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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
sense_n holy_a scripture_n true_a 8,130 5 5.1204 4 true
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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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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 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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 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themselves_o they_o may_v then_o taste_v the_o graciousness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gratefulness_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o without_o impose_v on_o any_o other_o who_o can_v see_v by_o their_o light_n 5._o yea_o even_o in_o thing_n controvert_v between_o holy_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n each_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n when_o both_o can_v be_v reconcile_v in_o their_o sense_n yet_o support_v and_o make_v strong_a to_o their_o faith_n some_o grand_a evident_a principle_n of_o divine_a and_o public_a truth_n in_o which_o both_o side_n meet_v and_o be_v firm_o unite_v and_o to_o which_o each_o reconcile_v their_o own_o opinion_n wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o differ_v from_o such_o principle_n or_o from_o one_o another_o and_o leave_v a_o middle_a in_o which_o they_o may_v meet_v one_o another_o and_o wherein_o person_n unconcern_v in_o their_o controversy_n rest_v upon_o which_o agitation_n yet_o follow_v great_a illustration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o such_o grand_a principle_n and_o enlargement_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o very_a traverse_n of_o dispute_n among_o man_n sincere_o affect_v to_o truth_n and_o who_o search_n into_o it_o without_o the_o love_n of_o contention_n without_o bitterness_n and_o animosity_n but_o humble_o modest_o and_o with_o largeness_n of_o mind_n towards_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o they_o 6._o god_n the_o friend_n of_o universal_a knowledge_n allow_v the_o soul_n gratification_n of_o itself_o with_o probable_a sentiment_n restrain_v within_o due_a bound_n that_o may_v grow_v from_o scripture-interpretation_n 7._o and_o last_o pardon_n the_o infirmity_n adhere_v to_o humane_a transaction_n in_o this_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o overrule_v such_o miscarriage_n yea_o and_o even_o the_o more_o malevolent_a distemper_n of_o man_n herein_o some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o good_a and_o make_v they_o oftentimes_o servant_n to_o some_o great_a point_n of_o truth_n quest_n 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not_o become_v scripture_n nor_o bind_v any_o one_o under_o the_o curse_n fix_v on_o those_o that_o add_v to_o scripture_n or_o take_v from_o it_o these_o interpretation_n may_v be_v add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o according_a as_o man_n see_v reason_n of_o scripture_n preponderate_v one_o way_n or_o other_o this_o be_v the_o freedom_n of_o scripture_n to_o suffer_v all_o due_a approach_n to_o its_o sense_n this_o be_v its_o most_o severe_a constancy_n to_o refuse_v all_o but_o it_o be_v own_o true_a sense_n 2._o as_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o any_o interpretation_n but_o it_o be_v own_o native_a sense_n so_o its_o sense_n be_v of_o no_o other_o evidence_n but_o of_o spiritual_a divine_a and_o true_o rational_a evidence_n so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v not_o bring_v such_o proof_n of_o scripture_n sense_n as_o agree_v with_o scripture_n way_n of_o evidence_v itself_o and_o scripture_n way_n be_v not_o that_o of_o private_a authority_n or_o humane_a imposition_n but_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o presence_n his_o interpretation_n however_o true_a yet_o do_v not_o bind_v as_o it_o be_v his_o interpretation_n or_o upon_o any_o other_o recommendation_n but_o scripture_n proper_a way_n of_o recommend_v itself_o i_o speak_v as_o to_o wise_a man_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v quest_n what_o then_o be_v that_o private_a interpretation_n the_o apostle_n remonstrate_v against_o answ_n all_o interpretation_n that_o bring_v no_o credential_n from_o evident_a scripture-sense_n nor_o from_o heaven_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n much_o more_o if_o false_a or_o mean_v and_o impossible_a to_o be_v so_o derive_v and_o yet_o will_v impale_v and_o enclose_v scripture_n within_o itself_o and_o impose_v itself_o upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o so_o bring_v they_o under_o bondage_n that_o which_o forbid_v man_n to_o interpret_v for_o themselves_o though_o with_o utmost_a industry_n and_o all_o the_o assistance_n they_o can_v use_v and_o the_o imploring_n of_o divine_a assistance_n that_o which_o give_v out_o private_a oracle_n at_o pleasure_n and_o too_o often_o most_o false_a one_o as_o if_o they_o be_v scripture_n and_o for_o its_o own_o private_a sake_n will_v lock_v scripture_n from_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v interpret_v even_o by_o itself_o sequester_v it_o into_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n from_o great_a multitude_n of_o all_o nation_n profess_v jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v indeed_o private_a interpretation_n and_o add_v to_o scripture_n make_v another_o scripture_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o another_o and_o thus_o be_v all_o low_a degree_n of_o this_o tyranny_n to_o be_v estimate_v according_a to_o their_o several_a graduation_n in_o it_o impose_v upon_o man_n as_o from_o some_o scriptural_a authority_n what_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a excellency_n spirit_n and_o high_a descent_n of_o scripture_n nor_o manifest_v in_o man_n conscience_n as_o scripture_n manifest_v itself_o quest_n be_v it_o not_o then_o necessary_a 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infallibility_n but_o all_o that_o receive_v he_o be_v destroy_v by_o he_o when_o he_o bring_v falsehood_n for_o truth_n under_o so_o great_a a_o title_n so_o that_o he_o become_v more_o an_o apollyon_n or_o destroyer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o a_o open_a enemy_n can_v be_v quest_n must_v we_o not_o then_o necessary_o suppose_v great_a tract_n of_o scripture_n lie_v like_o unknown_a land_n for_o want_v of_o public_a interpretation_n answ_n that_o there_o may_v be_v so_o can_v be_v deny_v in_o controvert_v or_o prophetic_a part_n of_o scripture_n yet_o that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o communicate_v much_o useful_a knowledge_n relate_v to_o they_o be_v most_o evident_a and_o most_o thankful_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o his_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n quest_n what_o expectation_n be_v there_o of_o a_o full_a and_o certain_a public_a interpretation_n of_o all_o such_o scripture_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n but_o most_o probable_o at_o the_o time_n of_o fulfil_v the_o great_a prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o shall_v be_v such_o extraordinary_a effusion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o shall_v expedite_v all_o doubt_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n clear_a the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v not_o reserve_v for_o heaven_n to_o adorn_v the_o absolute_a state_n of_o perfection_n there_o quest_n see_v by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v how_o incongruous_a private_a interpretation_n be_v to_o public_a scripture_n or_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v trust_v with_o the_o one_o and_o not_o with_o the_o other_o what_o account_v therefore_o can_v be_v give_v of_o translation_n may_v not_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o private_a interpretation_n upon_o scripture_n if_o not_o perform_v by_o a_o immediate_a divine_a assistance_n answ_n even_o as_o in_o the_o safe_a conveyance_n of_o scripture_n itself_o and_o preserve_v it_o pure_a from_o gross_a falsification_n so_o in_o translation_n we_o must_v leave_v
divine_a and_o to_o curse_v all_o those_o that_o derogate_a from_o it_o 4._o that_o have_v thus_o rivet_v itself_o it_o by_o degree_n like_o pharaoh_n lean_a kine_n eat_v out_o the_o generous_a and_o rich_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o devour_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o itself_o remain_v a_o jejune_n and_o starve_v superstition_n quest_n who_o be_v the_o great_a master_n of_o tradition_n answ_n they_o that_o have_v under_o the_o true_a religion_n set_v up_o some_o private_a diana_n of_o profit_n honour_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o can_v maintain_v it_o by_o that_o true_a religion_n they_o eke_o out_o therefore_o with_o private_a tradition_n what_o may_v support_v it_o quest_n what_o antidote_n be_v there_o against_o the_o mischief_n of_o tradition_n answ_n to_o cleave_v with_o full_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o heart_n and_o soul_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o that_o only_a to_o have_v no_o religion_n nor_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o 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they_o captive_a with_o the_o rest_n though_o in_o different_a basket_n as_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n represent_v quest_n how_o do_v they_o survive_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o displace_v and_o deject_a candlestick_n answ_n they_o be_v either_o call_v out_o to_o a_o zealous_a appearance_n and_o suffer_v for_o truth_n or_o sometime_o retire_v into_o corner_n like_o the_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n or_o the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o can_v appear_v like_o a_o church_n offer_v those_o public_a notice_n of_o divine_a truth_n a_o church_n be_v design_v for_o quest_n how_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n lose_v from_o particular_a person_n answ_n it_o be_v too_o often_o throw_v up_o by_o apostasy_n or_o profaneness_n or_o dwindle_v into_o a_o very_a spiritless_a form_n but_o very_o often_o a_o profession_n without_o the_o power_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o work_n of_o iniquity_n it_o may_v pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n like_o a_o lamp_n burn_v 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one_o with_o another_o ordinary_o even_o as_o the_o whole_a cotholick_a church_n will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a communicate_v with_o itself_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n exact_o according_a the_o to_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n wherein_o this_o be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o its_o communion_n be_v not_o with_o itself_o primary_o but_o its_o communion_n be_v so_o with_o itself_o as_o to_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n principal_o as_o the_o fountainhead_n centre_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o communion_n and_o therein_o it_o hold_v out_o and_o invite_v to_o its_o communion_n cap._n x._o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n quest_n can_v there_o be_v either_o a_o orderly_a or_o a_o effectual_a actuation_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o congregation_n without_o distinct_a and_o separate_a office_n and_o officer_n that_o may_v attend_v continual_o on_o this_o very_a thing_n answ_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o assembly_n without_o order_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o assembly_n and_o fall_v into_o a_o confusion_n or_o rude_a multitude_n all_o wise_a and_o prudent_a assembly_n have_v always_o have_v elder_n to_o preside_v over_o they_o and_o our_o lord_n have_v ordain_v such_o to_o moderate_v throughout_o his_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o conduct_v all_o the_o public_a service_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o thing_n therein_o be_v actual_o administer_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o noble_a organical_a part_n of_o the_o church_n like_o those_o sense_n that_o attend_v upon_o the_o understanding_n most_o immediate_o see_v eye_n and_o hear_v ear_n so_o these_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v most_o fit_v engage_v and_o provoke_v hereunto_o they_o be_v even_o according_a to_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n separate_v to_o their_o office_n and_o unto_o all_o preparation_n for_o they_o by_o read_v and_o meditation_n as_o to_o their_o proper_a call_v and_o business_n of_o life_n see_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a inablement_n or_o excitation_n to_o their_o service_n quest_n what_o title_n or_o character_n do_v the_o new_a testament_n place_n upon_o these_o officer_n answ_n those_o that_o we_o have_v especial_a respect_n to_o for_o in_o the_o deacon_n if_o strict_o take_v we_o be_v less_o concern_v receive_v denomination_n either_o from_o their_o work_n and_o service_n or_o from_o that_o honour_n and_o estimation_n due_a to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o such_o a_o service_n from_o their_o work_n they_o be_v style_v apostle_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n servant_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n also_o from_o the_o estimation_n and_o honour_n due_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o authority_n it_o ought_v to_o carry_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v style_v bishop_n elder_n ruler_n guide_n and_o ensample_n as_o also_o ambassador_n and_o the_o work_n and_o the_o honour_n do_v so_o enclose_v one_o another_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o be_v in_o their_o institution_n the_o measure_n one_o of_o another_o extend_v both_o to_o obedience_n and_o support_v of_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o the_o title_n be_v so_o prepare_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v change_v for_o any_o other_o nor_o the_o scripture_n language_n herein_o to_o be_v alter_v for_o any_o word_n not_o import_v the_o same_o proper_a sense_n quest_n how_o shall_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v that_o there_o may_v be_v that_o obedience_n and_o submission_n pay_v to_o they_o that_o be_v command_v answ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o
long_o mistake_v i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o 34._o act_n 10._o 34._o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n the_o two_o comprehensive_a part_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o why_o then_o shall_v mankind_n imbrue_v their_o hand_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n they_o themselves_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o hold_v to_o contradiction_n to_o it_o what_o excellent_a person_n be_v job_n his_o three_o friend_n and_o elihu_n though_o out_o of_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n i_o mean_v out_o of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o where_o god_n have_v more_o eminent_o fix_v his_o church_n and_o out_o of_o that_o line_n wherein_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v bless_v how_o excellent_a the_o book_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o ratiocination_n upon_o it_o though_o the_o friend_n be_v mistake_v in_o urge_v too_o far_o as_o if_o present_a affliction_n be_v a_o detection_n from_o heaven_n of_o insincerity_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o job_n that_o most_o desirable_a book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v undoubted_o by_o the_o special_a wisdom_n of_o god_n prepare_v as_o a_o treatise_n of_o natural_a theology_n raise_v to_o its_o own_o height_n through_o the_o assistance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o wherein_o most_o probable_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o the_o pious_a patriarch_n keep_v fresh_a and_o pure_a from_o corruption_n be_v maintain_v and_o improve_v upon_o the_o proper_a reason_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o intermixture_n of_o positive_a precept_n or_o rite_n except_o the_o historical_a relation_n of_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o book_n a_o institution_n of_o god_n by_o which_o man_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o soon_o as_o sin_n have_v enter_v it_o to_o look_v for_o atonement_n wit●_n god_n through_o that_o great_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o who_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a job_n make_v som●_n very_o significant_a reference_n though_o according_a to_o the_o covertness_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n at_o that_o time_n but_o what_o point_n of_o natural_a religion_n even_o sense_n of_o natural_a corruption_n and_o the_o ●vil_n of_o sin_n of_o faith_n in_o divine_a mercy_n and_o repentance_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n soberness_n fidelity_n chastity_n temp●rance_n charity_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v leave_v untouched_a what_o point_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n against_o atheism_n idolatry_n a_o iniquity_n own_a to_o deserve_v punishment_n from_o a_o judge_n be_v not_o h●re_o state_v 28._o job_n 31._o 28._o prayer_n praise_n holy_a meditation_n discourse_n and_o attendance_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n have_v here_o their_o frequent_a mention_n what_o severe_a reproof_n censure_n and_o condemnation_n of_o all_o wickedness_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o and_o which_o be_v most_o remarkable_a through_o the_o whole_a all_o be_v substantial_a nothing_o ceremonial_a how_o lovely_a be_v such_o a_o religion_n our_o saviour_n observe_v but_o some_o of_o the_o line_n of_o it_o in_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v he_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o 21._o mat._n 10._o 21._o and_o the_o scribe_n that_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o he_o commend_v as_o not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n viz._n from_o true_a christianity_n here_o and_o eternal_a salvation_n hereafter_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n we_o have_v also_o the_o true_a