its_o own_o who_o then_o can_v add_v to_o it_o and_o not_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n nothing_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v can_v be_v our_o security_n for_o true_a religion_n but_o the_o just_a divine_a measure_n the_o common_a faith_n the_o true_a catholic_n standard_n which_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o main_a end_n be_v most_o evident_a and_o in_o entertain_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a till_o 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level_v the_o whole_a ensue_a catechism_n or_o discourse_n against_o which_o i_o know_v many_o prejudices_fw-la will_v lie_v except_o full_a consideration_n be_v allow_v i_o know_v too_o many_o thing_n raise_v a_o detestation_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v examine_v and_o weigh_v by_o their_o reason_n gain_v not_o only_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o angry_a passion_n but_o much_o acceptance_n and_o assent_n and_o i_o must_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o any_o such_o doubt_n upon_o the_o ensue_a apology_n for_o catholic_n truth_n that_o it_o be_v settle_v upon_o such_o unmoveable_a reason_n and_o weigh_v out_o by_o such_o exact_a attendance_n to_o it_o that_o i_o may_v write_v upon_o it_o without_o immodesty_n loe_o this_o we_o have_v search_v it_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v thou_o it_o for_o thy_o good_a for_o good_a in_o the_o quiet_a and_o most_o peaceable_a course_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o to_o know_v the_o true_a ground_n upon_o which_o it_o rest_v alone_o make_v the_o soul_n both_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o determine_v it_o to_o the_o square_a and_o just_a rule_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n for_o good_a in_o time_n of_o temptation_n to_o a_o false_a religion_n especial_o that_o which_o call_v itself_o catholic_n for_o the_o true_o instruct_v christian_n in_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o catholic_n be_v even_o impregnable_a against_o that_o delusion_n of_o catholic_n false_o so_o call_v last_o for_o good_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o great_a difference_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o relation_n to_o lesser_a thing_n pertain_v more_o circumstantial_o or_o doubtful_o to_o true_a religion_n wherein_o the_o rational_a christian_a carry_v it_o as_o inoffensive_o and_o communicative_o as_o he_o can_v with_o all_o centre_n in_o that_o which_o be_v catholic_n as_o to_o his_o faith_n love_n inward_a esteem_n and_o practice_n and_o unmovable_o fix_v there_o detest_a all_o animosity_n and_o much_o more_o rigour_n or_o severity_n towards_o other_o in_o relation_n to_o such_o difference_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o ungenerous_a more_o unchristian_a more_o irreligious_a more_o unworthy_a the_o content_n cap._n i._o of_o the_o perfect_a and_o first_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o relation_n to_o catholic_n or_o public_a religion_n page_n 1_o cap._n ii_o of_o the_o violation_n of_o this_o catholic_n order_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_v provide_v by_o god_n to_o restore_v it_o 7_o cap._n iii_o of_o the_o vncontroversible_a law_n of_o natural_a religion_n 10_o cap._n iu_o of_o revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a miscarriage_n against_o both_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o cure_n 14_o cap._n v._o of_o the_o public_a or_o divine_a original_a of_o sacred_a write_n or_o scripture_n 23_o cap._n vi_o of_o the_o proof_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n also_o be_v public_a and_o divine_a 27_o cap._n vii_o of_o the_o public_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n pag._n 36_o cap._n viii_o of_o tradition_n and_o antiquity_n ●●_o cap._n ix_o of_o the_o church_n catholic_n 65_o cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 8●_n cap._n xi_o of_o every_o man_n obligation_n to_o be_v wise_a for_o himself_o to_o salvation_n 89_o cap._n xii_o of_o schism_n and_o scandal_n 93_o cap._n xiii_o of_o the_o antichurch_n and_o its_o opposition_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o the_o true_a church_n 109_o cap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o national_a religion_n 128_o a_o catholic_n catechism_n cap._n i._n of_o the_o perfect_a and_o first_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o relation_n to_o catholic_n or_o public_a religion_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o most_o distinguish_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n answ_n catholic_n or_o true_o public_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v the_o all_o the_o whole_a or_o universal_a man_n whoever_o therefore_o have_v vanquish_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o have_v put_v off_o man_n and_o degrade_v himself_o into_o worse_a than_o a_o brute_n quest_n what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o religion_n answ_n by_o religion_n i_o mean_v a_o close_o bind_v or_o unite_n ourselves_o to_o and_o with_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o according_a to_o his_o excellent_a nature_n and_o attribute_n in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o seek_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n according_a to_o all_o his_o divine_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o so_o do_v we_o be_v join_v and_o join_v ourselves_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o religious_a service_n perform_v by_o all_o quest_n why_o do_v you_o call_v it_o catholic_n or_o true_o public_a religion_n answ_n
