The kingdom of God among men a tract of the sound state of religion, or that Christianity which is described in the holy Scriptures and of the things that make for the security and increase thereof in the world, designing its more ample diffusion among the professed Christians of all sorts and its surer propagation to future ages : with The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd / by John Corbet.
         Corbet, John, 1620-1680.
      
       
         
           1679
        
      
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             The kingdom of God among men a tract of the sound state of religion, or that Christianity which is described in the holy Scriptures and of the things that make for the security and increase thereof in the world, designing its more ample diffusion among the professed Christians of all sorts and its surer propagation to future ages : with The point of church-unity and schism discuss'd / by John Corbet.
             Corbet, John, 1620-1680.
          
           [11], 210, [4], 67 p.
           
             Printed for Thomas Parkhurst,
             London :
             1679.
          
           
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         eng
      
       
         
           Church history -- 17th century.
           Christianity -- Early works to 1800.
           Dissenters, Religious.
        
      
    
     
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           THE
           KINGDOM
           OF
           GOD
           among
           Men
           ;
           A
           TRACT
           
             Of
             the
             Sound
             State
          
           OF
           RELIGION
           ,
           Or
           that
           Christianity
           which
           is
           described
           in
           the
           
             Holy
             Scriptures
          
           ;
           And
           of
           the
           things
           that
           make
           for
           the
           Security
           and
           Increase
           thereof
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           Designing
           its
           more
           ample
           diffusion
           among
           Professed
           Christians
           of
           all
           Sorts
           ,
           and
           its
           surer
           Propagation
           to
           future
           Ages
           .
        
         
           With
           the
           Point
           of
           Church-Unity
           and
           Schism
           Discuss'd
           .
        
         
           By
           
             JOHN
             CORBET
          
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           for
           
             Thomas
             Parkhurst
          
           ,
           at
           the
           Bible
           and
           
             Three
             Crowns
          
           at
           the
           Lower
           end
           of
           Cheapside
           .
           1679.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           THE
           PREFACE
           .
        
         
           A
           Disquisition
           concerning
           Religion
           and
           the
           State
           Ecclesiastical
           ,
           wherein
           several
           Parties
           are
           vehemently
           carried
           divers
           ways
           ,
           whether
           right
           or
           wrong
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           different
           interests
           or
           apprehensions
           ,
           is
           apt
           to
           stir
           up
           jealousie
           ,
           and
           to
           meet
           with
           prejudice
           in
           a
           high
           degree
           ,
           and
           therefore
           had
           need
           be
           managed
           as
           advisedly
           as
           sincerely
           .
           It
           is
           humbly
           craved
           ,
           that
           the
           present
           management
           thereof
           may
           find
           a
           favourable
           reception
           so
           far
           as
           it
           hath
           in
           it self
           the
           evidence
           of
           its
           own
           Sincerity
           and
           Sobriety
           .
           This
           Treatise
           is
           not
           framed
           for
           a
           present
           occasion
           or
           any
           temporary
           design
           ;
           but
           insists
           upon
           those
           things
           that
           concern
           the
           Church
           universally
           and
           perpetually
           .
           It
           aims
           at
           the
           advancement
           
           of
           meer
           Christianity
           ,
           and
           with
           respect
           to
           the
           common
           concernments
           thereof
           ,
           it
           leaves
           the
           things
           that
           are
           more
           appropriate
           to
           the
           several
           Parties
           and
           Persuasions
           ,
           to
           stand
           or
           fall
           .
           It
           ingageth
           not
           in
           the
           controversies
           of
           these
           times
           ,
           touching
           Forms
           of
           Church
           Government
           ,
           but
           in
           any
           Form
           such
           depravations
           or
           deficiencies
           are
           blamed
           ,
           as
           hinder
           the
           Power
           ,
           Purity
           ,
           Unity
           ,
           Stability
           ,
           or
           amplitude
           of
           Religion
           .
           Nothing
           prejudicial
           to
           Government
           ,
           to
           the
           rights
           of
           Superiors
           ,
           and
           Civil
           Pre-eminences
           ,
           or
           to
           Decency
           ,
           Unity
           ,
           and
           Order
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           is
           here
           suggested
           .
           Sedition
           and
           Faction
           are
           evicted
           to
           be
           a
           contradiction
           to
           this
           Interest
           ,
           which
           can
           hold
           its
           own
           only
           in
           those
           ways
           that
           make
           for
           the
           common
           good
           ,
           both
           of
           Rulers
           and
           Subjects
           .
           Our
           design
           carries
           no
           other
           danger
           than
           the
           more
           ample
           diffusion
           of
           true
           Christianity
           ,
           and
           the
           power
           of
           Godliness
           among
           men
           of
           all
           degrees
           ,
           and
           the
           surer
           propagation
           thereof
           to
           future
           ages
           .
           Here
           be
           some
           things
           that
           are
           the
           vitals
           of
           
           Christian
           Religion
           ,
           and
           cannot
           be
           removed
           ;
           and
           here
           be
           other
           things
           of
           conscientious
           or
           prudent
           Consideration
           ,
           and
           let
           these
           so
           far
           pass
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           found
           clear
           and
           cogent
           .
           I
           had
           rather
           be
           charged
           with
           any
           defect
           or
           weakness
           than
           with
           uncharitableness
           ,
           and
           therefore
           am
           ready
           to
           renounce
           every
           line
           ,
           and
           every
           expression
           in
           this
           Book
           ,
           that
           cannot
           stand
           with
           true
           Christian
           Charity
           in
           the
           utmost
           extent
           thereof
           .
        
         
           Let
           it
           not
           be
           taken
           amiss
           ,
           that
           to
           obviate
           suspicion
           or
           prejudice
           I
           declare
           my self
           in
           the
           things
           here
           following
           .
           I
           am
           one
           aged
           in
           the
           Ministery
           ,
           and
           by
           reason
           of
           age
           and
           experience
           am
           not
           eager
           for
           any
           Party
           ,
           but
           mellowed
           with
           charity
           towards
           real
           Christians
           of
           all
           Parties
           .
           I
           have
           vehemently
           desired
           the
           union
           of
           the
           more
           moderate
           Dissenters
           ,
           with
           the
           Established
           Order
           by
           reasonable
           accomodation
           ,
           as
           for
           others
           that
           remain
           dissatisfied
           about
           such
           Union
           ,
           yet
           believe
           and
           live
           as
           Christians
           ,
           I
           do
           as
           earnestly
           desire
           an
           indulgence
           for
           them
           within
           such
           limits
           
           as
           may
           stand
           with
           publick
           Peace
           and
           Safety
           .
           Though
           I
           am
           cast
           into
           the
           State
           of
           Nonconformity
           ,
           yet
           I
           am
           willing
           to
           exercise
           the
           Ministery
           under
           the
           present
           Ecclesiastical
           Government
           ,
           if
           I
           were
           made
           capable
           thereof
           by
           the
           relaxation
           of
           some
           injunctions
           .
           My
           principle
           is
           for
           a
           closing
           with
           things
           that
           are
           good
           and
           laudable
           in
           any
           Established
           Government
           ,
           and
           for
           a
           bearing
           with
           things
           that
           are
           tolerable
           .
           And
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           the
           Governours
           of
           the
           Church
           will
           direct
           them
           to
           turn
           away
           from
           such
           Principles
           ,
           Orders
           or
           Practices
           ,
           as
           tend
           to
           the
           ruine
           or
           the
           great
           indangering
           of
           any
           Ecclesiastical
           Polity
           that
           retains
           them
           ,
           whilest
           the
           Apostolick
           Doctrine
           (
           as
           it
           is
           now
           Established
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           England
           )
           is
           maintained
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           CONTENTS
           .
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               I.
            
             THe
             nature
             of
             Christianity
             and
             the
             character
             of
             true
             Christians
             .
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               II.
            
             Of
             things
             pertaining
             to
             the
             sound
             state
             of
             Christian
             Religion
             ,
             viz.
             holy
             Doctrine
             .
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               III.
            
             The
             ordering
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             sutable
             to
             the
             Gospel
             Dispensation
             .
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               IV.
            
             The
             due
             Dispensation
             of
             Gods
             word
             ,
             or
             publick
             Preaching
             .
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               V.
            
             The
             due
             performance
             of
             publick
             Prayer
             .
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               VI.
            
             The
             right
             Administration
             of
             Ecclesiastical
             Discipline
             .
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               VII
            
             .
             Religious
             Family-government
             .
          
           
             
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
             Private
             mutual
             Exhortations
             ,
             Pious
             Discourse
             and
             Edifying
             Conversation
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
             The
             prevalence
             of
             true
             Religion
             ,
             or
             real
             Godliness
             in
             the
             Civil
             Government
             of
             a
             Nation
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             X.
             Christian
             Unity
             and
             Concord
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XI
             .
             A
             good
             Frame
             of
             Ecclesiastical
             Polity
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XII
             .
             Of
             the
             corrupt
             state
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             first
             externalness
             and
             formality
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XIII
             .
             The
             Sectarian
             and
             Fanatical
             degeneration
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XIV
             .
             Of
             the
             way
             of
             preserving
             Religion
             uncorrupt
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XV.
             The
             enmity
             of
             the
             World
             against
             real
             Godliness
             ,
             and
             the
             calumnies
             and
             reproaches
             cast
             upon
             it
             considered
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XVI
             .
             Religions
             main
             strength
             next
             under
             the
             
             power
             of
             God
             lies
             in
             its
             own
             intrinsick
             excellency
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XVII
             .
             Religion
             may
             be
             advanced
             by
             human
             prudence
             ;
             what
             ways
             and
             methods
             it
             cannot
             admit
             in
             order
             to
             its
             advancement
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XVIII
             .
             The
             Interest
             of
             true
             Religion
             lies
             much
             in
             its
             venerable
             estimation
             among
             men
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XIX
             .
             The
             most
             ample
             diffusion
             of
             the
             light
             of
             knowledge
             ,
             is
             a
             sure
             means
             of
             promoting
             true
             Religion
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XX.
             The
             advantage
             of
             human
             Learning
             to
             the
             same
             end
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XXI
             .
             The
             general
             civility
             or
             common
             honesty
             of
             a
             Nation
             ,
             makes
             it
             more
             generally
             receptive
             of
             real
             Christianity
             or
             Godliness
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XXII
             .
             The
             increase
             of
             Religion
             is
             promoted
             by
             being
             made
             as
             much
             as
             may
             be
             ,
             passable
             among
             men
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XXIII
             .
             The
             observing
             of
             a
             due
             latitude
             in
             Religion
             ,
             
             makes
             for
             the
             security
             and
             increase
             thereof
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XXIV
             .
             The
             Care
             and
             Wisdom
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             in
             preventing
             and
             curing
             the
             evil
             of
             Fanatical
             and
             Sectarian
             Error
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XXV
             .
             The
             advancement
             of
             the
             sound
             state
             of
             Religion
             by
             making
             it
             National
             ,
             and
             the
             settled
             Interest
             of
             a
             Nation
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XXVI
             .
             Of
             submission
             to
             things
             imposed
             by
             Lawfull
             Authority
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XXVII
             .
             The
             surest
             and
             safest
             ways
             of
             seeking
             Reformations
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XXVIII
             .
             Considerations
             tending
             to
             a
             due
             inlargement
             and
             unity
             in
             Church-Communion
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XXIX
             .
             Whether
             the
             purity
             and
             power
             of
             Religion
             be
             lessened
             by
             amplitude
             and
             comprehensiveness
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XXX
             .
             Factious
             usurpations
             are
             destructive
             to
             Religions
             Interest
             .
          
           
             
             CHAP.
             XXXI
             .
             Of
             leading
             and
             following
             ,
             and
             of
             Combinations
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XXXII
             .
             The
             Wisdom
             of
             the
             Higher
             Powers
             in
             promoting
             the
             Religionsness
             of
             their
             People
             .
          
           
             CHAP.
             XXXIII
             .
             
               
                 The
                 Churches
                 true
                 Interest
                 to
                 be
                 pursued
                 by
                 Ecclesiastical
                 Persons
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 Conclusion
                 ,
              
            
          
        
         
           A
           Book
           Intituled
           ,
           
             The
             Interest
             of
          
           England
           
             in
             matter
             of
             Religion
          
           ,
           in
           Two
           Parts
           ,
           formerly
           Published
           by
           the
           same
           Author
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           PAg.
           7.
           lin
           .
           3.
           read
           Service
           ,
           pag.
           19.
           l.
           11.
           read
           whereas
           ,
           pag.
           27.
           l.
           24.
           read
           So
           ,
           pag.
           28.
           l.
           14.
           read
           is
           ,
           pag.
           29.
           l.
           14.
           read
           regardable
           ,
           pag.
           31.
           l.
           16.
           read
           this
           ,
           ib.
           l.
           18.
           read
           apposite
           ,
           pag.
           39.
           l.
           14.
           read
           is
           able
           to
           make
           ,
           pag.
           41.
           l.
           31.
           read
           affect
           ,
           pag.
           53.
           l.
           19.
           read
           For
           the
           ,
           pag.
           59.
           l.
           5.
           read
           face
           of
           ,
           pag.
           60.
           l.
           12.
           read
           exercises
           ,
           pag.
           67.
           l.
           3.
           read
           Religions
           ,
           pag.
           71.
           l.
           12.
           read
           Sacraments
           ,
           pag.
           77.
           l.
           3.
           read
           condescention
           ,
           pag.
           96.
           l.
           22.
           read
           orall
           ,
           pag.
           99.
           l.
           2.
           read
           rites
           ,
           pag.
           116.
           l.
           13.
           read
           abasing
           ,
           ib.
           l.
           25.
           read
           noting
           ,
           pag.
           117.
           l.
           25.
           read
           transform
           it
           into
           ,
           pag.
           121.
           l.
           21.
           read
           Levities
           ,
           pag.
           144.
           l.
           21.
           read
           exalt
           ,
           pag.
           149.
           l.
           20.
           read
           effected
           ,
           pag.
           150.
           l.
           20.
           read
           smatch
           ,
           pag.
           157.
           l.
           13.
           read
           exercise
           ,
           pag.
           162.
           l.
           7.
           read
           vainly
           ,
           pag.
           163.
           l.
           11.
           dele
           love
           ,
           pag.
           167.
           l.
           9.
           read
           concerns
           ,
           pag.
           171.
           l.
           3.
           read
           Enemies
           ,
           ib.
           l.
           9.
           read
           regulation
           ,
           ib.
           l.
           19.
           read
           and
           ,
           pag.
           189.
           l.
           6.
           read
           be
           not
           ,
           pag.
           202.
           l.
           22.
           read
           and
           are
           withall
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           A
           TRACT
           OF
           THE
           
             SOUND
             STATE
          
           OF
           RELIGION
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             
          
           
             
               The
               Nature
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               and
               the
               Character
               of
               true
               Christians
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             Names
             and
             Titles
             ,
             by
             which
             real
             Christians
             are
             in
             Holy
             Scripture
             distinguished
             from
             other
             men
             ,
             are
             not
             mean
             and
             common
             ,
             but
             high
             and
             excellent
             ,
             as
             ,
             
               a
               Chosen
               generation
               ,
               a
               royal
               Priesthood
               ,
               a
               holy
               Nation
               ,
               a
               peculiar
               People
               ,
               the
               first-fruits
               of
               Gods
               creatures
               ,
               the
               houshold
               of
               God
               ,
               children
               of
               Light
               ,
               children
               of
               Wisdom
               ,
               heirs
               of
               the
               heavenly
               Kingdom
               ,
               and
            
             the
             
             Title
             of
             Saints
             ,
             was
             one
             of
             their
             ordinary
             appellations
             .
             Doubtless
             the
             true
             difference
             between
             them
             and
             others
             lyes
             not
             in
             mere
             names
             ,
             but
             in
             some
             peculiar
             excellencies
             of
             quality
             and
             condition
             thereby
             signified
             .
             And
             so
             much
             is
             abundantly
             set
             forth
             in
             the
             several
             expressions
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             as
             ,
             
               the
               Regeneration
               ,
               the
               new
               Creation
               ,
               a
               transformation
               in
               the
               renewing
               of
               the
               mind
               ,
               a
               participation
               of
               the
               divine
               nature
               ,
               the
               life
               of
               God
               ,
               conformity
               to
               the
               image
               of
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
            
             and
             such
             like
             .
             Thus
             from
             the
             Scripture
             stile
             it
             is
             evident
             ,
             that
             true
             Christianity
             is
             of
             an
             other
             nature
             then
             that
             carnal
             ,
             formal
             ,
             and
             lifeless
             profession
             ,
             with
             which
             multitudes
             confidently
             take
             up
             ;
             and
             that
             in
             its
             true
             professors
             there
             must
             needs
             be
             found
             something
             of
             a
             higher
             strain
             and
             nobler
             kind
             ;
             and
             which
             indeed
             makes
             them
             meet
             for
             that
             holy
             and
             Blessed
             state
             to
             come
             ,
             unto
             which
             it
             leads
             them
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             indeed
             an
             excellent
             name
             and
             nature
             ,
             the
             regenerate
             State
             and
             divine
             life
             ,
             which
             is
             begun
             in
             the
             new
             birth
             ,
             wherein
             the
             Soul
             retaining
             the
             same
             natural
             faculties
             ,
             is
             changed
             from
             a
             carnal
             into
             a
             spiritual
             frame
             ,
             by
             the
             sanctifying
             power
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             and
             the
             word
             of
             truth
             .
          
           
             In
             this
             change
             the
             mind
             is
             illuminated
             unto
             an
             effectual
             acknowledgment
             of
             
               the
               truth
               which
               is
               after
               godliness
               ,
            
             as
             containing
             the
             highest
             good
             ,
             and
             appearing
             in
             such
             evidence
             as
             makes
             earthly
             things
             to
             be
             seen
             (
             what
             they
             are
             indeed
             )
             but
             as
             
             dross
             and
             dung
             in
             comparison
             thereof
             .
             The
             will
             is
             drawn
             by
             the
             force
             of
             the
             truth
             ,
             acknowledged
             to
             an
             absolute
             conversion
             and
             adhesion
             to
             God
             ,
             as
             the
             great
             and
             ultimate
             object
             of
             the
             souls
             love
             ,
             desire
             ,
             joy
             ,
             reverence
             ,
             observance
             ,
             acquiescence
             ,
             zeal
             ,
             and
             intire
             devotion
             .
             In
             this
             absolute
             conversion
             to
             God
             ,
             is
             included
             the
             renouncing
             of
             all
             self
             dependence
             ,
             and
             of
             that
             perverse
             self-seeking
             ,
             which
             follows
             the
             lapsed
             state
             ,
             and
             an
             unlimited
             self
             resignation
             to
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             only
             true
             self-seeking
             and
             self-love
             .
             For
             God
             having
             made
             our
             felicity
             immutably
             coherent
             with
             his
             glory
             ,
             but
             subordinate
             thereunto
             ,
             a
             true
             Convert
             turning
             from
             poor
             ,
             empty
             ,
             nothing
             ,
             self
             to
             the
             infinite
             God
             ,
             exchanges
             insufficiency
             ,
             poverty
             ,
             vanity
             and
             misery
             for
             immensity
             ,
             almightiness
             ,
             all-sufficiency
             and
             infinite
             fullness
             ;
             and
             so
             he
             loseth
             self
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             a
             sorry
             thing
             and
             a
             wretched
             Idol
             ,
             and
             findeth
             the
             blessed
             God
             ,
             and
             self-eternally
             blessed
             in
             him
             .
          
           
             And
             forasmuch
             as
             all
             have
             sinned
             and
             fallen
             away
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             cannot
             be
             brought
             back
             to
             him
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             hand
             of
             a
             Redeemer
             and
             Reconciler
             ,
             our
             Religion
             stands
             also
             in
             the
             sensible
             knowledg
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             of
             our
             deplorable
             state
             under
             the
             power
             and
             guilt
             thereof
             ,
             with
             an
             humiliation
             sutable
             thereunto
             ;
             and
             in
             a
             lively
             faith
             towards
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             the
             eternal
             Son
             of
             God
             made
             man
             in
             the
             fulness
             of
             time
             ,
             who
             gave
             himself
             for
             us
             to
             redeem
             us
             from
             sin
             
             and
             death
             to
             a
             life
             of
             grace
             and
             glory
             .
             Which
             Faith
             is
             the
             worthy
             receiving
             of
             him
             in
             the
             full
             capacity
             of
             a
             Redeemer
             ,
             the
             intire
             and
             hearty
             acceptance
             of
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             in
             him
             ,
             the
             Souls
             resignation
             to
             him
             ,
             to
             be
             conducted
             to
             God
             by
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             securing
             of
             all
             that
             is
             hoped
             for
             in
             his
             hands
             ,
             with
             an
             affiance
             in
             his
             all-sufficiency
             and
             fidelity
             .
          
           
             This
             Faith
             worketh
             by
             love
             towards
             God
             and
             man.
             For
             through
             faith
             we
             love
             God
             ,
             because
             he
             loved
             us
             first
             ,
             and
             sent
             his
             son
             to
             be
             the
             propitiation
             for
             our
             sins
             .
             And
             through
             faith
             we
             resolve
             ,
             that
             if
             God
             so
             loved
             us
             ,
             then
             ought
             we
             also
             to
             love
             one
             another
             .
             And
             this
             love
             eminently
             contains
             in
             it
             all
             the
             virtues
             of
             moral
             honesty
             towards
             men
             ,
             as
             truth
             ,
             justice
             ,
             mercy
             ,
             peaceableness
             ,
             kindness
             ,
             faithfulness
             ,
             humility
             ,
             meekness
             ,
             modesty
             ,
             and
             towards
             inferiors
             moderation
             ,
             equity
             ,
             and
             condescention
             ,
             and
             towards
             Superiors
             reverence
             ,
             and
             submission
             .
          
           
             Christianity
             is
             a
             root
             of
             true
             goodness
             that
             brings
             forth
             its
             fruit
             in
             due
             season
             ,
             in
             the
             first
             place
             the
             internal
             and
             immediate
             actings
             of
             faith
             ,
             hope
             and
             love
             ,
             which
             may
             be
             called
             radical
             duties
             ,
             as
             lying
             next
             the
             root
             ;
             then
             the
             inseparable
             effects
             thereof
             ,
             such
             as
             are
             holy
             meditation
             and
             prayer
             among
             the
             acts
             of
             devotion
             towards
             God
             ;
             and
             among
             the
             acts
             of
             charity
             towards
             men
             ,
             justice
             ,
             fidelity
             ,
             mercy
             ,
             which
             are
             called
             the
             weightier
             matters
             of
             the
             Law.
             
             And
             further
             ,
             it
             shoots
             forth
             into
             an
             universal
             regard
             of
             Gods
             commandments
             in
             all
             particularities
             ,
             not
             slighting
             the
             lowest
             or
             remotest
             duties
             ,
             which
             indeed
             cannot
             be
             slighted
             without
             the
             contempt
             of
             that
             Authority
             ,
             which
             injoyned
             the
             greatest
             and
             most
             important
             .
          
           
             The
             Spirit
             of
             Christianity
             is
             a
             spirit
             of
             Wisdom
             and
             prudence
             ,
             that
             guides
             in
             a
             perfect
             way
             .
             It
             sets
             right
             the
             superior
             governing
             faculties
             ,
             and
             holds
             the
             inferior
             under
             the
             command
             and
             government
             of
             the
             Superior
             .
             It
             awakens
             reason
             to
             attend
             to
             the
             souls
             great
             concernments
             ,
             to
             mind
             the
             danger
             of
             temptations
             ,
             the
             madness
             of
             depraved
             affections
             ,
             and
             the
             mischief
             and
             banefulness
             of
             all
             sin
             .
             It
             is
             no
             inconsiderate
             ,
             licentious
             ,
             presumptuous
             ,
             dissolute
             spirit
             ,
             but
             strict
             ,
             circumspect
             and
             self
             suspitious
             ,
             solid
             serious
             and
             universally
             conscientious
             .
             It
             is
             pure
             ;
             grave
             ,
             sober
             ,
             shunning
             every
             unseemly
             speech
             ,
             all
             foolish
             and
             light
             behaviour
             ,
             and
             much
             more
             that
             which
             hath
             a
             filthy
             savour
             ,
             and
             smels
             rank
             of
             impurity
             and
             dishonesty
             .
             It
             watcheth
             the
             motions
             of
             the
             animal
             life
             and
             sensitive
             appetite
             ,
             and
             curbs
             them
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             extravigant
             ,
             and
             renounceth
             whatsoever
             things
             tend
             to
             vitiate
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             work
             it
             below
             its
             spiritual
             happiness
             .
             It
             is
             a
             spirit
             of
             patience
             ,
             and
             of
             true
             rational
             courage
             ,
             and
             of
             resolved
             submission
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God.
             It
             is
             above
             wordly
             riches
             and
             poverty
             ,
             and
             glory
             and
             ignominy
             ,
             and
             fleshly
             pain
             and
             pleasure
             .
             But
             self-conceit
             ,
             excessive
             
             self
             estimation
             ,
             asperity
             towards
             others
             ,
             and
             domineering
             cruelty
             over
             conscience
             ,
             is
             no
             part
             of
             the
             above-mentioned
             and
             commended
             strictness
             and
             severity
             .
             For
             as
             it
             hates
             flattery
             and
             base
             compliance
             with
             others
             in
             prophaness
             or
             lukewarmness
             ,
             so
             it
             is
             ever
             qualified
             with
             meekness
             ,
             lowliness
             of
             mind
             ,
             peaceableness
             ,
             patience
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             gain
             upon
             others
             and
             win
             them
             to
             its
             own
             advisedness
             ,
             steddiness
             ,
             purity
             and
             soberness
             .
          
           
             This
             new
             nature
             ,
             while
             it
             is
             lodg'd
             in
             the
             earthly
             tabernacle
             ,
             is
             clogg'd
             with
             many
             adverse
             things
             ,
             especially
             the
             relicks
             of
             the
             old
             nature
             ,
             which
             cause
             much
             vanity
             of
             thoughts
             ,
             indisposedness
             of
             mind
             ,
             motions
             to
             evil
             ,
             and
             aversations
             from
             good
             ,
             and
             somtimes
             more
             sensible
             disorders
             of
             affections
             ,
             and
             eruptions
             of
             unruly
             passion
             ,
             and
             aberrations
             in
             life
             and
             conversation
             .
             The
             same
             divine
             principal
             is
             in
             some
             Christians
             more
             firm
             ,
             lively
             and
             active
             than
             in
             others
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             habitually
             prevalent
             in
             them
             all
             ;
             and
             it
             resists
             and
             overcomes
             the
             contrary
             principle
             ,
             even
             in
             the
             case
             of
             most
             beloved
             sins
             and
             strongest
             temptations
             ,
             and
             perseveres
             in
             earnest
             and
             fearful
             indeavours
             of
             perfecting
             holiness
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God.
             And
             whatsoever
             degree
             of
             sanctity
             is
             obtained
             ,
             it
             ascribes
             wholly
             to
             the
             praise
             of
             Gods
             grace
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             power
             of
             his
             spirit
             .
          
           
             Christianity
             being
             known
             what
             it
             is
             ,
             it
             may
             easily
             be
             known
             what
             it
             is
             not
             ,
             and
             so
             the
             false
             
             disguises
             of
             it
             may
             easily
             be
             detected
             .
             Forasmuch
             as
             it
             looks
             far
             higher
             than
             the
             temporal
             interests
             of
             mankind
             in
             the
             settlings
             of
             this
             life
             (
             though
             it
             doth
             not
             overlook
             them
             )
             it
             cannot
             be
             thought
             to
             have
             done
             its
             work
             in
             making
             men
             meerly
             just-dealers
             ,
             good
             neighbours
             and
             profitable
             members
             of
             the
             Common-wealth
             ,
             for
             such
             may
             be
             some
             of
             them
             that
             are
             without
             Christ
             ,
             without
             the
             hope
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             without
             God
             in
             the
             world
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             ,
             it
             cannot
             lie
             so
             low
             ,
             as
             in
             a
             bare
             belief
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             an
             observance
             of
             its
             external
             institutes
             ,
             accompanied
             with
             a
             civil
             conversation
             .
             As
             for
             such
             as
             rest
             in
             these
             things
             ,
             what
             are
             they
             more
             in
             the
             eye
             of
             God
             ,
             than
             the
             heathens
             that
             know
             him
             not
             ?
             And
             wherein
             do
             they
             differ
             from
             them
             ,
             except
             in
             a
             dead
             faith
             ,
             and
             outward
             form
             taken
             up
             by
             education
             ,
             tradition
             ,
             example
             ,
             custom
             of
             the
             country
             ,
             and
             other
             such
             like
             motives
             .
          
           
             Nor
             doth
             it
             lie
             in
             unwritten
             doctrines
             ,
             and
             ordinances
             of
             worship
             devised
             by
             men
             ,
             nor
             yet
             in
             curiosities
             of
             opinion
             or
             accidental
             modes
             of
             Worship
             ,
             discipline
             ,
             or
             Church-government
             ;
             nor
             in
             ones
             being
             of
             this
             or
             that
             Sector
             party
             ,
             nor
             in
             meer
             Orthodoxality
             ,
             all
             which
             being
             rested
             in
             ,
             are
             but
             the
             false
             coverings
             of
             hypocrites
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             not
             the
             lax
             and
             easie
             ,
             low
             and
             large
             rule
             ,
             by
             which
             Libertines
             ,
             and
             Formalists
             ,
             yea
             some
             pretended
             perfectionists
             do
             measure
             their
             own
             
             righteousness
             ,
             who
             assert
             their
             perfectness
             by
             disannulling
             ,
             or
             lessening
             the
             law
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             any
             kind
             of
             morality
             or
             vertue
             whatsoever
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             true
             holiness
             ,
             or
             intire
             dedication
             to
             God
             ;
             and
             therefore
             much
             less
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             loose
             and
             jolly
             religion
             of
             the
             sensual
             gang
             ,
             who
             keep
             up
             a
             superficial
             devotion
             in
             some
             external
             forms
             ,
             but
             give
             up
             themselves
             to
             real
             irreligion
             and
             profaneness
             ,
             and
             bid
             defiance
             to
             a
             circumspect
             walking
             and
             serious
             course
             of
             Godliness
             .
          
           
             And
             now
             it
             is
             too
             apparent
             ,
             what
             multitudes
             of
             them
             ,
             that
             prophess
             the
             faith
             of
             Christ
             ,
             are
             Christians
             in
             name
             only
             and
             not
             indeed
             .
             Their
             alienation
             from
             the
             life
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             their
             enmity
             against
             it
             ,
             and
             their
             conformity
             to
             the
             course
             of
             this
             world
             in
             the
             lusts
             thereof
             ,
             doth
             testifie
             ,
             that
             they
             have
             not
             received
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             in
             truth
             .
             But
             Christians
             indeed
             according
             to
             the
             nature
             of
             Christianity
             above
             expressed
             (
             which
             is
             now
             in
             them
             though
             not
             in
             the
             highest
             ,
             yet
             in
             a
             prevalent
             degree
             )
             do
             make
             it
             their
             utmost
             end
             to
             know
             ,
             love
             ,
             honour
             and
             please
             God
             ,
             to
             be
             conformable
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             the
             fruition
             of
             him
             ,
             in
             the
             perfection
             of
             which
             conformity
             and
             fruition
             ,
             they
             place
             the
             perfection
             of
             their
             blessedness
             .
             In
             the
             sence
             of
             their
             native
             bondage
             under
             the
             guilt
             and
             power
             of
             sin
             ,
             they
             come
             to
             the
             Mediator
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             rest
             upon
             him
             ,
             by
             the
             satisfaction
             and
             merit
             of
             his
             obedience
             and
             suffering
             ,
             to
             reconcile
             
             and
             sanctifie
             them
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             accordingly
             they
             give
             up
             themselves
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             their
             absolute
             Teacher
             and
             Ruler
             &
             all-sufficient
             Saviour
             .
             Having
             received
             not
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             but
             that
             which
             is
             of
             God
             ,
             they
             are
             crucified
             to
             the
             honours
             ,
             profits
             and
             pleasures
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             have
             their
             conversation
             in
             heaven
             ,
             and
             rejoyce
             in
             the
             hope
             of
             glory
             ,
             and
             prepare
             for
             sufferings
             in
             this
             life
             and
             by
             faith
             overcome
             them
             .
             The
             law
             of
             God
             is
             in
             their
             hearts
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             the
             directory
             of
             their
             practice
             from
             day
             to
             day
             ,
             by
             the
             touchstone
             of
             Gods
             word
             they
             prove
             their
             own
             works
             ,
             and
             come
             to
             the
             light
             thereof
             ,
             that
             their
             deeds
             may
             be
             made
             manifest
             to
             be
             wrought
             in
             God.
             They
             draw
             nigh
             to
             God
             in
             the
             acts
             of
             religious
             worship
             of
             his
             appointment
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             glorifie
             him
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             spiritual
             communion
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             be
             blessed
             of
             him
             ,
             especially
             with
             spiritual
             blessings
             in
             Christ
             :
             and
             as
             God
             is
             a
             Spirit
             ,
             they
             worship
             him
             in
             Spirit
             and
             in
             truth
             .
             It
             is
             their
             aim
             ,
             care
             and
             exercise
             to
             keep
             consciences
             void
             of
             offence
             towards
             God
             and
             towards
             men
             ,
             and
             to
             render
             to
             all
             their
             dues
             both
             in
             their
             publick
             and
             private
             capacities
             ,
             and
             to
             walk
             in
             love
             towards
             all
             ,
             not
             excluding
             enemies
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             all
             the
             good
             they
             can
             both
             to
             the
             souls
             and
             bodies
             of
             men
             ;
             but
             those
             that
             fear
             God
             they
             more
             highly
             prise
             and
             favour
             .
             The
             remainder
             of
             corruption
             within
             themselves
             they
             know
             feelingly
             ,
             and
             watch
             and
             pray
             ,
             and
             strive
             that
             they
             enter
             not
             into
             
             temptation
             ,
             and
             maintain
             a
             continual
             warfare
             against
             the
             Devil
             the
             world
             and
             the
             flesh
             ,
             under
             the
             conduct
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             their
             Leader
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             laws
             of
             their
             holy
             profession
             ,
             with
             patience
             and
             perseverance
             .
             In
             the
             midst
             of
             a
             crooked
             and
             perverse
             generation
             ,
             they
             indeavour
             to
             be
             blameless
             and
             harmless
             as
             the
             Sons
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             shine
             as
             lights
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             influence
             of
             their
             good
             conversation
             to
             turn
             others
             to
             righteousness
             .
          
           
             Such
             is
             the
             Character
             of
             those
             persons
             upon
             whose
             souls
             the
             holy
             doctrine
             of
             the
             Gospel
             is
             impressed
             ,
             and
             in
             whom
             the
             Christian
             religion
             hath
             its
             real
             being
             ,
             force
             and
             vertue
             .
             These
             are
             partakers
             of
             the
             heavenly
             calling
             ,
             and
             set
             apart
             for
             God
             to
             do
             him
             service
             in
             the
             present
             world
             ,
             and
             afterwards
             to
             live
             in
             glory
             with
             him
             for
             ever
             .
             These
             are
             the
             true
             Church
             of
             God
             (
             the
             Church
             being
             here
             taken
             as
             mystical
             ,
             not
             as
             visible
             )
             and
             these
             are
             all
             joyned
             together
             by
             one
             Spirit
             ,
             in
             one
             Body
             under
             Christ
             their
             Head
             ,
             in
             the
             same
             new
             nature
             ,
             having
             one
             rule
             of
             their
             profession
             ,
             and
             one
             hope
             of
             their
             calling
             .
          