natural_a way_n of_o propagate_a religion_n and_o reconcile_a difference_n in_o it_o viz._n by_o discourse_n and_o argument_n only_o heinous_a offence_n and_o plain_a violation_n of_o duty_n in_o natural_a religion_n be_v cite_v to_o the_o magistrate_n tribunal_n i_o have_v insist_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o because_o we_o have_v not_o such_o another_o hypothesis_n in_o scripture_n such_o a_o body_n of_o natural_a religion_n such_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n concern_v it_o give_v out_o by_o such_o master_n of_o assembly_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o that_o we_o may_v call_v the_o visible_a church_n at_o that_o time_n else_o indeed_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v full_a of_o natural_a religion_n from_o one_o end_n of_o it_o to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o which_o be_v least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n concern_v it_o be_v great_a than_o all_o beside_o but_o no_o doubt_n there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o at_o that_o time_n and_o all_o along_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o jewish_a proselytism_n and_o yet_o great_a instance_n of_o this_o same_o natural_a piety_n for_o if_o elijah_n 18._o 1_o king_n 19_o 18._o who_o have_v a_o less_o compass_n to_o observe_v in_o and_o more_o probable_a opportunity_n of_o inquiry_n and_o even_o inspection_n yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o seven_o thousand_o in_o israel_n that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n but_o think_v himself_o leave_v alone_o how_o much_o more_o may_v lie_v hide_v from_o our_o almost_o suspicion_n true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n all_o along_o elder_a time_n inspire_v and_o conduct_v to_o it_o by_o divine_a illumination_n nay_o who_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a to_o define_v there_o be_v no_o such_o now_o for_o though_o it_o be_v most_o true_a there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n give_v to_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v be_v save_v but_o 12._o act_n 4._o 12._o the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o name_n must_v be_v express_o know_v but_o that_o the_o god_n of_o pardoning-mercy_n give_v and_o accept_v repentance_n unto_o life_n may_v by_o divine_a equity_n and_o favour_n be_v interpret_v god_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n so_o address_v god_n as_o he_o be_v true_o so_o in_o himself_o yet_o ah_o lass_n we_o can_v stretch_v our_o charitable_a hope_n so_o as_o to_o think_v this_o the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o know_v not_o christ_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n not_o only_o as_o ignorant_a of_o christ_n but_o as_o without_o god_n the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o world_n horrible_a corrupter_n of_o what_o they_o natural_o know_v that_o be_v of_o natural_a religion_n but_o as_o there_o be_v many_o leper_n and_o widow_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o two_o prophet_n 25._o luk._n 4._o 25._o but_o to_o one_o of_o each_o be_v they_o send_v so_o we_o may_v hope_v there_o be_v some_o instance_n of_o this_o divine_a bounty_n and_o grace_n if_o we_o can_v hope_v so_o but_o of_o few_o but_o these_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o it_o be_v safe_a not_o to_o presume_v too_o far_o on_o either_o 29._o deut._n 29._o 29._o side_n yet_o by_o the_o same_o charity_n we_o allow_v papist_n that_o the_o prevalency_n of_o true_o christian_a principle_n may_v antidote_n the_o poison_n of_o popery_n so_o the_o pregnancy_n of_o some_o natural_a principle_n rise_v up_o above_o all_o the_o refuse_v in_o such_o soul_n but_o oh_o lord_n thou_o only_o know_v yet_o some_o thing_n i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v 1._o that_o if_o any_o man_n live_v upright_o as_o job_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n at_o its_o full_a extent_n and_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n offer_v he_o he_o will_v receive_v it_o upon_o the_o advantageous_a recommendation_n of_o it_o in_o god_n own_o time_n and_o way_n 2._o that_o if_o any_o man_n so_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o have_v not_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n the_o want_n of_o that_o revelation_n shall_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o whoever_o understand_v natural_a religion_n must_v needs_o understand_v that_o sin_n be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o the_o wild_a ass_n colt_n and_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n and_o 14._o job_n 〈◊〉_d 16._o 13_o 14._o yet_o that_o god_n be_v patient_a speak_v once_o and_o twice_o in_o order_n to_o man_n conversion_n and_o repentance_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v place_n for_o it_o in_o pardoning-mercy_n of_o which_o in_o god_n even_o humane_a nature_n itself_o have_v a_o sense_n natural_a religion_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o for_o without_o it_o all_o service_n of_o god_n or_o application_n to_o he_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o but_o like_o the_o service_n of_o devil_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o here_o take_v notice_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o learned_a world_n in_o moral_n as_o be_v heretofore_o among_o the_o grecian_n
with_o the_o reason_n of_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a poet_n in_o what_o they_o say_v well_o and_o wise_o as_o that_o we_o be_v god_n offspring_n 28._o act_n 17._o 28._o a_o wise_a christian_n do_v not_o deprive_v himself_o in_o his_o private_a freedom_n of_o true_a reason_n or_o christian_a sense_n though_o he_o cull_v it_o out_o of_o much_o dross_n nor_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o christian_a worship_n where_o he_o may_v find_v good_a if_o the_o worship_n be_v not_o so_o corrupt_v that_o one_o can_v be_v separate_a from_o the_o other_o there_o be_v a_o general_a charity_n and_o toleration_n must_v be_v of_o humane_a infirmity_n in_o the_o best_a administration_n of_o it_o by_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o charge_n of_o our_o folly_n upon_o all_o our_o appearance_n before_o god_n visible_a not_o only_o to_o god_n who_o charge_v his_o angel_n with_o it_o but_o to_o ourselves_o so_o that_o if_o angel_n hide_v their_o face_n much_o more_o those_o who_o house_n be_v of_o clay_n and_o their_o foundation_n in_o the_o dust_n yet_o there_o be_v advantage_n of_o edification_n that_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v have_v for_o which_o we_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o our_o withdraw_a ourselves_o without_o just_a cause_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o withdraw_n shall_v be_v account_v schism_n but_o of_o this_o and_o what_o may_v be_v object_v in_o these_o case_n more_o may_v be_v speak_v under_o the_o next_o head_n if_o any_o man_n indeed_o from_o want_n of_o love_n and_o with_o a_o design_n to_o divide_v scatter_v and_o sow_n opinion_n or_o cause_n division_n be_v a_o engineer_n of_o division_n such_o a_o man_n have_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o schism_n and_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v and_o avoid_v rom._n 16._o 17._o but_o there_o may_v be_v dissent_n there_o may_v be_v dislike_n in_o many_o case_n and_o yet_o no_o schism_n no_o cut_n off_o no_o more_o than_o of_o a_o member_n in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v weak_a or_o deform_v or_o wound_v or_o it_o may_v be_v none_o of_o these_o but_o for_o ease_n or_o conveniency_n will_v posture_n itself_o somewhat_o different_o from_o the_o rest_n but_o still_o in_o all_o case_n there_o must_v be_v a_o care_n for_o the_o body_n and_o he_o that_o withdraw_v be_v in_o danger_n and_o that_o for_o the_o withdraw_a not_o for_o the_o different_a apprehension_n man_n may_v withdraw_v in_o some_o point_n of_o outward_a communion_n we_o see_v they_o may_v local_o separate_v on_o occasion_n they_o may_v deny_v to_o conform_v to_o what_o they_o think_v amiss_o as_o one_o member_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o deform_v or_o wound_v itself_o that_o it_o may_v be_v uniform_a with_o another_o that_o be_v so_o wound_v or_o deform_v there_o may_v be_v very_o different_a motion_n and_o order_v the_o several_a member_n on_o sundry_a account_n yet_o no_o schism_n no_o man_n can_v say_v then_o i_o will_v not_o be_v of_o such_o a_o body_n of_o christian_n for_o such_o a_o opinion_n for_o such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n or_o because_o they_o will_v not_o so_o conform_v when_o all_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a it_o may_v be_v say_v be_v these_o not_o of_o the_o body_n therefore_o or_o those_o not_o of_o the_o body_n therefore_o because_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o differ_v when_o both_o part_n hold_v the_o head_n and_o be_v member_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o head_n what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o but_o that_o the_o law_n of_o man_n interpose_v or_o the_o law_n of_o particular_a church_n intercede_v make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o case_n of_o christian_n now_o and_o in_o the_o time_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n write_v and_o that_o now_o such_o variation_n from_o the_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n require_v by_o those_o law_n become_v schismatical_a mere_o for_o the_o disobedience_n sake_n which_o shall_v be_v presume_v proof_n sufficient_a of_o the_o want_n of_o love_n and_o care_n for_o the_o body_n and_o not_o the_o want_n of_o love_n constitute_v the_o schism_n so_o that_o wherever_o the_o disagreement_n in_o judgement_n be_v there_o shall_v be_v the_o schism_n sure_a enough_o whatever_o the_o love_n and_o the_o indication_n of_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o sign_n token_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v the_o desire_a conformity_n all_o the_o hatred_n emulation_n strife_n and_o envy_n against_o the_o contrary_a side_n shall_v be_v canonize_v and_o not_o repute_v schism_n and_o the_o senslesness_n or_o even_o disaffection_n to_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o christianity_n shall_v never_o be_v consider_v but_o shall_v the_o law_n of_o man_n thus_o make_v obsolete_a the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o any_o law_n nor_o a_o offence_n against_o any_o law_n but_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n nor_o against_o every_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o his_o body_n that_o can_v make_v a_o schism_n nor_o do_v a_o congregation_n or_o a_o multitude_n determine_v where_o the_o schism_n lie_v when_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n or_o a_o division_n among_o christian_n for_o as_o one_o man_n hold_v the_o substantial_o of_o christianity_n be_v more_o a_o church_n than_o a_o community_n err_v in_o those_o fundamental_o so_o be_v one_o christian_n full_a of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n most_o willing_a to_o do_v and_o receive_v good_a more_o true_o of_o the_o body_n than_o association_n fill_v with_o anger_n wrath_n clamour_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o indignation_n without_o mercy_n without_o compassion_n who_o be_v indeed_o in_o their_o union_n more_o schismatical_a than_o the_o humble_a solitary_a christian_n that_o can_v run_v with_o this_o stream_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o carry_v nor_o determine_v by_o number_n but_o by_o true_a weight_n and_o worth_n as_o one_o wise_a man_n be_v more_o a_o senate_n than_o a_o convention_n of_o foolish_a and_o unknowing_a man_n by_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o may_v be_v determine_v what_o answer_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v a_o true_a church_n to_o which_o the_o answer_v i_o shall_v give_v will_v be_v plain_o this_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o so_o than_o a_o marry_a woman_n that_o be_v a_o adulteress_n be_v a_o true_a wife_n i_o say_v not_o a_o true_a woman_n for_o the_o importance_n of_o woman_n be_v more_o physical_a and_o so_o in_o this_o case_n more_o ambiguous_a the_o sense_n of_o wife_n more_o befit_v the_o moral_a and_o mystical_a sense_n of_o church_n and_o the_o one_o not_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o case_n the_o other_o constant_o call_v for_o to_o represent_v the_o true_a or_o false_a church_n but_o to_o keep_v more_o close_o to_o what_o we_o have_v be_v upon_o let_v i_o put_v the_o question_n thus_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o such_o a_o incorporation_n such_o a_o body_n as_o it_o be_v in_o and_o by_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o it_o can_v be_v other_o than_o a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o so_o it_o be_v a_o body_n consolidate_v upon_o other_o point_n of_o union_n than_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o though_o it_o take_v in_o they_o yet_o it_o add_v foreign_a and_o alien_n of_o its_o own_o and_o those_o very_a many_o and_o such_o as_o destroy_v if_o not_o all_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a by_o such_o a_o deep_a corruption_n of_o they_o change_v they_o so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a one_o or_o alike_o precious_a fundamental_o lay_v by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o body_n animate_v with_o another_o spirit_n the_o very_a spirit_n of_o antichrist_n a_o spirit_n of_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n against_o all_o that_o keep_v to_o the_o true_a measure_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o altar_n of_o 1._o revel_v 11._o 1._o god_n and_o his_o true_a worship_n therein_o the_o body_n of_o that_o false_a church_n have_v its_o fabric_n put_v together_o and_o unite_a not_o by_o that_o faith_n at_o once_o and_o once_o for_o all_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n but_o by_o successive_a and_o grow_a tradidition_n 3._o jud._n 3._o and_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o persecute_v out_o of_o all_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o humanity_n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v not_o to_o buy_v nor_o 18._o rev._n 13._o 17_o 18._o sell_v those_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v that_o mark_n of_o itself_o its_o name_n and_o the_o number_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o false_a christianity_n that_o forsake_v the_o stable_n foursquare_a of_o the_o true_a body_n of_o christ_n the_o 17._o revel_v 21._o 14_o 16_o 17._o square-root_n of_o
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 the_o root_n and_o beginning_n of_o society_n be_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o godly_a seed_n mal._n 2._o 15._o to_o sustain_v a_o succession_n of_o religion_n so_o society_n spread_v on_o still_o that_o there_o may_v be_v religious_a society_n as_o soon_o therefore_o as_o seth_n the_o first_o descendent_a from_o adam_n in_o the_o holy_a line_n have_v a_o son_n bear_v in_o the_o same_o line_n it_o be_v record_v that_o then_o man_n begin_v to_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n that_o be_v most_o probable_o adam_n and_o seth_n take_v it_o as_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n not_o ult_n gen._n 4._o ult_n only_o to_o set_v up_o a_o pillar_n of_o thankfulness_n in_o see_v themselves_o the_o progenitor_n of_o the_o bless_a seed_n but_o in_o the_o foresight_n of_o a_o holy_a society_n just_a ready_a to_o spring_v from_o their_o loin_n they_o think_v fit_a to_o promote_v divine_a worship_n into_o a_o public_a state_n and_o certain_a order_n and_o this_o i_o think_v the_o 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