for_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n and_o all_o of_o they_o so_o arise_v to_o our_o assurance_n by_o find_v the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n of_o truth_n run_v through_o one_o as_o do_v through_o another_o for_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o true_a church_n receive_v they_o when_o first_o receive_v and_o so_o transmit_v they_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n successive_o in_o the_o several_a age_n as_o the_o first_o do_v the_o same_o reason_n always_o continue_v what_o be_v beside_o this_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o discern_v of_o spirit_n in_o all_o the_o time_n while_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o which_o true_a scripture_n be_v receive_v and_o all_o other_o shut_v out_o for_o the_o write_n of_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o enroll_v into_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o scripture_n just_o and_o faithful_o consign_v over_o to_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n be_v to_o be_v own_a and_o acknowledge_v to_o divine_a providence_n watch_v over_o his_o church_n and_o oracle_n together_o and_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o ordinary_a security_n of_o the_o church_n testimony_n the_o precious_a distinguish_v not_o only_o from_o the_o vile_a but_o from_o the_o less_o precious_a also_o but_o yet_o we_o must_v have_v great_a testimony_n than_o this_o as_o have_v be_v already_o urge_v quest_n but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v we_o have_v all_o the_o scripture_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o church_n testimony_n answ_n find_v so_o much_o divine_a and_o no_o more_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v be_v conclude_v that_o way_n and_o abundant_o satisfy_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v we_o in_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o so_o great_a a_o revelation_n when_o any_o measure_n of_o divine_a truth_n have_v be_v adhere_v to_o sincere_o the_o danger_n have_v always_o be_v great_a in_o lose_v true_a religion_n by_o corrupt_a addition_n and_o the_o injurious_a refusal_n of_o further_a revelation_n come_v to_o pass_v more_o through_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o that_o corruption_n than_o by_o humble_a and_o modest_a suspension_n till_o god_n have_v assure_v we_o of_o his_o further_a revelation_n but_o beside_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o find_v we_o must_v needs_o have_v the_o whole_a globe_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o horizon_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o the_o whole_a heaven_n or_o kingdom_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v administer_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o all_o further_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o discovery_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o great_a clearness_n of_o what_o we_o already_o have_v in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n for_o if_o even_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o it_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n do_v but_o thus_o complete_a and_o illustrate_a christ_n yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n the_o same_o how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o be_v assure_v who_o have_v the_o new_a itself_o so_o much_o excel_v the_o old_a as_o it_o every_o where_o assure_v we_o so_o that_o we_o can_v expect_v a_o milennium_n or_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n on_o earth_n only_o for_o the_o high_a exaltation_n of_o what_o we_o now_o have_v till_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n itself_o quest_n do_v the_o various_a readins_n so_o often_o bandy_v by_o learned_a man_n make_v no_o abatement_n from_o the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n answ_n those_o various_a readins_n be_v such_o as_o excite_v and_o quicken_v search_n and_o yet_o can_v distract_v the_o doctrine_n be_v not_o able_a to_o alter_v the_o scope_n coherence_n and_o design_n of_o the_o context_n much_o less_o to_o change_v the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n in_o other_o place_n while_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o that_o they_o take_v away_o the_o suspicion_n of_o conspiracy_n they_o preserve_v from_o great_a corruption_n by_o turn_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n to_o look_v every_o way_n they_o show_v how_o many_o excellent_a sense_n dwell_v near_o the_o divine_a write_n and_o the_o bad_a be_v manifest_o enough_o throw_v off_o for_o in_o main_a thing_n there_o be_v so_o much_o repeat_v and_o say_v over_o again_o and_o again_o as_o that_o all_o such_o truth_n may_v be_v full_o present_v and_o assure_v and_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o be_v say_v as_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n without_o any_o tautology_n for_o the_o subject_n be_v so_o rich_a that_o even_o the_o world_n will_v be_v overcharge_v and_o not_o able_a to_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v amen_n cap._n vii_o of_o the_o public_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n quest_n that_o the_o progress_n upon_o this_o great_a point_n may_v be_v make_v with_o the_o best_a advantage_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o state_n