           
             These
             are
             a
             great
             multitude
             ,
             which
             no
             man
             can
             number
             of
             all
             nations
             and
             kindreds
             ,
             and
             people
             and
             tongues
             ,
             yet
             hitherto
             not
             proportionable
             to
             the
             rest
             of
             mankind
             .
             And
             they
             continue
             throughout
             all
             ages
             ,
             but
             in
             greater
             or
             lesser
             numbers
             ,
             and
             more
             or
             less
             refined
             from
             Superstition
             or
             other
             corruptions
             ,
             and
             more
             or
             less
             severed
             from
             the
             external
             communion
             of
             the
             
             Antichristian
             State
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             brightness
             or
             darkness
             of
             the
             times
             and
             places
             wherein
             they
             live
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             
          
           
             
               Things
               pertaining
               to
               the
               Sound
               State
               of
               Religion
               .
               And
               first
               holy
               Doctrine
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             advancement
             of
             the
             Christian
             life
             ,
             which
             hath
             its
             beginning
             in
             the
             new
             birth
             ,
             being
             the
             great
             end
             propounded
             in
             this
             discourse
             ,
             in
             reference
             to
             this
             end
             ,
             the
             things
             here
             principally
             looked
             after
             are
             ,
             the
             receiving
             and
             propagating
             of
             holy
             Doctrine
             ,
             drawn
             out
             of
             the
             pure
             fountain
             of
             Sacred
             Scripture
             ;
             the
             right
             administration
             of
             true
             Gospel
             worship
             ,
             by
             which
             God
             is
             glorified
             as
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             worshippers
             are
             made
             more
             godly
             ;
             The
             due
             preaching
             of
             Gods
             word
             ,
             and
             dispensation
             of
             other
             divine
             ordinances
             by
             personslawfully
             called
             thereunto
             ,
             for
             the
             conversion
             of
             sinners
             and
             edification
             of
             converts
             ;
             Holy
             discipline
             truly
             and
             faithfully
             administred
             by
             the
             Pastors
             ,
             as
             the
             necessity
             of
             the
             Church
             requires
             ,
             and
             the
             State
             thereof
             will
             bear
             ;
             Religious
             family
             government
             ;
             Private
             mutual
             exhortations
             ,
             pious
             conferences
             and
             profitable
             conversation
             ;
             The
             predominant
             influence
             of
             religion
             in
             the
             civil
             government
             of
             a
             nation
             ,
             yet
             without
             usurpation
             or
             incroachment
             
             upon
             the
             civil
             rights
             of
             any
             ,
             especially
             of
             the
             higher
             Powers
             ;
             The
             unity
             of
             Christians
             and
             their
             mutual
             charity
             conspicuous
             and
             illustrious
             ;
             and
             lastly
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             all
             these
             intents
             a
             good
             frame
             of
             Ecclesiastical
             polity
             .
          
           
             Holy
             Doctrine
             is
             the
             incorruptible
             seed
             of
             Regeneration
             ,
             by
             which
             the
             new
             creature
             is
             begotten
             .
             It
             is
             not
             here
             intended
             to
             represent
             a
             perfect
             scheme
             thereof
             ,
             for
             it
             sufficeth
             to
             signifie
             that
             extracts
             thereof
             from
             holy
             Scripture
             ,
             are
             drawn
             out
             in
             the
             ancient
             Catholik
             Creeds
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             harmonious
             confessions
             of
             the
             present
             Reformed
             Churches
             .
             Nevertheless
             our
             design
             requires
             the
             observation
             of
             some
             most
             important
             things
             about
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             Salvation
             ,
          
           
             As
             that
             there
             be
             first
             an
             earnest
             and
             hearty
             belief
             of
             the
             existence
             and
             providence
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             his
             government
             of
             mankind
             by
             laws
             congruous
             to
             their
             nature
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             immortallity
             of
             human
             souls
             ,
             and
             of
             a
             life
             of
             retribution
             in
             the
             world
             to
             come
             ;
             which
             is
             the
             foundation
             of
             all
             religion
             .
          
           
             2ly
             .
             Right
             apprehensions
             of
             Gods
             nature
             and
             attributes
             ,
             more
             especially
             of
             his
             Holiness
             comprehending
             as
             well
             his
             purity
             and
             justice
             ,
             as
             his
             mercy
             and
             goodness
             ;
             that
             as
             he
             is
             ready
             to
             procure
             his
             creatures
             happiness
             ,
             and
             refuseth
             none
             that
             come
             unto
             him
             ,
             so
             that
             he
             cannot
             deny
             himself
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             receiveth
             note
             but
             upon
             terms
             agreeable
             to
             his
             Holiness
             .
          
           
             3ly
             .
             An
             Idea
             of
             Godliness
             in
             themind
             not
             as
             
             shaped
             by
             any
             private
             conceptions
             ,
             but
             as
             expressed
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             whose
             workmanship
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             Christianity
             in
             the
             hearts
             and
             lives
             of
             men
             may
             be
             the
             same
             with
             Christianity
             in
             the
             Scriptures
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             The
             receiving
             of
             the
             great
             mystery
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             not
             as
             allegorized
             in
             the
             fancies
             of
             some
             Enthusiasts
             ,
             wherein
             it
             vanisheth
             to
             nothing
             but
             as
             verisied
             in
             the
             truth
             of
             the
             History
             ,
             wherein
             it
             becomes
             the
             power
             of
             God
             to
             Salvation
             ;
             and
             so
             not
             to
             sever
             the
             internal
             spirit
             of
             the
             Christian
             Religion
             ,
             from
             its
             external
             frame
             ,
             the
             basis
             whereof
             is
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Trinity
             in
             the
             Unity
             of
             the
             Godhead
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             incarnation
             of
             the
             eternal
             word
             .
          
           
             Lastly
             ,
             Soundness
             of
             judgment
             in
             those
             great
             Gospel
             verities
             ,
             that
             are
             written
             for
             the
             exalting
             of
             Gods
             grace
             ,
             and
             the
             promoting
             of
             true
             godliness
             ,
             and
             the
             incouraging
             of
             the
             godly
             ,
             in
             opposition
             to
             ungracious
             ,
             ungodly
             ,
             and
             uncomfortable
             errours
             ,
             of
             which
             sort
             are
             these
             following
             truths
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             study
             and
             knowledge
             of
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             is
             the
             duty
             and
             priviledge
             of
             all
             Christians
             ,
             that
             according
             to
             their
             several
             capacities
             ,
             being
             skilfull
             in
             the
             word
             of
             righteousness
             ,
             they
             may
             discern
             between
             truth
             and
             falshood
             ,
             between
             good
             and
             evil
             ,
             and
             offer
             to
             God
             a
             reasonable
             service
             according
             to
             his
             revealed
             will.
             
          
           
             That
             internal
             illumination
             is
             necessary
             to
             the
             saving
             knowledge
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             Holy
             spirit
             in
             
             that
             regard
             not
             inspiring
             new
             revelations
             ,
             but
             inabling
             to
             discern
             savingly
             what
             is
             already
             revealed
             in
             nature
             and
             Scripture
             .
          
           
             That
             man
             was
             created
             after
             the
             image
             of
             God
             in
             righteousness
             and
             true
             holyness
             ;
             and
             that
             in
             this
             state
             he
             was
             indued
             with
             a
             self-determining
             principle
             called
             Freewill
             ,
             and
             thereby
             made
             capable
             of
             abiding
             holy
             and
             happy
             ,
             or
             of
             falling
             into
             sin
             and
             misery
             according
             to
             his
             own
             choice
             ,
             and
             that
             God
             left
             him
             to
             the
             freedom
             of
             his
             own
             choice
             having
             given
             him
             whatsoever
             power
             or
             assistance
             was
             necessary
             to
             his
             standing
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             first
             man
             being
             set
             in
             this
             capacity
             fell
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             it
             pleased
             God
             not
             to
             annihilate
             him
             ,
             nor
             to
             prevent
             his
             propagating
             of
             an
             issue
             in
             the
             same
             fallen
             state
             ,
             which
             would
             follow
             upon
             his
             fall
             ;
             but
             left
             the
             condition
             of
             mankind
             to
             pass
             according
             to
             the
             course
             of
             nature
             ,
             being
             now
             fallen
             .
          
           
             That
             by
             the
             sin
             of
             Adam
             all
             men
             are
             made
             sinners
             ,
             and
             corrupt
             in
             their
             whole
             nature
             ,
             and
             are
             under
             the
             curse
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             liable
             to
             eternal
             condemnation
             ,
             and
             being
             left
             to
             the
             wicked
             bent
             of
             their
             own
             wills
             ,
             are
             continually
             adding
             to
             their
             original
             sin
             a
             heap
             of
             actual
             transgressions
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             of
             themselves
             in
             a
             miserable
             and
             helpless
             condition
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             according
             to
             his
             full
             intention
             and
             his
             Fathers
             commandment
             ,
             hath
             made
             propitiation
             for
             the
             sins
             of
             the
             whole
             world
             ,
             so
             far
             ,
             as
             thereby
             to
             procure
             pardon
             of
             
             sin
             and
             Salvation
             of
             soul
             ,
             to
             all
             that
             do
             unfeignedly
             believe
             and
             repent
             .
          
           
             That
             man
             being
             dead
             in
             sin
             cannot
             be
             quickned
             to
             the
             divine
             life
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             power
             of
             Gods
             grace
             ,
             raising
             him
             above
             the
             impotency
             of
             lapsed
             nature
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             culpable
             impotency
             of
             lapsed
             nature
             to
             saving
             good
             ,
             lies
             in
             the
             fixed
             full
             aversation
             of
             the
             will
             ,
             by
             a
             deplorable
             obstinacy
             nilling
             that
             good
             to
             which
             the
             natural
             faculties
             can
             reach
             ,
             and
             ought
             to
             incline
             as
             to
             their
             due
             object
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             root
             of
             godliness
             lies
             in
             regeneration
             and
             inward
             Sanctification
             .
          
           
             That
             God
             calleth
             some
             by
             the
             help
             of
             that
             special
             grace
             which
             infallibly
             effecteth
             their
             conversion
             and
             adhesion
             to
             him
             ,
             without
             any
             impeachment
             of
             the
             natural
             liberty
             of
             the
             will.
             
          
           
             That
             whatsoever
             God
             doth
             in
             time
             ,
             and
             in
             whatsoever
             order
             he
             doth
             it
             ,
             he
             decreed
             from
             eternity
             to
             do
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             same
             order
             ;
             and
             so
             he
             decreed
             from
             eternity
             to
             give
             that
             special
             grace
             to
             some
             ,
             and
             by
             it
             to
             bring
             them
             to
             glory
             ,
             which
             decree
             is
             eternal
             election
             ,
             to
             which
             is
             opposite
             the
             pure
             negative
             of
             Non-election
             .
             As
             for
             preordination
             to
             everlasting
             punishment
             it
             passeth
             not
             upon
             any
             ,
             but
             on
             the
             foresight
             and
             consideration
             of
             their
             final
             abode
             in
             the
             state
             of
             sin
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             more
             common
             convictions
             ,
             inclinations
             
             and
             endeavours
             towards
             God
             in
             persons
             unregenerate
             are
             good
             in
             their
             degree
             ,
             and
             the
             ordinary
             preparative
             to
             a
             saving
             change
             ,
             and
             they
             are
             the
             effects
             of
             that
             divine
             grace
             which
             is
             called
             common
             .
          
           
             That
             deligent
             seeking
             after
             God
             by
             the
             help
             of
             common
             grace
             is
             not
             in
             vain
             ,
             it
             being
             the
             means
             to
             some
             further
             attainment
             towards
             the
             souls
             recovery
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             regarded
             of
             God
             in
             its
             degree
             ,
             and
             God
             doth
             not
             deny
             men
             further
             degrees
             of
             help
             ,
             till
             they
             refuse
             to
             follow
             after
             him
             ,
             by
             not
             using
             the
             help
             already
             given
             them
             ,
             and
             by
             resisting
             his
             further
             aid
             .
          
           
             That
             God
             hath
             made
             all
             men
             savable
             ,
             and
             though
             he
             doth
             not
             simply
             and
             absolutely
             will
             the
             conversion
             and
             Salvation
             of
             all
             ,
             yet
             he
             willeth
             it
             so
             far
             ,
             and
             in
             such
             manner
             as
             is
             sufficient
             to
             encourage
             the
             diligent
             in
             their
             endeavours
             ,
             and
             to
             convict
             the
             careless
             of
             being
             inexcusable
             despisers
             of
             his
             grace
             towards
             them
             .
          
           
             That
             there
             is
             an
             inherent
             righteousness
             ,
             by
             which
             the
             faithful
             are
             truly
             named
             righteous
             ,
             not
             only
             before
             men
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             judgment
             of
             God
             himself
             ;
             and
             which
             can
             be
             no
             more
             without
             good
             works
             then
             the
             sun
             without
             light
             .
          
           
             That
             this
             is
             so
             perfect
             ,
             as
             not
             to
             lack
             any
             thing
             necessary
             to
             the
             true
             nature
             of
             righteousness
             ,
             nor
             to
             be
             maimed
             in
             any
             principal
             part
             thereof
             ,
             though
             in
             respect
             of
             degrees
             and
             some
             accidental
             parts
             ,
             it
             be
             imperfect
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             faithful
             cannot
             by
             this
             inherent
             
             righteousness
             abide
             the
             strict
             tryal
             of
             divine
             justice
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             acquited
             from
             the
             guilt
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             their
             deserved
             punishment
             by
             the
             meer
             grace
             of
             God
             in
             Christ.
             
          
           
             That
             Christs
             righteousness
             is
             so
             far
             bestowed
             on
             believers
             and
             made
             theirs
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             merit
             and
             consideration
             thereof
             they
             are
             freed
             from
             the
             curse
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             the
             condemnation
             of
             hell
             ,
             are
             justified
             unto
             eternal
             ,
             life
             and
             adopted
             to
             the
             inheritance
             of
             the
             heavenly
             kingdom
             .
             And
             imputed
             righteousness
             in
             this
             sense
             cannot
             be
             gain-said
             .
          
           
             That
             no
             faith
             is
             justifying
             ,
             but
             that
             which
             works
             by
             love
             ,
             and
             brings
             forth
             the
             fruit
             of
             good
             works
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             condition
             of
             the
             new
             covenant
             for
             the
             remission
             of
             sins
             and
             everlasting
             life
             is
             faith
             alone
             ,
             not
             as
             excluding
             repentance
             and
             new
             obedience
             ,
             but
             as
             excluding
             the
             works
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             or
             legal
             covenant
             ;
             and
             this
             is
             no
             derogation
             from
             the
             freest
             grace
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             faithful
             keep
             the
             commandments
             of
             God
             and
             in
             some
             sense
             may
             be
             said
             to
             fulfill
             the
             Law
             ,
             that
             is
             not
             in
             the
             strictness
             of
             the
             covenant
             of
             works
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             observance
             of
             duty
             without
             reserves
             ,
             in
             the
             sincerity
             of
             love
             towards
             God
             and
             man
             ,
             as
             the
             Scripture
             saith
             ,
             
               love
               is
               the
               fulfilling
               of
               the
               Law.
               
            
          
           
             That
             obedience
             every
             way
             perfect
             is
             required
             of
             the
             faithfull
             as
             their
             duty
             ,
             but
             not
             under
             the
             penalty
             of
             eternal
             death
             ,
             yet
             under
             that
             penalty
             
             they
             are
             obliged
             to
             sincere
             obedience
             .
          
           
             That
             good
             works
             have
             relation
             to
             eternal
             life
             as
             the
             means
             to
             the
             end
             ,
             in
             that
             manner
             ,
             as
             the
             seed
             to
             Havest
             ,
             as
             the
             race
             and
             combat
             to
             the
             Prize
             ,
             as
             the
             work
             to
             the
             Reward
             ;
             not
             according
             to
             equality
             or
             condignity
             ,
             or
             merit
             strictly
             so
             called
             ,
             but
             according
             to
             free
             compact
             or
             congruity
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             faithfull
             may
             be
             assured
             of
             their
             own
             justification
             by
             a
             true
             fixed
             persuasion
             ,
             that
             excludes
             hesitation
             and
             suspense
             ,
             and
             causeth
             holy
             security
             ,
             peace
             and
             joy
             ;
             and
             that
             they
             ought
             to
             labour
             for
             such
             assurance
             ,
             which
             ariseth
             partly
             from
             the
             divine
             promises
             ,
             and
             partly
             from
             the
             sense
             of
             their
             own
             infeigned
             faith
             .
          
           
             That
             though
             godliness
             stands
             not
             in
             absolute
             perfection
             ,
             yet
             it
             stands
             in
             that
             integrity
             of
             heart
             and
             life
             ,
             an
             indubitable
             evidence
             whereof
             cannot
             be
             had
             without
             a
             very
             carefull
             and
             close
             walking
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             continued
             earnest
             endeavours
             of
             perfecting
             holiness
             in
             his
             fear
             .
          
           
             That
             all
             human
             actions
             must
             have
             an
             actual
             or
             habitual
             reference
             to
             Gods
             glory
             ,
             and
             that
             all
             things
             are
             to
             be
             done
             in
             the
             best
             manner
             for
             that
             end
             .
          
           
             That
             notwithstanding
             the
             power
             of
             divine
             grace
             ,
             which
             works
             mightily
             in
             Gods
             chosen
             ,
             whosoever
             will
             be
             saved
             must
             watch
             and
             pray
             and
             strive
             ,
             and
             bestow
             his
             chiefest
             care
             and
             pains
             therein
             ,
             and
             so
             continue
             to
             the
             end
             ,
             and
             particularly
             
             in
             the
             constant
             exercise
             not
             of
             a
             Popish
             ,
             outside
             ,
             formal
             ,
             but
             a
             Spiritual
             and
             real
             mortification
             ,
             and
             self
             denial
             in
             continual
             dependance
             on
             Gods
             grace
             ,
             
               who
               worketh
               in
               us
               to
               will
               and
               to
               do
               of
               his
               own
               good
               pleasure
               .
            
          
           
             In
             the
             positions
             aforegoing
             ,
             all
             nice
             ,
             obscure
             ,
             perplexed
             and
             unnecessary
             notions
             are
             avoided
             ,
             and
             the
             plain
             sense
             of
             Gospel
             doctrine
             is
             attended
             .
             This
             simplicity
             and
             plainess
             makes
             the
             truth
             much
             more
             intelligible
             ,
             and
             less
             controvertible
             ,
             where
             a
             multitude
             of
             nice
             terms
             and
             notions
             are
             vain
             and
             hurtfull
             superfluities
             ,
             that
             muffle
             the
             truth
             ,
             and
             cloud
             mens
             judgments
             and
             multiply
             controversies
             ,
             and
             cause
             much
             confusion
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               The
               due
               ordering
               of
               Gospel
               Worship
               .
            
          
           
             FOrasmuch
             as
             divine
             Worship
             ,
             is
             the
             first
             and
             nearest
             act
             of
             Piety
             ,
             and
             aims
             immediately
             at
             the
             glorifying
             of
             Gods
             name
             ,
             and
             the
             keeping
             of
             the
             soul
             devoted
             to
             him
             ,
             the
             due
             ordering
             thereof
             must
             needs
             be
             one
             of
             the
             highest
             concernments
             of
             true
             religion
             .
             Whereupon
             such
             an
             order
             thereof
             must
             needs
             be
             most
             desirable
             ,
             as
             hath
             most
             tendency
             to
             exalt
             the
             honour
             of
             Gods
             name
             ,
             and
             to
             advance
             the
             souls
             pure
             devotion
             .
             And
             doubtless
             
             that
             hath
             most
             tendency
             thereunto
             ,
             which
             is
             most
             according
             to
             the
             nature
             and
             will
             of
             God.
             Notwithstanding
             the
             fetches
             of
             mens
             wit
             in
             commending
             their
             will-worship
             ,
             God
             best
             knows
             ,
             what
             service
             will
             please
             him
             best
             ,
             and
             do
             us
             most
             good
             .
             It
             becomes
             us
             ,
             neither
             to
             contemn
             Gods
             authority
             in
             the
             neglect
             of
             his
             institutions
             ,
             nor
             to
             controle
             his
             wisdom
             in
             the
             addition
             of
             vain
             inventions
             .
             And
             this
             will
             bring
             us
             into
             the
             way
             of
             a
             reasonable
             service
             ,
             most
             acceptable
             to
             God
             and
             profitable
             to
             our selves
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             fulness
             of
             time
             our
             Lord
             Christ
             ,
             being
             to
             establish
             a
             more
             perfect
             way
             ,
             than
             what
             had
             been
             before
             ,
             lays
             this
             foundation
             ,
             
               God
               is
               a
               Spirit
               and
               they
               that
               worship
               him
               ,
               must
               Worship
               him
               in
               Spirit
               and
               truth
               .
            
             Accordingly
             he
             antiquated
             the
             old
             legal
             form
             ,
             great
             in
             outward
             furniture
             and
             visible
             spendor
             ,
             but
             comparatively
             small
             in
             substance
             and
             inward
             power
             ;
             and
             instituted
             an
             other
             of
             a
             far
             different
             strain
             ,
             wherein
             the
             rituals
             and
             externals
             are
             few
             and
             plain
             ,
             but
             their
             substance
             and
             inward
             power
             is
             great
             and
             mighty
             .
             And
             when
             he
             abrogated
             former
             things
             ,
             which
             for
             their
             time
             had
             the
             stamp
             of
             divine
             authority
             ,
             because
             they
             suited
             not
             with
             the
             Gospel
             state
             ,
             and
             were
             in
             a
             comparative
             sense
             called
             ,
             
               carnal
               ordinances
               that
               were
               not
               good
            
             ;
             doubtless
             it
             was
             not
             his
             mind
             and
             will
             ,
             that
             men
             should
             erect
             new
             frames
             of
             their
             own
             devising
             after
             the
             similitude
             of
             those
             old
             things
             ,
             
             that
             are
             passed
             away
             .
             To
             worship
             God
             in
             the
             Spirit
             after
             the
             simplicity
             that
             is
             in
             Christ
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Gospel
             dispensation
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             most
             agreeable
             to
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             divine
             Majesty
             ,
             which
             is
             Worshipped
             ,
             and
             best
             fitted
             to
             glorifie
             him
             as
             God
             indeed
             ;
             so
             it
             is
             also
             most
             efficacious
             to
             make
             the
             Worshippers
             more
             knowing
             in
             religion
             ,
             more
             holy
             and
             heavenly
             in
             Spirit
             and
             conversation
             ,
             and
             every
             way
             more
             perfect
             in
             things
             pertaining
             to
             life
             and
             godliness
             .
          
           
             Irreverence
             ,
             rudeness
             ,
             sordidness
             ,
             or
             any
             kind
             of
             negligence
             in
             the
             outward
             service
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             not
             here
             commended
             under
             the
             simplicity
             and
             Spirituality
             of
             Gospel
             worship
             .
             Due
             regard
             must
             be
             had
             to
             all
             those
             matters
             of
             decency
             ,
             the
             neglect
             whereof
             would
             render
             the
             Service
             undecent
             ;
             such
             as
             are
             convenient
             places
             of
             assembling
             commonly
             called
             Churches
             ,
             comely
             furniture
             and
             convenient
             utensils
             therein
             ,
             a
             grave
             habit
             not
             of
             special
             sanctity
             ,
             but
             of
             civil
             decency
             for
             a
             Minister
             ,
             all
             which
             should
             not
             be
             vile
             and
             beggarly
             but
             gracefull
             and
             seemly
             ;
             likewise
             a
             well
             composed
             countenance
             and
             reverent
             gesture
             ,
             is
             requisite
             in
             all
             that
             present
             themselves
             before
             the
             Lord.
             Sitting
             or
             lolling
             or
             covering
             the
             head
             ,
             or
             having
             the
             hat
             half-way
             on
             in
             prayer
             ,
             is
             among
             us
             unseemly
             ,
             except
             natural
             infirmity
             call
             for
             indulgence
             herein
             :
             but
             laughing
             ,
             talking
             ,
             gazing
             about
             in
             our
             attendance
             on
             religious
             exercises
             ,
             is
             no
             better
             than
             profaneness
             ;
             and
             to
             come
             into
             the
             
             congregation
             walking
             with
             our
             hats
             on
             our
             heads
             ,
             is
             by
             custom
             taken
             for
             irreverence
             and
             incivility
             ,
             and
             therefore
             to
             be
             avoided
             as
             offensive
             .
             All
             matters
             of
             necessary
             decency
             ,
             are
             in
             their
             generals
             of
             the
             Law
             of
             nature
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             particulars
             to
             be
             ordered
             by
             human
             prudence
             .
          
           
             All
             natural
             expressions
             of
             devotion
             ,
             as
             kneeling
             ,
             and
             lifting
             up
             of
             the
             hands
             and
             eyes
             in
             prayer
             ,
             are
             allowed
             by
             all
             sorts
             .
             We
             call
             them
             natural
             because
             nature
             it self
             teacheth
             to
             use
             them
             ,
             without
             any
             positive
             institution
             divine
             or
             human
             ;
             and
             a
             rational
             man
             by
             the
             meer
             light
             of
             nature
             is
             directed
             to
             use
             them
             ,
             yet
             not
             without
             some
             government
             and
             discretion
             .
             For
             herein
             nature
             it self
             is
             subject
             to
             some
             variety
             ,
             and
             is
             in
             part
             determined
             and
             limited
             by
             the
             custom
             of
             several
             ages
             and
             countries
             ,
             as
             for
             instance
             ,
             in
             the
             prostration
             of
             the
             body
             in
             the
             act
             of
             adoration
             ,
             in
             the
             wearing
             of
             Sackcloth
             ,
             and
             renting
             of
             clothes
             in
             time
             of
             great
             humiliation
             ,
             which
             in
             former
             ages
             were
             sutable
             ,
             and
             that
             according
             to
             nature
             ,
             but
             not
             now
             adays
             in
             regard
             of
             the
             variation
             of
             custom
             .
             And
             I
             suppose
             that
             in
             this
             sense
             St.
             Paul
             speaks
             against
             wearing
             of
             long
             hair
             as
             contrary
             to
             nature
             .
          
           
             But
             there
             hath
             been
             much
             controversie
             about
             such
             Ceremonies
             as
             contribute
             nothing
             to
             the
             aforesaid
             necessary
             decency
             ,
             and
             are
             no
             natural
             nor
             civil
             and
             customary
             expressions
             of
             reverence
             and
             devotion
             ,
             but
             are
             of
             human
             
             institution
             and
             of
             a
             mystical
             and
             meerly
             instituted
             signification
             ,
             and
             made
             visible
             stated
             signs
             of
             Gods
             honour
             ,
             and
             the
             immediate
             expressions
             of
             our
             observance
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             obligation
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             some
             supposed
             to
             be
             not
             meer
             circumstances
             ,
             but
             parts
             of
             divine
             Worship
             ;
             and
             yet
             more
             especially
             if
             they
             be
             designed
             in
             their
             use
             ,
             for
             that
             significancy
             and
             moral
             efficacy
             that
             belongs
             to
             Sacraments
             ,
             and
             made
             no
             less
             then
             the
             Symbals
             of
             our
             Christianity
             .
             It
             lies
             not
             on
             me
             to
             determine
             on
             either
             side
             in
             this
             controversie
             ;
             nevertheless
             it
             is
             easie
             to
             apprehend
             this
             ,
             that
             it
             can
             be
             no
             danger
             nor
             dammage
             to
             be
             sparing
             in
             those
             things
             ,
             which
             being
             at
             least
             doubtfull
             and
             unnecessary
             ,
             have
             turned
             to
             endless
             strife
             and
             scandal
             between
             those
             that
             own
             the
             same
             doctrine
             of
             Faith
             ,
             and
             the
             same
             Church
             Communion
             .
             Likewise
             it
             can
             do
             no
             hurt
             to
             reformed
             Christianity
             ,
             not
             to
             insist
             on
             that
             latitude
             in
             devised
             rites
             of
             worship
             ,
             that
             will
             acquit
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             the
             Ceremonies
             used
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             Rome
             ,
             from
             the
             charge
             of
             Superstition
             ,
             and
             which
             makes
             way
             for
             the
             oppressing
             of
             the
             Churches
             ,
             and
             the
             sinking
             of
             religion
             under
             a
             luggage
             of
             unprofitable
             institutions
             .
          
           
             To
             make
             any
             thing
             necessary
             and
             commanded
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             he
             hath
             not
             commanded
             ,
             and
             to
             damn
             any
             thing
             as
             forbidden
             by
             him
             ,
             which
             he
             hath
             left
             indifferent
             ,
             and
             to
             dread
             left
             God
             should
             not
             be
             pleased
             ,
             unless
             we
             do
             somethings
             
             which
             we
             need
             not
             do
             ,
             and
             lest
             he
             should
             be
             displeased
             ,
             when
             we
             do
             somethings
             not
             forbidden
             ,
             is
             no
             doubt
             the
             crime
             of
             Superstition
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             not
             the
             whole
             extent
             of
             that
             sin
             .
             For
             it
             is
             no
             less
             Superstition
             to
             feign
             God
             to
             be
             pleased
             with
             mens
             vain
             inventions
             ,
             yea
             though
             they
             be
             not
             injoyned
             or
             observed
             as
             divine
             precepts
             ;
             and
             this
             also
             is
             ,
             
               to
               teach
               for
               Doctrines
               the
               commandments
               of
               men
               .
            
             And
             who
             are
             the
             greater
             controlers
             of
             Gods
             wisdom
             ,
             and
             usurpers
             upon
             his
             authority
             ?
             They
             that
             fear
             to
             do
             what
             God
             hath
             allowed
             ,
             supposing
             it
             to
             be
             forbidden
             ,
             or
             they
             that
             presume
             to
             add
             their
             own
             inventions
             for
             the
             bettering
             of
             his
             service
             ,
             and
             make
             the
             omission
             thereof
             as
             criminal
             ,
             as
             the
             neglect
             of
             divine
             ordinances
             ?
             Doubtless
             it
             is
             a
             more
             tolerable
             Superstition
             to
             be
             over
             solicitous
             and
             scrupulous
             ,
             about
             the
             commandments
             of
             God
             ,
             than
             to
             be
             over-confident
             and
             vehement
             in
             the
             unwarrantable
             or
             questionable
             traditions
             of
             men
             .
          
           
             Human
             devices
             multiplyed
             in
             Gods
             worship
             ,
             ingender
             to
             much
             vanity
             and
             superstition
             in
             the
             zealous
             observers
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             are
             apt
             to
             extinguish
             the
             inward
             life
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             as
             rank
             weeds
             choak
             the
             corn
             ;
             and
             they
             are
             commonly
             made
             a
             Cloak
             to
             real
             ungodliness
             .
             And
             if
             some
             of
             them
             were
             first
             introduced
             with
             pious
             intention
             ,
             yet
             they
             are
             commonly
             maintained
             and
             multiplied
             to
             serve
             a
             carnal
             Interest
             .
             And
             they
             are
             the
             more
             easily
             entertained
             and
             observed
             ,
             
             because
             it
             is
             easie
             to
             the
             flesh
             to
             buy
             out
             the
             inward
             Service
             of
             God
             and
             the
             subjection
             of
             the
             inward
             man
             ,
             by
             superficial
             bodily
             exercise
             .
             But
             the
             depretiating
             of
             these
             devices
             ,
             serves
             to
             pluck
             off
             the
             mask
             of
             hypocrisie
             ,
             made
             up
             of
             meer
             formalities
             ,
             and
             to
             invigorate
             the
             life
             and
             spirit
             of
             true
             Religion
             .
          
           
             To
             be
             
               the
               Ministration
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             ,
             is
             the
             excelling
             glory
             of
             the
             Gospel
             Ministration
             ,
             wherewith
             a
             grave
             and
             sober
             decency
             and
             comely
             ornament
             doth
             well
             accord
             ;
             but
             excessive
             gaudiness
             ,
             pompous
             and
             theatrical
             shews
             ,
             various
             gesticulations
             ,
             and
             affected
             postures
             ,
             are
             vanities
             too
             much
             detracting
             from
             its
             dignity
             and
             spiritual
             Majesty
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             
          
           
             
               The
               due
               dispensation
               of
               Gods
               word
               .
            
          
           
             WHen
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             
               ascended
               up
               on
               high
               ,
               he
               gave
               gifts
               unto
               men
               ,
            
             appointing
             and
             furnishing
             Spiritual
             Officers
             for
             the
             Service
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             ,
             some
             extraordinary
             and
             temporary
             ,
             as
             
               Apostles
               ,
               Prophets
               ,
               Evangelists
            
             ;
             others
             ordinary
             and
             successively
             perpetual
             ,
             as
             
               Pastors
               and
               Teachers
            
             .
             Wherefore
             the
             interest
             of
             Christianity
             lies
             much
             in
             a
             right
             Gospel
             Ministery
             ,
             which
             is
             sutable
             and
             serviceable
             to
             our
             Lords
             design
             ,
             and
             the
             ends
             of
             his
             Gospel
             .
             And
             it
             is
             a
             
             Ministery
             ,
             which
             is
             pure
             and
             uncorrupt
             ,
             dispensing
             
               the
               truth
               as
               it
               is
               in
               Jesus
               ,
            
             whereby
             men
             are
             brought
             to
             sound
             faith
             and
             true
             holiness
             ;
             which
             is
             vigorous
             and
             powerful
             ,
             apt
             to
             take
             hold
             of
             the
             conscience
             and
             reach
             the
             heart
             ;
             which
             is
             sollicitous
             and
             laborious
             ,
             
               travelling
               in
               birth
               till
               Christ
               be
               formed
               in
               the
               hearers
            
             and
             
               the
               Man-child
               the
               new
               creature
            
             be
             born
             into
             the
             world
             ;
             which
             is
             assiduous
             and
             instant
             in
             preaching
             the
             word
             ,
             by
             instruction
             ,
             reproof
             and
             comfort
             ,
             that
             as
             much
             as
             in
             it
             lies
             ,
             it
             may
             present
             every
             man
             perfect
             in
             Christ
             ;
             which
             comes
             with
             full
             Scripture
             evidence
             and
             cogent
             reason
             ,
             with
             solid
             matter
             in
             stile
             and
             language
             not
             negligent
             ,
             much
             less
             undecent
             ,
             yet
             not
             too
             curious
             and
             elaborate
             ,
             but
             free
             ,
             vehement
             ,
             grave
             ,
             serious
             and
             fit
             for
             the
             work
             in
             hand
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             to
             tickle
             ear
             ,
             but
             to
             break
             open
             the
             heart
             ;
             which
             is
             exemplary
             in
             faith
             ,
             purity
             ,
             charity
             ,
             self-denial
             and
             contempt
             of
             the
             world
             ;
             and
             finally
             which
             is
             not
             mercenary
             ,
             but
             naturally
             cares
             for
             the
             state
             of
             the
             flock
             ,
             and
             accommodates
             it self
             thereunto
             ,
             as
             its
             great
             charge
             and
             chief
             concern
             .
             And
             
               who
               is
               sufficient
               for
               these
               things
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             great
             Apostle
             !
             Doubtless
             much
             wisdom
             and
             grace
             is
             needfull
             ,
             in
             an
             
               able
               Minister
               of
               the
               new
               Testament
               ,
               and
               a
               Workman
               that
               needs
               not
               to
               be
               ashamed
               .
            