adultery_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o his_o lord_n the_o one_o be_v plain_a temptation_n the_o other_o scandal_n arise_v from_o the_o to_o he_o uninterpretable_a suffer_v of_o our_o saviour_n though_o both_o be_v great_a and_o grievous_a sin_n 3._o scandal_n be_v a_o temptation_n to_o some_o great_a sin_n or_o course_n of_o sin_n for_o though_o the_o least_o sin_n introduce_v upon_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o religion_n and_o reason_n be_v true_o scandal_n and_o partake_v in_o its_o woe_n yet_o those_o scandal_n of_o daily_a almost_o unavoidable_a incursion_n in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n be_v break_v in_o their_o deadly_a effect_n by_o the_o daily_a and_o general_a repentance_n and_o desire_n of_o pardon_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n all_o true_a convert_v live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o who_o can_v understand_v his_o scandal_n deliver_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a one_o may_v every_o good_a man_n pray_v but_o keep_v back_o thy_o servant_n from_o insolent_a scandal_n that_o they_o may_v not_o have_v dominion_n so_o that_o i_o be_v innocent_n and_o free_a from_o the_o great_a transgression_n the_o sin_n that_o scandal_n precipitate_v upon_o may_v be_v either_o in_o the_o refusal_n disavowment_n rejection_n or_o despite_n to_o some_o of_o the_o prime_a manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o infidelity_n or_o unbelief_n or_o some_o great_a enormity_n of_o practice_n and_o it_o may_v be_v absolve_v and_o finish_v in_o some_o notorious_a act_n of_o sin_n or_o may_v run_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n in_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o sin_n or_o transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o act_n in_o all_o along_o life_n and_o die_v in_o this_o snare_n of_o satan_n in_o this_o captivity_n under_o he_o it_o may_v be_v partial_a only_o there_o be_v a_o reserve_n of_o the_o soul_n preserve_v by_o grace_n by_o which_o the_o renew_a soul_n recover_v itself_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v offend_v or_o scandalise_v in_o christ_n on_o the_o night_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o peter_n in_o a_o foul_a manner_n and_o yet_o they_o even_o his_o faith_n do_v not_o fail_v they_o and_o he_o most_o eminent_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o break_a snare_n but_o man_n devoid_a of_o any_o principle_n of_o true_a save_a grace_n be_v though_o in_o several_a degree_n lock_v within_o the_o scandal_n and_o can_v be_v rescue_v out_o of_o it_o but_o by_o a_o renovation_n to_o repentance_n the_o first_o repentance_n yea_o even_o the_o best_a man_n under_o the_o power_n of_o scandal_n as_o we_o now_o describe_v it_o be_v for_o the_o present_a inwrape_v and_o involve_v so_o that_o the_o whole_a man_n seem_v to_o fall_v and_o the_o whole_a strength_n for_o that_o time_n so_o far_o as_o be_v visible_a be_v take_v captive_a now_o by_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o a_o man_n be_v never_o scandalize_v but_o when_o he_o sin_n he_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o this_o scripture-sense_n but_o when_o he_o himself_o offend_v to_o be_v just_o displease_v with_o other_o man_n sin_n or_o defile_v religion_n with_o impure_a mixture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v offend_v but_o when_o a_o man_n himself_o displease_v and_o offend_v god_n and_o against_o his_o duty_n 4._o scandal_n in_o wrap_n in_o sin_n and_o the_o dreadful_a consequent_n of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o mischief_n and_o deadly_a issue_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o complemental_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n only_o that_o there_o be_v life_n and_o in_o the_o pathway_n thereof_o that_o there_o be_v no_o death_n none_o of_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o stroke_n of_o it_o of_o the_o avant_fw-fr courier_n of_o death_n it_o be_v wisdom_n alone_o that_o be_v health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n who_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o its_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o the_o way_n of_o scandal_n so_o close_o unite_v with_o sin_n though_o they_o seem_v right_a in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o eye_n yet_o be_v all_o along_o the_o way_n of_o death_n and_o most_o evident_o so_o in_o their_o end_n gild_n divine_a displeasure_n perplexity_n anguish_n of_o mind_n grief_n if_o the_o sin_n be_v feel_v however_o a_o wound_n a_o stripe_n upon_o conscience_n and_o a_o mark_n of_o that_o stroke_n of_o that_o wound_n and_o stripe_n whether_o feel_v or_o not_o that_o can_v never_o be_v wear_v off_o but_o by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n weakness_n inability_n loss_n of_o vigour_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n 〈◊〉_d action_n and_o often_o down_o right_a apostasy_n be_v the_o fruit●_n 〈◊〉_d scandal_n for_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o prejudice_n a_o mortification_n 〈◊〉_d dead_a work_n upon_o the_o conscience_n dispirit_v it_o to_o holi●●●●_n more_o and_o more_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n therein_o be_v his_o double_a strength_n through_o scandal_n man_n stumble_v and_o fall_v be_v discourage_v and_o lie_v down_o at_o length_n out_o of_o choice_n and_o with_o resolution_n to_o continue_v where_o they_o be_v as_o most_o easy_a qui_fw-la iaceo_fw-la in_o terris_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la unde_fw-la cadat_fw-la upon_o all_o this_o ensue_v at_o last_o eternal_a death_n if_o not_o prevent_v by_o repentance_n 5._o scandal_n be_v cover_v under_o some_o plausible_a pretence_n or_o disguise_n of_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n for_o reason_n be_v a_o efflux_n from_o god_n the_o sovereign_a reason_n and_o light_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n any_o true_a principle_n of_o true_a reason_n and_o right_o apply_v be_v undoubted_o a_o divine_a oracle_n and_o will_v justify_v any_o pretention_n ground_v upon_o it_o now_o in_o all_o case_n wherein_o divine_a revelation_n be_v refuse_v or_o avowed_o force_v from_o the_o genuine_a sense_n because_o either_o the_o revelation_n or_o all_o natural_a interpretation_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o scandal_n but_o detect_v and_o expose_v it_o it_o then_o fly_v under_o a_o umbrage_n of_o reason_n as_o separate_v from_o such_o revelation_n or_o set_v it_o up_o to_o limit_v and_o control_v such_o revelation_n but_o if_o it_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o scripture_n it_o than_o serve_v itself_o of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o wrest_v and_o misapplyed_n for_o the_o high_a the_o authority_n be_v that_o be_v vouch_v and_o pretend_a the_o deep_a the_o scandal_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o pharisee_n the_o great_a both_o master_n and_o bondman_n of_o scandal_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o galley_n slave_n of_o it_o in_o the_o roman_n antichristianisme_n and_o they_o be_v so_o because_o they_o be_v defend_v and_o flank_v on_o all_o side_n as_o they_o miserable_o delude_v themselves_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n together_o with_o the_o to_o they_o equal_a or_o indeed_o superior_a awful_a tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n by_o which_o they_o circumscribe_v and_o keep_v under_o the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n by_o like_a tradition_n and_o faith_n of_o their_o church_n now_o all_o these_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o join_v in_o perpetuate_a the_o ceremonial_a law_n as_o irreversible_a by_o god_n himself_o and_o settle_v a_o indefeisible_a state_n of_o inheritance_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n upon_o the_o jew_n alone_o without_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o as_o their_o mere_a proselyte_n all_o these_o as_o they_o deem_v represent_v a_o messiah_n of_o quite_o another_o figure_n another_o character_n than_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o he_o as_o they_o conclude_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o his_o doctrine_n blasphemy_n upon_o which_o rock_n of_o offence_n the_o vessel_n of_o their_o church_n and_o 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that_o they_o be_v persuade_v be_v truth_n for_o if_o obstinacy_n contumacy_n pride_n or_o singularity_n shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o one_o another_o by_o each_o differ_a party_n and_o pursue_v with_o penalty_n by_o the_o strong_a and_o these_o faultiness_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o thing_n only_o against_o which_o the_o austerity_n be_v level_v and_o not_o the_o difference_n in_o judgement_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o standard_n to_o judge_n of_o these_o true_o culpable_a thing_n and_o that_o indeed_o deserve_v the_o humane_a severity_n due_a to_o they_o in_o all_o other_o case_n as_o well_o as_o difference_n in_o religion_n if_o any_o other_o but_o god_n who_o know_v man_n heart_n can_v judge_n of_o they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v i_o say_v no_o other_o detection_n of_o they_o but_o this_o that_o the_o one_o dissenter_n can_v come_v over_o in_o judgement_n to_o the_o other_o that_o i●_n the_o inferior_a to_o the_o superior_a in_o power_n especial_o the_o case_n be_v still_o the_o same_o that_o all_o must_v come_v to_o one_o opinion_n or_o malign_v one_o another_o still_o continue_v not_o profess_o for_o the_o dissent_n but_o for_o those_o other_o evil_n of_o which_o yet_o that_o dissent_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a proof_n and_o account_v sufficient_a proof_n too_o i_o will_v therefore_o by_o divine_a assistance_n endeavour_v so_o to_o manage_v this_o discourse_n as_o to_o secure_v it_o from_o such_o elusion_n i_o confess_v the_o undertake_n as_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n so_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o whoever_o consider_v what_o have_v continual_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v be_v entangle_v and_o perplex_v will_v not_o believe_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o rule_n of_o prevention_n in_o nature_n or_o that_o god_n have_v design_v any_o such_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o by_o measure_v from_o what_o be_v pass_v to_o future_a expectation_n may_v look_v upon_o any_o discourse_n to_o such_o a_o purpose_n as_o utopian_a and_o imaginary_a see_v the_o christian_a religion_n so_o humble_a peaceable_a modest_a and_o amicable_a and_o that_o have_v the_o only_a true_a rule_n of_o this_o peace_n have_v yet_o be_v so_o unsuccessful_a herein_o that_o as_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v the_o butt_n against_o which_o all_o sort_n of_o cruelty_n and_o barbarity_n discharge_v themselves_o in_o the_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n of_o it_o so_o since_o it_o have_v be_v make_v the_o seat_n of_o those_o unholy_a holy_a war_n perpetual_a controversy_n and_o dispute_n carry_v on_o with_o great_a wrath_n and_o clamour_n and_o worse_o than_o that_o a_o kind_n of_o aceldama_n or_o field_n of_o blood_n by_o the_o horrid_a and_o unnatural_a fury_n of_o christian_n one_o against_o another_o but_o to_o conclude_v from_o hence_o true_a religion_n and_o christianity_n have_v not_o a_o fitness_n or_o less_o of_o fitness_n than_o false_a religion_n to_o beget_v in_o man_n mind_n that_o amity_n union_n and_o peace_n speak_v of_o by_o fix_v such_o principle_n and_o fundamental_o as_o christian_n may_v concentre_v upon_o notwithstanding_o their_o various_a sense_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n as_o be_v pure_a peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o load_n from_o the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o charge_v it_o upon_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n religion_n and_o christian_a religion_n who_o very_a excellency_n be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a reason_n why_o corruption_n and_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o hell_n plant_v themselves_o against_o it_o with_o all_o the_o force_n they_o can_v to_o have_v bar_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o it_o prevail_v against_o those_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o settle_a itself_o then_o to_o adulterate_a debauch_n and_o divide_v it_o which_o attempt_n and_o the_o resistance_n to_o they_o have_v make_v it_o full_a of_o commotion_n and_o noise_n than_o false_a religion_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o peace_n by_o sin_n and_o satan_n as_o their_o entire_a and_o undivided_a territory_n no_o sound_n of_o true_a religion_n come_v in_o there_o be_v not_o that_o reason_n for_o a_o disturbance_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o argument_n of_o moment_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o hence_o against_o the_o christian_a or_o reform_a protestant_a religion_n from_o the_o division_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o professor_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v as_o it_o may_v very_o plain_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o it_o then_o remain_v it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o pravity_n of_o man_n and_o design_n of_o satan_n who_o be_v not_o so_o concern_v against_o any_o other_o religion_n not_o feel_v that_o destruction_n from_o any_o but_o it_o thus_o therefore_o the_o wave_n and_o storm_n beat_v more_o vehement_o against_o the_o rock_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v more_o rage_n and_o foam_n and_o froth_n about_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o unquietness_n of_o the_o rock_n which_o be_v always_o firm_a and_o still_o but_o from_o the_o unruliness_n of_o the_o wave_n nor_o be_v the_o dead_a sea_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n or_o a_o total_a ignorance_n in_o religion_n because_o it_o have_v a_o dead_a calm_a upon_o it_o like_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n more_o safe_a than_o these_o religious_a 3_o rev._n 16._o 3_o commotion_n for_o every_o live_a soul_n die_v in_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a death_n there_o but_o motion_n argue_v life_n and_o tend_v to_o it_o though_o there_o be_v other_o hazard_n appertain_v to_o motion_n yet_o still_o there_o be_v possibility_n of_o life_n a_o fever_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o cure_n compare_v with_o a_o lethargy_n and_o dissent_v if_o well_o and_o christianly_o moderate_v by_o the_o run_n to_o and_o fro_o of_o man_n understanding_n increase_v 4._o dan._n 12._o 4._o knowledge_n maintain_v action_n and_o concern_v in_o divine_a thing_n resine_fw-la doctrine_n and_o profession_n which_o else_o like_o stagnated_a water_n be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v make_v more_o evident_o appear_v that_o which_o can_v be_v shake_v this_o indeed_o be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n worship_n or_o practise_v for_o though_o by_o opposition_n th●y_v also_o be_v much_o fortify_v and_o confirm_v yet_o that_o be_v by_o supreme_a power_n bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a but_o none_o may_v do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v nor_o do_v it_o introduce_v scepticism_n in_o any_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o know_v but_o every_o man_n abound_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n offer_v his_o own_o and_o receive_v the_o reason_n of_o other_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o 21._o 1_o thes_n 5_o 21._o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o find_v best_a with_o all_o toleration_n
to_o have_v their_o effect_n there_o be_v many_o other_o in_o the_o event_n incurable_a evil_n upon_o man_n in_o despite_n of_o right_a reason_n the_o cure_n of_o which_o yet_o any_o one_o may_v free_o offer_v and_o discouse_n 2._o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v upon_o the_o first_o particular_a under_o this_o head_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o come_v to_o show_v the_o agreeableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n with_o natural_a in_o what_o it_o reveal_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o our_o acceptance_n of_o christian_a religion_n thereupon_o which_o be_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o the_o clear_a let_v it_o be_v distribute_v into_o these_o three_o branch_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v hereby_o necessary_o suppose_v natural_a religion_n be_v give_v to_o be_v a_o test_n and_o touchstone_n of_o truth_n in_o religion_n 2._o that_o christian_a religion_n have_v such_o a_o evident_a agreement_n with_o natural_a religion_n as_o to_o be_v approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o it_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v so_o excellent_a and_o so_o recommend_v it_o lay_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o peace_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o religion_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o a_o man_n have_v no_o note_n of_o distinction_n within_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o religious_a rational_a understanding_n plant_v by_o god_n as_o a_o nature_n in_o man_n if_o there_o be_v not_o principle_n ingraft_v into_o that_o understanding_n how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v the_o goodness_n of_o anything_o propose_v to_o he_o the_o conformity_n of_o it_o with_o what_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v when_o our_o saviour_n challenge_v the_o phraisee_n require_v a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n thus_o why_o even_o of_o or_o from_o within_o yourselves_o judge_n you_o not_o what_o be_v 7._o luk._n 12._o 5_o 7._o right_a he_o imply_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o man_n as_o a_o 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hence_o know_v and_o discover_v else_o every_o thing_n that_o call_v itself_o revelation_n must_v be_v take_v for_o divine_a although_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v at_o some_o time_n under_o a_o strong_a supernatural_a hand_n that_o transport_v their_o mind_n as_o it_o do_v also_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n their_o body_n yet_o they_o be_v general_o under_o the_o still-voice_n speak_v to_o their_o faculty_n enlighten_v their_o reason_n sanctify_v their_o affection_n by_o which_o they_o have_v even_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o great_a rapture_n a_o sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o divine_a truth_n a_o habitual_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o way_n of_o divine_a approach_n and_o presence_n a_o search_n into_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v speak_v even_o after_o they_o have_v speak_v they_o so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n tell_v we_o they_o search_v what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o they_o do_v signify_v 11._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 11._o they_o have_v a_o holy_a gust_n of_o divine_a thing_n a_o judgement_n discern_v between_o any_o sort_n of_o private_a spirit_n and_o the_o universal_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n else_o how_o do_v they_o differ_v from_o balaam_n ult_n 2_o pet._n 1._o ult_n abraham_n no_o doubt_n have_v a_o free_a debate_n with_o himself_o of_o the_o certainty_n that_o the_o voice_n be_v divine_a that_o command_v he_o to_o 22._o gen._n 22._o sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o argue_v within_o himself_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o return_v his_o son_n and_o especial_o his_o son_n isaac_n to_o the_o author_n of_o all_o life_n and_o be_v and_o of_o isaac_n most_o particular_o and_o so_o he_o resign_v he_o but_o infinite_a truth_n and_o goodness_n always_o jealous_a over_o the_o sacredness_n of_o nature_n law_n will_v not_o permit_v the_o execution_n the_o great_a power_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o their_o astonishment_n of_o sense_n but_o summon_v man_n mind_n with_o great_a authority_n to_o rational_a and_o religious_a consideration_n lay_v up_o in_o store_n within_o they_o the_o sum_n then_o of_o this_o point_n be_v this_o natural_a religion_n always_o with_o we_o as_o intimate_v as_o our_o faculty_n as_o certain_a and_o true_a as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o frame_n and_o creation_n must_v be_v our_o ordeal_o if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o our_o fiery_a our_o sure_a way_n of_o trial_n of_o all_o proposal_n make_v to_o we_o in_o religion_n that_o