the_o amount_v of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o assert_v viz._n that_o scripture_n be_v a_o public_a and_o divine_a record_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n it_o be_v divine_a be_v divine_a and_o public_a also_o what_o therefore_o do_v these_o two_o position_n arise_v to_o answ_n they_o arise_v plain_o to_o this_o 1._o that_o true_a religion_n be_v at_o once_o give_v unalterable_o fix_v on_o monument_n of_o its_o own_o and_o can_v receive_v the_o various_a phase_n of_o increase_n or_o decrease_v like_o the_o moon_n by_o new_a and_o upstart_a decree_n canon_n or_o anathemas_n 2._o that_o religion_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n public_a even_o as_o god_n himself_o that_o it_o be_v of_o free_a and_o open_a access_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o entertainment_n as_o liberal_a as_o the_o light_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o water_n and_o no_o man_n need_v wait_v till_o his_o religion_n be_v draw_v out_o of_o the_o private_a repository_n of_o breast_n or_o breast_n 3._o that_o the_o assurance_n and_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v very_o near_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o treat_v with_o it_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o send_v up_o to_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o bring_v scripture_n down_o from_o above_o when_o it_o be_v come_v down_o already_o nor_o beyond_o the_o sea_n to_o old_a antiquity_n for_o a_o scale_n to_o it_o which_o have_v always_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o divinity_n with_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o bring_v scripture_n a_o second_o time_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o former_a age_n through_o which_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n have_v already_o pass_v it_o down_o to_o we_o with_o the_o very_a same_o principal_a assurance_n it_o give_v they_o viz._n that_o divine_a life_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v far_o from_o any_o one_o of_o we_o for_o in_o it_o our_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o being_n and_o in_o that_o light_n alone_o see_v light_n quest_n but_o have_v the_o private_a spirit_n of_o apostate_n angel_n work_v by_o corrupt_a humane_a nature_n make_v no_o attempt_n upon_o this_o public_a record_n though_o so_o every_o way_n guard_v as_o it_o be_v to_o introduce_v a_o false_a religion_n even_o under_o the_o appearance_n of_o this_o public_a authority_n of_o scripture_n answ_n yes_o that_o very_o notorious_a one_o of_o private_a interpretation_n answ_n what_o be_v private_a interpretation_n answ_n that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o understand_v be_v a_o very_a great_a instrument_n of_o the_o false_a spirit_n we_o must_v proceed_v by_o degree_n to_o the_o true_a comprehension_n of_o it_o and_o first_o in_o the_o strictness_n of_o its_o notion_n it_o be_v a_o affix_v a_o sense_n to_o scripture_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o that_o do_v not_o so_o evident_o and_o indisputable_o flow_v from_o scripture_n as_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n quest_n how_o shall_v a_o interpretation_n be_v so_o make_v of_o scripture_n as_o to_o partake_v of_o its_o divineness_n answ_n a_o interpretation_n be_v as_o divine_a as_o scripture_n when_o it_o be_v the_o true_a evident_a importance_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n word_n and_o scope_n and_o carry_v the_o perfect_a spirit_n and_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n with_o it_o or_o be_v a_o deduction_n and_o doctrine_n arise_v from_o scripture_n measure_v by_o the_o context_n by_o its_o usual_a way_n of_o express_v itself_o and_o the_o compare_n of_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n with_o another_o so_o as_o to_o evince_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o interpretation_n answ_n every_o one_o that_o sober_o and_o impartial_o and_o pious_o attend_v to_o it_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v and_o instruct_v by_o it_o as_o the_o true_a divine_a scripture-sense_n open_v and_o apply_v to_o he_o quest_n how_o else_o may_v interpretation_n be_v public_a and_o divine_a even_o as_o scripture_n itself_o answ_n when_o there_o be_v true_o a_o divine_a presence_n and_o such_o motive_n of_o credibility_n by_o which_o a_o right_o qualify_v person_n may_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o
discern_v they_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n of_o which_o all_o true_a minister_n be_v the_o minister_n on_o account_n of_o which_o alone_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o they_o be_v due_a their_o bring_v that_o word_n in_o its_o own_o life_n evidence_n and_o power_n be_v their_o best_a commission_n quest_n but_o how_o be_v they_o most_o orderly_o install_v into_o so_o high_a a_o function_n answ_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ascend_v up_o on_o high_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n take_v it_o upon_o he_o as_o his_o supreme_a care_n to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n the_o several_a congregation_n of_o christian_n observe_v ministerial_a ability_n and_o meetness_n to_o teach_v call_v out_o to_o such_o to_o help_v they_o and_o herein_o in_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n the_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o religious_a education_n like_o the_o school_n of_o 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