          
           
             It
             being
             pre-supposed
             that
             he
             
               holds
               fast
               the
               form
               of
               Sound
               words
               ,
            
             and
             that
             he
             is
             throughly
             instructed
             in
             the
             mystery
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             which
             
             he
             is
             to
             impart
             to
             others
             ,
             in
             the
             first
             place
             ,
             his
             prudence
             will
             be
             concerned
             for
             the
             judicious
             management
             of
             the
             dispensation
             committed
             to
             him
             .
             A
             prudent
             dispenser
             of
             the
             word
             ,
             will
             take
             care
             to
             deliver
             nothing
             to
             others
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             very
             intelligible
             to
             himself
             ;
             and
             whereof
             he
             can
             make
             good
             sense
             ,
             and
             render
             a
             reason
             to
             those
             that
             ask
             it
             .
             He
             doth
             not
             trifle
             with
             holy
             things
             ,
             he
             shuns
             vanity
             and
             curiosity
             ,
             and
             doth
             not
             ramble
             into
             impertinences
             ,
             and
             cares
             not
             to
             utter
             any
             thing
             for
             ostentation
             .
             He
             hath
             in
             his
             eye
             the
             end
             of
             his
             Ministry
             ,
             and
             the
             usefulness
             and
             importance
             of
             what
             he
             hath
             to
             communicate
             ,
             that
             (
             as
             it
             said
             of
             the
             Scripture
             from
             whence
             he
             takes
             it
             )
             
               it
               may
               be
               profitable
               for
               Doctrine
               ,
               for
               Reproof
               ,
               for
               Correction
               ,
               for
               instruction
               in
               Righteousness
               ,
            
             that
             it
             may
             come
             home
             to
             the
             hearts
             and
             lives
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             be
             fit
             to
             raise
             their
             attention
             by
             their
             own
             concernment
             in
             it
             .
             He
             considers
             withall
             what
             the
             hearers
             can
             best
             receive
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             not
             what
             the
             flesh
             can
             well
             digest
             (
             for
             then
             the
             most
             necessary
             truths
             must
             be
             forborn
             )
             but
             that
             which
             carries
             its
             own
             evidence
             ,
             to
             that
             it
             must
             be
             owned
             ,
             or
             the
             gain-sayers
             must
             be
             self-condemned
             .
             And
             this
             is
             to
             prepare
             mens
             minds
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             way
             for
             such
             harder
             sayings
             and
             stricter
             precepts
             ,
             as
             must
             be
             manifested
             in
             due
             season
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             the
             Dispensation
             of
             the
             word
             of
             God
             should
             be
             ,
             as
             the
             word
             it self
             is
             ,
             
               quick
               and
               powerfull
            
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             reason
             that
             is
             to
             be
             most
             
             esteemed
             such
             ,
             which
             is
             most
             apt
             to
             be
             effectual
             to
             the
             end
             ,
             for
             which
             God
             hath
             ordained
             it
             ,
             which
             is
             
               to
               open
               mens
               eyes
               ,
               and
               to
               turn
               them
               from
               darkness
               to
               light
               ,
               and
               from
               the
               power
               of
               Satan
               to
               God
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               receive
               forgiveness
               of
               sins
               ,
               and
               an
               inheritance
               among
               them
               ,
               that
               be
               sanctified
               through
               faith
               in
               Christ.
            
             That
             kind
             of
             preaching
             that
             hath
             most
             tendency
             to
             convince
             ,
             direct
             and
             move
             toward
             this
             end
             ,
             is
             without
             controversie
             the
             most
             powerfull
             .
          
           
             The
             pressing
             of
             Doctrines
             with
             solid
             and
             cogent
             reason
             ,
             provided
             they
             be
             made
             plain
             and
             obvious
             to
             the
             capacity
             of
             the
             hearers
             ,
             appertains
             to
             this
             manner
             of
             preaching
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             chief
             point
             therein
             .
             Strong
             reason
             may
             be
             so
             delivered
             as
             to
             be
             too
             hard
             ,
             and
             strong
             for
             plain
             people
             to
             receive
             and
             digest
             it
             .
             Here
             Condescention
             is
             a
             great
             Duty
             ,
             and
             perspicuity
             a
             great
             Gift
             .
             But
             the
             bare
             evidence
             of
             reason
             doth
             not
             all
             .
             For
             to
             gain
             the
             Will
             (
             which
             is
             the
             man
             )
             besides
             the
             judgment
             ,
             the
             fancy
             and
             affections
             had
             need
             be
             gained
             .
             We
             find
             it
             the
             condescention
             of
             God
             himself
             in
             his
             word
             ,
             to
             deal
             very
             much
             with
             these
             lower
             faculties
             ,
             which
             belonging
             not
             to
             brutes
             only
             ,
             but
             to
             men
             also
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             brutish
             but
             human
             ,
             to
             be
             moved
             by
             them
             in
             subordination
             to
             the
             judgment
             .
             Even
             the
             most
             learned
             and
             prudent
             men
             ,
             are
             found
             to
             take
             no
             small
             impression
             from
             them
             ;
             and
             therefore
             the
             most
             proper
             ways
             of
             soliciting
             and
             exciting
             them
             ,
             are
             not
             to
             be
             neglected
             ,
             much
             less
             contemned
             .
             
             Now
             dry
             reason
             though
             strong
             enough
             ,
             is
             not
             so
             fit
             to
             take
             the
             affections
             or
             raise
             the
             fancy
             .
             Wherefore
             some
             other
             helps
             ,
             among
             which
             there
             are
             comparatively
             little
             things
             ,
             are
             herein
             used
             ,
             as
             familiar
             expressions
             ,
             apt
             similitudes
             ,
             expostulations
             ,
             lively
             representations
             ,
             and
             such
             like
             ;
             to
             which
             may
             be
             added
             a
             voluble
             tongue
             ,
             a
             moving
             tone
             ,
             and
             taking
             gesture
             .
             And
             though
             much
             noise
             and
             action
             make
             not
             a
             powerfull
             Preacher
             ;
             yet
             earnestness
             of
             speech
             and
             elevation
             of
             the
             voice
             ,
             is
             not
             of
             little
             force
             ,
             and
             especially
             with
             vulgar
             hearers
             ,
             who
             being
             the
             greatest
             number
             in
             most
             Auditories
             ,
             are
             very
             regarnable
             .
          
           
             And
             truly
             the
             weight
             of
             the
             business
             requires
             due
             fervour
             .
             Should
             the
             matters
             of
             life
             and
             death
             eternal
             be
             delivered
             without
             feeling
             ,
             as
             by
             men
             half
             asleep
             ?
             And
             people's
             drowsiness
             doth
             no
             less
             require
             it
             .
             Yea
             ,
             possibly
             the
             apprehensions
             and
             affections
             of
             the
             common
             people
             may
             better
             be
             roused
             up
             ,
             by
             a
             somewhat
             boysterous
             way
             of
             excitation
             ;
             which
             for
             this
             reason
             should
             not
             displease
             the
             learned
             or
             most
             judicious
             sort
             ,
             who
             are
             in
             this
             case
             to
             consider
             not
             what
             would
             most
             affect
             themselves
             ,
             but
             the
             greater
             multitude
             ,
             who
             stand
             in
             greatest
             need
             of
             help
             ,
             and
             whose
             souls
             are
             not
             less
             precious
             ,
             nor
             redeemed
             with
             a
             lesser
             price
             ,
             than
             the
             souls
             of
             the
             greatest
             Scholars
             ,
             and
             Sages
             of
             this
             world
             .
          
           
             Indeed
             much
             judgment
             and
             and
             circumspection
             
             is
             here
             called
             for
             ,
             that
             all
             rudeness
             and
             homeliness
             of
             expression
             ,
             all
             curiosity
             ,
             levity
             and
             loathsom
             affectation
             ,
             and
             all
             manner
             of
             undecency
             be
             avoided
             ;
             and
             that
             what
             is
             comely
             and
             congruous
             and
             apt
             to
             convince
             and
             move
             be
             used
             ,
             and
             that
             nothing
             be
             overstrained
             .
             And
             in
             this
             matter
             self-distrust
             ,
             if
             not
             too
             excessive
             ,
             will
             do
             better
             than
             Self-confidence
             and
             conceitedness
             .
          
           
             Here
             it
             should
             be
             considered
             ,
             that
             very
             worthy
             men
             may
             have
             some
             indecencies
             in
             voice
             and
             gesture
             ,
             which
             they
             cannot
             well
             remedy
             ;
             and
             others
             ,
             who
             are
             very
             usefull
             ,
             and
             whose
             Service
             in
             Gods
             Church
             could
             not
             be
             well
             spared
             ,
             may
             be
             liable
             to
             some
             lesser
             mistakes
             and
             incongruities
             in
             expression
             ,
             which
             critical
             hearers
             may
             discern
             ,
             yet
             they
             hinder
             not
             the
             efficacy
             of
             the
             word
             .
             And
             withall
             let
             it
             be
             considered
             ,
             whose
             work
             they
             do
             ,
             that
             aggravate
             such
             weaknesses
             to
             make
             sport
             for
             themselves
             ,
             and
             others
             to
             the
             contempt
             of
             Gods
             ordinance
             .
             And
             for
             them
             that
             pour
             out
             scorn
             upon
             the
             most
             Pious
             ,
             Serious
             ,
             Solid
             and
             profitable
             kind
             of
             Preaching
             ,
             and
             make
             ridiculous
             representations
             of
             it
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             because
             it
             suits
             not
             their
             seeming
             wisdom
             ;
             I
             am
             rather
             inclined
             to
             lament
             their
             folly
             ,
             then
             to
             emulate
             their
             Wit
             ,
             or
             envy
             their
             Applause
             with
             some
             men
             .
             We
             read
             that
             the
             wise
             Preacher
             
               sought
               out
               acceptable
               words
            
             ,
             that
             is
             words
             pleasing
             to
             edification
             ,
             that
             would
             reach
             home
             and
             were
             piercing
             as
             goads
             and
             nails
             .
          
           
           
             The
             Preachers
             inward
             feeling
             of
             what
             he
             speaks
             ,
             hath
             a
             secret
             force
             to
             cause
             his
             words
             to
             be
             felt
             by
             others
             ,
             and
             what
             comes
             from
             the
             heart
             is
             aptest
             to
             go
             to
             the
             heart
             ,
             by
             a
             Sympathy
             in
             the
             Spirits
             of
             men
             .
             And
             that
             any
             should
             speak
             of
             Seeing
             and
             Feeling
             in
             some
             sort
             ,
             the
             things
             that
             are
             written
             in
             Gods
             word
             ,
             will
             not
             seem
             strange
             to
             them
             who
             
               have
               tasted
               that
               the
               Lord
               is
               gracious
               .
            
          
           
             The
             powerfull
             dispensing
             of
             the
             word
             depends
             chiefly
             on
             the
             assistance
             of
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             ,
             though
             both
             natural
             and
             acquired
             parts
             ,
             and
             the
             industrious
             exercise
             thereof
             be
             likewise
             necessary
             .
             For
             which
             cause
             the
             spiritual
             man
             hath
             unspeakable
             advantage
             of
             the
             meerly
             natural
             man
             in
             this
             Service
             .
             The
             special
             presence
             of
             the
             Spirit
             with
             him
             and
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             in
             him
             ,
             causeth
             him
             to
             speak
             in
             a
             strain
             more
             apposite
             ,
             and
             sutable
             to
             the
             forming
             of
             the
             new
             creature
             .
             Yea
             ,
             such
             illumination
             and
             conviction
             and
             tast
             of
             heavenly
             things
             ,
             as
             proceeds
             from
             a
             more
             common
             ,
             or
             less
             than
             regenerating
             grace
             ,
             will
             do
             more
             in
             this
             business
             with
             less
             abilities
             of
             art
             and
             nature
             ,
             than
             far
             greater
             abilities
             in
             those
             kinds
             can
             do
             by
             themselves
             alone
             .
             
               The
               common
               Sense
               of
               the
               faithfull
               ,
            
             is
             a
             witness
             to
             the
             truth
             hereof
             .
             And
             it
             must
             needs
             be
             so
             ,
             that
             he
             who
             hath
             some
             savour
             of
             the
             things
             of
             God
             ,
             should
             speak
             more
             Savorily
             of
             them
             ,
             then
             he
             can
             ,
             to
             whom
             they
             are
             tastless
             or
             unsavory
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             there
             is
             a
             Spiritual
             kind
             of
             preaching
             
             not
             indeed
             opposite
             to
             rational
             ,
             nor
             taken
             so
             to
             be
             by
             any
             that
             talk
             of
             it
             with
             understanding
             ,
             though
             the
             Assertors
             of
             it
             have
             been
             abusively
             personated
             ,
             as
             holding
             such
             a
             dotage
             .
             They
             do
             not
             say
             ,
             that
             the
             Spirit
             shews
             any
             thing
             about
             the
             sense
             of
             Scripture
             or
             divine
             matters
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             consonant
             to
             right
             reason
             ,
             or
             that
             whatsoever
             is
             darted
             into
             their
             mind
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             taken
             for
             an
             irradiation
             from
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             or
             that
             any
             may
             presume
             upon
             the
             Spirits
             immediate
             help
             ,
             in
             the
             neglect
             of
             rational
             search
             and
             Study
             .
             But
             their
             meaning
             is
             ,
             that
             as
             heretofore
             in
             extraordinary
             persons
             there
             were
             extraordinary
             inspirations
             ;
             so
             there
             have
             been
             ,
             are
             ,
             and
             always
             shall
             be
             ,
             the
             ordinary
             teachings
             and
             inspirations
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ;
             in
             regard
             whereof
             it
             is
             stiled
             in
             Scripture
             
               the
               Spirit
               of
               wisdom
               and
               revelation
               ,
            
             which
             teaching
             as
             all
             the
             Faithfull
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             ,
             so
             more
             especially
             the
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             and
             that
             this
             divine
             assistance
             doth
             elevate
             ,
             or
             heighten
             the
             gifts
             of
             nature
             and
             learning
             ,
             and
             guides
             us
             to
             sound
             reasoning
             ,
             yea
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             brings
             things
             into
             the
             mind
             without
             previous
             reasoning
             ,
             yet
             rational
             and
             found
             to
             be
             so
             upon
             due
             Scanning
             .
             There
             is
             no
             great
             evidence
             in
             reason
             ,
             that
             St.
             
               Pauls
               demonstration
               of
               the
               Spirit
               and
               power
               ,
            
             is
             to
             be
             restrained
             to
             the
             miraculous
             confirmation
             of
             his
             Doctrine
             ,
             or
             any
             extraordinary
             gift
             (
             though
             that
             sense
             be
             not
             excluded
             .
             )
             For
             the
             contexture
             of
             his
             discourse
             in
             that
             Chapter
             ,
             sets
             
             forth
             a
             certain
             faculty
             ,
             perceptive
             and
             expressive
             of
             the
             things
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             belonging
             unto
             spiritual
             men
             as
             such
             .
             And
             they
             are
             no
             Fanaticks
             ,
             that
             to
             this
             day
             own
             the
             more
             common
             interpretation
             of
             the
             words
             ,
             namely
             to
             Preach
             from
             the
             special
             help
             of
             the
             illuminating
             and
             quickning
             Spirit
             ,
             with
             a
             lively
             perception
             and
             feeling
             of
             the
             things
             that
             are
             delivered
             .
             But
             whatsoever
             the
             meaning
             of
             those
             words
             be
             ,
             verily
             they
             are
             besotted
             with
             reason
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             pride
             thereof
             regard
             not
             this
             illumination
             from
             above
             ,
             and
             scoff
             at
             those
             that
             look
             after
             it
             .
          
           
             To
             Preach
             Christ
             is
             the
             matter
             of
             this
             dispensation
             ,
             and
             to
             Preach
             moral
             duties
             is
             not
             extraneous
             to
             the
             Preaching
             of
             Christ
             ,
             but
             comprized
             under
             it
             .
             Yet
             it
             must
             be
             acknowledged
             ,
             that
             morality
             in
             its
             best
             estate
             (
             as
             it
             is
             vulgarly
             taken
             for
             temperance
             and
             righteousness
             towards
             men
             ,
             and
             other
             vertues
             of
             that
             rank
             ,
             as
             proceeding
             from
             a
             meerly
             natural
             principle
             ,
             which
             an
             Aristotle
             might
             describe
             in
             his
             Ethicks
             )
             is
             far
             below
             Christianity
             .
             For
             it
             is
             found
             in
             many
             that
             are
             alienated
             from
             the
             life
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             lead
             meerly
             by
             the
             Spirit
             of
             this
             world
             .
             But
             this
             name
             may
             be
             given
             to
             some
             higher
             thing
             ,
             as
             first
             ,
             to
             the
             whole
             observation
             of
             Gods
             moral
             law
             founded
             in
             our
             Creation
             ,
             and
             that
             not
             only
             in
             the
             outward
             work
             after
             a
             common
             manner
             performable
             by
             the
             unregenerate
             ,
             but
             in
             a
             duemannerfrom
             a
             right
             principle
             to
             a
             right
             end
             ,
             
             that
             is
             from
             the
             love
             of
             God
             unto
             his
             glory
             .
             And
             in
             this
             sense
             we
             acknowledge
             that
             it
             is
             a
             great
             part
             ,
             but
             not
             the
             whole
             of
             the
             Christian
             Religion
             ;
             nor
             indeed
             the
             whole
             of
             morality
             taken
             not
             vulgarly
             ,
             but
             Theologically
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             its
             full
             extent
             .
             For
             so
             taken
             ,
             it
             is
             no
             other
             then
             the
             conformity
             of
             our
             minds
             and
             actions
             to
             God
             and
             his
             laws
             ,
             and
             faith
             in
             Christ
             ,
             is
             a
             main
             part
             thereof
             .
          
           
             Indeed
             to
             preach
             Christ
             ,
             is
             to
             preach
             the
             whole
             Duty
             of
             man
             ,
             and
             more
             especially
             those
             duties
             that
             are
             consequent
             to
             ,
             and
             founded
             in
             our
             redemption
             ;
             as
             also
             to
             set
             forth
             the
             whole
             mystery
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             ground
             and
             reason
             of
             our
             duty
             .
             For
             God
             was
             in
             Christ
             reconciling
             the
             world
             to
             himself
             ,
             and
             accordingly
             hath
             ordained
             the
             Ministery
             of
             reconciliation
             ,
             by
             which
             there
             is
             made
             known
             the
             lapsed
             and
             lost
             estate
             of
             mankind
             ,
             the
             abundant
             grace
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             for
             their
             recovery
             ,
             remission
             of
             sins
             ,
             and
             free
             justification
             through
             his
             righteousness
             ,
             regeneration
             and
             inward
             sanctification
             ,
             the
             inhabitation
             of
             the
             spirit
             in
             believers
             ,
             and
             their
             mystical
             union
             with
             Christ
             ,
             their
             living
             by
             the
             faith
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             deriving
             of
             spiritual
             life
             and
             strength
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             growing
             up
             into
             him
             ,
             
               till
               they
               be
               filled
               with
               all
               the
               fulness
               of
               God
               in
               him
               ,
            
             their
             spiritual
             warfare
             and
             conflicts
             between
             the
             flesh
             and
             spirit
             within
             them
             ,
             their
             temptations
             ,
             desertions
             and
             renewed
             consolations
             ,
             and
             the
             earnest
             and
             sealing
             of
             the
             Holy
             
             Spirit
             given
             unto
             them
             .
             Surely
             these
             are
             fit
             Subjects
             to
             behand
             led
             by
             a
             Gospel
             Preacher
             ,
             though
             the
             Preaching
             of
             these
             matters
             or
             of
             many
             of
             them
             ,
             is
             by
             some
             called
             
               Canting
               and
               phrase
               Divinity
            
             ;
             yet
             they
             are
             the
             Sacred
             expressions
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             in
             Scripture
             .
             And
             dare
             any
             say
             they
             are
             but
             a
             sound
             of
             words
             without
             matter
             agreeable
             to
             the
             Stile
             ?
             No
             ,
             they
             are
             real
             and
             deep
             mysteries
             ,
             and
             intelligible
             to
             them
             that
             obey
             the
             truth
             .
             It
             is
             heartily
             here
             asserted
             and
             earnestly
             contended
             for
             ,
             that
             the
             Gospel
             calls
             us
             as
             much
             to
             vertue
             as
             to
             glory
             ,
             and
             that
             its
             true
             intent
             is
             to
             reduce
             us
             to
             a
             holy
             life
             :
             yet
             withall
             ,
             the
             Counsel
             of
             God
             therein
             is
             to
             set
             forth
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             free
             grace
             ,
             the
             all-fulness
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             mighty
             working
             of
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             wonderfulness
             of
             Salvation
             through
             him
             ,
             to
             the
             intent
             that
             we
             might
             glory
             ,
             not
             in
             our selves
             but
             in
             him
             ,
             
               who
               of
               God
               is
               made
               unto
               us
               Wisdom
               ,
               Righteousness
               ,
               Sanctification
               and
               Redemption
               .
            
          
           
             And
             indeed
             ,
             who
             do
             more
             powerfully
             and
             successfully
             preach
             Christian
             duty
             ,
             than
             they
             that
             most
             insist
             on
             this
             unspeakable
             grace
             ,
             and
             lay
             open
             the
             treasures
             thereof
             ?
             The
             love
             of
             Christ
             is
             so
             to
             be
             spoken
             of
             ,
             as
             to
             beget
             in
             us
             a
             love
             towards
             him
             ,
             not
             imaginary
             and
             conceited
             ,
             but
             real
             and
             substantial
             ,
             made
             good
             by
             an
             intire
             subjection
             to
             him
             .
             And
             therefore
             the
             Doctrines
             of
             
               free
               grace
            
             and
             of
             
               good
               works
            
             are
             to
             be
             sounding
             together
             in
             our
             Pulpits
             .
             What
             
             Christ
             hath
             done
             for
             us
             is
             not
             to
             save
             us
             the
             pains
             of
             a
             continual
             mortification
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             agony
             to
             be
             endured
             therein
             ,
             and
             of
             aspiring
             to
             the
             most
             perfect
             state
             of
             holiness
             that
             is
             attainable
             .
             We
             are
             to
             live
             as
             strictly
             as
             if
             we
             were
             to
             be
             saved
             by
             the
             perfection
             of
             our
             own
             obedience
             .
             And
             indeed
             none
             lead
             more
             holy
             lives
             than
             they
             ,
             that
             desire
             to
             be
             found
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             when
             they
             have
             done
             all
             that
             they
             can
             ,
             rely
             wholly
             upon
             the
             mercy
             of
             God
             in
             him
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             most
             true
             that
             Gospel
             mysteries
             do
             not
             lie
             in
             meer
             Phrases
             ,
             nor
             is
             new
             matter
             always
             brought
             with
             new
             forms
             of
             speech
             ,
             nor
             are
             people
             much
             the
             wiser
             by
             having
             their
             heads
             filled
             with
             them
             .
             There
             are
             empty
             sounds
             and
             terms
             unintelligible
             ,
             swelling
             words
             with
             windy
             notions
             ,
             expressions
             that
             seem
             to
             draw
             deep
             ,
             whose
             meaning
             is
             but
             shallow
             .
             There
             is
             a
             sollicitous
             stating
             of
             points
             with
             a
             seeming
             exactness
             ,
             that
             is
             indeed
             weak
             and
             injudicious
             ,
             and
             a
             niceness
             in
             distinguishing
             ,
             which
             is
             but
             frivolous
             .
             Many
             controversies
             much
             agitated
             are
             but
             a
             strife
             of
             words
             ,
             and
             too
             great
             stress
             is
             often
             laid
             upon
             little
             fancies
             .
             And
             a
             greater
             mischief
             there
             is
             ,
             that
             in
             cloudy
             language
             pernicious
             doctrines
             take
             shelter
             ,
             and
             dangerous
             Sects
             are
             known
             to
             hide
             themselves
             in
             this
             covert
             .
             And
             therefore
             he
             that
             doth
             his
             work
             rightly
             ,
             will
             know
             the
             true
             significancy
             and
             import
             of
             what
             he
             utters
             .
             He
             vents
             not
             meer
             words
             ,
             but
             sound
             matter
             and
             good
             substance
             ;
             for
             the
             souls
             of
             men
             are
             fed
             
             with
             solid
             sense
             and
             not
             with
             phrases
             .
          
           
             Howbeit
             as
             touching
             expressions
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             certain
             Spiritual
             strain
             ,
             which
             is
             most
             agreeable
             to
             the
             things
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             which
             as
             coming
             from
             life
             and
             Spirit
             ,
             is
             better
             discerned
             than
             described
             .
             There
             is
             a
             speaking
             ,
             
               not
               in
               words
               which
               mans
               wisdom
               teacheth
               ,
               but
               which
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               teacheth
               .
            
             And
             though
             this
             more
             eminently
             took
             place
             in
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             and
             such
             other
             extraordinary
             persons
             ,
             yet
             there
             is
             no
             sufficient
             reason
             to
             restrain
             it
             to
             them
             alone
             .
             St.
             Paul
             may
             well
             be
             understood
             to
             speak
             of
             this
             as
             a
             gift
             received
             by
             them
             ,
             that
             had
             received
             not
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             but
             that
             which
             is
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             as
             something
             suted
             to
             the
             perception
             and
             taste
             of
             all
             Spiritual
             men
             .
             It
             doth
             not
             exclude
             the
             use
             of
             human
             wisdom
             ,
             though
             the
             wisdom
             of
             the
             Spirit
             sway
             in
             chief
             .
             For
             no
             doubt
             ,
             even
             Paul's
             human
             learning
             and
             prudence
             was
             herein
             serviceable
             ,
             though
             in
             subserviency
             to
             the
             influence
             and
             conduct
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
             This
             Spirituality
             of
             expression
             ,
             is
             conformable
             to
             that
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             though
             not
             confined
             to
             the
             words
             thereof
             .
             Surely
             the
             mysteries
             of
             Salvation
             cannot
             be
             better
             handled
             ;
             than
             in
             those
             terms
             in
             which
             they
             were
             first
             delivered
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             in
             Scripture
             expressions
             ,
             or
             others
             consonant
             thereto
             ,
             solidly
             and
             pertinently
             used
             ,
             and
             to
             call
             this
             canting
             ,
             savours
             to
             much
             of
             that
             Spirit
             ,
             to
             which
             holy
             language
             is
             unsavory
             .
          
           
           
             Without
             controversie
             ,
             the
             strongest
             reason
             is
             of
             greatest
             force
             to
             gain
             the
             wills
             of
             men
             ,
             to
             imbrace
             true
             Religion
             .
             For
             that
             which
             crosseth
             sensuality
             ,
             selfishness
             and
             all
             the
             depraved
             appetite
             of
             our
             lapsed
             nature
             (
             as
             Religion
             doth
             )
             must
             needs
             have
             its
             greatest
             strength
             ,
             next
             under
             the
             power
             of
             divine
             grace
             ,
             in
             the
             force
             of
             right
             reason
             .
             But
             care
             and
             skill
             is
             requisite
             ,
             that
             it
             be
             so
             prepared
             ,
             offered
             ,
             and
             set
             home
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             sutable
             to
             them
             that
             should
             receive
             it
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             cogency
             thereof
             may
             so
             reach
             unto
             ,
             and
             fasten
             upon
             their
             judgments
             ,
             as
             to
             gain
             their
             wills
             .
             Philosophical
             ratiocinations
             are
             too
             remote
             not
             only
             from
             low
             and
             dull
             capacities
             ,
             but
             also
             from
             the
             greater
             part
             of
             them
             ,
             that
             are
             competently
             apprehensive
             and
             intelligent
             ,
             and
             so
             being
             too
             much
             estranged
             from
             them
             ,
             they
             do
             not
             touch
             them
             to
             the
             quick
             .
             A
             familiar
             ,
             natural
             ,
             plain
             and
             obvious
             way
             of
             reasoning
             comes
             home
             to
             all
             men
             ,
             and
             is
             most
             felt
             at
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             that
             by
             Scholars
             themselves
             ,
             though
             their
             intellect
             may
             be
             more
             delighted
             in
             more
             accurate
             or
             reserved
             Speculations
             .
          
           
             Scriptural
             preaching
             is
             indeed
             the
             most
             rational
             ,
             as
             coming
             with
             such
             reason
             as
             is
             of
             greatest
             force
             with
             men
             in
             matters
             of
             Salvation
             .
             For
             Gods
             written
             word
             is
             a
             treasure
             of
             divine
             wisdom
             ,
             that
             throughly
             furnisheth
             the
             man
             of
             God.
             Besides
             ,
             the
             infallible
             testimony
             thereof
             hath
             more
             authority
             ,
             than
             Philosophical
             reason
             ,
             
             though
             sound
             and
             true
             ,
             can
             have
             ,
             upon
             Christian
             hearers
             ;
             and
             it
             peirceth
             deeper
             and
             sticks
             closer
             .
             And
             arguments
             taken
             ,
             and
             words
             spoken
             from
             Scripture
             ,
             wherewith
             the
             people
             converse
             dayly
             ,
             are
             more
             easily
             apprehended
             and
             retained
             ;
             and
             so
             are
             more
             instructive
             ,
             and
             every
             way
             more
             usefull
             than
             other
             reasonings
             .
             Though
             numerous
             citations
             of
             sentences
             out
             of
             human
             Authors
             be
             an
             unprofitable
             kind
             of
             ostentation
             ;
             yet
             the
             Sentences
             of
             Holy
             Writ
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             evidence
             of
             our
             Christian
             hope
             ,
             and
             the
             testimony
             of
             him
             ,
             who
             is
             truth
             it self
             ,
             are
             most
             effectual
             to
             edification
             .
             And
             whosoever
             is
             able
             to
             speak
             reason
             in
             divine
             matters
             ,
             is
             to
             make
             a
             rational
             use
             of
             Scripture
             :
             and
             if
             any
             quote
             it
             impertinently
             and
             absurdly
             ,
             it
             is
             through
             defect
             of
             reason
             ,
             and
             they
             would
             be
             as
             injudicious
             in
             their
             Sermons
             without
             those
             quotations
             .
          
           
             But
             nice
             and
             haughty
             wits
             mostly
             cavil
             without
             cause
             ,
             and
             charge
             profitable
             Preachers
             with
             injudiciousness
             ,
             meerly
             through
             their
             own
             vain
             curiosity
             and
             inconsiderateness
             .
             Scripture
             quotations
             are
             sometimes
             used
             by
             way
             of
             allusion
             ,
             or
             for
             illustration
             ,
             not
             for
             strict
             proof
             ;
             and
             that
             which
             is
             brought
             for
             proof
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             not
             full
             and
             cogent
             ,
             yet
             it
             may
             add
             some
             weight
             ,
             and
             then
             it
             is
             not
             abused
             .
             Besides
             ,
             if
             a
             passage
             be
             used
             in
             a
             sound
             and
             pious
             ,
             though
             not
             in
             its
             proper
             sense
             ,
             it
             is
             pardonable
             .
             It
             is
             fit
             indeed
             that
             in
             citing
             Texts
             ,
             we
             know
             their
             true
             import
             ,
             and
             go
             more
             by
             weight
             than
             number
             ,
             shunning
             
             impertinency
             and
             superfluity
             ;
             yet
             it
             is
             not
             unfit
             to
             note
             ,
             that
             all
             sound
             and
             good
             Preachers
             are
             not
             alike
             judicious
             ,
             and
             those
             that
             are
             very
             solid
             may
             be
             guilty
             of
             some
             oversights
             :
             and
             't
             is
             a
             bad
             matter
             that
             their
             Ministery
             ,
             which
             God
             hath
             owned
             and
             honoured
             with
             good
             success
             in
             his
             Service
             ,
             should
             be
             set
             at
             nought
             for
             a
             few
             mistakes
             (
             perhaps
             more
             pretended
             than
             real
             )
             about
             the
             sense
             of
             some
             Scripture
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             not
             applyed
             otherwise
             than
             the
             Analogy
             of
             faith
             will
             bear
             ,
             and
             nothing
             is
             defended
             but
             known
             truth
             .
             I
             have
             known
             a
             pious
             but
             strangely
             mistaken
             sense
             of
             a
             Scripture
             sentence
             cast
             into
             the
             mind
             ,
             and
             there
             fixed
             to
             have
             been
             the
             first
             occasion
             of
             seriousness
             in
             Religion
             ,
             to
             one
             that
             afterward
             lived
             and
             dyed
             a
             godly
             Christian.
             Now
             that
             which
             was
             causal
             in
             this
             conversion
             was
             the
             godly
             truth
             it self
             ,
             which
             was
             written
             in
             Gods
             word
             ;
             and
             the
             mistaking
             it
             to
             lie
             in
             such
             a
             sentence
             where
             it
             did
             not
             ,
             being
             but
             accidental
             ,
             was
             no
             hinderance
             .
             I
             do
             in
             no
             wise
             countenance
             the
             irrational
             use
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             but
             am
             sensible
             of
             the
             importance
             of
             good
             judgment
             and
             due
             care
             about
             the
             sense
             thereof
             :
             yet
             I
             cannot
             approve
             the
             scornful
             haughtiness
             of
             some
             men
             ,
             who
             deride
             godly
             persons
             well
             instructed
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             as
             having
             nothing
             but
             words
             and
             Phrases
             and
             senseless
             notions
             ;
             either
             because
             they
             come
             short
             of
             Scholar-like
             exactness
             ,
             or
             because
             they
             speak
             of
             the
             things
             of
             God
             in
             a
             more
             Evangelicall
             and
             Spiritual
             strain
             ,
             
             than
             these
             can
             well
             bear
             .
          
           
             In
             speaking
             ,
             the
             best
             use
             of
             art
             is
             to
             speak
             to
             best
             purpose
             ,
             and
             for
             that
             end
             ,
             in
             divine
             matters
             to
             speak
             with
             greatest
             Majesty
             and
             authority
             .
             And
             this
             is
             done
             not
             by
             ostentation
             of
             wit
             ,
             by
             puerile
             and
             effeminate
             rhetorications
             ,
             by
             a
             rapsody
             of
             flanting
             words
             ,
             by
             starched
             speech
             ,
             by
             cadency
             of
             sounds
             ,
             or
             any
             too
             elaborate
             politeness
             ,
             that
             please
             the
             shallow
             fancy
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             evidence
             of
             reason
             set
             forth
             in
             a
             masculine
             and
             unaffected
             Eloquence
             ,
             that
             hath
             power
             over
             the
             wills
             of
             men
             ,
             which
             are
             tough
             and
             knotty
             peices
             .
          
           
             Perspicuity
             is
             a
             great
             vertue
             and
             felicity
             in
             discourse
             ,
             for
             hereby
             what
             is
             offered
             gains
             attention
             ,
             and
             enters
             the
             mind
             ,
             and
             abides
             therein
             :
             but
             intricacy
             and
             obscurity
             is
             a
             bar
             to
             its
             entrance
             and
             entertainment
             .
             Hereunto
             an
             easie
             and
             obvious
             method
             ,
             evident
             coherence
             ,
             and
             plainness
             of
             expression
             conduceth
             mainly
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             he
             that
             minds
             what
             he
             hath
             to
             do
             ,
             is
             not
             careful
             by
             a
             more
             curious
             artifice
             to
             please
             the
             fancies
             of
             some
             itching
             hearers
             ,
             but
             hath
             most
             regard
             to
             that
             composure
             ,
             that
             makes
             most
             for
             a
             general
             benefit
             and
             edification
             .
             And
             for
             this
             cause
             as
             he
             would
             not
             multiply
             words
             without
             need
             ,
             and
             become
             tedious
             ;
             so
             he
             would
             not
             be
             too
             succinct
             and
             close
             ;
             and
             by
             that
             means
             either
             too
             dark
             ,
             or
             too
             quick
             to
             inform
             or
             effect
             the
             people
             .
             In
             vulgar
             auditories
             a
             dilating
             
             of
             the
             matter
             is
             most
             necessary
             ,
             so
             that
             idle
             tautologies
             and
             prolixity
             be
             avoided
             :
             and
             it
             may
             be
             spread
             forth
             in
             such
             fulness
             and
             plainess
             of
             speech
             ,
             as
             will
             not
             be
             unacceptable
             even
             to
             Scholars
             ,
             that
             are
             not
             wise
             in
             their
             own
             conceit
             .
             But
             the
             careless
             and
             confused
             speaking
             of
             incoherent
             and
             undigested
             matter
             ,
             rudeness
             or
             baldness
             of
             expression
             is
             no
             part
             of
             this
             commended
             plainness
             ,
             which
             is
             orderly
             ,
             comely
             and
             weighty
             ,
             agreeable
             to
             the
             Majesty
             of
             Gods
             word
             .
          