be_v after_o due_a awaken_n our_o mind_n and_o examination_n of_o thing_n by_o they_o and_o the_o bless_a assistance_n or_o high_a infusion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v breathe_v into_o our_o natural_a sentiment_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n enlighten_v purify_v and_o guide_v into_o all_o truth_n 2._o the_o second_o branch_n follow_v viz._n christian_n religion_n have_v such_o a_o evident_a agreement_n with_o natural_a religion_n as_o to_o be_v approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o it_o even_o in_o what_o it_o reveal_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a religion_n now_o if_o it_o be_v first_o evident_a there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a thing_n in_o that_o whole_a religion_n as_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a but_o christianity_n have_v unite_v itself_o with_o itself_o it_o have_v so_o careful_o gather_v up_o all_o the_o fragment_n of_o it_o that_o no_o one_o thing_n be_v or_o can_v be_v lose_v and_o if_o it_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o whatever_a christian_a religion_n reveal_v beyond_o natural_a religion_n endure_v the_o touch_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o be_v beside_o its_o own_o proper_a credential_n recommend_v by_o it_o there_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n add_v to_o evince_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o foundation_n of_o ecumenical_a peace_n in_o religion_n see_v natural_a religion_n be_v the_o oecumenick_n religion_n the_o religion_n of_o all_o mankind_n it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o every_o man_n have_v it_o write_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o christian_a 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from_o god_n to_o man_n from_o man_n to_o one_o another_o he_o that_o persecute_v christianity_n must_v persecute_v righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o which_o whosoever_o 18._o rom._n 14_o 17_o 18._o serve_v christ_n as_o every_o one_o must_v do_v that_o serve_v he_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_a of_o man_n and_o therefore_o to_o despite_n christianity_n be_v not_o only_o belluine_v but_o devilish_a so_o that_o the_o three_o branch_n plain_o result_v from_o the_o two_o former_a viz._n if_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o standard_n and_o touchstone_n give_v we_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n in_o religion_n by_o and_o that_o christian_a religion_n come_v off_o from_o the_o trial_n more_o precious_a than_o gold_n it_o follow_v then_o of_o what_o value_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o demonstrate_v then_o the_o second_o branch_n that_o christian_a religion_n so_o agree_v with_o natural_a as_o to_o
of_o belief_n and_o practice_v agreeable_a thereunto_o such_o a_o one_o i_o say_v christianity_n suppose_v to_o have_v a_o right_a to_o common_a protection_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n of_o humani●y_n while_o he_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v himself_o to_o god_n at_o who_o tribunal_n he_o must_v appear_v to_o who_o as_o his_o own_o master_n he_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v no_o man_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n another_o servant_n in_o this_o case_n 12._o rom._n 14._o 4_o 10_o 12._o now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o submission_n to_o better_a instruction_n to_o give_v great_a reason_n that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n christian_n religion_n bottom_n upon_o and_o presume_v to_o itself_o that_o perfect_a conformity_n in_o a_o man_n principle_n to_o natural_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o principle_n or_o be_v as_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o religion_n be_v in_o debate_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a guard_n according_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o divine_a ordination_n upon_o it_o against_o the_o enmity_n despite_n and_o injury_n of_o private_a person_n and_o against_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o punitive_a justice_n of_o magistrate_n however_o a_o man_n in_o other_o particular_n disting●ishes_v himself_o for_o conscience_n sake_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o insist_v upon_o those_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o suppose_v fix_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o then_o argue_v it_o by_o reason_n with_o respect_n to_o all_o ●ncountring_v objection_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n i_o exhort_v first_o of_o all_o that_o prayer_n supplication_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o ●e_v etc._n 1_o tim_n 2._o 1_o etc._n etc._n make_v for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o may_v live_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o duty_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v viz._n the_o make_n of_o prayer_n supplication_n intercession_n and_o not_o they_o only_o but_o give_v of_o thanks_o and_o for_o all_o man_n and_o not_o only_o but_o eminent_o for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n now_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n injoin_v give_v of_o thanks_o it_o argue_v though_o he_o do_v not_o exclude_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o only_a matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n shall_v be_v the_o conversion_n of_o those_o pray_v for_o for_o there_o be_v then_o no_o conversion_n of_o prince_n nor_o so_o general_a conversion_n of_o private_a person_n as_o shall_v be_v express_v by_o all_o man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o matter_n for_o thanksgiving_n but_o that_o which_o be_v main_o in_o the_o apostle_n eye_n be_v that_o christian_n shall_v concern_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n both_o by_o supplication_n prayer_n and_o intercession_n that_o be_v with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n and_o heartiness_n signify_v in_o that_o accumulation_n of_o expression_n and_o also_o by_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o mercy_n they_o enjoy_v and_o in_o eminent_a manner_n for_o king_n and_o those_o in_o eminency_n who_o be_v the_o trustee_n and_o depositary_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v know_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o true_a natural_a and_o excellent_a religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o a_o fair_a rational_a inducement_n offer_v to_o embrace_v it_o 2._o the_o advantage_n the_o apostle_n express_v as_o arise_v from_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o man_n in_o general_a and_o prince_n in_o special_a be_v convince_v of_o their_o right_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o two_o main_a part_n of_o natural_a religion_n piety_n towards_o god_n love_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o universal_a good_a may_v afford_v to_o christian_n the_o right_n and_o due_n of_o godliness_n and_o grave_a honourable_a sober_a deportment_n among_o man_n that_o be_v peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n not_o break_v out_o into_o injury_n and_o violation_n of_o common_a protection_n and_o humanity_n because_o they_o be_v christian_n from_o hence_o then_o i_o observe_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o right_a to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n be_v godliness_n and_o honourableness_n of_o manner_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o immorality_n and_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o all_o man_n and_o prince_n be_v most_o natural_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o tranquibity_n and_o flourish_a state_n of_o community_n in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o soberness_n though_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o add_v that_o they_o may_v by_o conversion_n be_v not_o only_o almost_o but_o altogether_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o may_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n from_o the_o north_n and_o the_o south_n and_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o which_o the_o freedom_n of_o pprophecy_n under_o the_o caution_n of_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n might_n exceed_o conduce_v on_o which_o account_n the_o apostle_n go_v on_o this_o that_o be_v all_z this_o intercourse_n of_o christian_n prayer_n godliness_n and_o honesty_n and_o all_o man_n magistrate_n especial_o procure_v their_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n see_v the_o one_o god_n the_o one_o mediator_n author_n of_o the_o one_o natural_a and_o the_o one_o true_a reveal_v religion_n be_v equal_o concern_v in_o all_o a_o second_o place_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n complicate_v with_o all_o those_o expression_n of_o both_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o paul_n concern_v magistracy_n and_o the_o ordination_n of_o it_o by_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n the_o apostle_n make_v this_o challenge_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 13._o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v harm_v you_o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a plain_o imply_v to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v good_a aught_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n to_o secure_a man_n from_o harm_n and_o that_o good_a which_o the_o apostle_n intend_v must_v be_v good_a define_v by_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o be_v good_a for_o else_o christianity_n as_o it_o stand_v distinct_a from_o that_o for_o contrary_a to_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v be_v not_o then_o understand_v to_o be_v good_n all_o judgement_n of_o that_o therefore_o be_v suspend_v whether_o good_a or_o not_o good_a as_o it_o stand_v distinct_a from_o natural_a religion_n the_o undeniable_a presence_n of_o all_o natural_a religion_n and_o power_n of_o it_o over_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v their_o defence_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o left_a from_o injury_n concern_v magistracy_n that_o duumvirate_n of_o apostle_n concur_v that_o ruler_n be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o the_o evil_n will_v then_o thou_o not_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o power_n say_v the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v 5._o rom._n 13._o 3_o 4_o 5._o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v praise_n of_o the_o same_o for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o for_o good_a but_o if_o thou_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a be_v afraid_a for_o he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a wherefore_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience-sake_n thus_o far_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n speak_v thus_o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o those_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o for_o 14_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 13_o 14_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil-doer_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o let_v the_o way_n of_o argue_v use_v by_o these_o two_o apostle_n be_v well_o weigh_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o write_v the_o sense_n of_o magistrate_n concern_v christianity_n the_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o magistrate_n and_o yet_o both_o these_o apostle_n write_v as_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v out_o of_o dispute_n between_o magistrate_n and_o christian_n as_o if_o all_o be_v clear_a and_o fair_a between_o they_o and_o no_o controversy_n whether_o christianity_n be_v true_a or_o false_a a_o good_a
understand_v the_o excellent_a wisdom_n gravity_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o man_n especial_o ennoble_v with_o christianity_n will_v bring_v most_o of_o man_n except_o extreme_o bad_a or_o wild_a into_o a_o admiration_n of_o its_o excellency_n that_o even_o ingenuous_a shame_n together_o with_o general_a prudence_n will_v compose_v they_o against_o fugitive_n inconstant_a changeable_a giddy_a opinion_n man_n be_v not_o so_o intractable_a as_o they_o be_v think_v to_o these_o awful_a law_n if_o wise_o propose_v the_o worst_a and_o wild_a part_n will_v become_v in_o every_o man_n sense_n due_a subject_n for_o rigour_n who_o so_o much_o reason_n and_o fair_a inducement_n will_v not_o prevail_v upon_o steelly_a unfruitful_a unsatisfactory_a ceremony_n loose_a principle_n and_o practice_n the_o want_n of_o that_o great_a presence_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o iron_n hand_n instead_o of_o it_o make_v man_n atheistick_a sceptic_a and_o fanatic_a ever_o teem_v into_o vain_a opinion_n for_o want_v of_o solid_a goodness_n to_o rest_v upon_o but_o however_o sinful_a degenerate_a man_n will_v be_v bad_a every_o way_n uniformity_n beget_v loathsome_a ignorance_n and_o formality_n that_o which_o be_v best_a in_o itself_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v viz._n that_o free_a air_n and_o light_n in_o which_o man_n may_v try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a though_o evil_o adhere_v to_o that_o as_o to_o all_o good_a thing_n argum._n 5._o to_o conclude_v true_a natural_a religion_n have_v a_o set_v of_o such_o self-evident_a principle_n that_o it_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o name_v they_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v and_o obey_v universal_a peace_n and_o quietness_n can_v not_o fail_v to_o result_v from_o they_o 1._o that_o every_o man_n have_v the_o due_a care_n of_o his_o soul_n commit_v to_o himself_o so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o apology_n for_o he_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o other_o whether_o church_n magistrate_n or_o public_a teacher_n mislead_v he_o it_o may_v be_v some_o abatement_n of_o condemnation_n to_o he_o and_o increase_v to_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o 18._o ezek._n 3._o 18._o deliver_v he_o he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o sin_n though_o his_o blood_n shall_v be_v require_v at_o the_o watchman_n hand_n what_o reason_n then_o can_v there_o be_v or_o how_o can_v it_o be_v account_v for_o to_o compel_v that_o man_n with_o force_n to_o take_v that_o way_n he_o judge_v dangerous_a or_o drive_v he_o from_o what_o he_o think_v best_o for_o his_o soul_n to_o advise_v persuade_v reason_v he_o be_v commendable_a and_o charitable_a it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o make_v the_o best_a inquiry_n and_o take_v the_o best_a advice_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v against_o his_o own_o sense_n be_v unnatural_a and_o barbarous_a see_v he_o must_v be_v wise_a for_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o scorn_v he_o 12._o prov._n 9_o 12._o alone_o must_v bear_v it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o case_n not_o evident_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o nature_n law_n in_o they_o there_o be_v no_o excuse_n against_o impression_n of_o absolute_a authority_n now_o how_o much_o will_v this_o tend_v to_o peace_n if_o it_o have_v its_o due_a observance_n 2._o that_o humane_a nature_n shall_v do_v all_o the_o good_a kindness_n and_o ease_v it_o can_v to_o itself_o in_o every_o particular_a member_n and_o remove_v all_o the_o evil_a discomfort_n and_o mischief_n it_o can_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o no_o severity_n except_o in_o case_n plain_o destructive_a to_o general_a humanity_n can_v be_v tolerable_a to_o true_a humanity_n if_o this_o be_v man_n rule_n who_o will_v hurt_v or_o destroy_v in_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o a_o man_n can_v without_o infinite_a hazard_n do_v it_o he_o shall_v unite_v himself_o with_o the_o great_a community_n with_o lawful_a governor_n with_o nation_n and_o most_o comprehensive_a congregation_n of_o christian_n see_v that_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o nation_n to_o 11._o rom._n 15._o 9_o 10_o 11._o serve_v he_o all_o people_n to_o praise_v he_o it_o be_v most_o humane_a and_o christian_n it_o be_v also_o most_o a_o man_n interest_n most_o safe_a and_o secure_a to_o himself_o 4._o that_o wherein_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o differ_v from_o any_o man_n much_o more_o from_o a_o community_n he_o shall_v deport_v himself_o with_o all_o meekness_n humility_n modesty_n love_n and_o charity_n that_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v it_o be_v true_o his_o judgement_n and_o sense_n of_o conscience_n and_o not_o perverse_a humour_n that_o make_v he_o differ_v that_o he_o be_v still_o a_o most_o lively_a feel_a member_n in_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n and_o christian_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n except_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n interest_n too_o vast_a to_o be_v compound_v for_o he_o prefer_v the_o public_a before_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o can_v neither_o harm_n nor_o deserve_v to_o be_v harm_v i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v what_o i_o intend_v concern_v this_o first_o foundation_n of_o even_o universal_a peace_n recommend_v by_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o general_a unity_n and_o uniformity_n there_o will_v be_v in_o natural_a religion_n if_o man_n will_v show_v themselves_o man_n i_o will_v only_o by_o way_n of_o conclusion_n reflect_v upon_o the_o usefulness_n of_o so_o great_a a_o point_n 1._o it_o justify_v the_o great_a creator_n of_o all_o who_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n amid_o this_o great_a deordination_n of_o his_o rational_a creature_n that_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o faithful_a creator_n see_v he_o have_v carve_v into_o their_o very_a being_n such_o a_o law_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o if_o they_o will_v but_o show_v themselves_o man_n will_v have_v preserve_v they_o from_o the_o great_a error_n of_o vnderderstanding_n and_o 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of_o christianity_n lie_v therein_o and_o who_o indeed_o possess_v with_o those_o concern_v do_v not_o rejoice_v in_o they_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a gift_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o they_o 3._o yet_o be_v there_o no_o law_n of_o christ_n that_o main_a force_n shall_v be_v use_v upon_o man_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o any_o assembly_n of_o christian_n at_o all_o much_o less_o into_o one_o rather_o than_o another_o especial_o when_o the_o main_a reason_n or_o motive_n of_o unite_n with_o assembly_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n present_v themselves_o to_o man_n apprehension_n and_o conscience_n more_o in_o some_o than_o other_o indeed_o man_n overzealous_a affectation_n of_o some_o and_o unworthy_a neglect_n of_o other_o as_o one_o for_o paul_n another_o for_o apollo_n another_o for_o cephas_n another_o for_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o christ_n as_o if_o these_o minister_n by_o who_o they_o believe_v be_v to_o set_v up_o for_o themselves_o as_o head_n of_o christianinty_a and_o to_o rival_n christ_n himself_o as_o if_o but_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o they_o be_v very_o just_o and_o severe_o chastise_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o a_o true_a value_n for_o all_o the_o steward_n of_o divine_a mystery_n and_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o church_n and_o a_o particular_a value_n for_o those_o pastor_n and_o congregation_n wherein_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v especial_a blessing_n for_o man_n soul_n or_o give_v opportunity_n to_o receive_v such_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n though_o he_o refuse_v undue_a measure_n of_o honour_n yet_o assume_v that_o of_o be_v 2._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 15._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 2._o a_o father_n as_o above_o thousand_o of_o instructor_n christianity_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o humble_a a_o state_n that_o no_o one_o act_v according_o to_o it_o either_o arrogate_v or_o envy_n so_o he_o that_o have_v much_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o over_o or_o above_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o steward_n and_o he_o that_o have_v least_o shall_v have_v nothing_o under_o that_o measure_n if_o he_o be_v find_v faithful_a so_o the_o congregation_n have_v the_o equal_a glory_n of_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o church_n to_o be_v little_a representation_n of_o and_o embody_v with_o his_o own_a catholic_n church_n in_o the_o grand_a union_n of_o all_o christian_n with_o the_o head_n here_o then_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o union_n in_o church_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o nature_n and_o much_o confirm_v and_o exalt_v by_o christianity_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n shall_v be_v make_v as_o public_a and_o universal_a as_o may_v be_v go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o baptise_v all_o nation_n be_v the_o very_a commission_n christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o first_o ambassador_n and_o be_v continue_v to_o all_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o of_o 19_o mat._n 26._o 19_o the_o world_n of_o that_o age_n only_o but_o to_o that_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v till_o his_o second_o come_v until_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n the_o great_a congregation_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a receptacle_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v rare_o speak_v of_o especial_o when_o declare_v etc._n psal_n 100_o 1._o 117._o 16._o 1_o etc._n etc._n in_o its_o magnificence_n with_o a_o less_o public_a character_n than_o all_o people_n all_o nation_n all_o land_n the_o round_a world_n in_o its_o whole_a circle_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o all_z the_o earth_n true_a religion_n aspire_v to_o it_o even_o under_o the_o narrow_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o this_o very_a sense_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o his_o time_n the_o whole_a creation_n groan_v and_o travel_v in_o pain_n until_o etc._n rom._n 8._o 19_o etc._n etc._n now_o and_o the_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o it_o wait_v for_o the_o adoption_n the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v gather_v together_o under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n nor_o will_v some_o of_o every_o nation_n satisfy_v the_o full_a intention_n of_o this_o magnificence_n but_o that_o nation_n as_o nation_n embody_v and_o kingdom_n as_o kingdom_n shall_v become_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o christ_n be_v the_o plenary_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n when_o even_o as_o of_o israel_n a_o indisputable_o national_a church_n god_n shall_v say_v of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o of_o egypt_n and_o assyria_n know_v to_o israel_n so_o well_o and_o know_v so_o well_o as_o rank_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o choose_v as_o representative_n of_o the_o whole_a heathen_a world_n yet_o of_o these_o god_n shall_v say_v bless_a be_v egypt_n my_o people_n and_o assyria_n the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n and_o israel_n ult_n isa_n 19_o ult_n my_o inheritance_n for_o in_o that_o day_n israel_n shall_v be_v but_o a_o three_o with_o egypt_n and_o assyria_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o highway_n through_o they_o all_o and_o they_o shall_v serve_v together_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o free_a passage_n of_o truth_n through_o all_o a_o high_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n throughout_o and_o a_o union_n of_o worship_n so_o then_o if_o we_o find_v so_o much_o for_o a_o national_a religion_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o grasp_v more_o than_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o then_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o if_o our_o saviour_n commission_n for_o make_v disciple_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n extend_v to_o all_o nation_n if_o the_o prophetic_a book_n of_o the_o new_a
it_o become_v one_o great_a family_n i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v some_o exception_n from_o this_o description_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o will_v have_v their_o force_n upon_o national_a religion_n also_o as_o it_o result_v from_o it_o for_o sometime_o one_o monarchy_n do_v as_o it_o be_v stride_v over_o more_o nation_n sometime_o one_o city_n or_o free_a town_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o one_o government_n one_o civil_a interest_n independent_a in_o its_o government_n in_o its_o proper_a interest_n upon_o any_o other_o now_o in_o such_o a_o monarchy_n as_o contain_v several_a people_n and_o nation_n under_o it_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o give_v name_n to_o a_o national_a religion_n while_o their_o interest_n law_n conversation_n and_o civil_a commerce_n be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v distinct_a as_o these_o be_v often_o allow_v to_o be_v under_o some_o conquer_a potentacy_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o narrow_a compass_n of_o people_n than_o we_o proper_o call_v a_o nation_n viz._n a_o region_n a_o province_n a_o city_n have_v its_o interest_n its_o law_n its_o government_n conversation_n and_o commerce_n entire_a to_o itself_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o purpose_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o as_o it_o be_v a_o nation_n the_o sum_n than_o be_v this_o so_o far_o as_o humane_a society_n have_v draw_v any_o people_n or_o family_n into_o a_o close_a and_o more_o compact_a state_n of_o civil_a interest_n necessitude_n one_o to_o another_o and_o government_n run_v up_o to_o the_o high_a point_n of_o government_n in_o that_o compact_a state_n so_o far_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o union_n in_o public_a religion_n draw_v upon_o they_o where_o these_o be_v free_a that_o attendance_n to_o union_n in_o religion_n be_v free_a also_o any_o further_a than_o the_o common_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o bound_v even_o those_o at_o great_a distance_n and_o union_n one_o with_o another_o for_o thus_o religion_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o unite_v all_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o at_o what_o remove_n soever_o from_o one_o another_o it_o may_v and_o ought_v also_o to_o pass_v upon_o whatever_o bond_n of_o union_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o union_n as_o law_n commerce_n conversation_n common_a safety_n run_v all_o up_o to_o the_o supreme_a government_n over_o that_o conjunction_n to_o graft_v religion_n upon_o all_o else_o be_v but_o consent_n in_o the_o same_o unity_n of_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n which_o make_v the_o catholic_n church_n one_o body_n and_o join_v with_o one_o another_o presential_o in_o the_o same_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n when_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a happen_v to_o fall_v out_o as_o can_v be_v suppose_v frequent_a in_o part_n remote_a one_o from_o another_o and_o of_o a_o divers_a lip_n or_o language_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v indeed_o unite_a as_o humane_a nature_n be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o true_a reason_n and_o thereupon_o a_o readiness_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n to_o correspond_v one_o with_o another_o at_o a_o distance_n or_o confer_v one_o with_o another_o if_o at_o any_o time_n suitable_a concurrence_n favour_v it_o or_o as_o the_o world_n much_o more_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o temple_n build_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n wherein_o all_o good_a man_n meet_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o worship_n and_o if_o opportunity_n allow_v in_o the_o same_o actual_a worship_n the_o near_a therefore_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v by_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o nation_n by_o the_o frequency_n of_o traffic_n the_o neare●_n the_o more_o frequent_a the_o correspondency_n be_v the_o mutual_a assistance_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o now_o in_o the_o dependency_n and_o interweaving_n of_o all_o civil_a interest_n in_o nation_n there_o be_v not_o only_o those_o voluntary_a and_o contingent_a correspondency_n but_o such_o as_o first_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o bind_v of_o themselves_o to_o common_a true_a religion_n and_o then_o have_v the_o favour_n encouragement_n direction_n obligation_n of_o law_n and_o authority_n run_v like_o the_o same_o spirit_n into_o all_o the_o several_a part_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o recommend_v that_o national_a true_a religion_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o this_o union_n that_o be_v first_o command_v by_o god_n beside_o much_o more_o free_a ordinary_a actual_a meeting_n in_o one_o and_o the_o very_a same_o place_n and_o act_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n allow_v our_o worldly_a calling_n and_o the_o provision_n of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o relation_n and_o therefore_o a_o neighbourhood_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o more_o populous_a of_o city_n or_o town_n or_o the_o more_o infrequent_a of_o village_n have_v the_o conveniency_n of_o more_o solemn_a and_o state_v meeting_n the_o ordinary_a fit_a season_n of_o the_o lordsday_n and_o other_o solemn_a time_n of_o worship_n thereupon_o national_a religion_n be_v general_o exercise_v in_o these_o lesser_a society_n even_o as_o the_o justice_n and_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o national_a authority_n must_v be_v bring_v home_o to_o man_n in_o their_o particular_a country_n and_o town_n and_o not_o rest_n in_o the_o capital_a city_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o their_o daily_a business_n and_o conversation_n and_o yet_o the_o standard_n of_o all_o thing_n national_a be_v general_o preserve_v there_o for_o the_o very_a sake_n of_o union_n even_o so_o of_o national_a religion_n not_o as_o religion_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o that_o be_v scripture_n only_o but_o as_o national_a so_o the_o agreement_n in_o it_o be_v deposit_v with_o all_o other_o national_a acts._n so_o that_o national_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o naturalness_n and_o closeness_n of_o the_o union_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o therein_o it_o imitate_v the_o nearness_n and_o closeness_n of_o family_n or_o lesser_a incorporation_n as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o second_o thing_n viz_o the_o illustriousness_n magnificence_n honourableness_n of_o religion_n as_o seat_v in_o large_a body_n but_o especial_o as_o upon_o the_o sovereignty_n and_n supremacy_n of_o the_o great_a incorporation_n of_o mankind_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v further_a that_o all_o this_o do_v most_o effectual_o exclude_v the_o pretence_n of_o a_o universal_a church-monarchy_n as_o hateful_a in_o religion_n as_o a_o universal_a state-monarchy_n in_o politic_n and_o civil_a liberty_n both_o of_o which_o be_v indeed_o tyranny_n the_o imaginary_a benefit_n of_o such_o sort_n of_o union_n be_v infinite_o toilsome_a and_o tedious_a while_o they_o be_v expect_v and_o always_o in_o the_o issue_n find_v impossible_a to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o their_o fruit_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o the_o pretender_n be_v labour_v for_o and_o grasp_a at_o so_o vast_a a_o power_n they_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o the_o lamentable_a effect_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o do_v indeed_o destroy_v humane_a society_n because_o those_o law_n and_o band_n that_o tie_v it_o together_o be_v so_o overstrained_a fly_v in_o piece_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o christianity_n than_o a_o universal_a head_n of_o religion_n here_o upon_o earth_n except_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o ubiquity_n of_o holiness_n power_n and_o influence_n come_v down_o to_o reign_v upon_o it_o a_o universal_a union_n be_v indeed_o desirable_a and_o glorious_a if_o there_o be_v a_o omnipresence_n of_o virtue_n answerable_a to_o the_o administration_n but_o that_o be_v too_o great_a for_o any_o creature_n too_o great_a in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n and_o christian_a religion_n glide_v along_o with_o the_o civil_a union_n they_o find_v prepare_v as_o i_o shall_v present_o evince_v beyond_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o usurpation_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o national_a religion_n not_o afford_v to_o any_o other_o figure_n of_o union_n in_o it_o the_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v that_o i_o derive_v from_o this_o prayer_n i_o argum._n 2_o have_v choose_v to_o discourse_v this_o point_n upon_o and_o i_o lay_v it_o thus_o the_o prayer_n in_o which_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rest_n upon_o some_o great_a pillar_n and_o principle_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o argument_n for_o particular_a case_n in_o which_o they_o pray_v be_v bring_v to_o those_o general_a principle_n by_o a_o understanding_n enlighten_v to_o understand_v in_o a_o humble_a sense_n even_o as_o god_n understand_v
evil_n nor_o find_v it_o so_o mix_v with_o the_o good_a as_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o separation_n and_o what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v do_v not_o necessitate_v the_o total_a departure_n from_o that_o public_a worship_n when_o the_o very_a institution_n be_v not_o change_v by_o that_o want_n for_o the_o true_a christian_a may_v make_v up_o that_o want_n in_o privater_a duty_n thus_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o to_o 16._o mal._n 3._o 16._o one_o another_o without_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o free_a use_n grant_v by_o christ_n of_o all_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o a_o freedom_n on_o each_o side_n to_o do_v o●_n not_o to_o do_v where_o no_o moral_a evil_n adhere_v or_o disobedience_n to_o some_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n attend_v either_o part_n if_o then_o religion_n be_v not_o draw_v out_o of_o those_o necessary_a thing_n wherein_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n have_v place_v it_o and_o tradition_n thereupon_o become_v doctrine_n which_o constant_o carry_v along_o a_o reject_v the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o a_o low_a esteem_n of_o they_o for_o those_o tradition_n sake_n if_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_n or_o indecency_n nor_o that_o a_o too_o great_a cumber_v be_v draw_v upon_o religious_a act_n every_o thing_n be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n leave_v to_o its_o own_o indifferency_n as_o reason_n invite_v or_o persuade_v on_o either_o side_n to_o the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v all_o which_o set_v man_n free_a from_o a_o jewish_a yoke_n in_o these_o case_n and_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a liberty_n eat_v or_o not_o eat_v keep_v a_o day_n or_o not_o keep_v it_o buy_v in_o a_o market_n and_o go_v to_o a_o feast_n without_o ask_v any_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n without_o fear_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o moral_a defilement_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o other_o man_n sin_n defile_v only_o to_o themselves_o if_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a be_v plain_o the_o liberty_n christ_n have_v publish_v to_o we_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a and_o not_o to_o be_v reject_v but_o receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n no_o sin_n of_o man_n can_v pollute_v it_o to_o any_o but_o himself_o and_o this_o consideration_n may_v state_n to_o we_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o relate_v to_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o nature_n itself_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v write_v with_o a_o sunbeam_n upon_o thing_n themselves_o be_v out_o of_o all_o dispute_n god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o not_o of_o the_o contrary_a confusion_n or_o indecency_n that_o order_n which_o be_v the_o prudential_a contrivance_n of_o man_n though_o not_o the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n time_n and_o to_o all_o person_n as_o the_o former_a yet_o aught_o to_o be_v cheerful_o comply_v with_o as_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o national_a union_n in_o and_o administration_n of_o public_a religion_n both_o as_o to_o officer_n and_o thing_n see_v nothing_o can_v be_v settle_v without_o order_n according_o we_o find_v the_o wise_a and_o pious_a governor_n among_o the_o jew_n take_v care_n and_o the_o people_n submit_v to_o such_o ordination_n and_o all_o under_o divine_a approbation_n the_o order_n that_o be_v mere_o of_o humane_a position_n and_o arbitration_n move_v the_o great_a doubt_n stand_v in_o thing_n that_o have_v only_o the_o thin_a pretext_n of_o antiquity_n to_o give_v they_o some_o venerableness_n or_o that_o they_o be_v usage_n already_o in_o be_v or_o that_o they_o add_v the_o imaginary_a decency_n that_o ceremony_n set_v out_o humane_a action_n with_o now_o as_o to_o this_o they_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o impose_v be_v equal_o to_o weigh_v the_o value_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o what_o that_o may_v suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o order_n and_o a_o 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reform_a christianity_n fall_v in_o one_o with_o another_o if_o we_o value_v what_o we_o agree_v in_o at_o a_o high_a rate_n as_o certain_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v than_o what_o we_o differ_v about_o 2._o the_o way_n to_o make_v national_a religion_n most_o national_a be_v by_o comprehend_v all_o the_o difference_n that_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o true_a religion_n while_o they_o that_o dissent_v in_o some_o thing_n receive_v one_o another_o with_o a_o good_a peaceable_a holy_a and_o public_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o inducement_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v all_o pray_v for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o holy_a service_n of_o all_o that_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n distinguish_v christian_n but_o immediate_o unite_v they_o again_o both_v they_o and_o we_o they_o and_o