           
             A
             true
             Preacher
             of
             the
             Gospel
             rightly
             divides
             the
             word
             of
             truth
             ,
             and
             gives
             to
             all
             their
             portion
             .
             He
             doth
             not
             make
             distinction
             ,
             where
             the
             rule
             of
             faith
             makes
             no
             difference
             ,
             nor
             doth
             he
             confound
             things
             ,
             that
             ought
             to
             be
             distinguished
             .
             He
             is
             not
             partial
             towards
             parties
             for
             interest
             or
             affection
             .
             And
             so
             he
             doth
             not
             promiscuously
             justifie
             or
             condemn
             the
             evil
             and
             the
             good
             together
             on
             any
             side
             ;
             but
             as
             he
             accounts
             it
             an
             odious
             thing
             to
             rail
             upon
             one
             party
             in
             the
             ambiguous
             terms
             of
             false
             Church
             ,
             false
             Worship
             ,
             false
             Ministry
             ,
             Idolatry
             ,
             Superstition
             ,
             Formality
             :
             so
             he
             accounts
             it
             no
             less
             odious
             ,
             confusedly
             to
             inveigh
             against
             those
             of
             an
             other
             persuasion
             ,
             under
             the
             no
             less
             ambiguous
             terms
             (
             as
             they
             are
             now
             commonly
             used
             )
             of
             Hypocrites
             ,
             Pharisees
             ,
             Fanaticks
             ,
             Enthusiasts
             ,
             Separatists
             ,
             Humorists
             and
             such
             like
             .
          
           
             He
             is
             constant
             in
             Preaching
             the
             word
             ,
             instant
             in
             season
             and
             out
             of
             season
             .
             For
             in
             Preaching
             
             frequently
             ,
             he
             doth
             not
             do
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Lord
             negligently
             ,
             but
             duely
             feeds
             the
             flock
             ,
             and
             that
             with
             better
             prepared
             food
             ,
             than
             they
             use
             to
             bring
             that
             Preach
             but
             seldom
             upon
             pretence
             of
             greater
             preparation
             .
          
           
             He
             watcheth
             over
             the
             flock
             with
             diligence
             ,
             and
             naturally
             cares
             for
             their
             estate
             ;
             for
             he
             knows
             the
             worth
             of
             precious
             souls
             .
             He
             condescends
             to
             persons
             of
             low
             degree
             ,
             and
             is
             concerned
             for
             the
             souls
             of
             the
             poor
             and
             simple
             and
             illiterate
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             of
             the
             noble
             ,
             rich
             and
             learned
             ;
             for
             he
             knows
             their
             Redeemer
             paid
             alike
             dear
             for
             both
             .
             And
             however
             the
             proud
             and
             covetous
             judge
             ,
             he
             doth
             not
             think
             it
             below
             him
             to
             intermeddle
             ,
             for
             the
             reducing
             of
             the
             simple
             that
             go
             astray
             ,
             and
             he
             seeks
             to
             recover
             them
             with
             gentleness
             and
             patience
             ;
             for
             he
             prefers
             the
             gaining
             of
             one
             Soul
             ,
             before
             all
             the
             preferments
             of
             this
             world
             .
          
           
             He
             earnestly
             looks
             after
             that
             ,
             which
             some
             do
             little
             regard
             ,
             to
             wit
             
               the
               Seal
               of
               his
               Ministery
            
             in
             the
             saving
             efficacy
             thereof
             on
             the
             hearers
             ,
             and
             when
             he
             finds
             it
             ,
             he
             makes
             it
             the
             crown
             of
             his
             rejoycing
             .
             And
             this
             Seal
             he
             takes
             not
             to
             be
             their
             meer
             owning
             of
             Sound
             doctrine
             ,
             or
             following
             an
             Orthodox
             party
             ,
             much
             less
             their
             abounding
             in
             notions
             ,
             their
             talking
             and
             outward
             Guarb
             of
             profession
             ;
             but
             their
             new
             birth
             or
             their
             Spiritual
             growth
             ,
             the
             promoting
             whereof
             is
             the
             scope
             of
             his
             labours
             ,
             and
             the
             dayly
             travell
             of
             his
             Soul.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             
          
           
             
               The
               due
               performance
               of
               Publick
               Prayer
               .
            
          
           
             PRayer
             being
             a
             main
             part
             of
             Gods
             worship
             and
             chief
             act
             of
             devotion
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             doth
             accompany
             and
             Sanctifie
             every
             other
             Religious
             duty
             ,
             and
             the
             publick
             management
             thereof
             pertaining
             to
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Ministry
             ;
             its
             due
             performance
             must
             needs
             be
             of
             no
             small
             import
             to
             the
             increase
             of
             true
             Piety
             ,
             and
             no
             small
             part
             of
             the
             Ministerial
             excellency
             and
             sufficiency
             .
          
           
             Among
             Spiritual
             gifts
             ,
             I
             doubt
             not
             to
             number
             
               the
               gift
               of
               Prayer
            
             also
             ,
             and
             I
             judge
             they
             speak
             too
             low
             of
             it
             ,
             that
             make
             it
             only
             a
             natural
             gift
             ,
             or
             acquired
             by
             practice
             and
             imitation
             .
             Much
             indeed
             may
             lie
             in
             natural
             parts
             ,
             and
             observation
             and
             exercise
             ,
             but
             not
             all
             ;
             for
             over
             and
             above
             these
             things
             ,
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Christ
             presiding
             perpetually
             over
             his
             Church
             sets
             in
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             secret
             influence
             on
             men
             designed
             of
             God
             for
             this
             service
             ,
             indues
             them
             with
             a
             peculiar
             aptness
             of
             knowledge
             and
             utterance
             ,
             as
             well
             in
             Prayer
             as
             Preaching
             ,
             for
             the
             edifying
             of
             the
             Church
             .
             And
             some
             unsanctified
             persons
             being
             thus
             gifted
             ,
             may
             preach
             and
             pray
             with
             a
             notable
             tendency
             to
             the
             saving
             of
             others
             ,
             when
             themselves
             prove
             cast-aways
             .
             Private
             Christians
             also
             according
             to
             their
             measure
             ,
             are
             
             partakers
             of
             this
             gift
             in
             much
             diversity
             of
             degrees
             ,
             God
             giving
             to
             every
             man
             severally
             as
             he
             will.
             
          
           
             Besides
             this
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             special
             and
             saving
             gift
             ,
             
               the
               Spirit
               of
               Prayer
            
             ,
             and
             
               Praying
               in
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
            
             ,
             or
             by
             his
             gracious
             assistance
             in
             a
             holy
             manner
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             indeed
             lively
             and
             powerfull
             ,
             and
             apt
             to
             kindle
             a
             holy
             fervour
             in
             them
             ,
             that
             joyn
             in
             the
             service
             so
             performed
             .
             And
             why
             that
             ,
             which
             is
             performed
             in
             such
             a
             manner
             ,
             and
             by
             such
             assistance
             ,
             may
             not
             be
             called
             a
             praying
             by
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             I
             see
             no
             reason
             .
             They
             who
             thankfully
             acknowledge
             and
             bless
             God
             for
             so
             great
             a
             gift
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             do
             not
             intend
             thereby
             a
             miraculous
             inspiration
             ,
             or
             an
             absolute
             infallible
             guidance
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             .
             Much
             less
             do
             they
             think
             that
             their
             prayers
             are
             such
             dictates
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             as
             would
             infer
             that
             the
             very
             matter
             and
             word●
             thereof
             ,
             being
             written
             would
             become
             Canonical
             Scripture
             ,
             to
             which
             is
             requisite
             not
             only
             an
             infallible
             Spirit
             ,
             but
             also
             an
             attestation
             thereof
             by
             the
             same
             Spirit
             ,
             sufficient
             to
             convince
             others
             .
             But
             this
             they
             maintain
             ,
             that
             the
             Spirit
             helps
             them
             against
             their
             indisposedness
             of
             mind
             ,
             and
             deadness
             of
             heart
             ,
             and
             manifold
             infirmities
             ,
             and
             strengthens
             their
             faculties
             ,
             and
             quickens
             their
             graces
             ,
             and
             enlarges
             their
             desires
             ,
             and
             elevates
             their
             souls
             ,
             and
             brings
             things
             to
             their
             remembrace
             ,
             specially
             the
             divine
             promises
             ,
             yea
             ,
             and
             in
             some
             particulars
             may
             guide
             the
             heart
             and
             
             tongue
             by
             a
             present
             immediate
             suggestion
             .
             For
             why
             must
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             be
             thought
             to
             do
             less
             in
             exciting
             to
             good
             ,
             then
             the
             Devill
             ordinarily
             doth
             in
             prompting
             to
             evil
             ?
             And
             yet
             they
             are
             not
             to
             depend
             on
             the
             Spirits
             immediate
             suggestion
             ,
             for
             matter
             ,
             words
             and
             method
             ,
             without
             taking
             care
             or
             thought
             before
             hand
             .
             It
             is
             an
             ordinary
             and
             not
             miraculous
             assistance
             which
             they
             expect
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             usually
             given
             according
             to
             mens
             preparations
             ,
             and
             suted
             to
             their
             several
             capacities
             .
          
           
             The
             Spirit
             of
             Prayer
             is
             not
             confined
             to
             this
             ,
             or
             that
             exterior
             frame
             or
             order
             of
             Prayer
             ;
             but
             is
             ever
             found
             there
             ,
             where
             the
             heart
             hath
             a
             due
             sense
             of
             the
             matter
             .
             A
             particular
             form
             ,
             whether
             stinted
             or
             not
             stinted
             is
             not
             of
             the
             essence
             of
             Prayer
             ,
             but
             only
             its
             outward
             shape
             ,
             and
             it
             pertains
             to
             it
             not
             as
             it
             is
             a
             Sacred
             thing
             ,
             but
             as
             an
             action
             in
             general
             ;
             and
             for
             that
             no
             action
             can
             possibly
             be
             performed
             but
             in
             some
             particular
             mode
             ,
             this
             holy
             action
             cannot
             otherwise
             be
             performed
             .
             And
             whereas
             there
             are
             divers
             modes
             thereof
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             used
             as
             they
             are
             congruous
             to
             the
             substance
             of
             the
             duty
             according
             to
             mens
             choice
             and
             judgment
             ,
             unless
             they
             were
             (
             as
             indeed
             they
             are
             not
             )
             bound
             up
             to
             one
             by
             a
             divine
             determination
             .
          
           
             The
             lawfulness
             of
             Set-Forms
             is
             further
             evinced
             from
             the
             Lords
             Prayer
             ,
             and
             other
             forms
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             and
             as
             much
             is
             owned
             by
             the
             general
             custom
             of
             singing
             Davids
             Psalms
             .
             Wherefore
             
             to
             turn
             the
             back
             upon
             the
             publick
             Prayers
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             meerly
             because
             performed
             in
             this
             manner
             ,
             is
             unwarrantable
             .
          
           
             And
             there
             is
             a●
             little
             warrant
             to
             restrain
             all
             publick
             Prayer
             to
             a
             stinted
             Liturgy
             ,
             and
             leave
             no
             liberty
             at
             all
             to
             the
             Ministers
             godly
             zeal
             and
             prudence
             .
          
           
             In
             this
             particular
             ,
             the
             interest
             of
             true
             godliness
             will
             be
             much
             better
             advanced
             by
             moderation
             ,
             than
             by
             contests
             and
             rigor
             on
             either
             hand
             .
             For
             it
             is
             very
             discernable
             ,
             that
             the
             Antipathy
             against
             either
             way
             ,
             is
             mainly
             caused
             by
             the
             animosity
             and
             mutual
             opposition
             ,
             between
             the
             parties
             of
             different
             persuasions
             and
             inclinations
             in
             this
             matter
             .
             They
             are
             too
             weak
             and
             ill-advised
             at
             least
             ,
             if
             not
             humorous
             and
             self-conceited
             ,
             that
             reject
             all
             Sett-Forms
             :
             and
             on
             the
             other
             hand
             to
             suppress
             the
             gift
             of
             Prayer
             in
             our selves
             or
             others
             ,
             is
             to
             sin
             against
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             and
             to
             hinder
             much
             good
             .
             The
             use
             of
             a
             Set-Form
             without
             an
             imperious
             restraint
             of
             Prayer
             thereto
             ,
             will
             obviate
             the
             objection
             of
             
               Stinting
               the
               Spirit
            
             ,
             which
             means
             (
             if
             there
             be
             any
             thing
             to
             the
             purpose
             in
             that
             Phrase
             )
             a
             suppressing
             or
             undue
             restraining
             of
             this
             Spiritual
             gift
             ,
             against
             which
             a
             caution
             is
             here
             given
             .
          
           
             In
             our
             addresses
             to
             the
             great
             God
             it
             concerns
             us
             to
             look
             well
             both
             to
             thoughts
             and
             words
             ,
             that
             in
             both
             he
             may
             be
             Sanctified
             by
             us
             ,
             and
             glorified
             as
             God
             indeed
             .
             And
             in
             our
             publick
             addresses
             to
             him
             a
             more
             special
             care
             must
             be
             had
             ,
             
             that
             nothing
             be
             uttered
             before
             him
             ,
             that
             is
             unmeet
             to
             be
             offered
             to
             his
             dreadfull
             Majesty
             .
             Rude
             ,
             clownish
             ,
             and
             homely
             expressions
             ,
             as
             also
             quibling
             ,
             jingling
             ,
             and
             all
             levity
             and
             trifling
             is
             very
             loathsome
             in
             Preaching
             ,
             but
             in
             Prayer
             much
             more
             .
             Affectation
             of
             words
             ,
             curiosity
             and
             politeness
             becomes
             not
             the
             weightiness
             and
             awfulness
             of
             this
             duty
             .
             Yea
             abruptness
             ,
             obscurity
             ,
             and
             all
             incongruity
             of
             speaking
             is
             to
             be
             shunned
             herein
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             possible
             :
             and
             that
             only
             is
             to
             be
             used
             which
             is
             plain
             ,
             clear
             ,
             seemly
             ,
             weighty
             ,
             savory
             and
             affectionate
             .
          
           
             In
             like
             manner
             all
             indecency
             of
             voice
             ,
             and
             gesture
             is
             to
             be
             watched
             against
             ,
             as
             an
             offensive
             thing
             ,
             and
             apt
             to
             expose
             the
             Service
             to
             the
             derision
             of
             proud
             scorners
             .
             Yet
             a
             seasonable
             elevation
             of
             the
             voice
             ,
             or
             other
             apt
             expression
             of
             earnestness
             is
             not
             to
             be
             counted
             rudeness
             .
          
           
             Sometimes
             a
             worthy
             man
             may
             not
             be
             aware
             of
             some
             uncomeliness
             in
             his
             tone
             ,
             or
             in
             the
             posture
             of
             his
             countenance
             ,
             or
             some
             other
             bodily
             gesture
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             fervour
             of
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             in
             the
             duty
             joyned
             with
             inadvertency
             towards
             those
             exterior
             and
             lesser
             things
             .
             And
             sometimes
             an
             ill
             habit
             or
             custom
             is
             not
             easily
             broken
             off
             .
             These
             inconveniencies
             are
             prevented
             or
             redressed
             by
             a
             wariness
             of
             disposition
             ,
             and
             a
             moderate
             self-distrust
             ,
             and
             the
             actual
             observation
             of
             what
             is
             gracefull
             or
             uncomely
             in
             others
             .
          
           
           
             Prayer
             is
             a
             holy
             Converse
             with
             God
             ,
             wherein
             an
             humble
             confidence
             ,
             and
             Son-like
             freedom
             of
             Spirit
             with
             him
             is
             acceptable
             ;
             yet
             withall
             it
             calls
             for
             the
             greatest
             prostration
             of
             soul
             ,
             and
             the
             deepest
             reverence
             and
             Subjection
             .
             Wherefore
             humbly
             to
             expostulate
             with
             God
             ,
             is
             no
             sauciness
             .
             The
             whole
             current
             of
             the
             Prayers
             of
             Saints
             in
             Scripture
             doth
             warrant
             it
             ,
             and
             that
             not
             only
             now
             and
             then
             in
             extraordinary
             cases
             .
             Indeed
             our
             ordinary
             concerns
             with
             God
             ,
             are
             no
             less
             than
             the
             safety
             of
             our
             immortal
             Souls
             ,
             the
             pardoning
             of
             our
             great
             and
             numberless
             offences
             ,
             the
             subduing
             of
             inveterate
             corruptions
             ,
             our
             escaping
             of
             many
             deadly
             dangers
             ,
             our
             victory
             over
             the
             adverse
             world
             ,
             the
             powerfull
             presence
             of
             his
             Grace
             ,
             the
             light
             of
             his
             Countenance
             ;
             as
             also
             the
             interests
             of
             his
             glory
             ,
             and
             of
             his
             Church
             and
             people
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             world
             in
             general
             ,
             that
             poor
             Souls
             may
             be
             delivered
             from
             the
             power
             of
             darkness
             ,
             and
             translated
             into
             the
             kingdom
             of
             his
             dear
             Son
             ;
             all
             which
             are
             of
             the
             highest
             moment
             ,
             and
             of
             themselves
             exceeding
             difficult
             (
             though
             to
             God
             all
             things
             are
             possible
             )
             and
             they
             all
             require
             vehemence
             and
             importunity
             ,
             not
             as
             if
             God
             needed
             to
             be
             moved
             or
             stirred
             up
             ,
             but
             that
             we
             may
             declare
             our selves
             duely
             affected
             .
          
           
             Howbeit
             even
             the
             best
             things
             may
             be
             over-done
             ,
             and
             this
             over-doing
             is
             the
             marring
             thereof
             .
             If
             in
             the
             expostulations
             of
             Prayer
             ,
             men
             shall
             utter
             perverse
             or
             frivolous
             things
             ,
             or
             speak
             
             absurdly
             ,
             daringly
             ,
             or
             irreverently
             ,
             they
             are
             highly
             culpable
             and
             guilty
             of
             abusing
             the
             most
             holy
             things
             ,
             and
             of
             contemning
             
               the
               most
               glorious
               and
               fearfull
               name
               of
               the
               Lord
               their
               God.
            
             Our
             freedom
             of
             access
             to
             God
             and
             converse
             with
             him
             ,
             must
             not
             be
             turned
             into
             an
             irreverent
             and
             presumptuous
             familiarity
             .
             Those
             that
             are
             guilty
             of
             this
             rashness
             are
             worthy
             of
             great
             rebuke
             .
             But
             I-know
             well
             ,
             that
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Luke-warmness
             and
             profaness
             ,
             doth
             usually
             cast
             reproaches
             and
             scorns
             upon
             that
             zeal
             and
             fervency
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             that
             well
             becomes
             the
             Servants
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             labours
             to
             make
             the
             most
             accceptable
             ,
             and
             profitable
             kind
             of
             Prayer
             to
             seem
             ridiculous
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             against
             reason
             to
             think
             that
             the
             Ministers
             of
             the
             present
             age
             ,
             brought
             up
             under
             such
             eminent
             advantage
             for
             Ministerial
             abilities
             ,
             should
             not
             be
             able
             to
             speak
             to
             God
             in
             good
             and
             solid
             sense
             ,
             in
             an
             orderly
             method
             ,
             and
             in
             affective
             ,
             grave
             and
             seemly
             language
             ,
             as
             becomes
             the
             Solemnity
             of
             Gods
             Worship
             .
             Experience
             will
             justifie
             the
             sufficiency
             of
             serious
             ,
             pious
             and
             painfull
             Preachers
             in
             general
             ,
             though
             the
             captious
             and
             curious
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             love
             to
             cavil
             ,
             have
             found
             fault
             ,
             and
             despised
             the
             profitable
             endeavours
             of
             those
             ,
             whom
             God
             hath
             owned
             .
             Besides
             ,
             the
             offences
             that
             are
             committed
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             proceed
             more
             from
             inadvertency
             and
             imprudence
             than
             from
             insufficiency
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             corrected
             by
             care
             and
             causion
             ,
             and
             good
             advice
             .
             
             And
             it
             is
             no
             vanity
             to
             suppose
             such
             a
             competency
             of
             prudence
             easily
             attainable
             by
             all
             those
             ,
             that
             are
             competently
             qualified
             for
             this
             Office.
             Indeed
             it
             cannot
             be
             expected
             ,
             but
             that
             some
             will
             be
             less
             able
             and
             less
             perfect
             than
             others
             in
             this
             performance
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             same
             persons
             may
             not
             be
             alike
             perfect
             therein
             at
             all
             times
             :
             nevertheless
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             such
             want
             of
             Security
             ,
             that
             the
             Churches
             service
             will
             be
             well
             performed
             ,
             if
             any
             Prayer
             be
             used
             in
             the
             Church
             besides
             a
             prescribed
             Form.
             For
             who
             can
             doubt
             ,
             but
             that
             persons
             of
             competent
             ability
             and
             prudence
             ,
             may
             upon
             due
             incouragement
             be
             spread
             throughout
             a
             Nation
             ,
             in
             such
             an
             Age
             of
             learning
             and
             knowledge
             ?
             And
             to
             say
             otherwise
             ,
             were
             to
             disparage
             the
             Reformed
             Religion
             .
          
           
             And
             there
             is
             no
             just
             cause
             of
             doubt
             ,
             but
             that
             an
             able
             Minister
             may
             make
             use
             ,
             either
             of
             a
             precomposed
             or
             of
             an
             immediately
             conceived
             Form
             of
             words
             .
             Yet
             in
             this
             matter
             there
             is
             great
             diversity
             of
             judgment
             and
             affection
             ,
             even
             unto
             much
             prejudice
             and
             opposition
             .
             But
             the
             same
             minds
             might
             well
             be
             conciliated
             to
             both
             ways
             ,
             if
             rightly
             ordered
             .
             The
             Question
             is
             here
             supposed
             to
             be
             of
             the
             outward
             mode
             ,
             in
             which
             two
             things
             are
             mainly
             to
             be
             regarded
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             that
             it
             be
             reverend
             and
             affective
             .
             Such
             ,
             as
             are
             best
             persuaded
             of
             a
             pre-composed
             Form
             ,
             and
             find
             it
             expedient
             for
             them
             ,
             doubtless
             may
             rightly
             manage
             it
             to
             the
             edifying
             of
             themselves
             
             and
             others
             .
             For
             which
             end
             they
             must
             needs
             in
             some
             parts
             thereof
             make
             use
             of
             occasional
             variation
             and
             inlargement
             (
             though
             premeditated
             )
             as
             minding
             the
             more
             particular
             requiries
             of
             several
             times
             and
             occasions
             .
             But
             others
             by
             a
             habit
             of
             ready
             utterance
             and
             much
             exercise
             ,
             are
             well
             prepared
             to
             pray
             by
             the
             immediate
             conceptions
             of
             their
             mind
             in
             proper
             and
             decent
             words
             ,
             and
             can
             do
             it
             without
             any
             straining
             of
             invention
             ,
             and
             with
             much
             freedom
             of
             Spirit
             .
             No
             more
             is
             here
             spoken
             ,
             that
             what
             impartial
             men
             will
             grant
             .
             And
             why
             should
             any
             forbid
             them
             that
             are
             thus
             qualified
             to
             use
             their
             gift
             ?
             But
             if
             any
             should
             be
             rash
             with
             their
             mouths
             ,
             and
             hasty
             to
             utter
             any
             thing
             before
             God
             that
             is
             unmeet
             ,
             they
             are
             subject
             to
             the
             discipline
             of
             the
             Church
             to
             be
             censured
             for
             their
             errour
             .
             Moreover
             heightened
             affections
             inlarge
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             open
             the
             mouth
             ,
             and
             do
             not
             make
             a
             man
             at
             a
             stand
             for
             want
             of
             words
             .
             Indeed
             astonishing
             affection
             or
             an
             extasie
             of
             Spirit
             may
             put
             one
             to
             such
             a
             stand
             ,
             but
             that
             rarely
             takes
             hold
             of
             any
             in
             a
             pubick
             performance
             .
             But
             a
             calm
             admiration
             and
             reverence
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             seriousness
             and
             earnestness
             of
             address
             to
             him
             ,
             doth
             not
             hinder
             but
             further
             ap●expressions
             .
          
           
             For
             the
             use
             of
             one
             constant
             Form
             ,
             it
             hath
             been
             pleaded
             that
             a
             stranger
             may
             thereby
             the
             better
             know
             how
             we
             Worship
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             people
             better
             understand
             and
             remember
             that
             ,
             to
             which
             they
             are
             continually
             used
             .
             But
             on
             
             the
             other
             hand
             variety
             and
             newness
             of
             matter
             ,
             and
             words
             are
             more
             apt
             to
             quicken
             the
             affection
             ,
             and
             perfect
             the
             understanding
             also
             ,
             especially
             of
             the
             attentive
             ,
             whenas
             under
             the
             constant
             rehersal
             of
             one
             thing
             ,
             the
             faculties
             grow
             flat
             and
             dull
             .
             Besides
             ,
             in
             the
             use
             of
             this
             liberty
             and
             variety
             ,
             the
             Prayer
             being
             ordinarily
             the
             same
             for
             substance
             in
             the
             main
             ,
             the
             vulgar
             apprehension
             and
             memory
             is
             help'd
             ,
             by
             the
             sameness
             of
             the
             main
             substance
             and
             scope
             ,
             and
             the
             affections
             are
             raised
             ,
             and
             the
             understanding
             further
             edified
             by
             that
             which
             is
             new
             in
             the
             frame
             ,
             and
             method
             and
             particular
             matter
             ,
             and
             the
             peoples
             more
             particular
             variable
             concernments
             ,
             are
             provided
             for
             by
             a
             more
             peculiar
             accommodation
             and
             respect
             thereto
             ,
             as
             occasions
             vary
             .
             And
             by
             the
             received
             doctrine
             of
             Faith
             ,
             a
             stranger
             may
             be
             sufficiently
             ascertain'd
             of
             the
             substance
             of
             the
             Worship
             to
             be
             celebrated
             .
             For
             a
             Doctrine
             of
             a
             Church
             governs
             its
             Worship
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             well
             known
             ,
             that
             one
             &
             the
             same
             tenor
             thereof
             will
             pass
             through
             the
             several
             congregations
             of
             a
             nation
             ,
             that
             are
             not
             confined
             to
             a
             stinted
             Form
             ,
             yet
             combined
             in
             the
             same
             faith
             and
             order
             .
             And
             when
             all
             is
             said
             ,
             that
             management
             and
             performance
             of
             this
             Service
             is
             the
             best
             ,
             that
             is
             most
             effectual
             to
             make
             the
             Comers
             thereunto
             more
             perfect
             in
             knowledge
             ,
             more
             devout
             and
             zealous
             towards
             God
             ,
             more
             pious
             and
             blameless
             in
             their
             conversation
             ,
             and
             every
             way
             more
             perfect
             in
             the
             divine
             life
             ;
             and
             it
             will
             be
             so
             acknowledged
             
             by
             them
             that
             are
             discerning
             and
             serious
             in
             the
             things
             of
             God.
             But
             to
             conciliate
             the
             minds
             of
             men
             diversly
             affected
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             and
             to
             prevent
             the
             inconveniencies
             ,
             and
             to
             obtain
             the
             good
             of
             either
             way
             ,
             a
             prescribed
             Form
             and
             a
             free
             Prayer
             will
             do
             best
             together
             ,
             in
             reference
             to
             the
             Churches
             peace
             and
             edification
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VI.
             
          
           
             
               The
               right
               Administration
               of
               Ecclesiastical
               discipline
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             Ministers
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             Stewards
             of
             the
             mysteries
             of
             God
             are
             Pastors
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             Pastoral
             authority
             includes
             both
             teaching
             and
             ruling
             ,
             and
             implies
             the
             peoples
             subjection
             in
             the
             Lord
             to
             their
             Doctrine
             and
             discipline
             .
             To
             bereave
             the
             Church
             of
             discipline
             ,
             is
             to
             leave
             it
             unfurnished
             of
             that
             means
             ,
             which
             is
             necessary
             to
             the
             preservation
             of
             all
             orderly
             Socities
             of
             mankind
             .
             It
             is
             to
             turn
             the
             Garden
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             by
             plucking
             up
             the
             fence
             thereof
             into
             a
             Common
             or
             Wilderness
             .
          
           
             The
             power
             intrinsecal
             to
             this
             Office
             ,
             is
             not
             secular
             and
             coercive
             by
             temporal
             penalties
             ,
             but
             purely
             Spiritual
             ;
             which
             is
             in
             the
             name
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             by
             authority
             from
             him
             the
             chief
             Pastor
             to
             watch
             over
             the
             Flock
             ,
             to
             encourage
             them
             that
             
             live
             conformably
             to
             the
             Gospel
             by
             the
             consolations
             thereof
             ,
             and
             to
             warn
             them
             that
             walk
             disorderly
             ,
             and
             if
             any
             continue
             obstinate
             therein
             ,
             to
             declare
             them
             unworthy
             of
             Church-Communion
             and
             Christian
             converse
             ,
             and
             to
             require
             the
             faithful
             to
             have
             no
             fellowship
             with
             them
             ,
             to
             the
             intent
             that
             they
             may
             be
             humbled
             and
             reformed
             .
          
           
             As
             the
             Discipline
             of
             all
             Societies
             is
             to
             be
             regulated
             by
             their
             true
             interest
             and
             and
             chief
             scope
             ,
             so
             is
             this
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             God.
             Now
             the
             Christian
             Church
             looks
             mainly
             to
             the
             honour
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             glory
             of
             Gods
             grace
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             Salvation
             of
             men
             ,
             for
             which
             ends
             it
             was
             ordained
             .
             And
             consequently
             its
             true
             interest
             lies
             in
             the
             conservation
             and
             augmentation
             of
             true
             Christianity
             or
             the
             power
             of
             godliness
             :
             but
             that
             Church
             interest
             which
             is
             elsewhere
             fixed
             ,
             and
             levelled
             to
             an
             other
             mark
             ,
             appertains
             to
             a
             carnal
             and
             worldly
             State
             set
             up
             in
             the
             room
             ,
             and
             pretence
             of
             this
             Spiritual
             Society
             .
          
           
             The
             Churches
             true
             and
             proper
             excellency
             lies
             not
             in
             worldly
             splendor
             ,
             opulency
             and
             power
             ;
             nor
             in
             outward
             rites
             and
             formal
             unity
             ;
             nor
             in
             the
             stability
             and
             amplitude
             of
             a
             meer
             external
             State
             :
             but
             in
             the
             inward
             light
             and
             life
             ,
             in
             the
             unfained
             faith
             and
             love
             ,
             in
             the
             purity
             and
             Spiritual
             unity
             of
             believers
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             security
             and
             advancement
             of
             this
             internal
             State
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             external
             State
             in
             order
             to
             the
             internal
             .
             Wherefore
             the
             right
             end
             of
             discipline
             is
             not
             to
             promote
             temporal
             glory
             ,
             and
             opinions
             and
             
             formalities
             thereunto
             subservient
             ,
             but
             the
             Apostolick
             faith
             and
             worship
             ,
             and
             the
             regeneration
             of
             the
             professors
             thereof
             ,
             and
             their
             sincere
             devotion
             ,
             Godly
             unity
             ,
             Sobriety
             ,
             Righteousness
             ,
             Brotherly-kindness
             ,
             and
             common
             Charity
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             vital
             parts
             of
             Christianity
             :
             and
             to
             keep
             and
             cast
             out
             Heresie
             ,
             Superstition
             ,
             Profaness
             ,
             Unrighteousness
             and
             all
             wicked
             error
             and
             practice
             ,
             that
             tends
             to
             frustrate
             the
             designs
             of
             Christs
             Gospel
             :
             as
             also
             to
             prevent
             and
             remedy
             the
             causless
             tearing
             and
             renting
             of
             Churches
             ,
             and
             those
             alienations
             and
             animosities
             among
             Christians
             ,
             that
             proceed
             only
             from
             the
             wills
             and
             lusts
             of
             men
             .
             And
             the
             management
             hereof
             to
             this
             right
             end
             ,
             is
             of
             far
             greater
             consequence
             ,
             than
             any
             scrupulosity
             or
             preciseness
             about
             its
             external
             form
             and
             order
             .
             Nay
             ,
             if
             an
             external
             order
             could
             be
             proved
             to
             be
             primitive
             and
             Apostolical
             ,
             and
             were
             perverted
             and
             abused
             to
             inforce
             corrupt
             doctrines
             ,
             scandalous
             and
             insnaring
             inventions
             and
             impositions
             ;
             and
             in
             a
             Ceremonial
             strictness
             to
             indulge
             real
             profaness
             ,
             and
             discourage
             true
             Godliness
             ,
             it
             were
             no
             other
             then
             the
             mystery
             of
             a
             carnal
             state
             under
             a
             Spiritual
             name
             ,
             having
             a
             form
             of
             godliness
             ,
             but
             denying
             and
             suppressing
             the
             power
             thereof
             .
          
           
             The
             right
             end
             of
             Discipline
             being
             such
             as
             hath
             been
             declared
             ,
             it
             follows
             that
             its
             proper
             work
             is
             to
             incourage
             Godliness
             ,
             and
             to
             disgrace
             open
             sin
             .
             Accordingly
             being
             rightly
             managed
             
             it
             admonisheth
             the
             unruly
             ,
             casts
             out
             the
             obstinate
             ,
             and
             restores
             the
             penitent
             .
             About
             these
             things
             it
             is
             active
             ,
             watchfull
             and
             vigorous
             .
             What
             severity
             it
             hath
             ,
             it
             exerciseth
             in
             correcting
             real
             scandals
             and
             gross
             breaches
             of
             Gods
             Law
             ,
             and
             in
             maintaining
             the
             Churches
             peace
             against
             those
             that
             cause
             divisions
             ,
             and
             offences
             contrary
             to
             the
             Doctrine
             which
             we
             have
             received
             ,
             that
             is
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             Christ
             and
             his
             Apostles
             .
          
           
             But
             it
             careth
             little
             for
             those
             matters
             ,
             wherein
             the
             life
             and
             power
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             the
             Churches
             peace
             and
             edification
             is
             unconcerned
             .
             Much
             less
             doth
             it
             seek
             to
             quench
             godly
             zeal
             ,
             and
             to
             hinder
             the
             necessary
             means
             of
             the
             increase
             of
             true
             godliness
             ,
             or
             to
             afflict
             peaceable
             and
             pious
             Christians
             by
             any
             needless
             rigors
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
          
           
             
               Religious
               Family-government
               .
            
          
           
             IN
             the
             time
             of
             the
             Law
             the
             solemn
             Dedication
             of
             houses
             was
             in
             use
             ,
             the
             Solemnity
             expressing
             that
             holy
             exercises
             should
             be
             performed
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             houshold
             should
             be
             holy
             .
             In
             the
             first
             times
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             the
             Scripture
             makes
             mention
             of
             Churches
             that
             were
             in
             particular
             houses
             ,
             teaching
             that
             Christian
             families
             should
             resemble
             Churches
             for
             piety
             and
             godly
             order
             .
          
           
           
             By
             Family-godliness
             Religion
             thrives
             exceedingly
             ,
             and
             decays
             as
             much
             by
             the
             neglect
             thereof
             .
             By
             Domestick
             instruction
             knowledge
             is
             much
             increased
             .
             For
             this
             private
             particular
             Teaching
             is
             apt
             to
             be
             more
             heeded
             than
             that
             which
             is
             publick
             and
             general
             ;
             and
             persons
             are
             hereby
             prepared
             to
             attend
             with
             profit
             upon
             the
             publick
             Preaching
             .
             Good
             principles
             are
             infused
             ,
             and
             impressions
             of
             good
             are
             made
             upon
             those
             that
             live
             under
             such
             government
             .
             And
             where
             much
             may
             not
             be
             wrought
             at
             present
             towards
             conversion
             ,
             something
             may
             stick
             upon
             them
             ,
             which
             may
             afterwards
             appear
             ,
             when
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             shall
             visit
             them
             more
             powerfully
             .
             Moreover
             National
             ,
             and
             Church
             Reformation
             should
             here
             begin
             .
             Nations
             will
             be
             wicked
             ,
             and
             Churches
             corrupt
             ,
             while
             families
             remain
             disordered
             :
             but
             by
             the
             reformation
             of
             these
             lesser
             Societies
             the
             larger
             are
             easily
             reformed
             ,
             as
             the
             whole
             street
             is
             made
             clean
             ,
             where
             every
             one
             will
             sweep
             his
             own
             door
             ,
             which
             is
             but
             an
             easie
             task
             .
          