we_o whatever_a small_a distinction_n make_v the_o they_o and_o the_o we_o be_v both_o one_o in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o so_o unite_v though_o not_o bind_v up_o in_o the_o same_o form_n with_o we_o for_o a_o gracious_a audience_n and_o reception_n of_o their_o and_o our_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o union_n in_o the_o main_a may_v convey_v all_o our_o service_n into_o one_o before_o god_n where_o indeed_o if_o they_o be_v as_o he_o require_v they_o meet_v strip_v of_o all_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n form_n and_o ceremony_n faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v alone_o able_a to_o mount_v thither_o with_o they_o and_o service_n so_o raise_v can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v spare_v for_o small_a difference_n in_o a_o national_a religious_a interest_n for_o the_o angel_n of_o all_o such_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n if_o darius_n though_o a_o heathen_a prince_n have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o virtue_n 10_o ezr._n 6._o 10_o of_o that_o true_a religion_n he_o be_v not_o of_o as_o to_o engage_v those_o of_o so_o great_a difference_n from_o he_o in_o their_o sense_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o son_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o know_v the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o it_o by_o great_a act_n of_o favour_n to_o one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o can_v be_v whole_o one_o yet_o all_o join_v in_o pray_v for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o one_o another_o service_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n whereof_o we_o be_v not_o only_o civil_a but_o religious_a member_n and_o if_o we_o be_v true_o religious_a shall_v be_v so_o account_v with_o god_n yet_o with_o the_o abatement_n of_o our_o sinful_a difference_n and_o division_n how_o shall_v we_o therefore_o unite_v that_o we_o may_v 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in_o they_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o good_a man_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o say_v again_o that_o be_v true_o our_o national_a religion_n all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o order_n decency_n outward_a form_n or_o mode_n be_v but_o the_o vehicle_n the_o conveyance_n of_o that_o true_a religion_n if_o the_o main_a end_n of_o which_o be_v obtain_v viz._n that_o these_o religious_a act_n be_v perform_v but_o with_o that_o peace_n and_o freedom_n from_o confusion_n confusion_n destructive_a of_o all_o public_a action_n and_o with_o that_o honourableness_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o every_o nation_n and_o this_o nation_n particular_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o religious_a worship_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o whatever_o on_o these_o account_n be_v command_v in_o our_o national_a religion_n i_o free_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v as_o reconcilable_a with_o these_o character_n forbear_v such_o who_o though_o agree_v in_o all_o main_a thing_n upon_o sincere_a 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glory_n at_o the_o appear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n at_o his_o come_n before_o who_o nothing_o but_o the_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n of_o substantial_a truth_n and_o goodness_n can_v stand_v all_o else_o will_v be_v burn_v off_o as_o hay_o and_o chaff_n by_o the_o fire_n of_o that_o day_n and_o they_o that_o have_v be_v hot_a and_o contentious_a for_o they_o be_v save_v only_o as_o by_o fire_n with_o difficulty_n and_o loss_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o our_o union_n and_o love_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n may_v be_v to_o we_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o presence_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o blessing_n that_o neither_o our_o candlestick_n may_v be_v remove_v nor_o our_o nation_n the_o present_a place_n of_o it_o be_v take_v away_o for_o general_o both_o be_v remove_v one_o with_o the_o other_o or_o soon_o after_o one_o another_o rule_n 8._o let_v no_o man_n be_v discourage_v from_o the_o most_o zealous_a affectionate_a join_v himself_o to_o and_o promote_a national_a religion_n because_o o●_n that_o veneration_n due_a to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o nation_n unite_v in_o true_a christian_a religion_n differ_v no_o more_o in_o the_o strict_a notion_n from_o a_o church_n than_o a_o body_n of_o man_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o society_n unite_v and_o consecrate_v to_o god_n according_a to_o a_o institution_n that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o institution_n plant_v in_o nature_n differ_v from_o a_o institution_n give_v by_o revelation_n for_o one_o be_v the_o appointment_n of_o god_n of_o old_a from_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o humane_a society_n the_o other_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o inability_n of_o it_o to_o its_o end_n a_o institution_n therefore_o do_v not_o repeal_v a_o natural_a law_n but_o take_v care_n it_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o complete_v in_o its_o chief_a end_n israel_n be_v a_o church_n to_o god_n be_v so_o devote_v to_o he_o by_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n according_a to_o the_o original_a 6._o exod._n 19_o 6._o law_n be_v elevate_v by_o the_o institution_n to_o its_o true_a perfection_n as_o a_o nation_n the_o christian_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n as_o he_o style_v they_o succeed_v into_o the_o place_n of_o that_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n consecrate_a to_o god_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n upon_o nation_n though_o but_o stranger_n scatter_v abroad_o yet_o to_o show_v the_o 1●_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1●_n great_a value_n god_n have_v of_o a_o nation_n devote_v to_o he_o they_o be_v style_v a_o holy_a nation_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o seat_n 9_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v a_o nation_n unite_v in_o that_o true_a religion_n both_o a_o church_n as_o that_o catholic_n church_n have_v thereby_o a_o residence_n in_o it_o and_o much_o more_o than_o those_o forementioned_a scatter_a jew_n a_o holy_a nation_n as_o it_o be_v national_o resign_v up_o to_o god_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n make_v perfect_a by_o the_o institution_n where_o then_o a_o nation_n be_v unite_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o holy_a rule_n of_o practice_n the_o catholic_n love_n of_o all_o christian_n baptise_a into_o the_o same_o body_n make_v to_o drink_v into_o that_o one_o spirit_n in_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n minister_a the_o same_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n infallible_o deliver_v and_o seal_v with_o miracle_n all_o
corruption_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o spark_n and_o have_v only_o this_o at_o god_n hand_n to_o lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n beside_o that_o god_n in_o just_a displeasure_n send_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o revenge_n of_o a_o abuse_a and_o injure_a power_n and_o godhead_n now_o all_o this_o express_v the_o height_n both_o of_o the_o deception_n and_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n 4._o the_o four_o great_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n against_o which_o 24._o heb._n 12._o 24._o there_o lie_v no_o such_o scandal_n or_o cause_n of_o offence_n as_o inward_a and_o inherent_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a appetite_n which_o be_v obstinate_o set_v to_o obtain_v its_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v tame_v but_o by_o bein●_n cut_v off_o though_o it_o be_v the_o right_a hand_n or_o right_a foot_n or_o even_o the_o right_a eye_n the_o love_n of_o god_n 43._o mark_v 9_o 43._o and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o this_o scandal_n and_o daily_a mortification_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o the_o old_a man_n with_o 22._o ephes_n 4._o 22._o its_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n pretence_n from_o reason_n or_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v none_o in_o this_o case_n to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v either_o christianity_n or_o morality_n but_o man_n be_v carry_v down_o the_o violent_a stream_n of_o ungoverned_a passion_n and_o that_o fall_v into_o the_o wide_a sea_n of_o general_a corruption_n and_o bad_a example_n which_o look_v most_o like_a a_o authority_n there_o be_v the_o palliation_n and_o excuse_n of_o sin_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o a_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o carnal_a security_n but_o can_v so_o delude_v conscience_n as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a sense_n scandal_n the_o continual_a practice_n of_o sin_n harden_v the_o heart_n sear_n benumb_v and_o stupefy_v all_o inward_a sense_n and_o cancel_v the_o awe_n of_o those_o engrave_v law_n and_o reveal_v command_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n but_o can_v either_o deny_v their_o just_a power_n or_o challenge_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n so_o that_o if_o any_o where_o man_n be_v force_v to_o take_v refuge_n at_o the_o atheistick_a denial_n of_o religion_n itself_o or_o to_o blind_a conscience_n with_o superstitious_a act_n which_o seem_v to_o commute_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o sin_n or_o if_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o obstruct_v all_o sense_n they_o may_v make_v the_o profession_n of_o true_a religion_n a_o cover_n to_o sin_n as_o they_o that_o cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o 22._o mat._n 7._o 22._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o 19_o jer._n 7._o 4._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o christ_n with_o great_a ostentation_n and_o so_o may_v deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n but_o to_o hold_v out_o against_o either_o the_o challenge_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o their_o own_o reflection_n be_v impossible_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n predominant_a lust_n from_o within_o and_o bad_a example_n from_o the_o so_o abound_a iniquity_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o fall_v of_o good_a man_n the_o miscarriage_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o insincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a scandal_n or_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ensnare_v in_o the_o afore-named_n scandal_n but_o although_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o strict_a and_o proper_a scandal_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a centre_n of_o all_o scandal_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o for_o then_o a_o man_n be_v indeed_o scandalize_v when_o the_o salt_n of_o divine_a truth_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n can_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o efficacy_n upon_o he_o because_o of_o that_o scandal_n to_o season_v the_o heart_n nor_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o love_n fear_v and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n what_o he_o do_v not_o promise_n by_o profession_n or_o if_o he_o seem_v to_o deny_v any_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o do_v not_o understand_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o extent_n and_o force_n of_o his_o denial_n but_o have_v better_a principle_n that_o be_v a_o antidote_n and_o counterpoison_n to_o any_o mistake_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v not_o scandalize_v with_o the_o great_a mischief_n of_o scandal_n but_o that_o man_n be_v scandalize_v that_o through_o false_a principle_n or_o the_o denial_n of_o true_a one_o want_v their_o power_n and_o virtue_n upon_o his_o affection_n and_o action_n for_o no_o truth_n be_v for_o notion_n sake_n but_o to_o make_v true_o good_a the_o heart_n and_o practice_n the_o very_a confession_n with_o the_o mouth_n be_v to_o recoil_v back_o into_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v that_o better_a and_o to_o move_v forward_o and_o engage_v the_o life_n along_o with_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o grand_a pillar_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o that_o he_o that_o love_v 21._o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o god_n shall_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o there_o be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v any_o law_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o equity_n the_o love_n favour_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n towards_o humane_a nature_n do_v more_o evident_o recommend_v itself_o it_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n his_o philanthropy_n do_v shine_v out_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o do_v the_o law_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o love_n of_o christian_n to_o one_o another_o and_o not_o only_o to_o christian_n but_o to_o all_o man_n and_o in_o this_o as_o of_o great_a concernment_n th●_n gospel_n be_v so_o abundant_a and_o its_o discourse_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n that_o it_o be_v make_v another_o hemisphere_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v the_o first_o and_o 39_o mat._n ●1_n 38_o 39_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a law_n it_o be_v irreconcilable_a 9_o rom._n 13._o 8_o 9_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n not_o to_o love_v our_o brother_n it_o be_v 15._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 15._o such_o a_o degree_n of_o murder_n that_o whoever_o be_v guilty_a of_o can_v have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n 14._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 14._o we_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n so_o many_o be_v the_o argument_n and_o so_o strong_a the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n that_o they_o can_v be_v recount_v all_o may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o that_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o now_o that_o this_o love_n be_v fix_v in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o opinion_n or_o point_n of_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v for_o beside_o the_o impossibility_n to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o innocent_a variety_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n though_o it_o be_v christian_a humane_a nature_n in_o their_o sentiment_n and_o election_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o of_o that_o amount_v as_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a rest_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n or_o that_o if_o it_o miss_v these_o pole_n it_o shall_v therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o axis_n upon_o which_o the_o catholic_n society_n of_o christian_n and_o christian_a unity_n turn_n for_o that_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v substantial_a christianity_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a schism_n to_o be_v divide_v in_o affection_n from_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v see_v small_a difference_n be_v frequent_o by_o the_o apostle_n consider_v and_o allow_v for_o without_o the_o least_o allowance_n for_o christian_n not_o love_v one_o another_o christianity_n carry_v no_o gall_n even_o towards_o utmost_a stranger_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n much_o less_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v true_o christian_n though_o not_o each_o uniform_a with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o great_a scandal_n against_o this_o love_n be_v private_a man_n think_v it_o justifiable_a not_o to_o love_v those_o that_o have_v injure_v they_o but_o this_o case_n have_v be_v consider_v
whole_o naked_a and_o uncover_v of_o any_o pretence_n according_a to_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o without_o the_o shelter_n of_o some_o scandal_n and_o if_o they_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o all_o else_o they_o yet_o retire_v under_o this_o it_o be_v a_o undesirable_a state_n for_o a_o freeborn_a understanding_n and_o will_n to_o be_v under_o subjection_n there_o be_v something_o tyrannic_a and_o oppressive_a in_o it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v and_o choose_v what_o be_v best_a for_o themselves_o and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o resolvedness_n in_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o do_v whatever_o go_v out_o of_o its_o own_o mouth_n the_o apostle_n observe_v the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o it_o neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v 7._o rom._n 8._o 7._o it_o be_v always_o offend_v at_o it_o it_o always_o pretend_v some_o cause_n against_o it_o and_z if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o that_o it_o be_v too_o arbitrary_a a_o pretence_n a_o show_n of_o reason_n seem_v necessary_a to_o a_o rational_a mind_n and_o will_n that_o be_v so_o make_v under_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n it_o can_v sin_v but_o by_o be_v deceive_v and_o grasp_a at_o some_o forbid_a appear_v good_n hence_o even_o the_o devil_n think_v their_o case_n justify_v a_o eternal_a quarrel_n against_o god_n their_o misery_n be_v to_o they_o a_o just_a cause_n but_o the_o various_a degree_n kind_n and_o shape_v of_o scandal_n be_v so_o many_o so_o confuse_v so_o perplex_v that_o the_o very_a view_n of_o it_o will_v enforce_v a_o think_a soul_n to_o cry_v out_o i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n o_o lord_n as_o the_o patriarch_n jacob_n in_o a_o prophetic_a prospect_n upon_o dan_n out_o of_o who_o some_o have_v fancy_v antichrist_n shall_v arise_v describe_v he_o as_o one_o will_v describe_v scandal_n and_o therefore_o near_o enough_o to_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o scandal_n and_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o yet_o will_v be_v as_o dan_fw-mi judge_v over_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n scandal_n be_v a_o serpent_n by_o the_o way_n a_o adder_n in_o the_o path_n that_o bit_v the_o horse_n heel_n so_o that_o his_o rider_n shall_v fall_v backward_o most_o mischievous_a ruin_n consider_v therefore_o the_o danger_n the_o multitude_n of_o scandal_n we_o wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n o_o lord_n scandal_n then_o in_o particular_a person_n and_o case_n be_v infinite_a but_o the_o more_o general_a may_v be_v reduce_v in_o person_n of_o no_o sense_n no_o true_a love_n to_o religion_n 1._o to_o the_o almost_o universal_a insolency_n of_o wickedness_n in_o humane_a nature_n bear_v away_o with_o the_o force_n and_o authority_n of_o so_o bad_a example_n all_o before_o it_o and_o if_o defend_v by_o atheistick_a boldness_n wicked_a man_n clap_v their_o hand_n among_o themselves_o and_o multiply_v word_n against_o god_n they_o go_v in_o company_n 7._o job_n 43._o 7._o one_o with_o another_o and_o fulfil_v or_o justify_v and_o make_v good_a the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ungodly_a they_o drink_v scorn_v like_o water_n and_o add_v rebellion_n to_o their_o sin_n 2._o to_o the_o ignorance_n sottishness_n and_o unconcernedness_n in_o religion_n of_o vulgar_a mind_n which_o rest_v under_o such_o shadow_n as_o these_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o will_v not_o damn_v his_o creature_n all_o have_v their_o fault_n even_o the_o best_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o most_o religious_a there_o be_v more_o ado_n than_o needs_o religion_n drive_v man_n out_o of_o their_o wit_n 3._o to_o a_o false_a a_o formal_a religion_n damnable_a heresy_n or_o a_o superstition_n in_o place_n of_o religion_n rage_v with_o great_a show_n of_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n against_o true_a religion_n which_o while_n man_n bloody_o pursue_v they_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n from_o those_o that_o be_v more_o serious_a in_o the_o true_a religion_n these_o scandal_n especial_o arise_v 1._o all_o immorality_n impure_a interest_n of_o ambition_n pleasure_n or_o covetousness_n be_v very_o offensive_a and_o expose_v religion_n both_o to_o stranger_n and_o even_o among_o themselves_o it_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a or_o almost_o impossible_a in_o this_o scandalise_v state_n to_o sever_v in_o our_o censure_n religion_n itself_o from_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o man_n will_v know_v the_o religion_n and_o not_o only_o the_o man_n by_o the_o fruit_n they_o bring_v forth_o though_o religion_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o severe_a in_o condemn_v what_o ever_o be_v bad_a and_o so_o shall_v be_v judge_v only_o by_o itself_o 2._o the_o great_a and_o many_o and_o sharp_a difference_n among_o those_o that_o be_v the_o professor_n of_o religion_n make_v most_o remarkable_a by_o the_o high_a feud_n and_o furious_a rencounter_n that_o give_v sport_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o in_o traduce_v it_o and_o every_o way_n enfeeble_v it_o among_o themselves_o be_v great_a scandal_n 3._o the_o strange_a antipathy_n in_o religious_a person_n against_o permit_v the_o due_a liberty_n to_o conscience_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o express_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n that_o man_n either_o upon_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n or_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o acknowledge_v consequence_n from_o they_o can_v deny_v which_o be_v many_o way_n destructive_a of_o the_o true_a power_n of_o religion_n wherever_o it_o take_v be_v the_o scandal_n of_o act_v against_o sense_n or_o conscience_n the_o apostle_n as_o have_v be_v show_v so_o remark_n upon_o and_o be_v however_o a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o entrance_n into_o and_o loss_n of_o reputation_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o by_o the_o clash_n between_o those_o that_o can_v comply_v because_o they_o doubt_v and_o those_o that_o either_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o when_o they_o say_v they_o doubt_v or_o think_v they_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v whether_o they_o doubt_v or_o not_o or_o will_v drive_v they_o against_o the_o express_a rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o it_o be_v allow_v they_o do_v doubt_n thus_o i_o have_v describe_v scandal_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a unconvert_v nature_n of_o man_n be_v seat_v though_o some_o be_v deep_o than_o other_o in_o it_o the_o very_o best_a man_n be_v under_o the_o remain_v of_o it_o and_o be_v never_o perfect_a from_o it_o till_o in_o the_o state_n of_o just_a spirit_n make_v perfect_a where_o scandal_n can_v enter_v in_o hell_n it_o remain_v for_o ever_o even_o under_o the_o conviction_n of_o everlasting_a punishment_n there_o be_v a_o eternal_a dislike_n and_o discontent_n at_o a_o reply_n against_o god_n and_o his_o government_n as_o not_o worthy_a of_o love_n and_o submissive_a reverence_n but_o to_o be_v rebel_v against_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o those_o conviction_n can_v there_o be_v that_o humble_a deference_n so_o due_a to_o god_n it_o will_v be_v repentance_n and_o recovery_n to_o heaven_n and_o now_o the_o misery_n of_o scandal_n run_v along_o with_o it_o all_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n which_o be_v eternal_a life_n be_v scandal_n in_o the_o deception_n first_o and_o after_o fall_v down_o into_o the_o miserable_a state_n in_o which_o it_o always_o remain_v but_o never_o end_v express_v by_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v the_o fire_n never_o quench_v the_o weep_a wail_a and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n for_o ever_o every_o one_o that_o make_v and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o lie_n of_o scandal_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n but_o he_o that_o make_v that_o ●ye_z sink_v deep_a for_o though_o they_o be_v so_o miserable_a so_o great_a a_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o yet_o still_o woe_n in_o a_o eminency_n to_o he_o by_o who_o scandal_n come_v have_v be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o can_v be_v reverse_v and_o now_o i_o be_o more_o immediate_o and_o near_o to_o fall_v upon_o what_o concern_v we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o practice_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o scandal_n 1._o let_v we_o serious_o apprehend_v the_o great_a folly_n of_o take_v hold_v of_o scandal_n and_o make_v advantage_n of_o it_o against_o any_o of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o suck_v in_o a_o common_a infection_n or_o contagion_n because_o it_o be_v common_a or_o take_v into_o ourselves_o a_o reason_n or_o a_o pretence_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v eternal_o undo_v and_o miserable_a because_o the_o most_o be_v so_o the_o scandalize_a and_o the_o scandalize_v world_n perish_v together_o they_o that_o bring_v the_o pestilentitial_a contagion_n that_o run_v deep_a in_o their_o own_o vein_n and_o they_o that_o draw_v it_o in_o to_o themselves_o from_o
be_v infamous_a malefactor_n malcontent_n under_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o sage_a government_n or_o wit_n ill_o employ_v that_o lampoon_n it_o 6._o let_v we_o continual_o look_v to_o jesus_n who_o in_o himself_o subdue_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o scandal_n keep_v steady_a and_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o do_v always_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v please_v to_o it_o though_o scandal_n of_o all_o sort_n press_v in_o on_o every_o side_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o 6._o phil._n 2._o 6._o god_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n yet_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n but_o take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v find_v in_o fashion_n as_o a_o man_n he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o death_n even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n hereby_o even_o by_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o profound_a humility_n of_o his_o obedience_n he_o have_v not_o only_o do_v that_o honour_n give_v that_o glory_n to_o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n and_o righteousness_n the_o glory_n of_o that_o supreme_a authority_n as_o have_v make_v recompense_n for_o all_o the_o scandal_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n so_o far_o as_o that_o sovereignty_n or_o righteousness_n be_v absolute_o concern_v whether_o any_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o or_o not_o but_o have_v also_o make_v atonement_n perfect_a atonement_n and_o reconciliation_n for_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o and_o obey_v he_o into_o a_o share_n of_o which_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n the_o holy_a angelical_a nature_n immediate_o enter_v according_a to_o their_o state_n even_o from_o the_o time_n he_o be_v declare_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n through_o his_o obedience_n and_o meditaion_n adore_v and_o apply_v to_o they_o have_v persevere_v free_a from_o scandal_n by_o which_o so_o great_a a_o part_n fall_v upon_o account_n of_o which_o 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spirit_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o so_o monstrous_a a_o seduction_n answ_n they_o lose_v their_o place_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a write_v in_o heaven_n and_o forfeit_v it_o from_o all_o their_o posterity_n quest_n but_o do_v these_o excommunicate_a spirit_n prevail_v upon_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o become_v absolute_o and_o immediate_o of_o their_o separation_n answ_n no_o for_o god_n clothe_v himself_o in_o his_o son_n with_o the_o compassion_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n lay_v hold_v upon_o humane_a nature_n as_o the_o head_n of_o its_o recovery_n in_o that_o very_a nature_n certain_o reconcile_a his_o own_o seed_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n or_o his_o church_n into_o a_o state_n more_o catholic_n than_o the_o first_o he_o god-man_n be_v so_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o it_o and_o with_o a_o redundance_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o mankind_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o restoration_n to_o their_o first_o communion_n with_o advantage_n if_o build_v upon_o aright_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o foundation_n lay_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o all_o man_n especial_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v for_o the_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o first_o catholic_n state_n of_o religion_n answ_n the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n before_o the_o fall_n viz._n the_o law_n of_o natural_a religion_n preserve_v in_o the_o soul_n with_o direct_a aspect_n upon_o god_n obligation_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o desire_v of_o his_o favour_n and_o when_o man_n find_v himself_o in_o a_o fall_v estate_n and_o under_o gild_n and_o yet_o that_o god_n spare_v he_o and_o have_v patience_n with_o he_o there_o must_v needs_o arise_v from_o true_a reason_n hope_n of_o and_o desire_v after_o his_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n and_o motion_n of_o return_n to_o he_o by_o repentance_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n 2._o 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the_o other_o with_o innumerable_a maze_n of_o union_n sometime_o prepare_v we_o for_o reveal_v religion_n by_o natural_a always_o to_o the_o true_a natural_a by_o reveal_v and_o so_o confirm_v they_o to_o we_o by_o one_o another_o quest_n you_o have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o creation_n providence_n evidence_n of_o divine_a presence_n and_o miracle_n what_o place_v they_o have_v in_o the_o renewal_n of_o man_n state_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o redeemer_n answ_n these_o be_v all_o in_o the_o very_a same_o place_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o settlement_n attend_v the_o doctrine_n and_o divine_a law_n they_o be_v to_o seal_v with_o assurance_n they_o be_v divine_a and_o give_v the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o that_o law_n in_o the_o power_n majesty_n rectitude_n and_o order_n they_o themselves_o carry_v and_o so_o testify_v of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n of_o what_o excellency_n it_o be_v and_o that_o even_o before_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v embody_a and_o 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man_n heart_n answ_n whatever_o be_v indeed_o write_v in_o man_n heart_n must_v certain_o be_v from_o god_n see_v no_o create_v hand_n can_v write_v there_o the_o hand_n that_o make_v can_v alone_o ingrave_n it_o quest_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o make_v a_o judgement_n what_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o heart_n answ_n that_o which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o amid_o all_o the_o difference_n in_o religion_n fall_v under_o no_o variation_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v place_v there_o by_o that_o supreme_a hand_n that_o alike_o fashion_v all_o man_n heart_n and_o especial_o see_v to_o this_o universal_a acknowledgement_n there_o be_v no_o temptation_n from_o the_o sensual_a and_o worst_a part_n of_o man_n it_o be_v against_o its_o interest_n but_o it_o spring_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a part_n most_o unconcerned_a in_o this_o world_n or_o any_o of_o the_o brutish_a pleasure_n of_o it_o quest_n what_o principle_n do_v you_o account_v thus_o to_o be_v of_o natural_a religion_n 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can_v we_o have_v of_o it_o quest_n but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o there_o must_v be_v tradition_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n speak_v and_o do_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n contain_v or_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v contain_v if_o they_o be_v all_o write_v these_o then_o be_v know_v in_o the_o first_o time_n have_v be_v conserve_v by_o tradition_n tradition_n make_v valuable_a by_o those_o of_o honourable_a name_n among_o christian_n and_o their_o discourse_n of_o christianity_n answ_n grant_v such_o thing_n so_o preserve_v suppose_v they_o the_o action_n and_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o yet_o if_o not_o write_v by_o inspire_a penman_n they_o be_v not_o recommend_v as_o obligatory_a upon_o after-age_n for_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o may_v believe_v and_o have_v eternal_a life_n be_v so_o write_v and_o that_o not_o only_o just_a so_o much_o as_o may_v serve_v necessity_n for_o that_o the_o one_o gospel_n of_o st._n jo●●_n may_v serve_v to_o 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the_o unerring_a censure_n of_o even_a apostolic_a action_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n galat._n 2._o 11._o now_o because_o our_o conscience_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v draw_v into_o subjection_n to_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a reputation_n and_o yet_o there_o will_v be_v no_o divine_a authority_n to_o draw_v they_o nor_o infallible_a authority_n to_o support_v they_o in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o subjection_n god_n have_v therefore_o in_o his_o providence_n leave_v that_o time_n so_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a that_o we_o may_v trust_v in_o his_o write_a word_n only_o for_o