           
             It
             were
             most
             desirable
             that
             houses
             of
             eminent
             persons
             were
             exemplary
             in
             this
             kind
             ,
             as
             it
             appears
             King
             Davids
             was
             by
             that
             profession
             ,
             
               I
               will
               walk
               within
               my
               house
               with
               a
               perfect
               heart
               ,
               I
               will
               not
               know
               a
               wicked
               person
               ,
               he
               that
               walketh
               in
               a
               perfect
               way
               shall
               serve
               me
               .
            
             But
             it
             is
             lamentable
             ,
             that
             in
             so
             many
             families
             of
             professed
             Christians
             of
             high
             and
             low
             degree
             ,
             wickedness
             carries
             it
             with
             a
             high
             hand
             in
             drunkenness
             ,
             
             swearing
             ,
             cursing
             ,
             open
             profanation
             of
             the
             Lords
             day
             ,
             in
             hatred
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             and
             contempt
             of
             Gods
             ordinances
             :
             and
             that
             in
             many
             others
             free
             from
             debauchedness
             and
             open
             lewdness
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             face
             ,
             Religion
             ,
             no
             divine
             Worship
             performed
             ,
             no
             Godly
             discipline
             ,
             no
             instruction
             in
             the
             way
             of
             Godliness
             observed
             .
             Should
             any
             professing
             subjection
             to
             God
             ,
             maintain
             under
             his
             charge
             and
             government
             an
             open
             Rebellion
             against
             God
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             a
             totall
             neglect
             of
             him
             ?
             Should
             not
             God
             rule
             ,
             where
             his
             Servant
             rules
             ?
          
           
             Wherefore
             it
             is
             the
             proper
             work
             of
             Christian
             housholders
             in
             their
             several
             houses
             ,
             to
             offer
             Prayers
             and
             praises
             to
             God
             dayly
             ,
             both
             Morning
             and
             Evening
             
               as
               the
               dayly
               Sacrifice
            
             ;
             to
             Sanctifie
             the
             Lords
             day
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             singing
             of
             Psalms
             ,
             reading
             the
             Scriptures
             and
             other
             holy
             Books
             ,
             in
             repeating
             Sermons
             ,
             instructing
             Children
             and
             Servants
             ,
             and
             in
             taking
             account
             of
             their
             diligence
             and
             proficiency
             under
             the
             means
             of
             Grace
             ;
             and
             this
             to
             be
             done
             not
             formally
             and
             customarily
             ,
             but
             conscienciously
             in
             good
             carnest
             and
             to
             good
             effect
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             their
             charge
             also
             to
             hold
             a
             prudent
             hand
             over
             children
             in
             their
             Minority
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             indulge
             them
             in
             a
             course
             of
             idleness
             ,
             sensual
             pleasure
             ,
             or
             any
             inordinate
             liberty
             ;
             also
             to
             make
             intercession
             to
             God
             for
             those
             under
             their
             tuition
             ,
             to
             allow
             Servants
             time
             for
             secret
             duty
             ;
             lastly
             to
             purge
             their
             Families
             of
             sinfull
             disorders
             ,
             and
             to
             remove
             
             scandals
             ,
             as
             carefully
             as
             the
             Israelites
             cleansed
             their
             houses
             from
             Leaven
             ,
             at
             the
             time
             of
             the
             Passover
             .
          
           
             As
             the
             Religious
             care
             of
             Superiors
             ,
             so
             the
             submission
             and
             teachableness
             of
             inferiors
             is
             injoyned
             .
             Children
             ,
             Servants
             and
             Sojourners
             in
             Godly
             families
             ,
             being
             come
             into
             the
             Lords
             heritage
             and
             portion
             ,
             and
             under
             his
             special
             protection
             ,
             and
             the
             dispensation
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             should
             not
             think
             it
             a
             yoke
             of
             bondage
             to
             live
             under
             such
             a
             Discipline
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             held
             unto
             such
             exercies
             ;
             but
             should
             improve
             the
             advantage
             and
             be
             followers
             of
             whatsoever
             is
             good
             and
             praise-worthy
             .
             And
             whatsoever
             imperfections
             they
             find
             therein
             ,
             they
             should
             not
             malignantly
             aggravate
             the
             same
             ,
             but
             bless
             God
             for
             the
             good
             ,
             and
             consider
             the
             defects
             as
             the
             remainders
             of
             human
             weakness
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
          
           
             
               Private
               mutual
               Exhortations
               ,
               Pious
               discourse
               and
               edifying
               Conversation
               .
            
          
           
             IT
             is
             also
             of
             great
             advantage
             when
             Christian
             people
             are
             inured
             in
             the
             way
             of
             Religious
             converse
             ,
             and
             discourse
             for
             edification
             .
             For
             by
             this
             means
             they
             propagate
             the
             knowledge
             and
             love
             of
             the
             truth
             ,
             and
             keep
             themselves
             in
             Spiritual
             life
             and
             vigor
             ,
             and
             daily
             building
             up
             
             one
             another
             on
             their
             most
             holy
             faith
             ,
             advance
             heaven-ward
             .
             And
             it
             is
             as
             comely
             as
             advantageous
             .
             The
             royal
             Prophet
             understood
             what
             was
             seemly
             and
             worthy
             of
             him
             in
             his
             conversation
             ,
             and
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               I
               will
               talk
               of
               thy
               commandments
               before
               Princes
               and
               not
               be
               ashamed
               .
            
             Is
             it
             not
             seemly
             for
             those
             that
             are
             risen
             with
             Christ
             to
             speak
             of
             the
             things
             above
             ,
             and
             for
             Fellowtravell
             rs
             towards
             the
             heavenly
             Kingdom
             ,
             to
             mention
             the
             affairs
             of
             their
             own
             country
             ?
             It
             is
             also
             sweet
             and
             lovely
             ,
             a
             partaking
             of
             that
             
               grace
               that
               was
               poured
               into
               Christs
               lips
               ,
            
             and
             it
             is
             pleasant
             to
             all
             such
             as
             savour
             the
             things
             of
             God.
             Yea
             ,
             are
             not
             Converts
             bound
             by
             all
             means
             to
             seek
             the
             conversion
             of
             others
             ?
             We
             have
             received
             this
             holy
             commandment
             ,
             
               Let
               no
               corrupt
               communication
               proceed
               out
               of
               your
               mouth
               ,
               but
               that
               which
               is
               good
               for
               the
               use
               of
               edifying
               ,
               that
               it
               may
               administer
               grace
               to
               the
               hearers
               .
            
          
           
             Indeed
             holy
             language
             proceeding
             from
             the
             mouths
             of
             Scandalous
             persons
             or
             detected
             hypocrites
             is
             disgraced
             ,
             and
             loseth
             its
             savour
             .
             If
             affectation
             and
             vanity
             appear
             therein
             ,
             it
             hath
             not
             so
             sweet
             a
             relish
             .
             But
             this
             can
             be
             no
             disparagement
             to
             gracious
             words
             ,
             which
             holy
             and
             humble
             men
             of
             inoffensive
             lives
             speak
             feelingly
             from
             the
             abundance
             of
             the
             heart
             ;
             and
             those
             that
             judge
             them
             hypocrites
             ,
             God
             will
             judge
             .
             Moreover
             ,
             honest
             minds
             may
             be
             sometimes
             guilty
             of
             imprudence
             ,
             and
             thereby
             occasion
             some
             disgust
             ,
             and
             make
             that
             which
             is
             good
             and
             
             wholsom
             to
             be
             unacceptable
             and
             ineffectual
             .
             Nevertheless
             t
             is
             a
             bad
             matter
             for
             any
             one
             from
             the
             baseness
             of
             some
             Hypocrites
             ,
             and
             the
             weakness
             of
             good
             Christians
             to
             take
             occasion
             of
             pouring
             out
             contempt
             upon
             this
             godly
             Practice
             .
             Yea
             ,
             whosoever
             gives
             a
             check
             to
             it
             ,
             upon
             pretence
             of
             its
             unseasonableness
             and
             impertinency
             at
             some
             times
             ,
             are
             not
             well
             advised
             for
             the
             interest
             of
             true
             Religion
             ,
             because
             for
             one
             that
             is
             overforward
             herein
             a
             hundred
             are
             too
             backward
             ,
             and
             that
             among
             the
             Wise
             and
             Able
             ,
             who
             might
             reap
             a
             harvest
             of
             much
             good
             ,
             if
             they
             were
             not
             too
             shie
             or
             sluggish
             .
             The
             most
             have
             need
             rather
             of
             the
             spur
             than
             the
             bridle
             in
             this
             case
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             discretion
             will
             mind
             the
             season
             in
             which
             every
             thing
             is
             beautifull
             ,
             and
             not
             inconsiderately
             force
             Discourse
             ,
             and
             run
             on
             therein
             when
             it
             will
             not
             be
             entertained
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             set
             times
             of
             other
             Mens
             sports
             or
             business
             :
             Nor
             will
             it
             press
             any
             beyond
             due
             measure
             ,
             and
             what
             they
             can
             well
             receive
             ,
             lest
             that
             which
             in
             it self
             is
             precious
             become
             nauseous
             or
             untastfull
             .
             Opportunity
             and
             leasure
             will
             sufficiently
             offer
             it self
             for
             set
             and
             solemn
             conference
             ;
             and
             besides
             this
             ,
             there
             will
             be
             room
             almost
             continually
             to
             put
             in
             by
             the
             by
             ,
             a
             word
             that
             may
             take
             effect
             .
             
               How
               forcible
               are
               right
               words
            
             !
             It
             hath
             sometimes
             come
             to
             pass
             ,
             that
             a
             short
             Saying
             occasionally
             let
             fall
             upon
             a
             prepared
             mind
             ,
             hath
             entred
             deep
             ,
             and
             stuck
             close
             .
             Yea
             ,
             that
             which
             
             takes
             not
             much
             at
             present
             ,
             may
             be
             remembred
             ,
             and
             have
             its
             effect
             after
             a
             long
             time
             ,
             and
             then
             be
             matter
             of
             much
             Blessing
             and
             Praise
             .
             The
             counsel
             of
             the
             wise
             Preacher
             looks
             this
             way
             .
             
               In
               the
               morning
               sow
               thy
               seed
               ,
               in
               the
               evening
               with-hold
               not
               thy
               hand
               ,
               for
               thou
               knowest
               not
               whether
               shall
               prosper
               this
               or
               that
               ,
               or
               whether
               they
               shall
               be
               alike
               good
               .
            
             Whatsoever
             scornfull
             or
             careless
             Men
             conceit
             hereof
             ,
             the
             Divine
             Wisdom
             hath
             made
             it
             praise-worthy
             and
             precious
             .
             
               The
               tongue
               of
               the
               just
               is
               as
               choice
               silver
               ,
               and
               the
               lips
               of
               the
               righteous
               feed
               many
               .
            
             And
             to
             good
             Hearts
             this
             Practice
             will
             not
             be
             burdensom
             ,
             for
             they
             will
             recreate
             their
             Minds
             herewith
             ,
             as
             an
             holy
             divertisement
             and
             serious
             Pastime
             ,
             while
             others
             spend
             their
             leasure
             in
             that
             mirth
             and
             laughter
             which
             the
             Wise
             Man
             calls
             madness
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
          
           
             
               The
               Prevalence
               of
               Religion
               or
               real
               Godliness
               in
               the
               Civil
               Government
               of
               a
               Nation
               .
            
          
           
             IN
             Christian
             States
             and
             Kingdoms
             Religion
             being
             Gods
             interest
             ,
             ought
             to
             have
             the
             preeminence
             in
             all
             things
             .
             And
             its
             Preeminence
             is
             no
             incroachment
             upon
             the
             Rights
             of
             the
             Higher
             Powers
             ,
             but
             their
             Establishment
             .
             God
             
             alone
             hath
             an
             underived
             and
             unlimited
             Empire
             over
             Man
             his
             creature
             .
             The
             People
             are
             primarily
             Gods
             Subjects
             ,
             and
             then
             are
             subject
             to
             Princes
             ,
             as
             to
             his
             Vicegerents
             ,
             and
             obedience
             to
             him
             is
             the
             grand
             interest
             both
             of
             Prince
             and
             People
             .
             None
             can
             doubt
             that
             God
             hath
             made
             his
             own
             Glory
             ,
             and
             mans
             Salvation
             the
             supreme
             ends
             of
             government
             and
             subjection
             .
             And
             consequently
             ,
             that
             is
             the
             best
             Policy
             which
             gives
             these
             ends
             the
             highest
             place
             ,
             and
             makes
             temporal
             advantages
             and
             the
             wellfare
             of
             the
             outward
             Man
             subordinate
             thereunto
             .
             And
             this
             requires
             that
             the
             Constitution
             give
             the
             highest
             regards
             to
             Gods
             Laws
             ,
             and
             maintain
             their
             Authority
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             whole
             publick
             Administration
             tend
             to
             the
             promoting
             of
             Righteousness
             and
             true
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             suppressing
             of
             all
             unrighteous
             and
             impious
             Practice
             .
          
           
             As
             it
             is
             the
             Church's
             duty
             and
             honour
             to
             teach
             and
             command
             her
             Children
             to
             do
             whatsoever
             Christ
             hath
             commanded
             :
             so
             it
             is
             the
             proper
             work
             and
             chiefest
             glory
             of
             the
             Magistrate
             ,
             who
             is
             Gods
             Minister
             to
             defend
             the
             Faith
             ,
             and
             uphold
             the
             Ordinances
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             to
             further
             the
             most
             lively
             and
             powerfull
             Dispensation
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             incourage
             and
             command
             obedience
             to
             the
             Divine
             Law
             written
             in
             Nature
             or
             Scripture
             .
             In
             subserviency
             hereunto
             his
             Power
             is
             to
             determine
             such
             things
             as
             are
             requisit
             in
             general
             ,
             but
             in
             particular
             are
             left
             undetermined
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             therefore
             called
             
             indifferent
             ,
             and
             are
             to
             be
             ordered
             by
             human
             Prudence
             according
             to
             the
             general
             Rules
             of
             Gods
             word
             .
             And
             for
             these
             ends
             the
             chief
             Magistrate
             hath
             a
             Supremacy
             in
             all
             causes
             ,
             and
             over
             all
             persons
             ,
             Civil
             and
             Ecclesiastical
             .
             But
             it
             is
             no
             diminution
             of
             his
             Authority
             to
             remove
             from
             it
             things
             unnecessary
             ,
             unprofitablē
             ,
             and
             offensive
             in
             their
             use
             ,
             and
             for
             their
             doubtfull
             nature
             apt
             to
             perplex
             the
             Subjects
             conscience
             .
          
           
             And
             he
             is
             the
             general
             Bishop
             of
             his
             Dominions
             in
             a
             political
             sense
             ,
             without
             any
             incroachment
             upon
             that
             Authority
             ,
             wherewith
             Christ
             the
             King
             of
             the
             Church
             hath
             invested
             spiritual
             Pastors
             .
             As
             he
             is
             such
             an
             Officer
             ,
             it
             is
             worthy
             of
             his
             chiefest
             care
             to
             provide
             ,
             and
             send
             forth
             able
             and
             faithfull
             Dispensers
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             that
             may
             teach
             the
             People
             the
             good
             knowledge
             of
             God
             ,
             after
             the
             example
             of
             the
             good
             King
             Jehoshaphat
             ;
             and
             to
             see
             that
             every
             one
             ,
             who
             hath
             the
             Cure
             of
             Souls
             ,
             be
             resident
             with
             his
             Flock
             ,
             and
             constantly
             instruct
             them
             by
             preaching
             the
             Word
             ,
             and
             Catechizing
             them
             in
             the
             Principles
             of
             Religion
             ;
             and
             not
             to
             suffer
             Pluralists
             to
             seise
             upon
             several
             Congregations
             as
             a
             prey
             ,
             to
             fleece
             but
             not
             to
             feed
             them
             ;
             to
             incourage
             laborious
             Ministers
             ,
             that
             watch
             for
             the
             Peoples
             Souls
             ,
             as
             those
             that
             must
             give
             an
             account
             ;
             and
             strictly
             to
             injoyn
             the
             Sanctification
             of
             the
             Lords
             Day
             ,
             which
             was
             sanctified
             to
             the
             publick
             Worship
             of
             God
             by
             the
             Apostles
             of
             our
             Lord
             ,
             who
             were
             
             guided
             by
             an
             infallible
             Spirit
             in
             setling
             this
             ,
             as
             all
             other
             Ordinances
             pertaining
             to
             Christs
             Kingdom
             ,
             and
             was
             observed
             by
             the
             Apostolick
             Churches
             ,
             and
             so
             hath
             continued
             in
             all
             Ages
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             places
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             is
             conveyed
             down
             to
             us
             by
             as
             unquestionable
             Tradition
             as
             the
             Scripture
             it self
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             not
             of
             little
             moment
             to
             suppress
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             to
             bring
             into
             disgrace
             whatsoever
             customs
             serve
             for
             nought
             ,
             but
             to
             feed
             inordinate
             Sensuality
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             those
             that
             use
             them
             profane
             ,
             vicious
             and
             licentious
             .
             There
             are
             frequented
             shews
             and
             pastimes
             well
             known
             ,
             that
             increase
             unto
             all
             ungodliness
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             called
             the
             
               Devils
               ordinances
            
             .
             Those
             that
             wish
             well
             to
             Piety
             have
             an
             ill
             part
             to
             act
             ,
             when
             they
             take
             upon
             them
             to
             defend
             some
             exercises
             ,
             from
             which
             an
             extreem
             abuse
             is
             inseperable
             ,
             and
             which
             are
             made
             a
             trade
             of
             gain
             arising
             from
             the
             impurity
             and
             profaness
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             therefore
             are
             incorrigible
             ,
             and
             can
             admit
             no
             reformation
             .
          
           
             The
             Piety
             of
             any
             Nation
             is
             not
             to
             be
             measured
             by
             formalities
             and
             opinions
             and
             uniformity
             in
             little
             things
             ,
             but
             by
             substantial
             Devotion
             ,
             by
             solid
             zeal
             in
             the
             weighty
             matters
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             main
             concerns
             of
             Religion
             ,
             by
             righteousness
             of
             life
             ,
             by
             sobriety
             ,
             purity
             ,
             modesty
             ,
             by
             peace
             and
             concord
             with
             mutual
             forbearance
             in
             those
             differences
             that
             should
             not
             ,
             and
             need
             not
             make
             breaches
             among
             Brethren
             ,
             by
             dutifulness
             in
             all
             relations
             ,
             by
             industry
             ,
             frugality
             ,
             
             and
             by
             abounding
             Charity
             that
             is
             full
             of
             good
             Works
             .
          
           
             Happy
             is
             that
             State
             where
             religious
             influence
             is
             predominant
             ,
             where
             the
             pious
             and
             prudent
             bear
             sway
             ,
             not
             by
             intrusion
             ,
             but
             by
             lawfull
             Admission
             ;
             also
             where
             it
             ariseth
             to
             that
             strength
             ,
             as
             to
             carry
             along
             with
             it
             the
             affection
             and
             interest
             of
             a
             Nation
             ,
             not
             by
             setting
             up
             the
             Faction
             of
             a
             few
             ,
             but
             by
             making
             the
             generality
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             the
             greater
             number
             of
             considerable
             men
             ,
             some
             of
             them
             truly
             regenerate
             Christians
             ,
             and
             the
             rest
             orderly
             and
             well
             affected
             .
             One
             would
             think
             it
             were
             out
             of
             question
             ,
             that
             it
             were
             more
             desirable
             ,
             that
             Religiousness
             should
             be
             in
             fashion
             ,
             than
             open
             dissoluteness
             and
             profaness
             .
             For
             uncontrolled
             profaness
             will
             run
             down
             all
             Religion
             .
             But
             when
             those
             that
             reach
             not
             the
             Power
             of
             Godliness
             indeed
             ,
             come
             so
             far
             ,
             as
             to
             take
             up
             an
             outward
             garb
             thereof
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             great
             external
             advantage
             to
             true
             Religion
             ,
             and
             shews
             its
             prevalent
             Influence
             on
             the
             publick
             State.
             If
             any
             should
             demur
             upon
             this
             Assertion
             ,
             by
             making
             it
             a
             question
             whether
             Phariseim
             or
             Profaness
             be
             the
             worser
             evil
             ,
             let
             him
             know
             first
             ,
             that
             profane
             and
             dissolute
             Christians
             are
             notorious
             Hypocrites
             ,
             for
             professing
             to
             know
             God
             ,
             when
             in
             works
             they
             deny
             him
             .
             Besides
             Phariseism
             is
             not
             simple
             insincerity
             ,
             but
             a
             compound
             hypocrisie
             ,
             wherein
             malignity
             and
             enmity
             against
             the
             Power
             of
             Godliness
             is
             the
             chief
             ingredient
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             kind
             of
             
             strict
             externalness
             that
             seeks
             to
             destroy
             the
             inward
             life
             and
             spirit
             of
             that
             Religion
             ,
             which
             it
             pretends
             to
             own
             .
             I
             have
             no
             list
             to
             say
             that
             such
             malignity
             is
             less
             mischievous
             than
             filthy
             lewdness
             or
             debauchery
             .
             But
             the
             garb
             of
             strict
             Profession
             here
             mentioned
             ,
             is
             of
             another
             nature
             ,
             and
             serviceable
             to
             the
             Churches
             good
             ,
             though
             we
             must
             continually
             and
             strictly
             charge
             all
             Men
             to
             beware
             of
             resting
             in
             it
             to
             the
             ruine
             of
             their
             own
             Souls
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             X.
             
          
           
             
               Christian
               Unity
               and
               Concord
               .
            
          
           
             ALl
             faithfull
             Christians
             are
             Members
             of
             one
             mystical
             Body
             ,
             having
             all
             one
             Spirit
             ,
             one
             Lord
             and
             Head
             ,
             one
             Faith
             ,
             one
             Baptism
             ,
             and
             one
             God
             and
             Father
             of
             them
             all
             ,
             one
             Hope
             of
             their
             Calling
             ,
             and
             one
             Heaven
             to
             receive
             them
             all
             .
             Their
             Union
             and
             Fellowship
             being
             chiefly
             mystical
             and
             invisible
             ,
             their
             Unity
             is
             far
             greater
             ,
             than
             what
             outwardly
             appears
             to
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             than
             what
             themselves
             can
             discern
             among
             themselves
             in
             particular
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             many
             inferior
             ,
             yet
             very
             disquieting
             differences
             and
             discords
             .
          
           
             Nevertheless
             it
             behoves
             them
             to
             provide
             ,
             that
             it
             might
             appear
             as
             much
             as
             may
             be
             ,
             what
             it
             is
             indeed
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             be
             conspicuous
             and
             illustrious
             
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             Men
             ,
             by
             their
             walking
             in
             love
             and
             peace
             .
             Unity
             is
             the
             Churches
             strength
             and
             beauty
             ,
             the
             honour
             of
             the
             Faithfull
             ,
             and
             an
             argument
             for
             the
             certainty
             of
             their
             most
             holy
             Faith.
             It
             makes
             Religion
             lovely
             ,
             and
             draws
             forth
             blessing
             &
             praise
             from
             the
             Beholders
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             wins
             the
             World
             to
             a
             love
             and
             reverence
             of
             that
             Piety
             ,
             which
             makes
             the
             Professors
             of
             it
             to
             live
             in
             brotherly
             kindness
             and
             mutual
             charity
             .
             But
             Division
             is
             the
             Church's
             weakness
             and
             deformity
             ,
             the
             reproach
             of
             Christians
             ,
             and
             a
             scandal
             against
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             an
             objection
             put
             into
             the
             mouths
             of
             Infidels
             against
             the
             Faith
             ,
             and
             an
             occasion
             of
             stumbling
             unto
             many
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             present
             divided
             state
             of
             Religion
             ,
             each
             Party
             is
             apt
             to
             appropriate
             Godliness
             to
             themselves
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             to
             carry
             it
             towards
             others
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             did
             so
             .
             And
             they
             ,
             that
             are
             loudest
             in
             accusing
             Dissenters
             of
             uncharitableness
             in
             this
             kind
             ,
             are
             themselves
             as
             uncharitable
             as
             any
             others
             .
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             that
             God
             hath
             a
             peculiar
             People
             ,
             distinguished
             from
             all
             others
             by
             a
             peculiar
             Character
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             not
             confined
             to
             any
             Party
             of
             this
             or
             that
             Persuasion
             or
             Denomination
             ,
             that
             is
             narrower
             than
             meer
             Christianity
             .
             And
             all
             true
             Christians
             are
             to
             receive
             one
             an
             other
             ,
             as
             God
             hath
             received
             them
             .
             Indeed
             the
             best
             Christians
             are
             to
             be
             best
             esteemed
             ,
             and
             their
             fellowship
             is
             most
             desired
             .
             But
             if
             they
             should
             be
             severed
             from
             the
             universality
             
             and
             in
             a
             strict
             combination
             set
             up
             as
             divided
             Party
             ,
             it
             tends
             to
             the
             Churches
             Ruine
             :
             
               For
               a
               Kingdom
               divided
               against
               it self
               cannot
               stand
               ,
            
             and
             if
             the
             nobler
             parts
             of
             the
             Body
             forsake
             the
             rest
             ,
             the
             whole
             must
             needs
             die
             .
          
           
             Christian
             Concord
             doth
             not
             signifie
             an
             aggregation
             of
             things
             inconsistent
             ,
             as
             
               the
               fellowship
               of
               righteousness
               with
               unrighteousness
               ,
               the
               communion
               of
               light
               with
               darkness
               ,
               the
               concord
               of
               Christ
               with
               Belial
               .
            
             To
             set
             up
             Unity
             against
             Piety
             ,
             is
             a
             conspiracy
             against
             Christ
             ,
             who
             is
             
               King
               of
               righteousness
            
             ,
             and
             to
             pretend
             Piety
             against
             Unity
             ,
             is
             to
             oppose
             Christ
             the
             
               Prince
               of
               Peace
            
             ,
             whose
             Kingdom
             is
             the
             Reign
             of
             Love
             in
             the
             Soul
             :
             Holiness
             and
             Peace
             must
             kiss
             each
             other
             ,
             and
             as
             inseperable
             Companions
             walk
             together
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             we
             are
             charged
             to
             keep
             in
             the
             bond
             of
             Peace
             :
             But
             concord
             in
             any
             external
             Order
             without
             fellowship
             in
             the
             Divine
             Life
             ,
             is
             not
             
               the
               unity
               of
               the
               Spirit
            
             ,
             which
             is
             to
             partake
             of
             the
             same
             new
             nature
             ,
             and
             to
             walk
             together
             in
             the
             same
             holy
             way
             .
             This
             is
             far
             more
             excellent
             than
             the
             greatest
             compliance
             in
             matters
             of
             meer
             external
             order
             ,
             and
             consequently
             much
             more
             regardable
             in
             our
             estimation
             and
             reception
             of
             Persons
             .
          
           
             Though
             to
             meet
             in
             one
             place
             ,
             be
             not
             of
             so
             great
             importance
             as
             to
             be
             joyned
             in
             one
             Spirit
             ,
             yet
             it
             must
             not
             be
             counted
             a
             small
             matter
             .
             The
             unity
             of
             Faith
             and
             Love
             is
             much
             concern'd
             in
             
             the
             unity
             of
             Church
             Communion
             :
             it
             will
             be
             a
             matter
             of
             some
             difficulty
             for
             them
             to
             live
             together
             in
             Love
             ,
             whom
             one
             Church
             cannot
             hold
             .
             Church
             divisions
             commonly
             divide
             affections
             ,
             and
             draw
             men
             into
             Parties
             and
             divided
             Interests
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             seek
             to
             strengthen
             their
             own
             Party
             ,
             by
             weakening
             all
             others
             ,
             to
             the
             great
             dammage
             of
             true
             Religion
             in
             general
             .
             For
             which
             cause
             the
             unchurching
             of
             Churches
             and
             renouncing
             of
             Communion
             with
             them
             that
             are
             sound
             in
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             Faith
             and
             Sacrament
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             substance
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             should
             be
             dreaded
             by
             all
             sober
             Christians
             ,
             yea
             ,
             all
             unnecessary
             distances
             should
             be
             avoided
             ,
             least
             they
             lead
             to
             greater
             alienations
             ,
             and
             direct
             enmities
             and
             oppositions
             .
          
           
             Those
             Churches
             that
             cannot
             hold
             local
             communion
             one
             with
             another
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             differences
             that
             destroy
             not
             the
             essentials
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             should
             yet
             maintain
             a
             dear
             and
             tender
             Christian
             love
             one
             to
             another
             ,
             and
             profess
             their
             owning
             of
             each
             other
             as
             Churches
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             should
             agree
             together
             upon
             certain
             just
             and
             equal
             Rules
             ,
             for
             the
             management
             of
             their
             unavoidable
             differences
             ,
             so
             as
             may
             least
             prejudice
             charity
             and
             common
             good
             ,
             and
             least
             harden
             the
             ungodly
             and
             grieve
             the
             weak
             or
             dishonour
             God
             ,
             or
             hinder
             the
             success
             of
             common
             ,
             great
             and
             necessary
             truths
             upon
             the
             Souls
             of
             men
             ,
             amicably
             promoting
             the
             common
             cause
             of
             
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             every
             part
             thereof
             ,
             in
             which
             they
             are
             agreed
             ,
             and
             opening
             their
             disagreements
             to
             the
             People
             as
             little
             as
             they
             can
             .
          
           
             Schism
             is
             an
             unwarrantable
             separation
             from
             or
             division
             in
             a
             Church
             ,
             and
             without
             controversie
             it
             is
             a
             heinous
             sin
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             detested
             both
             for
             its
             exceeding
             sinfulness
             ,
             and
             wofull
             consequents
             .
             But
             it
             hath
             been
             so
             disguised
             ,
             and
             the
             odious
             name
             hath
             been
             so
             confusedly
             cast
             abroad
             ,
             and
             so
             unreasonably
             and
             maliciously
             misapplied
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             too
             slightly
             thought
             of
             ,
             where
             it
             should
             be
             sadly
             laid
             to
             heart
             :
             For
             it
             is
             common
             with
             the
             strongest
             Party
             ,
             be
             it
             right
             or
             wrong
             ,
             to
             call
             themselves
             
               the
               Church
            
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             no
             better
             name
             for
             others
             than
             Schismaticks
             ;
             And
             so
             the
             reproach
             is
             but
             contemned
             by
             them
             that
             suffer
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             sin
             it self
             is
             too
             little
             feared
             on
             all
             sides
             .
          
           
             But
             it
             is
             not
             a
             Temporal
             Law
             nor
             Secular
             Power
             ,
             nor
             any
             prevalence
             of
             Strength
             or
             Interest
             ,
             that
             makes
             a
             Church
             ;
             and
             none
             of
             these
             things
             will
             excuse
             them
             from
             Schism
             ,
             that
             act
             uncharitably
             against
             their
             Brethren
             ,
             and
             obstruct
             the
             progress
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             the
             increase
             of
             Godliness
             ;
             Nor
             are
             they
             forthwith
             to
             be
             counted
             Schismaticks
             ,
             who
             cannot
             in
             all
             points
             observe
             the
             Commandments
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             cannot
             neglect
             to
             yield
             their
             help
             to
             the
             saving
             of
             Souls
             ,
             that
             would
             otherwise
             want
             due
             means
             of
             Salvation
             ,
             when
             God
             hath
             called
             them
             to
             that
             Service
             ,
             with
             
               a
               woe
               unto
               them
               if
               they
               Preach
               not
               the
               Gospel
               .
            
          
           
           
             For
             as
             much
             as
             all
             must
             dread
             the
             guilt
             of
             Schism
             truly
             so
             called
             ,
             let
             it
             be
             well
             considered
             ,
             that
             Ecclesiastical
             Superiors
             are
             as
             much
             concerned
             to
             take
             heed
             of
             Schismatical
             impositions
             ,
             as
             the
             People
             are
             to
             shun
             Schismatical
             Recusancy
             and
             Disobedience
             :
             As
             well
             the
             Pastors
             Wisdom
             as
             the
             Peoples
             due
             submission
             ,
             is
             here
             importunately
             called
             for
             .
             When
             Superiors
             know
             how
             to
             Command
             ,
             and
             Inferiors
             how
             to
             Obey
             ,
             things
             will
             go
             as
             well
             as
             may
             be
             hoped
             for
             in
             this
             our
             imperfect
             state
             here
             upon
             Earth
             .
          
           
             As
             the
             Peace
             of
             a
             corrupt
             state
             of
             Religion
             is
             best
             assured
             by
             suppressing
             all
             conscientious
             inquiries
             into
             its
             Decrees
             ;
             so
             the
             Peace
             of
             the
             true
             Church
             and
             of
             the
             sound
             state
             of
             Religion
             ,
             is
             most
             secured
             by
             the
             most
             perfect
             exercise
             of
             sound
             Judgment
             and
             upright
             Conscience
             in
             all
             its
             adherents
             .
             That
             Church
             that
             claims
             to
             her self
             an
             infallibility
             ,
             or
             challenges
             and
             obtains
             from
             her
             partakers
             an
             implicit
             Faith
             in
             her
             determinations
             ,
             without
             further
             enquiry
             ,
             needs
             not
             fear
             the
             breaking
             of
             the
             bond
             of
             her
             Peace
             ,
             if
             she
             multiply
             constitutions
             and
             impose
             any
             devised
             Doctrines
             and
             Ordinances
             sutable
             to
             her
             own
             estate
             .
             On
             the
             other
             hand
             it
             is
             most
             evident
             that
             a
             Rational
             Conscientious
             and
             truly
             Pious
             Concord
             among
             such
             Christians
             ,
             as
             know
             and
             care
             what
             they
             believe
             ,
             can
             never
             be
             procured
             without
             avoiding
             the
             imposition
             of
             things
             unwritten
             and
             unnecessary
             ,
             
             in
             which
             it
             is
             morally
             impossible
             for
             men
             of
             sound
             faith
             and
             good
             conscience
             generally
             to
             agree
             .
             But
             when
             necessary
             things
             only
             are
             injoyned
             ,
             their
             weight
             and
             truth
             will
             soon
             be
             known
             ,
             and
             owned
             of
             all
             honest
             minds
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             are
             most
             likely
             so
             to
             be
             ;
             and
             much
             sooner
             and
             easier
             than
             the
             weight
             ,
             and
             truth
             of
             little
             and
             doubtfull
             things
             ;
             and
             by
             this
             means
             they
             would
             more
             easily
             move
             with
             joynt
             consent
             in
             one
             Godly
             order
             ,
             the
             matters
             of
             their
             difference
             being
             before
             hand
             taken
             out
             of
             the
             way
             .
          
           
             This
             moderate
             course
             being
             held
             ,
             the
             union
             of
             unseigned
             faith
             and
             love
             will
             become
             a
             sure
             foundation
             of
             true
             Christian
             concord
             with
             sound
             judgment
             and
             good
             conscience
             ,
             and
             do
             that
             for
             the
             suppressing
             of
             Schism
             in
             the
             right
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             which
             implicit
             faith
             and
             blind
             obedience
             doth
             in
             false
             ,
             corrupt
             and
             Antichristian
             State.
             
          
           
             Here
             it
             is
             mainly
             requisite
             ,
             that
             those
             things
             that
             most
             promote
             or
             hinder
             the
             New
             birth
             and
             Spiritual
             life
             ,
             be
             by
             Pastors
             and
             people
             universally
             most
             regarded
             ;
             and
             those
             that
             make
             little
             for
             or
             against
             the
             same
             ,
             be
             looked
             upon
             as
             of
             little
             moment
             .
             And
             the
             truth
             is
             ,
             when
             the
             greatest
             and
             weightiest
             matters
             are
             duely
             prized
             and
             most
             contended
             for
             ,
             contentions
             about
             little
             things
             will
             soon
             expire
             .
             And
             if
             this
             course
             be
             taken
             ,
             hypocrites
             will
             lose
             their
             advantages
             of
             seeming
             Religious
             by
             zeal
             for
             those
             things
             ,
             wherein
             Religion
             doth
             not
             consist
             ,
             
             and
             carnal
             designs
             and
             interests
             that
             now
             rend
             the
             Churches
             ,
             and
             trouble
             all
             things
             ,
             would
             be
             defeated
             and
             abandoned
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             to
             maintain
             peace
             ,
             they
             that
             Rule
             had
             need
             consider
             what
             mistakes
             and
             weaknesses
             are
             competible
             to
             true
             Believers
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             to
             the
             best
             and
             choicest
             of
             them
             ,
             that
             they
             might
             not
             bear
             too
             hard
             upon
             them
             .
             And
             they
             that
             are
             ruled
             must
             consider
             that
             the
             best
             polity
             or
             Constitution
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             it
             is
             of
             mans
             regulating
             ,
             hath
             defects
             and
             inconveniences
             ,
             and
             affairs
             will
             be
             complicated
             ;
             and
             therefore
             they
             must
             not
             be
             too
             unyielding
             ,
             but
             bear
             with
             what
             is
             tolerable
             and
             not
             easily
             remediable
             (
             though
             they
             may
             not
             in
             any
             wise
             do
             a
             sinfull
             act
             ,
             or
             omit
             a
             duty
             in
             the
             season
             of
             it
             .
             )
             For
             by
             want
             of
             such
             forbearance
             ,
             they
             may
             sooner
             destroy
             the
             good
             part
             than
             mend
             what
             is
             amiss
             .
             It
             is
             not
             seldom
             in
             such
             cases
             that
             men
             seek
             remedies
             ,
             that
             prove
             worse
             than
             the
             disease
             .
          
           
             If
             the
             healing
             of
             breaches
             require
             an
             yielding
             or
             receding
             from
             what
             hath
             been
             stood
             upon
             ,
             it
             should
             be
             on
             that
             part
             where
             equity
             and
             necessity
             declares
             it
             should
             be
             .
             It
             is
             not
             so
             easie
             for
             every
             Christian
             to
             resolve
             what
             is
             right
             in
             many
             opinions
             and
             usages
             ,
             as
             for
             those
             in
             power
             to
             omit
             the
             inforcing
             of
             them
             .
             Unnecessary
             injunctions
             may
             easier
             be
             parted
             with
             ,
             than
             mens
             judgments
             can
             be
             altered
             ,
             or
             their
             doubting
             consciences
             well
             setled
             .
             This
             tenderness
             and
             forbearance
             is
             no
             lessoning
             of
             the
             Church
             '
             s
             
             honour
             and
             power
             .
             And
             a
             little
             diversity
             i●
             little
             things
             ,
             cannot
             rationally
             move
             derisi●…
             in
             the
             irreligious
             ,
             nor
             justly
             give
             scandal
             to
             any
             .
             But
             there
             be
             things
             of
             that
             slightness
             that
             an
             over-precise
             and
             importunate
             unifo●
             mity
             in
             them
             ,
             may
             occasion
             contempt
             and
             suspition
             of
             hypocrisie
             or
             superstitious
             folly
             Unity
             of
             faith
             and
             life
             is
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             tr●…
             Church
             ,
             and
             uniformity
             in
             external
             order
             is
             〈◊〉
             be
             indeavored
             with
             Sobriety
             ,
             and
             is
             best
             effecte●
             by
             cutting
             off
             superfluous
             institutions
             and
             lay
             ing
             no
             greater
             burden
             on
             the
             faithfull
             tha●
             things
             necessary
             .
             And
             this
             pacifick
             state
             may
             b●
             as
             well
             hoped
             as
             wished
             for
             ,
             if
             the
             Guides
             o●
             the
             Church
             would
             
               seek
               the
               things
               of
               Christ
               mor●
               than
               their
               own
               things
               .
            
          
           
             But
             alas
             ,
             the
             usurpations
             and
             impositions
             o●
             proud
             and
             selfish
             men
             ,
             even
             in
             pretence
             o●
             suppressing
             Schism
             ,
             have
             hindred
             Christia●
             people
             from
             uniting
             in
             the
             true
             center
             of
             unity
             which
             is
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             as
             set
             forth
             in
             the
             doctrin●
             of
             the
             Apostles
             and
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             
               which
               〈◊〉
               the
               same
               yesterday
               and
               to
               day
               and
               for
               ever
               .
            
             In
             deed
             ,
             they
             that
             prevail
             by
             power
             to
             advanc●
             their
             own
             devised
             ways
             ,
             and
             crush
             Disenters
             
               may
               make
               a
               desolation
               and
               then
               call
               it
               peace
               an●
               union
            
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             not
             the
             peace
             of
             Christs
             Kingdo●…
          
           
             Divisions
             are
             caused
             by
             men
             of
             corrup●
             minds
             ,
             and
             partly
             by
             the
             weakness
             of
             Good
             men
             ascribing
             too
             much
             to
             their
             own
             apprehen
             sions
             and
             inclinations
             ,
             and
             not
             considering
             th●
             
             condition
             of
             others
             as
             their
             own
             ,
             nor
             minding
             the
             necessity
             and
             usefulness
             of
             lawfull
             compliance
             ,
             or
             of
             mutual
             forbearance
             and
             discention
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XI
             .
          
           
             
               A
               good
               frame
               of
               Ecclesiastical
               Polity
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             promoting
             of
             true
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             things
             before
             named
             pertaining
             to
             the
             sound
             state
             of
             Religion
             ,
             depends
             much
             upon
             a
             good
             frame
             of
             Ecclesiastical
             polity
             .
             Undoubtedly
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             hath
             appointed
             Spiritual
             Officers
             to
             guide
             and
             rule
             his
             Church
             ;
             and
             in
             the
             government
             thereof
             there
             be
             some
             things
             of
             divine
             right
             ,
             and
             unalterable
             by
             the
             will
             of
             man
             ;
             and
             there
             be
             many
             things
             necessary
             to
             the
             support
             and
             due
             managment
             thereof
             ,
             that
             are
             of
             humane
             determination
             as
             to
             the
             particulars
             .
             Both
             kinds
             are
             liable
             to
             depravation
             and
             great
             abuse
             .
             Things
             of
             divine
             right
             may
             be
             corruptly
             managed
             and
             perverted
             to
             wrong
             ends
             ;
             And
             things
             of
             mans
             appointment
             are
             sometimes
             not
             only
             ill
             managed
             ,
             but
             ill
             ordained
             ,
             as
             being
             wholly
             incongruous
             and
             perhaps
             pernicious
             to
             the
             right
             ends
             of
             goverment
             .
             Now
             a
             good
             polity
             is
             the
             whole
             compages
             of
             things
             laid
             together
             in
             the
             fabrick
             of
             the
             Church
             fitted
             and
             directed
             to
             promote
             the
             Christian
             life
             ,
             or
             the
             power
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             and
             to
             prevent
             or
             remedy
             the
             decay
             thereof
             .
             And
             the
             more
             notably
             
             and
             powerfully
             conducible
             it
             is
             to
             this
             end
             ,
             it
             is
             by
             so
             much
             the
             more
             excellent
             .
          
           
             According
             to
             this
             rule
             ,
             it
             hath
             most
             regard
             for
             sincere
             Christians
             ,
             and
             insists
             most
             upon
             their
             incouragement
             and
             the
             increase
             of
             their
             number
             ,
             and
             it
             makes
             all
             its
             external
             orders
             and
             interests
             subservient
             to
             the
             prosperity
             of
             the
             Church
             regenerate
             .
          
           
             The
             order
             wherein
             it
             excells
             ,
             is
             an
             orderly
             management
             of
             those
             things
             ,
             which
             are
             of
             divine
             Command
             ,
             in
             matter
             of
             Doctrine
             ,
             Worship
             ,
             Discipline
             and
             Conversation
             ,
             in
             such
             manner
             as
             is
             most
             effectual
             for
             the
             obtaining
             of
             their
             ends
             ,
             by
             such
             necessary
             rules
             of
             Prudence
             ,
             as
             are
             requisite
             in
             all
             Human
             actions
             .
          
           
             It
             prefers
             purity
             and
             spirituality
             before
             external
             pomp
             ,
             though
             it
             neglects
             not
             those
             necessary
             decencies
             and
             Ornaments
             that
             should
             attend
             the
             Service
             of
             God
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             awfull
             regard
             that
             is
             to
             be
             had
             thereto
             ,
             and
             the
             reverend
             demeanor
             to
             be
             used
             therein
             .
          
           
             It
             provides
             able
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             that
             every
             Pastor
             be
             resident
             with
             his
             own
             Flock
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             duly
             feed
             them
             ,
             and
             labour
             in
             the
             Word
             and
             Doctrine
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             People
             be
             not
             left
             in
             the
             hands
             of
             a
             Mercenary
             procured
             at
             the
             cheapest
             rate
             .
          
           
             It
             provides
             by
             a
             liberal
             maintenance
             worthy
             endowments
             and
             priviledges
             ,
             for
             that
             meet
             support
             and
             honour
             of
             the
             ministery
             ,
             which
             is
             requisit
             to
             preserve
             the
             authority
             and
             reverend
             
             esteem
             of
             their
             Persons
             and
             Office
             ;
             yet
             it
             regulates
             the
             same
             as
             much
             as
             may
             be
             ,
             to
             prevent
             ambition
             ,
             avarice
             ,
             sensuality
             ,
             idleness
             ,
             haughtiness
             ;
             that
             the
             worst
             of
             Men
             may
             not
             be
             incouraged
             to
             aspire
             to
             its
             Promotions
             ,
             and
             that
             good
             Men
             may
             not
             degenerate
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             sacred
             name
             of
             
               the
               Church
            
             may
             be
             held
             by
             a
             society
             of
             Men
             ,
             not
             carnal
             but
             truly
             spiritual
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             constituted
             as
             much
             as
             may
             be
             ,
             to
             secure
             a
             succession
             of
             wise
             and
             godly
             Pastors
             and
             Teachers
             from
             age
             to
             age
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             surest
             means
             of
             the
             Church's
             perpetual
             good
             Estate
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             not
             framed
             to
             uphold
             things
             only
             serviceable
             to
             a
             carnal
             interest
             ,
             but
             to
             inforce
             things
             acceptable
             to
             God
             and
             profitable
             to
             Men
             ;
             and
             to
             suppress
             whatsoever
             tends
             to
             defeat
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Gospell
             ,
             or
             disgrace
             the
             Profession
             of
             it
             ;
             and
             to
             reform
             abuses
             impartially
             and
             effectually
             .
          
           
             According
             to
             the
             true
             end
             of
             Ecclesiasticall
             Authority
             (
             which
             is
             for
             edification
             ,
             and
             not
             for
             destruction
             )
             it
             inlargeth
             the
             power
             of
             doing
             good
             ,
             and
             restrains
             the
             power
             of
             hurting
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             the
             ends
             of
             Goverment
             will
             permit
             such
             restraint
             ;
             accordingly
             its
             greatest
             severity
             takes
             hold
             of
             the
             worst
             Men
             ,
             and
             the
             best
             are
             left
             most
             at
             liberty
             ,
             and
             secure
             from
             unnecessary
             molestation
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             directed
             to
             the
             satisfying
             of
             the
             just
             and
             reasonable
             demands
             of
             conscience
             ,
             which
             
             is
             a
             choice
             and
             tender
             thing
             ,
             and
             therefore
             it
             is
             very
             tender
             of
             intangling
             and
             perplexing
             the
             same
             unnecessarily
             .
          
           
             It
             makes
             the
             Pastors
             government
             truly
             pastoral
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             not
             imperious
             and
             violent
             ,
             but
             Paternal
             ,
             proceeding
             by
             Exhortation
             and
             Doctrine
             ,
             and
             gentle
             instruction
             and
             love
             ,
             and
             when
             correction
             is
             necessary
             ,
             by
             the
             rod
             of
             Discipline
             .
          
           
             It
             aims
             at
             the
             forming
             of
             Mens
             minds
             ,
             and
             the
             governing
             of
             their
             conversations
             by
             good
             and
             sound
             Principles
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             them
             ,
             a●…
             much
             as
             may
             be
             ,
             a
             Law
             to
             themselves
             :
             yet
             a●…
             supposing
             the
             exceeding
             pravity
             of
             Mans
             nature
             ,
             and
             the
             infirmities
             of
             the
             best
             of
             men
             ,
             i●…
             leaves
             not
             the
             safety
             of
             Religion
             meerly
             to
             Mens
             good
             dispositions
             and
             inclinations
             ,
             bu●…
             by
             due
             restraints
             curbeth
             the
             remainder
             o●…
             Mans
             perverseness
             .
          
           
             It
             seeks
             not
             to
             debase
             the
             People
             and
             de
             press
             their
             faculties
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             the
             more
             easily
             led
             captive
             by
             politick
             Men
             at
             their
             pleasure
             ;
             but
             to
             ennoble
             them
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             they
             are
             capable
             ,
             and
             to
             advance
             their
             understandings
             to
             the
             best
             improvement
             ;
             and
             accordingly
             it
             takes
             care
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             throughly
             instructed
             in
             things
             pertaining
             to
             Faith
             and
             Godliness
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             it
             would
             make
             even
             the
             lowest
             and
             meanest
             of
             them
             not
             Brutes
             bu●
             Men
             ;
             and
             not
             meer
             natural
             men
             ,
             but
             Christians
             or
             spiritual
             Men.
             
          
           
           
             The
             subject
             here
             described
             hath
             different
             degrees
             of
             excellency
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             more
             or
             less
             answerable
             to
             its
             rule
             ,
             and
             available
             to
             its
             end
             .
             But
             notwithstanding
             divers
             defects
             and
             errours
             ,
             if
             that
             which
             is
             wholsom
             and
             good
             be
             predominant
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             be
             esteemed
             a
             good
             Constitution
             :
             yet
             the
             best
             is
             most
             desirable
             .
             Of
             such
             consequence
             is
             the
             structure
             of
             Ecclesiastical
             Polity
             ,
             that
             if
             it
             be
             naught
             ,
             it
             hath
             a
             continual
             evil
             influence
             on
             all
             Church
             affairs
             ,
             and
             perverts
             the
             whole
             course
             thereof
             ;
             and
             the
             making
             of
             many
             particular
             good
             Laws
             ,
             or
             Rules
             will
             not
             help
             it
             ;
             for
             in
             that
             case
             they
             are
             rendred
             almost
             useless
             .
             It
             is
             notably
             observed
             by
             a
             Person
             of
             eminent
             worth
             .
             
               Church
               Government
               is
               a
               fort
               or
               castle
               ,
               if
               Traitors
               to
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               Christ
               get
               the
               possession
               of
               it
               ,
               it
               were
               desirable
               ,
               that
               the
               Castle
               were
               ruin'd
               ,
               and
               the
               Christian
               Religion
               left
               to
               support
               it self
               by
               the
               innate
               evidence
               of
               its
               own
               Truth
               ,
               than
               be
               forcibly
               maintain'd
               for
               contrary
               ends
               ,
               and
               prove
               a
               mystery
               of
               Ungodliness
               and
               Tyranny
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XII
             .
          
           
             
               The
               corrupt
               state
               of
               Religion
               ;
               and
               first
               Externalness
               and
               Formality
               .
            
          
           
             EVery
             kind
             of
             excellency
             in
             the
             present
             World
             hath
             its
             counterfit
             or
             false
             resemblance
             ,
             
             which
             in
             things
             of
             a
             moral
             nature
             is
             the
             depravation
             or
             degeneration
             thereof
             .
             And
             so
             the
             true
             Religion
             hath
             its
             degeneration
             which
             is
             destructive
             to
             it
             ;
             yet
             in
             this
             corruption
             of
             Mankind
             is
             easily
             mistaken
             ,
             and
             exalted
             in
             the
             room
             of
             it
             .
             It
             is
             a
             dead
             image
             of
             Christianity
             without
             the
             inward
             life
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             works
             thereof
             are
             dead
             works
             being
             not
             wrought
             in
             God.
             It
             is
             the
             dominion
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             of
             unmortified
             lust
             under
             pretence
             of
             the
             rule
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God.
             It
             is
             a
             zeal
             of
             some
             unnecessary
             Opinions
             and
             unprofitable
             Observances
             ,
             received
             sometimes
             from
             a
             more
             peculiar
             and
             private
             fancy
             ,
             sometimes
             from
             the
             general
             custom
             and
             tradition
             ;
             or
             at
             the
             best
             ,
             a
             zeal
             of
             Orthodoxality
             ,
             when
             that
             form
             of
             sound
             Doctrine
             is
             not
             obeyed
             from
             the
             heart
             .
             It
             is
             a
             self-chosen
             godliness
             ,
             and
             not
             of
             Gods
             making
             ,
             taken
             up
             to
             delude
             the
             Conscience
             ,
             and
             lift
             up
             the
             Soul
             with
             high
             but
             ill-grounded
             hopes
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             mean
             while
             to
             excuse
             it
             from
             that
             which
             is
             
               the
               root
               of
               the
               matter
            
             ,
             the
             renouncing
             of
             the
             carnal
             life
             and
             all
             worldly
             lusts
             ,
             and
             the
             obtaining
             of
             
               the
               spirit
               of
               Power
               ,
               Love
               ,
               and
               of
               a
               sound
               mind
               .
            
             and
             a
             life
             of
             Purity
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             impartial
             Righteousness
             .
             The
             best
             of
             it
             is
             but
             a
             gloss
             or
             varnish
             of
             superficial
             Religiousness
             ,
             accompanied
             with
             a
             dead
             kind
             of
             Morality
             ,
             which
             hath
             its
             rise
             from
             education
             ,
             or
             from
             complexion
             (
             otherwise
             called
             good
             Nature
             )
             but
             springs
             not
             from
             
             the
             root
             of
             love
             towards
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             a
             living
             faith
             in
             Jesus
             Christ.
             
          
           
             The
             several
             impostures
             ,
             disguises
             and
             false
             pretences
             ,
             by
             which
             Men
             delude
             themselves
             ,
             and
             abuse
             the
             World
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             are
             almost
             numberless
             :
             yet
             they
             generally
             fall
             into
             one
             of
             these
             two
             main
             currents
             of
             religious
             Aberrations
             ,
             either
             the
             Political
             ,
             popular
             and
             broad
             way
             of
             Externalness
             and
             Customariness
             ,
             or
             the
             devious
             path
             of
             Sectarian
             dissetledness
             and
             extravagancy
             .
          
           
             The
             more
             ample
             degeneration
             of
             Christianity
             is
             the
             meerly
             formal
             ,
             external
             and
             political
             State
             thereof
             ,
             that
             hath
             prevailed
             far
             and
             near
             over
             the
             Christian
             World.
             This
             externalness
             is
             very
             plausible
             and
             specious
             ,
             but
             very
             consistent
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             most
             part
             accompanied
             with
             a
             large
             indulgence
             to
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             and
             with
             much
             licentiousness
             of
             Principles
             and
             Practice
             ,
             and
             it
             casts
             the
             mind
             into
             a
             deep
             forgetfulness
             of
             that
             which
             is
             spiritual
             ,
             and
             substantial
             in
             Religion
             .
             It
             is
             the
             common
             rode
             and
             broad
             way
             ,
             because
             most
             obvious
             and
             easie
             to
             the
             carnal
             spirit
             of
             all
             sorts
             of
             Men
             ,
             who
             having
             some
             conscience
             of
             Religion
             ,
             gladly
             take
             up
             with
             a
             form
             ,
             that
             with
             more
             security
             and
             peace
             they
             may
             deny
             the
             power
             thereof
             ;
             as
             also
             because
             it
             seems
             most
             servicable
             to
             Superiors
             for
             shaping
             and
             swaying
             the
             consciences
             of
             Inferiors
             to
             their
             wills
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             ends
             by
             them
             designed
             .
             Accordingly
             as
             it
             gets
             ground
             ,
             
             it
             erects
             a
             frame
             of
             things
             which
             hath
             a
             shew
             of
             Piety
             ,
             Unity
             and
             Order
             ,
             but
             is
             really
             an
             engine
             devised
             to
             destroy
             whatsoever
             may
             be
             truly
             called
             by
             those
             lovely
             names
             .
          
           
             When
             Mens
             false
             and
             vain
             inventions
             rule
             instead
             of
             Gods
             Oracles
             ;
             when
             the
             truth
             of
             the
             Gospel
             is
             mingled
             with
             such
             Doctrines
             ,
             Institutions
             ,
             and
             Observances
             ,
             as
             corrupt
             the
             Purity
             ,
             enervate
             the
             Power
             ,
             and
             frustrate
             the
             ends
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             when
             the
             misapprehension
             or
             misapplication
             of
             true
             Doctrine
             depraves
             the
             mind
             ,
             and
             begets
             a
             false
             notion
             of
             Godliness
             or
             Christianity
             ;
             when
             Regeneration
             or
             true
             Conversion
             is
             prevented
             ,
             by
             being
             made
             in
             effect
             no
             more
             than
             Civility
             ,
             joyned
             with
             a
             dead
             conformity
             to
             the
             exterior
             part
             of
             the
             Christian
             Institution
             ;
             when
             Religion
             is
             placed
             in
             an
             outside
             Pharisaical
             Holiness
             ,
             in
             some
             bodily
             severity
             ,
             and
             it
             may
             be
             in
             meer
             forms
             and
             empty
             shews
             ,
             without
             internal
             and
             real
             Mortification
             and
             Devotion
             ;
             when
             the
             exterior
             Ordinances
             of
             the
             Gospel
             are
             retained
             ,
             but
             used
             after
             another
             manner
             ,
             than
             what
             becomes
             the
             Gospel-Church
             ,
             or
             sutes
             the
             ends
             of
             Gospel-Worship
             ;
             when
             a
             sapless
             and
             fruitless
             Generation
             of
             Men
             are
             nourished
             in
             holy
             Orders
             ,
             who
             cherish
             the
             People
             in
             ignorance
             ,
             profaness
             or
             lukewarmness
             ,
             who
             shew
             them
             a
             way
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             that
             is
             smooth
             ,
             broad
             and
             easie
             to
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             who
             serve
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             spare
             the
             lusts
             of
             Men
             ,
             who
             humour
             the
             vulgar
             Sort
             in
             rude
             
             follies
             ,
             who
             give
             absolution
             upon
             formal
             and
             loose
             terms
             ,
             and
             therewith
             a
             false
             repose
             to
             poor
             deluded
             Souls
             ;
             when
             the
             great
             interest
             of
             Churchmen
             is
             to
             promote
             Superstition
             ,
             blind
             Devotion
             ,
             and
             implicit
             Faith
             ,
             and
             to
             hold
             People
             in
             the
             chains
             of
             spiritual
             darkness
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             pleasing
             bondage
             of
             carnal
             liberty
             ,
             their
             Consciences
             being
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             secured
             by
             the
             belief
             of
             certain
             Tenents
             and
             Articles
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             the
             devout
             Observance
             of
             certain
             external
             Ordinances
             ;
             When
             the
             Policy
             of
             the
             Church
             is
             contrived
             to
             maintain
             fleshly
             ease
             and
             pleasure
             ,
             worldly
             pomp
             and
             power
             ,
             and
             the
             chiefest
             glory
             of
             the
             Ecclesiastical
             State
             lies
             in
             outward
             order
             ,
             without
             inward
             life
             and
             spirit
             in
             sacred
             Administration
             ;
             When
             the
             weapons
             of
             its
             warfare
             are
             not
             spiritual
             but
             carnal
             ,
             sutable
             to
             an
             earthly
             and
             sensual
             State
             ;
             When
             submission
             to
             the
             wills
             of
             Masters
             upon
             Earth
             is
             called
             obedience
             ,
             and
             their
             peaceable
             possession
             of
             Wealth
             and
             Honor
             is
             taken
             for
             the
             Churches
             Peace
             ;
             When
             concord
             in
             the
             unprofitable
             or
             hurtfull
             dictates
             of
             Men
             is
             made
             to
             pass
             for
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ;
             When
             the
             Constitution
             it self
             (
             the
             general
             corruption
             of
             Mankind
             being
             considered
             )
             is
             found
             defective
             for
             the
             true
             end
             of
             Government
             ,
             and
             le
             ts
             loose
             the
             rains
             of
             depraved
             Appetite
             ,
             and
             by
             carnal
             Allurements
             alienates
             the
             mind
             from
             the
             things
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             turns
             it
             after
             the
             pomps
             and
             vanities
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             serves
             
             the
             voluptuosness
             ,
             covetousness
             and
             pride
             of
             its
             adherents
             ,
             for
             which
             cause
             its
             yoke
             is
             easie
             to
             the
             sensual
             part
             of
             men
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             scandalous
             to
             them
             that
             know
             the
             truth
             ,
             and
             becomes
             a
             Stepmother
             to
             the
             most
             serious
             and
             conscientious
             ;
             when
             these
             and
             the
             like
             things
             prevail
             ,
             the
             Christian
             Religion
             is
             turned
             into
             another
             thing
             than
             what
             it
             is
             indeed
             ,
             by
             men
             of
             corrupt
             minds
             ,
             who
             serve
             their
             own
             lusts
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             wisdom
             that
             descends
             not
             from
             above
             ,
             but
             is
             Earthly
             ,
             Sensual
             ,
             Devilish
             ,
             square
             out
             to
             themselves
             ,
             and
             those
             that
             live
             under
             their
             influence
             ,
             a
             loose
             Form
             of
             Christianity
             not
             after
             Christ
             ,
             but
             after
             the
             course
             of
             this
             world
             .
          
           
             But
             this
             corruption
             is
             more
             or
             less
             enormous
             in
             different
             Ages
             and
             Countries
             ,
             according
             to
             its
             greater
             or
             nearer
             distance
             from
             the
             times
             and
             means
             of
             purer
             knowledge
             .
          
           
             And
             a
             less
             corrupt
             state
             may
             be
             severed
             from
             that
             which
             is
             more
             grosly
             vicious
             and
             impure
             ,
             and
             yet
             remain
             a
             degeneration
             in
             the
             same
             kind
             though
             in
             a
             lower
             degree
             .
          
           
             And
             let
             this
             be
             noted
             that
             in
             a
             degenerate
             state
             ,
             the
             doctrines
             and
             institutions
             of
             Christ
             may
             be
             so
             far
             retained
             ,
             as
             to
             contain
             things
             absolutely
             necessary
             to
             Christian
             faith
             and
             life
             ,
             which
             may
             beget
             and
             preserve
             the
             vitals
             of
             Christianity
             in
             them
             ,
             that
             do
             not
             mingle
             with
             the
             other
             poisonous
             ingredients
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             not
             in
             their
             full
             extent
             .
          
           
             Yea
             ,
             the
             Degeneration
             may
             happen
             to
             be
             
             in
             a
             lower
             degree
             ,
             and
             less
             pernicious
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             only
             as
             a
             Scab
             upon
             some
             part
             ,
             and
             not
             overspreading
             the
             whole
             Body
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             great
             multitudes
             therein
             may
             profess
             and
             practice
             the
             truth
             as
             it
             is
             in
             Jesus
             .
             Thus
             the
             Judaical
             Church
             in
             its
             corrupt
             state
             retained
             the
             vitals
             of
             true
             Religion
             ,
             which
             were
             a
             sufficient
             means
             of
             grace
             to
             them
             that
             escaped
             the
             pollutions
             of
             those
             times
             ,
             and
             were
             not
             seasoned
             with
             the
             leaven
             of
             false
             Teachers
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIII
             .
          
           
             
               The
               Sectarian
               and
               Fanatical
               Degeneration
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             other
             deviation
             lies
             more
             out
             of
             the
             common
             rode
             of
             the
             generality
             of
             carnal
             Gospellers
             ,
             and
             this
             is
             usually
             stiled
             Sectarian
             ,
             whereof
             the
             particular
             by
             paths
             are
             numberless
             .
             But
             let
             this
             be
             noted
             ,
             that
             whatsoever
             way
             swerves
             from
             the
             main
             ends
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             the
             great
             design
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             is
             no
             other
             than
             a
             Sect
             or
             Faction
             ,
             yea
             ,
             though
             it
             spread
             so
             far
             and
             wide
             ,
             as
             that
             they
             who
             walk
             therein
             ,
             do
             for
             their
             huge
             multitudes
             presume
             to
             appropriate
             to
             themselves
             alone
             ,
             the
             Title
             of
             the
             
               Catholick
               Church
            
             .
             Wherever
             the
             interest
             of
             a
             Party
             bears
             sway
             to
             the
             detriment
             of
             the
             universal
             Church
             ,
             
             and
             the
             common
             cause
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             where
             inventions
             false
             or
             useless
             are
             made
             the
             necessary
             Symbols
             of
             Religion
             ,
             there
             a
             Sectarian
             interest
             bears
             Sway
             ,
             and
             the
             gaining
             of
             the
             Secular
             power
             will
             not
             wipe
             off
             the
             blot
             of
             such
             a
             Party
             .
             The
             name
             of
             Sectaries
             may
             fit
             proud
             usurpers
             as
             well
             as
             blind
             zealots
             .
             This
             necessary
             proviso
             being
             made
             ,
             it
             remains
             to
             speak
             in
             this
             place
             of
             the
             more
             incoherent
             ,
             unstable
             ,
             and
             ungovernable
             sort
             of
             Sects
             .
             The
             root
             of
             the
             evil
             in
             this
             kind
             is
             commonly
             a
             heightened
             fancy
             ,
             and
             complexional
             Zeal
             bearing
             Rule
             instead
             of
             Sober
             judgment
             ,
             and
             a
             more
             intellectual
             ,
             Spiritual
             and
             pure
             love
             .
             It
             shall
             suffice
             to
             set
             down
             some
             notable
             instances
             ,
             for
             it
             were
             endless
             to
             recount
             them
             all
             .
          
           
             Some
             have
             been
             so
             far
             transported
             with
             the
             hatred
             of
             Church
             Tyranny
             ,
             and
             persecuting
             Pride
             and
             cruelty
             ,
             that
             they
             mind
             not
             the
             good
             of
             Church
             unity
             ,
             order
             and
             government
             ;
             and
             they
             run
             so
             far
             from
             implicit
             faith
             in
             the
             dictates
             of
             proud
             men
             ,
             that
             themselves
             have
             proudly
             slighted
             the
             Churches
             directive
             judgment
             ,
             and
             all
             Pastoral
             Authority
             as
             a
             thing
             of
             no
             value
             ,
             and
             have
             fiercely
             impugned
             it
             ,
             as
             opposite
             to
             Christian
             liberty
             .
          
           
             Of
             the
             like
             strain
             are
             they
             ,
             that
             upon
             pretence
             of
             higher
             attainments
             and
             greater
             Spirituality
             have
             rejected
             external
             ordinances
             ;
             as
             the
             dispensation
             of
             the
             Word
             and
             Sacraments
             ,
             and
             the
             publick
             Ministery
             ,
             and
             Ecclesiastical
             
             discipline
             as
             low
             and
             beggarly
             rudiments
             ,
             while
             they
             declare
             themselves
             hereby
             to
             be
             carnal
             ,
             and
             vainly
             puffed
             up
             in
             their
             fleshly
             minds
             .
          
           
             Some
             through
             abuse
             and
             mistake
             of
             Divine
             promises
             concerning
             the
             Spirits
             Teaching
             ,
             have
             forsaken
             the
             sure
             guidance
             of
             Gods
             Law
             ,
             and
             betaken
             themselves
             to
             the
             uncertain
             intimations
             of
             Providence
             ,
             and
             the
             dangerous
             impulses
             of
             their
             own
             Spirits
             ,
             and
             pretended
             immediate
             inspirations
             ,
             which
             are
             for
             the
             most
             part
             the
             delusions
             of
             an
             exalted
             Fancy
             ;
             and
             sometimes
             they
             have
             really
             fallen
             under
             Satanical
             impressions
             .
          
           
             Because
             there
             is
             the
             fleshly
             wisdom
             of
             the
             carnal
             mind
             ,
             that
             is
             enmity
             against
             God
             ;
             some
             have
             disclaimed
             reason
             it self
             as
             corrupt
             and
             carnal
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             mean
             while
             follow
             their
             own
             wilfull
             imagination
             under
             the
             pretence
             of
             the
             Light
             within
             them
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             things
             irrational
             and
             unintelligible
             ,
             and
             render
             themselves
             uncapable
             of
             sound
             instruction
             .
          
           
             A
             Fanatick
             fury
             hath
             hurried
             some
             under
             pretence
             of
             erecting
             
               the
               fift
               Monarchy
            
             ,
             to
             rend
             and
             tear
             Kingdoms
             and
             Nations
             ,
             to
             attempt
             the
             dissolving
             of
             all
             Government
             in
             Church
             and
             State
             ;
             which
             is
             indeed
             the
             most
             ready
             way
             to
             subvert
             Gods
             Kingdom
             by
             the
             subversion
             of
             Christian
             Magistracy
             and
             Ministery
             ,
             and
             to
             dispossess
             the
             Gospel
             of
             the
             Territories
             it
             hath
             gained
             .
          
           
             Some
             have
             proceeded
             so
             far
             in
             the
             pretended
             
             Reign
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             as
             to
             abrogate
             the
             external
             Frame
             of
             the
             Christian
             Religion
             ,
             and
             to
             turn
             the
             Gospel
             History
             into
             mystical
             Allegories
             ,
             yet
             such
             as
             might
             be
             conceived
             and
             shaped
             in
             a
             vulgar
             fancy
             ,
             and
             are
             low
             and
             despicable
             things
             in
             comparison
             of
             the
             great
             mystery
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Historical
             sense
             of
             Scripture
             .
          
           
             And
             which
             is
             yet
             worse
             ,
             some
             have
             been
             so
             gross
             as
             to
             turn
             into
             an
             Allegory
             the
             great
             hope
             of
             our
             Christian
             calling
             ,
             even
             the
             Resurrection
             of
             the
             dead
             ,
             and
             the
             life
             of
             the
             World
             to
             come
             ,
             and
             so
             pervert
             the
             mysteries
             of
             the
             Gospel
             into
             a
             mysterious
             Infidelity
             and
             Apostacy
             from
             Jesus
             Christ.
             
          
           
             Yea
             ,
             some
             perverting
             the
             high
             expressions
             of
             fellowship
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             dwelling
             in
             God
             ,
             and
             being
             made
             partakers
             of
             the
             Divine
             nature
             and
             the
             like
             ,
             have
             impiously
             talked
             of
             their
             begodded
             condition
             ,
             and
             blasphemously
             intituled
             the
             most
             High
             and
             Holy
             One
             ,
             to
             their
             abominable
             extravagancies
             and
             impurities
             .
             And
             besides
             all
             these
             ,
             some
             are
             perpetual
             Seekers
             ,
             having
             no
             fixed
             belief
             in
             the
             most
             important
             points
             .
          