separate_v immediate_a divine_a presence_n from_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o there_o remain_v nothing_o at_o the_o high_a but_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o understanding_n and_o good_a man_n apply_v general_a rule_n to_o particular_a case_n time_n place_n and_o event_n as_o they_o for_o that_o time_n 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according_a to_o the_o undeniable_a sense_n of_o scripture_n quest_n but_o the_o nearness_n of_o these_o father_n to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n must_v needs_o enable_v they_o either_o from_o what_o they_o themselves_o receive_v warm_a from_o their_o lip_n or_o from_o what_o they_o have_v from_o other_o not_o quite_o cold_a to_o know_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n discipline_n manner_n of_o life_n purpose_n their_o sense_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o mean_v of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o so_o to_o deliver_v it_o to_o after-age_n answ_n whatever_o they_o have_v speak_v or_o write_v give_v we_o more_o light_a and_o advantage_n to_o understand_v and_o behold_v scripture_n in_o its_o own_o light_n aught_o from_o they_o or_o from_o any_o other_o to_o be_v accept_v with_o great_a regard_n but_o if_o it_o do_v not_o thus_o it_o can_v be_v accept_v even_o from_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n themselves_o upon_o a_o single_a or_o divide_a 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and_o endowment_n of_o those_o eminent_a man_n with_o all_o the_o light_n truth_n grace_n learning_n and_o reason_n they_o shine_v to_o we_o with_o aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v and_o improve_v answ_n yes_o doubtless_o for_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a be_v of_o virtue_n and_o deserve_a praise_n they_o be_v public_a and_o of_o god_n wherever_o they_o be_v find_v and_o whatever_o there_o be_v in_o these_o elder_n in_o their_o nearness_n to_o the_o first_o time_n their_o holiness_n their_o suffering_n their_o great_a learning_n their_o encounter_n of_o paganism_n their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n their_o heavenliness_n their_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n all_o be_v a_o donation_n and_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o they_o to_o his_o church_n and_o mankind_n in_o general_n quest_n and_o do_v not_o there_o arise_v great_a evidence_n to_o christianity_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o from_o such_o eminent_a witness_n answ_n no_o 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well_o prepare_v judgement_n so_o disputable_a in_o their_o sense_n that_o to_o attain_v a_o certainty_n in_o it_o will_v cut_v off_o time_n from_o the_o great_a employment_n of_o meditation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n where_o man_n calling_n lie_v otherwise_o so_o that_o to_o receive_v our_o religion_n from_o hence_o be_v of_o too_o remote_a a_o assurance_n to_o any_o one_o much_o more_o to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o book_n and_o study_v for_o their_o profession_n but_o every_o man_n whether_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a be_v concern_v deep_o to_o try_v his_o religion_n with_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o another_o for_o he_o and_o god_n have_v therefore_o provide_v a_o word_n nigh_o he_o even_o in_o his_o mouth_n and_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o have_v also_o take_v care_n by_o stir_v up_o so_o many_o both_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_a christian_n to_o separate_v themselves_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o all_o sacred_a knowledge_n that_o there_o be_v a_o 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fanciful_a distinction_n of_o themselves_o under_o christ_n as_o a_o ordinary_a chief_a of_o a_o party_n and_o not_o as_o the_o divine_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o the_o catholic_n truth_n even_o as_o he_o err_v that_o vulgar_o call_v christ_n good_a not_o know_v he_o to_o be_v god_n the_o supreme_o solely_n good_n quest_n be_v they_o all_o true_a convert_v that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n answ_n all_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o church_n be_v so_o but_o all_o that_o may_v appertain_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o as_o all_o that_o be_v of_o israel_n be_v not_o israel_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n that_o be_v too_o often_o not_o sincere_a yet_o this_o make_v man_n of_o or_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n but_o not_o true_o the_o church_n many_o be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v not_o choose_v but_o all_o that_o be_v true_o the_o church_n be_v also_o true_o call_v and_o true_o convert_v not_o only_o outward_o and_o visible_o the_o church_n but_o inward_o and_o 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a_o often_o eat_v or_o brouse_v it_o off_o a_o retrench_a of_o it_o again_o and_o again_o it_o shall_v cast_v the_o leave_v of_o its_o mere_a professor_n as_o the_o teyle-tree_n or_o oak_n when_o yet_o their_o substance_n be_v in_o they_o the_o holy_a seed_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o isa_n 6._o ult_n not_o lose_v they_o it_o lose_v nothing_o quest_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v it_o then_o say_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n answ_n it_o be_v undoubted_a none_o can_v fail_v while_o they_o be_v the_o church_n while_o unite_v to_o truth_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o christ_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o be_v also_o certain_a from_o this_o high_a declaration_n there_o always_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o unite_v hades_n or_o mortality_n shall_v not_o prevail_v over_o it_o and_o how_o much_o far_o it_o assure_v the_o perseverance_n of_o those_o that_o be_v once_o true_o the_o church_n i_o 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of_o truth_n and_o have_v more_o of_o the_o church_n in_o he_o than_o great_a seem_a portion_n of_o it_o that_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n quest_n if_o you_o please_v now_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o explanation_n of_o these_o title_n and_o first_o what_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o the_o actuate_a the_o scripture_n answ_n god_n the_o most_o high_a possessor_n and_o owner_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n place_n his_o court_n family_n and_o particular_a residence_n where_o he_o please_v and_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o church_n to_o be_v this_o to_o he_o this_o be_v my_o rest_n here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o ever_o for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n earth_n be_v my_o footstool_n where_o be_v the_o house_n you_o will_v build_v i_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o where_o god_n dwell_v there_o he_o manifest_v himself_o as_o a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n make_v know_v in_o his_o house_n and_o family_n his_o nature_n will_n law_n and_o government_n so_o god_n do_v in_o his_o church_n in_o judah_n be_v god_n know_v his_o name_n be_v great_a in_o israel_n in_o his_o church_n he_o show_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n expect_v and_o reward_n service_n as_o a_o great_a master_n and_o make_v know_v his_o dislike_n and_o displeasure_n this_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o church_n by_o those_o many_o way_n that_o god_n have_v of_o bring_v his_o word_n to_o any_o place_n or_o person_n give_v it_o reception_n among_o they_o and_o then_o stir_v up_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n to_o search_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o a_o voice_n continual_o behind_o they_o in_o his_o temple_n therefore_o in_o his_o house_n every_o one_o must_v needs_o speak_v of_o his_o glory_n his_o word_n can_v lie_v still_o for_o all_o be_v concern_v to_o meditate_v ponder_v inquire_v and_o discourse_n of_o it_o and_o be_v by_o supreme_a management_n excite_v so_o to_o do_v and_o so_o much_o as_o this_o exercise_n in_o his_o word_n be_v by_o any_o mean_v depress_v so_o far_o god_n be_v withdraw_v and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o church-state_n lose_v now_o of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n there_o be_v this_o great_a type_n god_n dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o in_o a_o palace_n there_o be_v such_o a_o diet_n of_o shewbread_n change_v every_o day_n of_o sacrifice_n of_o all_o sort_n such_o perfume_n of_o incense_n and_o odour_n such_o officer_n and_o servant_n attend_v continual_o such_o resort_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n to_o the_o court_n of_o this_o great_a king_n and_o princely_a housholder_n together_o with_o this_o state_n run_v along_o in_o a_o mighty_a stream_n god_n show_v his_o word_n to_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o judgement_n to_o israel_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o pomp_n and_o ceremonial_a part_n be_v whole_o transfer_v into_o spirituality_n but_o spirituality_n be_v not_o low_o but_o high_a in_o the_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v figure_v by_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o that_o state_n the_o communication_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v much_o exalt_v in_o the_o true_a christian_a church_n that_o the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n be_v now_o as_o much_o as_o the_o light_n of_o seven_o be_v before_o thus_o the_o church_n as_o the_o family_n of_o god_n can_v but_o actuate_v his_o word_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n do_v the_o church_n support_v truth_n answ_n not_o so_o for_o itself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o
for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o forsake_v not_o only_o our_o country_n but_o our_o father_n house_n and_o to_o unite_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n found_v in_o that_o true_a religion_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o must_v own_v all_o that_o be_v divine_a rational_a true_a weresoever_o we_o find_v it_o much_o more_o in_o our_o native_a country_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a propagate_v true_a religion_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v judge_v in_o this_o world_n with_o our_o nation_n but_o shall_v rise_v with_o it_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o same_o station_n or_o lott_n wherein_o we_o be_v place_v in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o our_o do_v good_a in_o it_o we_o shall_v receive_v our_o reward_n with_o those_o of_o it_o that_o be_v save_v who_o shall_v then_o survive_v in_o glory_n and_o become_v as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a nation_n the_o perish_a part_n be_v lose_v as_o we_o therefore_o desire_v the_o prosperity_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n so_o ought_v we_o to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o as_o many_o of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v by_o join_v with_o they_o and_o engage_v they_o in_o true_a religion_n quest_n i_o desire_v your_o second_o proposition_n answ_n it_o be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o political_a sense_n national_a religion_n be_v when_o magistrate_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n join_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o establish_v it_o by_o law_n and_o devote_v to_o it_o the_o most_o public_a advantage_n that_o the_o largeness_n and_o grandeur_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n have_v in_o their_o power_n fix_v character_n of_o civil_a honour_n and_o ample_a condition_n upon_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o communicate_v to_o they_o magistratical_a power_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o external_n defence_n honour_n and_o provision_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v national_a all_o which_o 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ratify_v and_o require_v of_o all_o who_o it_o entrust_v as_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n under_o its_o approbation_n and_o maintenance_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n so_o comprise_v and_o public_o to_o declare_v it_o by_o use_v they_o as_o be_v appoint_v but_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v to_o put_v limit_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n first_o entrust_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v both_o in_o prayer_n preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o mean_n of_o instruction_n to_o search_v into_o all_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n instruction_n reproof_n and_o to_o pray_v with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n according_a to_o the_o particular_a occasion_n and_o in_o that_o abundance_n and_o liberality_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o all_o their_o 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and_o may_v claim_v his_o interest_n and_o property_n in_o it_o as_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o legal_o due_a to_o he_o and_o be_v not_o oblige_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o passive_a obedience_n to_o desert_n or_o relinquish_v his_o right_n in_o it_o any_o more_o than_o his_o righteous_a claim_n or_o title_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o he_o enjoy_v by_o law_n and_o yet_o trangress_v no_o rule_n of_o christianity_n but_o have_v the_o same_o obligation_n to_o defend_v that_o his_o right_n as_o any_o other_o right_o whatever_o so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n enable_v he_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o resistance_n to_o government_n in_o so_o do_v even_o as_o there_o can_v be_v none_o but_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o trust_n of_o subordinate_a magistrate_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o law_n in_o the_o point_n of_o true_a religion_n as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n and_o of_o the_o supreme_a legislative_a power_n of_o a_o nation_n to_o foresee_v danger_n and_o prevent_v they_o by_o additional_a law_n as_o necessity_n shall_v require_v and_o all_o this_o with_o the_o prerogative_n due_a to_o religion_n quest_n i_o desire_v your_o five_o proposition_n answ_n national_a religion_n see_v it_o be_v design_v to_o comprehend_v a_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o most_o necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o various_a sentiment_n and_o apprehension_n must_v be_v so_o prepare_v as_o that_o with_o great_a ease_n and_o room_n to_o conscience_n and_o understanding_n of_o so_o many_o several_a figure_n and_o impression_n there_o may_v be_v a_o union_n in_o national_a religion_n with_o least_o scruple_n and_o therefore_o to_o give_v all_o the_o liberty_n that_o truth_n give_v not_o impose_v arbitrary_o because_o religion_n as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v god_n peculiar_a and_o in_o that_o the_o doubt_v conscience_n can_v obey_v far_o than_o it_o see_v the_o divine_a rule_n before_o it_o not_o in_o thing_n dark_a and_o disputable_a because_o clear_a thing_n be_v only_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n not_o forcible_o except_o when_o natural_a religion_n be_v violate_v because_o patient_a instruction_n counsel_n and_o ratiocination_n be_v the_o divine_a method_n in_o give_v and_o work_v faith_n quest_n i_o now_o expect_v the_o last_o proposition_n answ_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o last_o and_o therein_o conclude_v this_o whole_a enquiry_n and_o instruction_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o city_n do_v overtop_v all_o the_o false_a and_o private_a religion_n in_o it_o and_o become_v in_o the_o sacred_a register_n the_o national_a religion_n in_o the_o sacred_a map_n the_o christian_n of_o achaia_n be_v achaia_n itself_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v the_o city_n themselves_o and_o whatever_o lesser_a difference_n or_o division_n this_o or_o that_o name_n of_o distinction_n may_v seem_v to_o make_v in_o national_a religion_n yet_o the_o true_a substantial_a religion_n in_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v one_o national_a religion_n and_o become_v one_o rod_n and_o sceptre_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o nation_n be_v as_o one_o national_a tribe_n and_o church_n for_o let_v man_n do_v what_o they_o can_v against_o it_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v the_o only_a public_a religion_n and_o no_o separation_n of_o man_n from_o it_o however_o call_v public_a can_v make_v it_o private_a so_o in_o what_o place_n soever_o it_o be_v it_o shall_v have_v the_o most_o public_a character_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o sincere_o profess_v it_o shall_v be_v one_o true_a public_a religion_n and_o those_o little_a difference_n shall_v not_o cleave_v it_o into_o more_o than_o one_o without_o the_o change_n of_o true_a religion_n itself_o there_o can_v be_v a_o schism_n of_o a_o deep_a sense_n in_o it_o if_o bitterness_n and_o animosity_n censoriousness_n and_o the_o persecute_v spirit_n be_v away_o god_n will_v gracious_o interpret_v scruple_n on_o one_o side_n to_o a_o jealousy_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o other_o to_o a_o desire_n to_o propagate_v it_o under_o the_o favour_n of_o law_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v most_o good_n in_o heaven_n they_o now_o be_v all_o one_o and_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o the_o envy_n strife_n and_o contention_n which_o the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v shall_v be_v utter_o abolish_v this_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o public_a divine_a religion_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v his_o church_n and_o his_o church_n in_o this_o nation_n perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o it_o that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 36._o l._n 20._o for_o scale_n read_v seal_v p._n 70._o l._n 9_o r._n record_n