           
             Persons
             so
             far
             inlightened
             as
             not
             to
             see
             the
             necessity
             of
             a
             higher
             way
             than
             the
             common
             dead
             formality
             ,
             and
             having
             some
             tast
             of
             Spiritual
             things
             ,
             and
             thereby
             raised
             above
             the
             general
             indifferency
             ,
             and
             Luke-warmness
             unto
             a
             kind
             of
             strictness
             ,
             seriousness
             ,
             and
             fervour
             of
             Spirit
             
             in
             Religion
             ,
             yet
             falling
             short
             of
             true
             Conversion
             ,
             and
             especially
             if
             they
             be
             well
             conceited
             of
             their
             own
             gifts
             and
             parts
             and
             seeming
             graces
             ,
             are
             apt
             to
             be
             carried
             away
             with
             a
             full
             gale
             of
             fancy
             into
             the
             gulf
             of
             these
             delusions
             .
          
           
             And
             a
             tincture
             of
             this
             contagion
             ,
             though
             in
             a
             lower
             degree
             ,
             may
             sease
             on
             some
             ,
             who
             stand
             in
             the
             true
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             being
             deceived
             by
             a
             shew
             of
             purity
             and
             Spirituality
             ,
             and
             peradventure
             lying
             under
             the
             disadvantage
             of
             some
             insnaring
             occasions
             ,
             which
             work
             upon
             the
             remainder
             of
             pride
             ,
             levity
             ,
             curiosity
             ,
             and
             other
             corruptions
             ,
             which
             the
             present
             imperfect
             State
             leaves
             in
             the
             hearts
             of
             real
             Christians
             .
             And
             some
             of
             these
             may
             sooner
             fall
             into
             absurd
             opinions
             ,
             than
             many
             that
             receive
             not
             the
             truth
             in
             love
             ,
             who
             may
             easily
             abide
             among
             the
             Orthodox
             ,
             either
             because
             they
             do
             not
             concern
             themselves
             in
             Religious
             inquiries
             ,
             or
             because
             they
             are
             held
             by
             worldly
             advantages
             which
             stand
             on
             truths
             side
             .
          
           
             The
             fancy
             is
             sooner
             filled
             with
             notions
             and
             the
             affections
             thereby
             raised
             ,
             than
             the
             judgment
             is
             well
             informed
             and
             the
             heart
             established
             in
             grace
             .
             Hence
             proceed
             a
             sickliness
             in
             the
             Souls
             appetite
             ,
             a
             satiety
             of
             plain
             Saving
             truths
             ,
             and
             of
             sound
             wholsom
             Preaching
             ,
             a
             desire
             of
             novelty
             ,
             Self-conceitedness
             ,
             pragmatical
             confidence
             ,
             rash
             censures
             ,
             partiality
             in
             hearing
             the
             Word
             ,
             a
             lessening
             of
             the
             Pastoral
             Authority
             ,
             incroachments
             upon
             the
             Pastors
             Office
             ,
             
             dividing
             principles
             and
             practices
             ,
             and
             innumerable
             ,
             inconveniences
             .
             Moreover
             ,
             well
             meaning
             People
             associated
             in
             a
             stricter
             profession
             ,
             are
             apt
             to
             be
             sequacious
             of
             some
             leading
             persons
             among
             them
             ,
             and
             some
             will
             follow
             the
             rest
             for
             company
             .
             And
             the
             high
             pretensions
             and
             heightened
             confidence
             of
             Enthusiasts
             ,
             is
             a
             kind
             of
             Enchantment
             to
             bewitch
             those
             that
             unwarrantably
             approach
             to
             near
             them
             ,
             especially
             such
             as
             are
             predisposed
             by
             temper
             or
             complexion
             towards
             Enthusiasm
             .
          
           
             In
             these
             things
             men
             forsake
             
               the
               Law
               and
               the
               Testimony
            
             to
             walk
             by
             false
             Lights
             ,
             and
             to
             follow
             blind
             Guides
             .
             The
             Holy
             Ghost
             bids
             us
             trie
             the
             Spirits
             ,
             and
             hath
             given
             us
             an
             infallible
             rule
             of
             Tryal
             ,
             and
             leaves
             us
             not
             to
             any
             unaccountable
             impulse
             or
             impression
             .
             The
             whole
             Tenor
             of
             Evangelical
             Doctrine
             shews
             that
             the
             Christian
             Spirit
             is
             both
             pure
             and
             peaceable
             ,
             that
             it
             doth
             not
             divide
             ,
             break
             and
             scatter
             a
             Christian
             people
             ,
             but
             unites
             ,
             heals
             and
             settles
             them
             ,
             that
             it
             doth
             not
             overturn
             Churches
             and
             civil
             States
             ,
             nor
             inflame
             Rulers
             against
             subjects
             ,
             nor
             subjects
             against
             Rulers
             ,
             nor
             dissolve
             Magistracy
             and
             Ministery
             ;
             
               but
               that
               it
               turns
               the
               hearts
               of
               the
               Fathers
               to
               the
               Children
               ,
               and
               the
               disobedient
               to
               the
               wisdom
               of
               the
               Just
            
             ;
             and
             conciliates
             the
             minds
             of
             Magistrates
             ,
             and
             Ministers
             and
             People
             of
             all
             degrees
             in
             righteousness
             and
             peace
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             right
             and
             sure
             way
             of
             erecting
             Gods
             Kingdom
             .
             It
             doth
             not
             cancel
             reason
             ,
             
             but
             maintain
             its
             interest
             in
             Religion
             ,
             as
             being
             under
             the
             power
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             great
             prop
             and
             proof
             of
             the
             Christian
             Faith.
             It
             is
             a
             Spirit
             of
             judgment
             ,
             and
             soberness
             ,
             and
             suppresseth
             the
             wild
             Dominion
             of
             the
             unruly
             imagination
             .
             It
             doth
             not
             turn
             men
             from
             humanity
             and
             civil
             behaviour
             ,
             unto
             a
             surly
             and
             cynical
             pride
             ,
             and
             Fanatick
             melancholy
             and
             austerity
             ;
             but
             it
             disposeth
             them
             to
             all
             the
             duties
             of
             human
             life
             ,
             and
             civil
             Converse
             .
          
           
             But
             
               there
               must
               be
               Heresies
            
             ,
             and
             
               it
               is
               impossible
               but
               that
               offences
               should
               come
               .
            
             Where
             the
             light
             of
             the
             Gospel
             is
             broken
             forth
             ,
             Sectarianism
             and
             Fanaticism
             is
             the
             Devils
             After-Game
             .
             So
             it
             sprung
             up
             in
             Germany
             upon
             the
             birth
             of
             Protestantism
             ,
             so
             it
             sprung
             up
             in
             the
             Primitive
             Church
             upon
             the
             birth
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             in
             the
             Gnosticks
             ,
             and
             such
             like
             Sectaries
             ,
             and
             so
             it
             continues
             in
             our
             times
             .
             These
             irregularities
             and
             extravagancies
             are
             a
             great
             dammage
             ,
             and
             reproach
             to
             a
             serious
             ,
             zealous
             and
             strict
             profession
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             a
             stone
             of
             stumbling
             before
             many
             .
          
           
             Nevertheless
             the
             greatest
             and
             most
             dangerous
             Degeneration
             from
             the
             Sound
             state
             of
             Religion
             lies
             not
             this
             way
             .
             The
             conceptions
             and
             motions
             of
             Fanaticism
             ,
             having
             a
             kind
             of
             Spiritual
             strain
             though
             in
             a
             delusion
             ,
             take
             not
             with
             the
             greater
             number
             whether
             of
             high
             or
             low
             degree
             ,
             the
             learned
             or
             unlearned
             sort
             .
             And
             in
             case
             it
             seases
             on
             a
             greater
             multitude
             ,
             it
             may
             trouble
             and
             unsettle
             
             a
             State
             ,
             but
             it
             can
             never
             settle
             it self
             ;
             and
             if
             it
             domineer
             a
             while
             ,
             its
             Tyranny
             cannot
             hold
             ,
             because
             it
             hath
             no
             foundation
             ,
             and
             it
             can
             never
             obtain
             to
             be
             a
             national
             Religion
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             the
             stability
             of
             civil
             Government
             .
             It
             s
             greatest
             mischief
             to
             a
             State
             is
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             serve
             the
             designs
             of
             others
             to
             work
             out
             a
             more
             lasting
             misery
             .
             For
             which
             cause
             ,
             the
             Romish
             Emissaries
             under
             a
             vizor
             have
             overacted
             this
             wild
             Spirit
             ,
             that
             by
             its
             confusion
             and
             Anarchy
             ,
             they
             might
             make
             way
             to
             introduce
             their
             own
             Tyranny
             .
             But
             the
             more
             extensive
             ,
             dangerous
             ,
             and
             lasting
             depravation
             of
             Christianity
             lies
             on
             the
             same
             side
             with
             Popery
             ,
             which
             is
             formidable
             indeed
             being
             founded
             in
             power
             and
             policy
             and
             suted
             to
             worldly
             interests
             ,
             and
             to
             which
             mens
             innate
             propensions
             do
             generally
             more
             incline
             them
             .
             For
             that
             their
             fancies
             and
             affections
             are
             inveagled
             with
             its
             outward
             wealth
             and
             glory
             ,
             and
             their
             consciences
             laid
             a
             sleep
             by
             its
             loose
             principles
             and
             lifeless
             forme
             of
             devotion
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIV
             .
          
           
             
               The
               way
               of
               preserving
               Religion
               uncorrupt
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             truth
             and
             purity
             of
             Religion
             lies
             in
             its
             conformity
             to
             its
             rule
             ,
             which
             is
             Gods
             revealed
             will
             or
             law
             ,
             and
             its
             deviation
             from
             it
             ,
             is
             
             its
             depravation
             .
             From
             this
             rule
             men
             are
             easily
             drawn
             aside
             ,
             being
             inticed
             by
             their
             own
             vain
             imaginations
             ,
             perverse
             inclinations
             ,
             and
             carnall
             interests
             ,
             to
             false
             ways
             and
             vain
             inventions
             .
             For
             which
             cause
             it
             behooves
             the
             zealous
             Religionist
             to
             be
             carefull
             even
             to
             jealousie
             ,
             that
             he
             be
             not
             imposed
             upon
             by
             himself
             or
             others
             ,
             and
             in
             this
             care
             heartily
             and
             intirely
             to
             resign
             ,
             and
             conform
             himself
             to
             the
             Law
             of
             God.
             By
             such
             resignation
             and
             conformity
             he
             secures
             his
             own
             Soul
             ,
             and
             what
             in
             him
             lies
             the
             Sound
             state
             of
             Religion
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             here
             acknowledged
             ,
             that
             what
             is
             written
             in
             nature
             is
             Gods
             Law
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             what
             is
             written
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             and
             that
             natural
             Revelation
             as
             well
             as
             supernatural
             is
             Divine
             ,
             and
             whatsoever
             is
             known
             of
             God
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             nature
             in
             the
             matter
             of
             Religious
             Worship
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             received
             as
             well
             as
             that
             ,
             which
             is
             known
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             Scripture
             ;
             and
             the
             divine
             Goodness
             is
             to
             be
             owned
             in
             both
             ,
             though
             in
             the
             latter
             it
             hath
             appeared
             more
             abundantly
             ,
             because
             therein
             is
             given
             us
             a
             full
             instruction
             in
             all
             things
             pertaining
             to
             Gods
             Kingdom
             ,
             which
             in
             the
             other
             is
             not
             given
             .
             For
             the
             great
             mysteries
             of
             the
             Gospel
             could
             not
             be
             known
             by
             nature
             ;
             and
             in
             things
             that
             could
             be
             known
             thereby
             ,
             the
             light
             is
             but
             weak
             and
             glimmering
             ,
             and
             not
             easily
             able
             to
             fix
             the
             heart
             therein
             ,
             not
             so
             much
             for
             want
             of
             evidence
             in
             the
             object
             ,
             as
             from
             the
             pravity
             of
             our
             mind
             ,
             reason
             being
             laid
             asleep
             and
             all
             
             our
             faculties
             being
             sunk
             into
             the
             brutish
             life
             .
             What
             is
             the
             utmost
             capacity
             of
             that
             light
             among
             the
             Heathens
             ,
             is
             hard
             for
             us
             to
             define
             ;
             and
             though
             it
             be
             harsh
             to
             determine
             that
             they
             were
             all
             utterly
             and
             universally
             forsaken
             of
             God
             ;
             yet
             it
             is
             evident
             both
             by
             Scripture
             and
             the
             lives
             of
             the
             Gentiles
             ,
             that
             Gentilism
             was
             a
             very
             forlorn
             state
             .
             This
             is
             enough
             to
             shew
             the
             high
             favour
             of
             God
             toward
             the
             Church
             in
             supernatural
             Revelation
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             hath
             not
             only
             instructed
             us
             in
             things
             supernatural
             ,
             not
             otherwise
             to
             be
             known
             in
             this
             life
             ;
             but
             also
             more
             perfectly
             in
             the
             Laws
             of
             nature
             ,
             now
             transcribed
             into
             the
             Books
             of
             the
             Old
             and
             New
             Testament
             ,
             so
             that
             there
             is
             nothing
             of
             Religion
             or
             Morality
             that
             may
             not
             be
             found
             therein
             .
          
           
             Besides
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             written
             in
             Nature
             and
             Scripture
             ,
             what
             certain
             and
             stable
             rule
             of
             Doctrine
             ,
             Worship
             ,
             Discipline
             ,
             and
             Conversation
             ,
             hath
             the
             Church
             to
             walk
             by
             :
             that
             there
             can
             be
             no
             certainty
             or
             consent
             in
             meer
             or
             all
             Tradition
             ,
             or
             in
             the
             judgment
             of
             the
             ancient
             Fathers
             ,
             or
             the
             ancient
             practice
             of
             the
             Catholick
             Church
             ,
             is
             so
             evident
             as
             needs
             no
             confirmation
             :
             and
             there
             can
             be
             no
             acquiescence
             or
             accord
             in
             the
             determinations
             of
             any
             visible
             ,
             universal
             ,
             Supream
             Power
             .
             For
             whereas
             all
             Christians
             acknowledge
             the
             Divine
             Authority
             of
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             they
             neither
             do
             ,
             nor
             ever
             did
             ,
             nor
             will
             ,
             unanimously
             acknowledge
             that
             there
             is
             such
             a
             Power
             in
             
             being
             .
             And
             the
             main
             Body
             of
             them
             that
             maintain'd
             such
             a
             Catholick
             Supremacy
             ,
             cannot
             agree
             in
             what
             subject
             the
             same
             resides
             ,
             whether
             in
             the
             Pope
             ,
             or
             a
             General
             Council
             .
             And
             as
             several
             Popes
             ,
             so
             have
             several
             Councils
             of
             equal
             amplitude
             and
             authority
             ,
             often
             crossed
             one
             another
             ;
             and
             consequently
             some
             of
             both
             kinds
             must
             needs
             have
             erred
             :
             And
             it
             still
             remains
             a
             controversie
             undeterminable
             ,
             which
             Councils
             are
             to
             be
             received
             ,
             and
             which
             to
             be
             rejected
             ,
             unless
             the
             whole
             Christian
             World
             hitherto
             disagreeing
             herein
             ,
             will
             be
             bound
             up
             by
             the
             resolves
             of
             one
             Party
             ,
             that
             can
             bring
             no
             better
             proof
             than
             their
             own
             pretended
             infallibility
             :
             To
             all
             which
             may
             be
             added
             that
             an
             Oecumenical
             Council
             truly
             so
             called
             ,
             or
             a
             Representative
             of
             the
             universal
             Church
             ,
             was
             never
             yet
             congregated
             .
             Wherefore
             let
             the
             Faithfull
             rest
             upon
             the
             old
             right
             foundation
             ,
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Prophets
             and
             Apostles
             ,
             whose
             infallibility
             is
             unquestionable
             .
          
           
             Such
             being
             the
             fulness
             and
             perfection
             of
             holy
             Scripture
             ,
             which
             was
             given
             by
             Divine
             inspiration
             ;
             and
             that
             for
             this
             end
             ,
             
               that
               the
               man
               of
               God
               might
               be
               perfect
               ,
               throughly
               furnished
               unto
               all
               good
               works
               ,
            
             it
             must
             needs
             be
             safest
             in
             Divine
             matters
             not
             to
             be
             venturous
             ,
             without
             its
             warrant
             .
             They
             best
             secure
             themselves
             from
             error
             ,
             who
             keep
             to
             that
             rule
             which
             is
             both
             perfect
             and
             infallible
             ,
             some
             pretending
             to
             lay
             open
             the
             folly
             of
             the
             way
             which
             they
             call
             puritanism
             ,
             
             affirm
             that
             the
             mystery
             thereof
             lies
             in
             this
             principle
             ,
             
               that
               nothing
               ought
               to
               be
               Established
               in
               the
               Worship
               of
               God
               ,
               but
               what
               is
               authorized
               from
               the
               Word
               of
               God
               :
            
             Indeed
             there
             are
             those
             of
             that
             denomination
             ,
             who
             disallow
             whatsoever
             instituted
             Worship
             is
             not
             so
             authorized
             ;
             but
             they
             are
             not
             so
             ignorant
             ,
             as
             to
             suppose
             that
             all
             particular
             circumstances
             belonging
             to
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             which
             admit
             of
             endless
             variation
             ,
             are
             defined
             in
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             ;
             such
             as
             are
             those
             natural
             and
             civil
             circumstances
             without
             which
             ,
             actions
             are
             not
             performable
             But
             they
             suppose
             a
             wide
             difference
             between
             these
             matters
             ,
             (
             such
             as
             time
             ,
             place
             ,
             method
             ,
             furniture
             ,
             &c.
             )
             and
             those
             ordinances
             of
             Religion
             which
             they
             take
             for
             parts
             of
             Worship
             ,
             as
             being
             made
             direct
             and
             immediate
             signs
             of
             honour
             given
             to
             God
             by
             their
             use
             :
             And
             all
             of
             this
             kind
             some
             do
             judge
             or
             at
             least
             suspect
             to
             be
             unlawfull
             ,
             that
             are
             not
             of
             Gods
             appointment
             .
          
           
             My
             design
             obligeth
             me
             to
             shun
             the
             intangling
             of
             this
             Discourse
             with
             controversie
             ,
             and
             therefore
             I
             write
             not
             either
             for
             or
             against
             the
             lawfulness
             of
             such
             uncommanded
             Worship
             ;
             But
             it
             is
             sufficient
             for
             me
             to
             shew
             that
             the
             purity
             of
             Religion
             is
             more
             safe
             by
             acquiescence
             in
             that
             only
             which
             God
             hath
             prescribed
             ,
             than
             by
             addition
             of
             new
             ordinances
             of
             Worship
             devised
             by
             men
             ,
             who
             even
             the
             best
             of
             them
             may
             too
             easily
             deviate
             from
             the
             truth
             :
             And
             
             who
             knows
             not
             that
             too
             much
             yielding
             to
             mens
             devised
             Forms
             and
             Rights
             ,
             which
             had
             a
             shew
             of
             Wisdom
             ,
             made
             way
             for
             the
             departure
             of
             so
             great
             a
             part
             of
             Christendom
             ,
             from
             the
             primitive
             Christianity
             .
          
           
             All
             duties
             of
             the
             Law
             of
             nature
             ,
             may
             be
             clearly
             proved
             from
             Scripture
             ,
             though
             the
             particular
             instances
             thereof
             that
             are
             innumerable
             ,
             and
             their
             infinitely
             variable
             circumstances
             cannot
             be
             there
             expressed
             .
             As
             for
             instituted
             Worship
             ,
             it
             is
             unquestionable
             that
             there
             is
             no
             such
             defect
             in
             those
             parts
             thereof
             that
             are
             of
             Divine
             authority
             ,
             as
             needs
             to
             be
             made
             up
             by
             the
             human
             addition
             of
             other
             new
             parts
             .
             And
             it
             is
             granted
             on
             all
             hands
             that
             there
             are
             things
             meerly
             circumstantial
             belonging
             to
             it
             ,
             which
             are
             necessary
             in
             general
             ,
             but
             in
             particular
             not
             determined
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             must
             be
             ordered
             by
             the
             light
             of
             nature
             and
             human
             prudence
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             general
             rules
             of
             Gods
             word
             .
          
           
             None
             that
             know
             what
             they
             say
             in
             magnifying
             the
             written
             Word
             ,
             will
             teach
             the
             People
             not
             to
             rely
             upon
             impartial
             reason
             ,
             which
             no
             true
             Revelation
             did
             ever
             contradict
             .
             But
             we
             are
             so
             conscious
             of
             the
             weakness
             of
             human
             understanding
             ,
             that
             in
             case
             of
             any
             seeming
             contrariety
             between
             Scripture
             and
             Reason
             ,
             not
             to
             give
             the
             Scripture
             the
             preeminence
             ,
             we
             know
             is
             most
             unreasonable
             .
             Is
             Scripture
             liable
             to
             be
             perverted
             ?
             so
             is
             Reason
             .
             Is
             there
             obscurity
             and
             difficulty
             in
             the
             interpretation
             of
             Scripture
             ?
             
             so
             in
             human
             ratiocinations
             much
             more
             .
             Whosoever
             can
             apprehend
             right
             reason
             ,
             can
             rationally
             apprehend
             Gods
             written
             word
             ,
             which
             is
             its
             own
             interpreter
             ,
             and
             whose
             authentick
             interpretation
             of
             it self
             ,
             we
             are
             inabled
             to
             discern
             by
             rational
             inferences
             and
             deductions
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             the
             sense
             of
             any
             rational
             discourse
             whatsoever
             .
             And
             the
             evidence
             of
             Gods
             Testimony
             is
             much
             more
             effectual
             ,
             than
             the
             arguments
             of
             human
             reason
             to
             command
             assent
             ,
             and
             quiet
             mens
             minds
             and
             appease
             their
             contests
             .
             And
             if
             we
             yield
             not
             our
             controversies
             to
             be
             finally
             decided
             by
             this
             sacred
             Rule
             ,
             whither
             shall
             we
             go
             ,
             or
             wherein
             shall
             we
             all
             be
             bound
             up
             ?
          
           
             The
             truth
             is
             ,
             when
             men
             seek
             out
             vain
             inventions
             to
             please
             their
             own
             fancies
             ,
             or
             to
             serve
             their
             own
             ends
             ;
             and
             find
             their
             devised
             ways
             condemned
             by
             Gods
             word
             ;
             then
             they
             fall
             to
             derogate
             from
             its
             authority
             and
             sufficiciency
             ,
             and
             talk
             much
             of
             the
             impertinency
             ,
             and
             folly
             of
             those
             ,
             that
             insist
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             cry
             up
             tradition
             ,
             and
             reason
             ,
             and
             that
             wisdom
             of
             Man
             ,
             that
             is
             but
             foolishness
             with
             God.
             
          
           
             When
             things
             will
             not
             be
             as
             well
             as
             they
             should
             ,
             they
             must
             be
             as
             they
             may
             .
             There
             be
             some
             usefull
             truths
             and
             practices
             that
             may
             be
             too
             dearly
             bought
             ,
             if
             purchased
             with
             the
             breach
             of
             the
             Churches
             Peace
             and
             Unity
             ,
             and
             the
             hazard
             of
             its
             whole
             Estate
             .
             Howbeit
             then
             is
             the
             best
             state
             of
             things
             ,
             when
             the
             Apostolick
             
             Doctrine
             and
             Discipline
             is
             the
             standardmeasure
             of
             all
             ,
             and
             nothing
             is
             retained
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             plainly
             agreeable
             thereunto
             .
             And
             the
             safety
             of
             pure
             Religion
             lies
             in
             as
             through
             a
             reformation
             according
             to
             this
             rule
             ,
             as
             the
             times
             will
             bear
             .
          
           
             Let
             the
             severest
             reason
             that
             is
             impartial
             ,
             weigh
             the
             following
             words
             written
             by
             one
             of
             a
             Catholick
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             true
             to
             the
             Interest
             of
             Reformed
             Christianity
             ,
             touching
             our
             departure
             from
             
               Rome
               .
               We
               should
               leave
               upon
               us
               no
               string
               or
               tassel
               of
               our
               ancient
               Captivity
               ,
               such
               as
               whereby
               they
               may
               take
               hold
               of
               us
               to
               pull
               us
               back
               again
               into
               our
               former
               bondage
               ,
               but
               look
               upon
               our selves
               as
               absolutely
               free
               from
               any
               tye
               to
               them
               ,
               more
               than
               in
               indeavouring
               their
               Conversion
               and
               Salvation
               ,
               which
               we
               knowing
               so
               experimentally
               ,
               not
               to
               be
               compassed
               by
               needless
               Symbolizings
               with
               them
               in
               any
               thing
               ;
               I
               conceive
               it
               our
               best
               Policy
               ,
               studiously
               to
               imitate
               them
               in
               nothing
               ;
               but
               for
               all
               indifferent
               things
               ,
               to
               think
               rather
               the
               worse
               of
               them
               for
               their
               using
               them
               ,
               as
               no
               Person
               of
               Honour
               would
               willingly
               go
               in
               the
               known
               Garb
               of
               any
               Lewd
               and
               Infamous
               Persons
               :
               Whatsoever
               we
               Court
               them
               in
               ,
               they
               do
               but
               turn
               to
               our
               scorn
               and
               contempt
               ,
               and
               are
               more
               hardened
               in
               their
               own
               wickedness
               .
               Wherefore
               seeing
               that
               needless
               Symbolizings
               with
               them
               doth
               them
               no
               good
               ,
               but
               hurt
               ,
               we
               should
               account
               our selves
               in
               all
               things
               indifferent
               ,
               perfectly
               free
               to
               please
               and
               
               satisfie
               in
               the
               most
               universal
               manner
               we
               can
               ,
               those
               of
               our
               own
               Party
               ,
               not
               caring
               what
               Opinions
               or
               Customs
               ,
               or
               outward
               Formalities
               the
            
             Romanists
             
               and
               others
               have
               ,
               and
               may
               have
               had
               from
               the
               first
               Degeneracy
               of
               the
               Church
               .
            
          
           
             As
             for
             the
             word
             Popery
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             more
             odious
             than
             ambiguous
             among
             Protestants
             .
             On
             the
             one
             hand
             some
             ,
             that
             will
             speak
             hard
             words
             against
             it
             ,
             have
             drawn
             it
             into
             so
             extreamly
             narrow
             a
             compass
             ,
             as
             to
             place
             it
             in
             little
             more
             than
             a
             secular
             interest
             of
             Power
             controverted
             between
             the
             Pope
             ,
             and
             the
             Princes
             and
             Prelates
             of
             Christendom
             :
             and
             others
             that
             make
             it
             broader
             ,
             are
             yet
             very
             tender
             ,
             if
             not
             fond
             of
             many
             gross
             Corruptions
             of
             the
             Roman
             Church
             .
             On
             the
             other
             hand
             some
             have
             extended
             it
             so
             far
             ,
             as
             to
             disparage
             things
             good
             and
             laudable
             ,
             and
             requisite
             ,
             and
             ignorantly
             call
             by
             that
             name
             whatsoever
             they
             fancy
             not
             .
             Nevertheless
             those
             useless
             and
             offensive
             things
             taken
             up
             by
             the
             Papal
             Church
             since
             the
             time
             of
             their
             known
             Apostacy
             ,
             both
             Doctrines
             and
             Customs
             ,
             and
             that
             are
             theirs
             more
             peculiarly
             ,
             may
             justly
             be
             called
             Popish
             ,
             though
             they
             were
             not
             imposed
             as
             Apostolick
             commands
             ,
             or
             means
             of
             obtaining
             Pardon
             of
             Sin
             ,
             or
             of
             working
             Grace
             .
             Why
             should
             we
             be
             tenacious
             of
             their
             Forms
             ,
             to
             the
             scandal
             of
             those
             of
             our
             own
             Belief
             ?
             How
             are
             we
             obliged
             or
             concerned
             to
             conform
             to
             their
             usages
             more
             than
             they
             are
             to
             ours
             ?
             Have
             they
             any
             Authority
             over
             us
             ,
             or
             are
             they
             any
             way
             a
             Rule
             
             unto
             us
             ?
             Are
             not
             the
             holy
             Scriptures
             of
             right
             both
             their
             Rule
             and
             ours
             ?
             Or
             can
             they
             upbraid
             us
             for
             departing
             from
             them
             in
             these
             at
             least
             unnecessary
             Opinions
             and
             Customs
             ,
             unless
             they
             upbraid
             us
             upon
             those
             grounds
             which
             we
             have
             rejected
             ,
             together
             with
             their
             Usurpation
             ,
             and
             and
             which
             if
             we
             receive
             again
             ,
             we
             must
             quit
             Protestancy
             it self
             ?
             This
             striving
             to
             come
             so
             near
             them
             whether
             tends
             it
             ,
             but
             to
             reduce
             us
             again
             into
             that
             Church
             ?
             For
             by
             all
             approaches
             to
             them
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             drawn
             one
             step
             towards
             us
             ,
             but
             are
             the
             more
             hardened
             ,
             and
             still
             they
             rest
             unmoveable
             on
             the
             rock
             of
             their
             pretended
             Supremacy
             and
             Infallibility
             .
          
           
             The
             impurity
             of
             the
             Romish
             Church
             lies
             chiefly
             in
             its
             Superstition
             and
             Sensuality
             .
             In
             the
             grosser
             part
             of
             its
             Superstition
             is
             manifold
             gross
             Idolatry
             ;
             and
             any
             way
             of
             symbolizing
             with
             Idolatry
             which
             is
             spiritual
             Whoredom
             ,
             should
             be
             dreaded
             by
             the
             chast
             Spouse
             of
             Chirst
             ,
             as
             the
             retaining
             of
             such
             Images
             as
             have
             been
             ,
             and
             are
             apt
             to
             be
             made
             objects
             of
             Religious
             Adoration
             ,
             and
             the
             making
             choice
             of
             the
             peculiar
             garbs
             and
             fashions
             of
             Idolaters
             in
             their
             worship
             .
             Moreover
             where
             the
             gross
             Pollutions
             are
             avoided
             ,
             if
             their
             pomp
             and
             train
             of
             Ceremonies
             be
             retained
             ,
             they
             will
             be
             apt
             to
             take
             up
             the
             heart
             of
             such
             as
             are
             busied
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             corrupt
             the
             Worship
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             a
             dead
             work
             and
             carnal
             Service
             ,
             and
             so
             the
             spirit
             and
             power
             of
             Godliness
             will
             decay
             and
             die
             among
             
             the
             People
             by
             this
             means
             .
          
           
             Sensuality
             the
             concomitant
             of
             Idolatry
             and
             all
             gross
             Superstition
             is
             likewise
             manifested
             in
             their
             Devotions
             .
             Of
             the
             Israelites
             Idolatry
             it
             is
             written
             ,
             
               The
               people
               sat
               down
               to
               eat
               and
               drink
               ,
               and
               rose
               up
               to
               play
               .
            
             Sensual
             sports
             and
             pastimes
             are
             mingled
             with
             the
             Devotions
             of
             carnal
             Worshippers
             ,
             as
             is
             notably
             seen
             in
             the
             Popish
             Festivals
             .
             And
             this
             makes
             the
             sensual
             part
             of
             Men
             addicted
             to
             such
             a
             way
             .
             To
             pray
             a
             while
             ,
             and
             then
             to
             play
             is
             the
             business
             of
             their
             Sacred
             Solemnities
             .
             But
             this
             course
             alienates
             the
             mind
             from
             true
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             tends
             to
             much
             Profaness
             ,
             and
             not
             only
             the
             Piety
             ,
             but
             the
             civility
             of
             a
             Nation
             will
             hereby
             much
             abate
             .
             A
             Church
             that
             would
             maintain
             the
             purity
             of
             Religion
             ,
             the
             power
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             had
             need
             have
             its
             solemn
             days
             of
             divine
             Service
             distinct
             from
             the
             appointed
             times
             of
             carnal
             sport
             ,
             mirth
             and
             jollity
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XV.
             
          
           
             
               The
               enmity
               of
               the
               World
               against
               Godliness
               ,
               and
               the
               Calumnies
               and
               Reproaches
               cast
               upon
               it
               considered
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             security
             and
             increase
             of
             true
             Religion
             is
             a
             matter
             of
             no
             small
             difficulty
             .
             The
             
             enmity
             against
             it
             is
             general
             and
             perpetual
             ,
             in
             the
             first
             race
             of
             Mankind
             it
             brake
             forth
             even
             to
             Bloud
             ,
             and
             throughout
             all
             Ages
             it
             hath
             been
             propagated
             ,
             &
             that
             with
             great
             rage
             ,
             as
             well
             within
             as
             without
             the
             Pale
             of
             the
             visible
             Church
             .
             The
             adverse
             World
             knows
             not
             the
             new
             Nature
             what
             it
             is
             ,
             for
             it
             knows
             not
             God
             ,
             whose
             Image
             it
             is
             .
             The
             World
             is
             not
             only
             alienated
             from
             the
             Life
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             opposite
             to
             it
             by
             the
             antipathy
             of
             the
             carnal
             Life
             ,
             and
             so
             not
             only
             wants
             the
             true
             relish
             ,
             but
             hath
             a
             strong
             disrelish
             of
             the
             divine
             and
             heavenly
             Nature
             .
             Moreover
             true
             Christianity
             is
             a
             light
             ,
             by
             which
             all
             things
             that
             are
             reproved
             ,
             are
             made
             manifest
             ;
             and
             the
             World
             that
             lives
             in
             sin
             and
             loves
             darkness
             ,
             hates
             the
             light
             ,
             by
             which
             it
             is
             condemned
             ,
             not
             only
             with
             an
             hatred
             of
             Aversation
             ,
             but
             of
             hostile
             Persecution
             .
          
           
             Nevertheless
             ,
             the
             Unregenerate
             sort
             of
             Men
             in
             general
             ,
             cannot
             and
             would
             not
             abandon
             all
             sense
             of
             Religion
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             deeply
             imprinted
             in
             human
             Nature
             ,
             and
             the
             form
             whereof
             may
             be
             acceptable
             even
             to
             corrupt
             nature
             .
             Wherefore
             they
             own
             the
             name
             ,
             while
             they
             hate
             the
             thing
             ;
             and
             keep
             up
             a
             shew
             and
             form
             thereof
             ,
             while
             they
             deny
             the
             Truth
             and
             Power
             .
             And
             having
             a
             false
             apprehension
             of
             Christ
             they
             adore
             him
             ,
             while
             they
             trample
             upon
             his
             present
             Members
             ,
             that
             really
             bear
             his
             Image
             ;
             and
             having
             a
             false
             Idea
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             they
             honor
             the
             memory
             of
             the
             Saints
             of
             former
             Ages
             ,
             while
             
             they
             vilifie
             those
             of
             their
             own
             times
             ,
             in
             whom
             Godliness
             really
             exists
             ,
             which
             shews
             ,
             that
             if
             Christ
             and
             the
             former
             Saints
             were
             now
             on
             the
             Earth
             to
             appear
             what
             they
             were
             indeed
             ,
             they
             would
             be
             no
             less
             hated
             and
             scorned
             than
             the
             Faithfull
             that
             are
             now
             living
             .
          
           
             The
             manifold
             ways
             of
             destruction
             and
             misery
             wherein
             the
             wicked
             walk
             ,
             though
             contradictory
             to
             each
             other
             ,
             do
             all
             conspire
             in
             this
             Enmity
             ;
             and
             Godliness
             is
             put
             to
             conflict
             not
             with
             one
             sort
             of
             Enemies
             ,
             but
             with
             the
             various
             corrupt
             Parties
             of
             the
             divided
             carnal
             World.
             Yet
             worldly
             Interests
             often
             make
             their
             advantages
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             have
             their
             designs
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             complicate
             themselves
             with
             it
             in
             some
             external
             and
             accidential
             Ingagements
             for
             a
             season
             ,
             and
             then
             the
             Enmity
             is
             restrained
             .
             And
             not
             a
             few
             ,
             that
             fall
             short
             of
             Regeneration
             ,
             may
             be
             so
             illuminated
             and
             wrought
             upon
             ,
             as
             not
             only
             to
             cease
             from
             malignancy
             and
             hostility
             against
             it
             ,
             but
             to
             promote
             and
             strengthen
             its
             external
             Interests
             .
             But
             for
             all
             this
             ,
             the
             Serpentine
             nature
             hath
             hitherto
             been
             more
             predominant
             in
             this
             lower
             World
             ,
             and
             Gods
             Kingdom
             hath
             had
             far
             greater
             Opposition
             ,
             than
             assistance
             from
             the
             Powers
             thereof
             .
          
           
             Now
             we
             are
             noting
             the
             injury
             and
             despight
             that
             is
             done
             to
             Godliness
             ,
             the
             calumnies
             and
             reproaches
             ,
             heaped
             on
             the
             serious
             Professors
             of
             it
             to
             render
             them
             hatefull
             and
             contemptible
             ,
             requires
             some
             animadversion
             .
             Their
             adversaries
             
             set
             them
             forth
             as
             Proud
             ,
             Froward
             ,
             Stubborn
             ,
             False
             ,
             Rash
             ,
             Fierce
             ,
             Petulant
             ,
             Sullen
             ,
             Fanatical
             ,
             Hypocritical
             ,
             Censorious
             ,
             Pragmatical
             ,
             Unruly
             ,
             Schismatical
             ,
             Seditious
             ,
             Unpeaceable
             ,
             Presumptuous
             ,
             Selfish
             and
             such
             like
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             would
             judge
             rightly
             of
             these
             imputations
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             mind
             many
             things
             ,
             viz.
             The
             intrusion
             of
             Hypocrites
             ,
             the
             multitude
             of
             half
             Converts
             ,
             the
             great
             weakness
             of
             Grace
             ,
             and
             defect
             of
             wisdom
             in
             the
             greater
             part
             of
             Sincere
             Christians
             ,
             and
             the
             imperfections
             of
             the
             best
             and
             chiefest
             of
             them
             .
             It
             is
             further
             to
             be
             considered
             that
             faults
             real
             or
             seeming
             ,
             are
             more
             remarkable
             in
             strict
             Professors
             than
             in
             any
             others
             ,
             as
             spots
             in
             a
             white
             Garment
             ;
             also
             that
             the
             common
             malignity
             will
             aggravate
             the
             same
             above
             measure
             ;
             likewise
             that
             the
             things
             ,
             they
             are
             charged
             with
             (
             were
             they
             truly
             charged
             )
             are
             not
             peculiarly
             theirs
             ,
             but
             the
             corruptions
             of
             the
             world
             in
             general
             ;
             and
             that
             some
             degrees
             thereof
             are
             found
             in
             all
             ,
             in
             whom
             human
             weakness
             is
             found
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             are
             less
             and
             in
             a
             lower
             degree
             in
             this
             party
             of
             men
             than
             in
             any
             other
             .
             Add
             hereunto
             that
             the
             faults
             of
             some
             are
             commonly
             objected
             against
             all
             ,
             and
             the
             sins
             of
             men
             not
             yet
             made
             perfect
             ,
             are
             cast
             upon
             that
             holy
             and
             perfect
             way
             ,
             which
             condemns
             those
             sins
             ,
             and
             hath
             broken
             the
             dominion
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             undeniable
             that
             this
             sort
             of
             men
             in
             general
             have
             renounced
             palpable
             
             dishonesty
             ,
             injustice
             ,
             filthy
             lewdness
             ,
             wantoness
             ,
             intemperance
             ,
             luxury
             and
             other
             gross
             pollutions
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             they
             are
             burdened
             (
             according
             to
             the
             true
             method
             of
             calumniation
             )
             with
             matter
             of
             suspition
             or
             evil
             surmise
             ,
             as
             Hypocrisie
             ,
             Self-conceitedness
             ,
             Fancicalness
             and
             secret
             Pride
             ,
             things
             mostly
             belonging
             to
             the
             hidden
             man
             of
             the
             heart
             ;
             or
             with
             Spiritual
             wickedness
             ,
             as
             Envy
             ,
             Malice
             ,
             Bitterness
             ,
             Vain-glory
             ,
             Ambition
             ,
             Self-admiration
             and
             Contempt
             of
             others
             ,
             things
             of
             more
             close
             and
             covert
             nature
             ,
             and
             as
             not
             easily
             proved
             ,
             so
             not
             easily
             disproved
             where
             they
             are
             objected
             ;
             or
             with
             the
             ambiguous
             charge
             of
             Schism
             ,
             Faction
             ,
             Turbulency
             ,
             Singularity
             ,
             Peevishness
             ,
             Perversness
             ,
             Obstinacy
             ;
             which
             opposite
             parties
             are
             continually
             casting
             upon
             each
             other
             ,
             faults
             and
             duties
             ,
             vertues
             and
             vices
             happening
             to
             be
             called
             by
             these
             names
             .
             And
             in
             this
             method
             of
             of
             accusation
             ,
             the
             innocent
             are
             sooner
             injured
             than
             cleared
             ,
             and
             slanderers
             do
             their
             work
             ,
             for
             the
             reproaches
             are
             boldly
             cast
             abroad
             ,
             and
             something
             sticks
             .
          
           
             But
             notwithstanding
             all
             the
             obloquie
             and
             calumny
             ,
             the
             whole
             world
             may
             be
             challenged
             to
             produce
             an
             instance
             of
             any
             Sort
             or
             Sect
             of
             men
             ,
             that
             have
             exceeded
             or
             equal'd
             the
             serious
             Professors
             of
             the
             true
             Christianity
             in
             things
             honest
             ,
             and
             just
             ,
             and
             comely
             ,
             and
             usefull
             ,
             and
             praise-worthy
             .
             It
             must
             not
             be
             exspected
             ,
             but
             that
             during
             their
             imperfect
             State
             obliquities
             &
             aberrations
             
             will
             be
             found
             more
             or
             less
             in
             them
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             more
             or
             less
             remote
             from
             perfection
             .
             But
             if
             true
             honesty
             and
             vertue
             be
             a
             reality
             and
             not
             an
             empty
             name
             ,
             and
             if
             it
             be
             not
             perished
             out
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             it
             exists
             and
             resides
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             Howbeit
             in
             this
             way
             there
             are
             inevitable
             occasions
             of
             stumbling
             ,
             not
             given
             but
             taken
             ,
             and
             such
             fall
             thereat
             ,
             as
             
               do
               err
               in
               their
               hearts
               ,
               and
               have
               not
               known
               Gods
               ways
               .
            
             The
             practice
             of
             true
             Piety
             lying
             out
             of
             the
             common
             road
             ,
             is
             misjudged
             as
             a
             kind
             of
             humorous
             Singularity
             .
          
           
             To
             speak
             Feelingly
             of
             Divine
             things
             ,
             seems
             folly
             or
             meer
             fancy
             to
             them
             ,
             who
             have
             no
             knowledge
             or
             tast
             thereof
             in
             themselves
             .
          
           
             To
             express
             with
             zeal
             or
             vigor
             such
             things
             as
             seem
             to
             others
             incredible
             ,
             though
             they
             be
             most
             true
             and
             excellent
             ,
             is
             taken
             for
             Madness
             .
          
           
             Tenderness
             of
             Conscience
             ,
             strictness
             of
             life
             ,
             servour
             of
             devotion
             ,
             mortification
             and
             heavenly-mindedness
             ,
             is
             by
             Sensualists
             ,
             Formalists
             ,
             and
             carnal
             Politicians
             ,
             judging
             by
             their
             own
             measure
             taken
             for
             Hypocrisie
             ,
             designing
             the
             applause
             of
             men
             ,
             or
             some
             eminency
             and
             advancement
             in
             a
             party
             ,
             or
             some
             other
             Self-interest
             .
          
           
             A
             Pious
             regard
             to
             the
             lesser
             as
             well
             as
             the
             greater
             commands
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             a
             dread
             of
             despising
             the
             least
             Commandment
             ,
             is
             commonly
             esteemed
             peevishness
             and
             needless
             preciseness
             .
          
           
           
             To
             distinguish
             between
             the
             Holy
             and
             profane
             ,
             the
             zealous
             and
             lukewarm
             ,
             the
             carnal
             and
             Spiritual
             in
             the
             visible
             Church
             ,
             and
             to
             judge
             of
             both
             sorts
             as
             they
             are
             ,
             is
             a
             great
             offence
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             for
             which
             the
             Religious
             are
             thought
             to
             be
             Proud
             ,
             Boasters
             ,
             Dispisers
             of
             others
             ,
             Uncharitable
             ,
             Censorious
             ;
             and
             Formalists
             are
             magnified
             against
             them
             for
             their
             large
             charity
             towards
             all
             ,
             which
             is
             indeed
             no
             Charity
             ,
             but
             indifferency
             in
             Religion
             ,
             not
             seldom
             accompanied
             with
             bitterness
             towards
             the
             Godly
             .
          
           
             To
             speak
             as
             the
             Scripture
             doth
             of
             a
             peculiar
             people
             ,
             and
             as
             Christ
             himself
             ,
             of
             the
             fewness
             of
             Gods
             chosen
             among
             the
             many
             outwardly
             called
             ,
             is
             accounted
             the
             confining
             of
             godliness
             to
             a
             Party
             ,
             and
             the
             fancying
             of
             themselves
             to
             be
             the
             only
             People
             of
             God.
             Now
             such
             arrogance
             is
             justly
             charged
             on
             those
             that
             place
             Religion
             in
             narrow
             opinions
             ,
             and
             platforms
             ,
             and
             methods
             of
             their
             own
             chosing
             ,
             and
             judge
             of
             all
             men
             as
             they
             are
             nearer
             or
             farther
             from
             them
             :
             yet
             nothing
             is
             surer
             than
             that
             God
             hath
             a
             peculiar
             People
             ,
             who
             are
             comparatively
             a
             small
             number
             distinguished
             from
             the
             world
             by
             his
             own
             mark
             ,
             which
             is
             no
             other
             than
             his
             own
             image
             in
             righteousness
             and
             true
             Holiness
             .
          
           
             To
             discern
             a
             laborious
             ,
             lively
             ,
             faithfull
             Ministery
             from
             that
             which
             is
             lazy
             ,
             lifeless
             and
             deceitfull
             ,
             and
             to
             regard
             the
             one
             and
             the
             other
             accordingly
             ,
             to
             note
             the
             ignorant
             ,
             foolish
             ,
             profane
             
             and
             scandalous
             of
             that
             Function
             ,
             
               to
               contemn
               a
               vile
               person
               ,
               and
               to
               honor
               them
               that
               fear
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             to
             take
             notice
             of
             the
             Serpentine
             Seed
             ,
             and
             to
             turn
             away
             from
             such
             ,
             to
             abhor
             impiety
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             no
             fellowship
             with
             the
             wicked
             in
             their
             evil
             deeds
             ,
             provokes
             an
             evil
             Generation
             that
             are
             hereby
             reproved
             and
             judged
             ,
             and
             they
             raise
             an
             outcry
             against
             the
             Godly
             as
             Factious
             ,
             unsociable
             despisers
             of
             Government
             ,
             makers
             of
             Parties
             ,
             and
             enemies
             to
             Peace
             .
          
           
             To
             examin
             the
             doctrines
             ,
             precepts
             ,
             traditions
             ,
             and
             customs
             of
             Men
             by
             Gods
             Word
             ,
             to
             use
             all
             just
             means
             to
             discern
             his
             Will
             ,
             and
             to
             choose
             to
             obey
             God
             rather
             than
             Men
             ,
             when
             their
             commands
             are
             contrary
             to
             his
             ,
             is
             reviled
             for
             proud
             perverseness
             ,
             contempt
             of
             ancient
             Customs
             ,
             and
             the
             authority
             of
             Superiors
             ,
             disobedience
             to
             Kings
             and
             Laws
             .
          
           
             To
             be
             zealous
             for
             Gods
             honour
             ,
             and
             the
             purity
             of
             Religion
             ,
             to
             be
             earnest
             and
             active
             in
             stopping
             the
             course
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             promoting
             Piety
             and
             the
             means
             of
             Salvation
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             concerned
             for
             Gods
             Interest
             in
             the
             World
             more
             than
             the
             common
             Sort
             are
             ,
             make
             the
             Religious
             to
             seem
             pragmatical
             ,
             turbulent
             ,
             and
             unpeaceable
             .
          
           
             Not
             to
             run
             into
             the
             common
             excess
             of
             Riot
             ,
             nor
             to
             comply
             with
             mad
             Mirth
             and
             Jollity
             ,
             offensive
             Gallantry
             ,
             or
             any
             Extravagancy
             that
             is
             in
             Fashion
             ,
             is
             accounted
             Stoical
             Superciliousness
             and
             Morosity
             .
          
           
           
             Strictness
             of
             Profession
             ,
             seriousness
             and
             necessary
             preciseness
             of
             Conversation
             seems
             to
             many
             to
             be
             the
             same
             thing
             with
             Phariseism
             ,
             wherewith
             the
             most
             conscientious
             are
             commonly
             most
             reproached
             ,
             and
             so
             the
             hatefull
             name
             of
             Christs
             worst
             enemies
             is
             cast
             upon
             his
             true
             and
             faithfull
             Followers
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             it
             is
             worth
             the
             while
             to
             note
             who
             and
             what
             they
             were
             .
             It
             is
             evident
             from
             the
             Gospel-History
             ,
             that
             
               the
               Pharisees
            
             were
             a
             strict
             Sect
             ,
             and
             in
             great
             reputation
             for
             seeming-Holiness
             ,
             no
             Separatists
             from
             the
             Jewish
             Church
             ,
             but
             of
             chiefest
             sway
             therein
             ,
             and
             of
             great
             esteem
             among
             the
             Rulers
             .
             They
             little
             cared
             for
             the
             ordering
             and
             government
             of
             the
             Heart
             ,
             and
             placed
             Perfection
             in
             outward
             works
             ,
             and
             in
             Rituals
             more
             than
             Morals
             ,
             and
             chiefly
             in
             the
             Ceremonies
             of
             their
             own
             devising
             ,
             and
             the
             Traditions
             of
             the
             Elders
             ,
             and
             in
             zeal
             for
             the
             Corban
             or
             the
             Churches
             Treasure
             ,
             and
             to
             these
             things
             they
             made
             the
             weightiest
             duties
             of
             the
             Law
             give
             place
             .
             They
             wore
             broad
             Phylacteries
             ,
             and
             affected
             a
             proud
             reservedness
             and
             formal
             gravity
             .
             Those
             Fastings
             ,
             Prayers
             and
             Alms-deeds
             ,
             that
             should
             have
             been
             done
             in
             secret
             ,
             they
             made
             a
             shew
             of
             openly
             to
             be
             seen
             of
             Men.
             They
             would
             be
             counted
             Rabbies
             ,
             and
             owned
             for
             absolute
             teaching
             Masters
             and
             Leaders
             of
             the
             People
             ,
             and
             would
             have
             all
             subject
             to
             their
             dictates
             .
             And
             they
             were
             Maligners
             and
             Opposers
             of
             the
             power
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             and
             
             Persecutors
             of
             the
             
               true
               Israelites
            
             to
             maintain
             their
             own
             institutes
             and
             interest
             .
             Now
             for
             our
             part
             we
             have
             no
             need
             ,
             nor
             mind
             to
             vindicate
             the
             true
             off-spring
             of
             such
             Forefathers
             .
             It
             concerns
             all
             Christians
             ,
             as
             Christ
             warn'd
             the
             Disciples
             to
             beware
             of
             
               this
               leaven
            
             .
             But
             the
             truth
             is
             ,
             something
             of
             Phariseism
             may
             be
             found
             among
             some
             of
             all
             Parties
             ,
             as
             self-confidence
             ,
             vain-glory
             ,
             self-praise
             ,
             censoriousness
             ,
             arrogance
             ,
             partiality
             ,
             perverseness
             of
             conscience
             ,
             or
             straining
             at
             gnats
             and
             swallowing
             of
             camels
             .
             And
             peradventure
             ,
             those
             that
             most
             object
             it
             to
             others
             ,
             may
             be
             most
             deeply
             infected
             with
             it
             themselves
             ;
             but
             however
             ,
             it
             concerns
             all
             Sorts
             to
             beware
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             do
             as
             much
             as
             is
             possible
             to
             purge
             it
             out
             from
             among
             them
             ,
             and
             every
             Christian
             should
             strive
             to
             keep
             himself
             from
             any
             smatch
             of
             it
             ,
             seeing
             it
             was
             so
             unsavoury
             to
             Christ.
             
          
           
             It
             is
             thus
             very
             discernable
             from
             the
             manifold
             misapprehensions
             of
             the
             way
             it self
             ,
             how
             Godliness
             falls
             under
             the
             hard
             thoughts
             and
             speeches
             of
             the
             mistaken
             World.
             
               But
               wisdom
               is
               justified
               of
               her
               Children
               .
            
             And
             if
             Godliness
             it self
             by
             misapprehension
             become
             a
             rock
             of
             offence
             ,
             no
             wonder
             the
             World
             is
             scandalized
             at
             the
             hypocrisie
             of
             false
             Pretenders
             ,
             and
             at
             the
             real
             faults
             and
             weaknesses
             of
             sincere
             Professors
             .
             But
             Christ
             hath
             said
             ,
             
               Blessed
               is
               he
               that
               is
               not
               offended
               in
               me
               .
            
          
           
             Undoubtedly
             the
             making
             of
             an
             higher
             Profession
             
             doth
             not
             exempt
             any
             from
             a
             just
             conviction
             and
             reproof
             .
             That
             Hypocrites
             should
             be
             detected
             ,
             and
             the
             scandalous
             faults
             even
             of
             sincere
             Christians
             noted
             ,
             is
             the
             interest
             of
             true
             piety
             .
             And
             charity
             both
             towards
             them
             that
             give
             offence
             ,
             and
             towards
             them
             that
             take
             it
             to
             their
             hurt
             ;
             requireth
             such
             discovery
             .
             The
             Godly
             lay
             to
             heart
             no
             evils
             more
             ,
             than
             the
             scandals
             of
             Professors
             ;
             and
             they
             know
             they
             are
             most
             concerned
             to
             take
             heed
             ,
             
               lest
               any
               root
               of
               bitterness
               bearing
               gall
               or
               wormwood
               should
               spring
               up
               among
               them
               .
            
             And
             those
             ,
             that
             sin
             before
             all
             ,
             their
             discipline
             is
             to
             rebuke
             before
             all
             ,
             that
             others
             may
             fear
             .
             But
             the
             great
             mischief
             is
             ,
             that
             some
             so
             speak
             and
             write
             of
             Hypocrites
             and
             offences
             ,
             as
             to
             reproach
             Godliness
             it self
             ,
             and
             bring
             the
             Profession
             of
             it
             into
             disgrace
             .
          
           
             When
             they
             take
             notice
             of
             any
             thing
             amiss
             in
             Men
             professing
             Godliness
             ,
             whether
             the
             matter
             of
             fact
             be
             true
             or
             false
             ,
             or
             the
             scandal
             be
             in
             reality
             or
             appearance
             only
             ,
             they
             presently
             say
             these
             are
             your
             Professors
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             such
             ,
             and
             the
             whole
             pack
             affords
             no
             better
             .
          
           
             The
             real
             or
             seeming
             hypocrisie
             ,
             pride
             ,
             covetousness
             ,
             unrighteousness
             ,
             uncharitableness
             ,
             selfishness
             of
             some
             is
             cast
             upon
             all
             .
          
           
             From
             some
             instances
             of
             aberration
             they
             argue
             against
             a
             godly
             tenor
             of
             Conversation
             ,
             and
             deny
             sincerity
             where
             they
             see
             a
             falling
             short
             of
             Perfection
             .
          
           
             They
             disparage
             a
             serious
             and
             circumspect
             
             course
             of
             Life
             ,
             by
             pretending
             it
             may
             be
             but
             a
             meer
             guise
             or
             shew
             ,
             there
             may
             be
             lurking
             vices
             ,
             and
             they
             who
             have
             scaped
             gross
             Sensuality
             may
             be
             guilty
             of
             spiritual
             sins
             ,
             as
             pride
             and
             envy
             ;
             and
             so
             they
             ground
             their
             detraction
             upon
             suppositions
             and
             surmises
             of
             what
             may
             be
             ,
             though
             not
             appearing
             .
          
           
             They
             inveigh
             against
             hypocrisie
             in
             that
             manner
             ,
             which
             hardens
             the
             vicious
             in
             their
             de●auchery
             ;
             and
             they
             incourage
             Libertines
             in
             ●dleness
             and
             excess
             of
             vanity
             ,
             by
             telling
             them
             ,
             that
             the
             Precisians
             may
             do
             worse
             .
          
           
             Those
             godly
             exercises
             that
             lie
             out
             of
             the
             common
             road
             (
             as
             to
             instance
             in
             Holy
             conference
             )
             they
             bring
             into
             contempt
             ,
             by
             objecting
             an
             unseasonable
             and
             preposterous
             use
             thereof
             ,
             or
             the
             impertinency
             and
             weakness
             of
             some
             therein
             .
          
           
             They
             censure
             inordinate
             transports
             of
             zeal
             ,
             and
             whimsies
             in
             Religion
             more
             bitterly
             than
             lewdnesses
             ,
             outrages
             ,
             gross
             impieties
             ,
             and
             daring
             wickedness
             of
             dissolute
             Persons
             .
          
           
             They
             will
             burden
             the
             sober-minded
             ,
             that
             are
             zealous
             for
             their
             God
             ,
             with
             the
             inexcusable
             madness
             of
             some
             intemperate
             Zealots
             .
          
           
             The
             failings
             of
             the
             Religious
             they
             aggravate
             above
             measure
             ,
             and
             particularly
             some
             passionate
             disorders
             ,
             that
             are
             commonly
             complexional
             ,
             and
             have
             less
             of
             the
             will
             ,
             and
             consequently
             of
             sinfull
             malignity
             in
             them
             ,
             than
             many
             sins
             that
             make
             lesser
             noise
             ,
             and
             raise
             less
             clamour
             :
             and
             
             they
             magnifie
             the
             eveness
             ,
             moderation
             ,
             mildness
             and
             other
             humanities
             of
             loose
             or
             lukewarm
             Persons
             for
             the
             true
             Christian
             Spirit
             .
          
           
             They
             upbraid
             the
             Godly
             with
             their
             solemn
             confessions
             and
             aggravations
             of
             Sin
             before
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             with
             their
             acknowledgment
             and
             bewailing
             of
             such
             scandals
             before
             the
             World
             ,
             as
             have
             been
             given
             by
             some
             among
             them
             ;
             as
             also
             with
             their
             publick
             Testimonies
             against
             Errors
             and
             Corruptions
             ,
             that
             have
             risen
             in
             their
             times
             ;
             and
             so
             they
             reproach
             them
             for
             their
             humility
             ,
             sincerity
             ,
             and
             impartiality
             in
             abusing
             themselves
             and
             giving
             glory
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             condemning
             Sin
             where
             ever
             they
             find
             it
             .
          
           
             They
             scoff
             at
             those
             that
             speak
             of
             communion
             with
             God
             ,
             spiritual
             experiences
             ,
             desertions
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             matters
             ;
             and
             use
             in
             scorn
             Scriptural
             words
             and
             phrases
             ,
             and
             other
             holy
             expressions
             used
             by
             the
             Religious
             ;
             and
             profane
             the
             terms
             of
             
               Holy
               ,
               Godly
               ,
               Saint
               ,
               Sanctified
               ,
            
             by
             the
             use
             thereof
             in
             scandalous
             Ironies
             ,
             and
             so
             they
             make
             sport
             for
             profane
             men
             ,
             and
             harden
             them
             in
             their
             irreligion
             .
          
           
             They
             would
             render
             holy
             things
             contemptible
             by
             nothing
             ,
             some
             little
             oversight
             and
             indecencies
             (
             mostly
             involuntary
             )
             in
             those
             that
             perform
             the
             same
             ,
             as
             perhaps
             in
             the
             Preachers
             tone
             or
             gesture
             .
          
           
             And
             to
             say
             the
             truth
             ,
             it
             is
             one
             of
             the
             easiest
             things
             in
             the
             World
             for
             licentious
             wits
             to
             play
             upon
             the
             most
             serious
             and
             sacred
             things
             ,
             and
             
             to
             make
             the
             most
             acceptable
             Service
             of
             God
             and
             his
             choicest
             Servants
             ,
             seem
             ridiculous
             .
             These
             are
             some
             of
             the
             many
             vile
             and
             wretched
             ways
             of
             disgracing
             true
             Religion
             :
             And
             I
             will
             add
             one
             more
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             that
             madness
             of
             opposition
             ,
             on
             what
             side
             soever
             it
             be
             ,
             which
             to
             make
             a
             different
             Party
             odious
             ,
             will
             not
             fear
             to
             expose
             Godliness
             it self
             to
             the
             contempt
             and
             scorn
             of
             them
             that
             scorn
             all
             Religious
             Parties
             .
          
           
             Surely
             it
             is
             a
             fearfull
             thing
             to
             be
             a
             hater
             ,
             reviler
             ,
             and
             scorner
             of
             Persons
             ,
             and
             things
             dear
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             precious
             in
             his
             sight
             :
             What
             is
             it
             
               to
               provoke
               the
               Lord
               to
               jealousie
               ,
            
             if
             this
             be
             not
             ?
             Wherefore
             he
             doth
             no
             ill
             service
             that
             detects
             this
             perillous
             folly
             :
             And
             men
             would
             easily
             shun
             such
             mistake
             and
             prejudice
             ,
             as
             makes
             them
             misjudge
             and
             condemn
             the
             Pious
             ,
             if
             they
             would
             but
             deal
             fairly
             ,
             and
             exercise
             the
             same
             equity
             and
             candor
             towards
             them
             ,
             which
             is
             due
             to
             all
             sorts
             ,
             and
             which
             towards
             themselves
             all
             do
             justly
             challenge
             .
          
           
             But
             Godliness
             will
             be
             still
             Godliness
             ,
             let
             presumptuous
             wits
             imploy
             their
             Tongues
             and
             Pens
             to
             transform
             into
             never
             so
             ugly
             shapes
             ,
             Invectives
             ,
             Sarcasms
             ,
             odious
             ,
             and
             ridiculous
             Tales
             and
             Stories
             ,
             Scenial
             representations
             and
             disguises
             will
             not
             confound
             it
             ,
             nor
             sink
             its
             authority
             and
             reputation
             .
             On
             the
             other
             hand
             the
             fairest
             coverings
             ,
             and
             best
             contrived
             Apologies
             ,
             the
             most
             notable
             and
             advantageous
             Policies
             ,
             
             will
             not
             make
             corrupt
             things
             savoury
             ,
             nor
             insipid
             things
             relishable
             ,
             nor
             little
             empty
             things
             great
             and
             weighty
             ,
             nor
             uphold
             the
             estimation
             of
             a
             degenerate
             ,
             carnal
             ,
             outside
             ,
             lifeless
             state
             of
             Religion
             ,
             where
             better
             things
             are
             known
             .
             The
             wit
             of
             man
             may
             adorn
             or
             palliate
             any
             folly
             ,
             and
             deform
             true
             Wisdom
             :
             but
             in
             a
             lucid
             Region
             ,
             where
             knowledge
             is
             diffused
             ,
             Wisdom
             will
             shew
             it self
             ,
             and
             the
             folly
             of
             fools
             cannot
             be
             hid
             .
          
           
             But
             let
             the
             Religious
             know
             ,
             that
             it
             behoves
             them
             to
             take
             care
             that
             they
             suffer
             not
             so
             many
             things
             in
             vain
             ;
             for
             these
             indignities
             may
             do
             them
             more
             good
             ,
             than
             the
             vain
             applause
             of
             men
             :
             If
             their
             Enemies
             give
             them
             advantage
             (
             as
             indeed
             they
             do
             )
             for
             the
             learning
             of
             more
             Wisdom
             ,
             Sobriety
             ,
             and
             Circumspection
             ,
             let
             them
             receive
             it
             ;
             it
             is
             pity
             they
             should
             not
             make
             the
             most
             of
             such
             harsh
             Instructions
             .
             What
             manner
             of
             Persons
             should
             they
             be
             in
             all
             Holy
             Conversation
             and
             Godliness
             ,
             that
             as
             much
             as
             in
             them
             lies
             ,
             there
             might
             not
             be
             that
             
               wo
               to
               the
               World
               because
               of
               offences
            
             ;
             and
             that
             with
             well
             doing
             ,
             they
             might
             put
             to
             silence
             the
             ignorance
             of
             foolish
             men
             ;
             More
             especially
             they
             should
             do
             their
             uttermost
             to
             shun
             even
             the
             appearance
             of
             the
             sins
             more
             peculiarly
             charged
             upon
             them
             ,
             as
             Hypocrisie
             ,
             Pride
             ,
             Wildness
             of
             Fancy
             ,
             Affected
             Singularity
             ,
             and
             Self-Flattery
             ;
             and
             to
             be
             adorned
             with
             a
             conspicuous
             sincerity
             ,
             humility
             ,
             and
             charity
             .
          
           
           
             And
             whatsoever
             contumely
             they
             indure
             ,
             let
             them
             by
             no
             means
             retaliate
             in
             the
             same
             kind
             ,
             remembring
             their
             blessed
             Lord
             ,
             
               who
               being
               reviled
               ,
               reviled
               not
               again
               ,
            
             but
             committed
             himself
             to
             him
             that
             judgeth
             righteously
             .
             Wickedness
             cometh
             from
             the
             wicked
             :
             scurrility
             ,
             petulancy
             ,
             bitterness
             and
             all
             intemperate
             language
             ,
             is
             more
             agreeable
             to
             their
             adversaries
             ,
             than
             to
             them
             :
             And
             it
             is
             observed
             ,
             that
             the
             flinging
             of
             witty
             sarcasms
             ,
             biting
             jears
             and
             scoffs
             ,
             and
             railing
             words
             against
             a
             Party
             ,
             do
             vex
             and
             gall
             more
             than
             hurt
             or
             break
             them
             ;
             and
             provoke
             ,
             but
             not
             convince
             them
             ;
             and
             serve
             indeed
             to
             feed
             a
             humour
             ,
             and
             make
             sport
             ,
             and
             do
             
               some
               present
               feat
            
             ,
             but
             do
             not
             carry
             the
             main
             cause
             ,
             or
             prevail
             in
             the
             end
             ,
             but
             turn
             rather
             to
             the
             dammage
             and
             blemish
             of
             those
             ,
             for
             whose
             service
             they
             were
             designed
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XVI
             .
          
           
             
               Religions
               main
               strength
               next
               under
               the
               Power
               of
               God
               ,
               lies
               in
               its
               own
               intrinisick
               excellency
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             propagating
             of
             true
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             the
             sound
             state
             of
             Religion
             ,
             agreeable
             thereunto
             against
             the
             enmity
             of
             the
             adverse
             
             World
             ,
             is
             worthy
             of
             the
             utmost
             indeavours
             of
             all
             pious
             men
             ;
             and
             to
             search
             into
             the
             right
             ways
             and
             means
             thereof
             ,
             is
             a
             necessary
             and
             noble
             speculation
             .
             But
             it
             must
             first
             be
             known
             ,
             that
             its
             Stability
             and
             Victory
             in
             the
             World
             depends
             primarily
             upon
             the
             Wisdom
             ,
             Truth
             ,
             and
             Power
             of
             God
             ingaged
             for
             it
             ,
             and
             therefore
             it
             cannot
             fall
             by
             the
             Power
             and
             Policy
             of
             Adversaries
             ,
             nor
             sink
             and
             lose
             it self
             by
             the
             weakness
             or
             defectibility
             of
             its
             Professors
             ;
             but
             it
             remains
             firm
             and
             sure
             ,
             and
             the
             same
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             Next
             after
             the
             Power
             of
             God
             ,
             its
             main
             strength
             is
             its
             own
             intrinsick
             excellency
             .
             It
             is
             upheld
             chiefly
             by
             its
             own
             principles
             ,
             which
             are
             mans
             perfection
             ,
             and
             place
             our
             nature
             in
             its
             due
             state
             ,
             and
             put
             both
             Persons
             and
             Societies
             into
             the
             only
             right
             frame
             ,
             and
             reduce
             all
             things
             into
             their
             own
             place
             and
             order
             .
             They
             have
             nothing
             in
             them
             of
             iniquity
             ,
             impurity
             ,
             vanity
             or
             unfitness
             ;
             but
             are
             perfectly
             holy
             ,
             just
             ,
             and
             good
             ,
             and
             give
             unto
             God
             his
             due
             ,
             and
             unto
             men
             theirs
             ,
             and
             that
             upon
             the
             most
             excellent
             grounds
             that
             can
             be
             laid
             ;
             as
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             ,
             our
             conformity
             to
             him
             ,
             our
             fellowship
             with
             him
             ,
             our
             reward
             from
             him
             and
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             all
             in
             and
             through
             a
             Mediator
             ,
             who
             is
             God
             and
             Man
             in
             one
             Person
             ,
             and
             the
             Head
             of
             all
             the
             faithfull
             ,
             who
             are
             his
             Body
             .
             The
             Godly
             practice
             conformable
             to
             these
             principles
             ,
             is
             from
             a
             cause
             that
             faileth
             
             not
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             the
             inhabitation
             and
             influence
             of
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             Though
             true
             Christianity
             be
             far
             above
             the
             strain
             and
             reach
             of
             meer
             nature
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             practicable
             by
             Divine
             grace
             ;
             and
             notwithstanding
             the
             imperfect
             state
             of
             its
             Professors
             ,
             it
             faileth
             not
             of
             its
             end
             ,
             which
             is
             to
             bring
             into
             the
             Possession
             of
             the
             heavenly
             Kingdom
             ,
             the
             fruition
             of
             God
             and
             everlasting
             glory
             :
             yea
             ,
             it
             doth
             effect
             great
             and
             excellent
             things
             in
             the
             present
             world
             .
          
           
             Its
             rules
             are
             pure
             and
             perfect
             ,
             its
             motives
             are
             great
             and
             high
             ,
             and
             of
             indubitable
             verity
             .
             They
             that
             live
             after
             it
             ,
             are
             a
             Law
             to
             themselves
             and
             an
             aw
             to
             others
             .
             No
             other
             institution
             Philosophical
             or
             Religious
             ,
             is
             so
             powerfull
             to
             restrain
             inordinate
             affection
             ,
             and
             to
             settle
             the
             minds
             and
             affairs
             of
             men
             in
             the
             greatest
             peace
             and
             order
             ,
             as
             far
             as
             human
             imperfection
             can
             arrive
             .
             It
             denies
             all
             vicious
             excesses
             ,
             and
             sensuall
             pollutions
             ,
             yea
             all
             offensive
             levites
             ,
             and
             unchristian
             irregularities
             ,
             and
             all
             fellowship
             therewith
             :
             Yet
             morosity
             and
             sowreness
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             it
             by
             no
             means
             approves
             ;
             but
             serenity
             of
             disposition
             ,
             and
             freeness
             and
             sweetness
             of
             conversation
             is
             both
             commanded
             and
             caused
             by
             it
             .
          
           
             It
             reacheth
             the
             hidden
             man
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             awes
             the
             Conscience
             ;
             it
             forbids
             the
             inward
             motions
             of
             intemperance
             and
             injustice
             ,
             it
             condemns
             and
             loaths
             Hypocrisie
             ,
             and
             makes
             all
             external
             works
             to
             be
             nothing
             without
             sincerity
             .
             
             It
             makes
             sincere
             love
             the
             principle
             ,
             and
             placeth
             it
             at
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             whole
             behaviour
             towards
             others
             ,
             and
             therefore
             prompts
             and
             powerfully
             ingages
             to
             mutual
             succour
             in
             the
             time
             of
             need
             .
             It
             maintains
             a
             charity
             unknown
             to
             the
             Infidel
             World
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             a
             vertue
             peculiar
             to
             it
             in
             the
             greatest
             vigor
             and
             extent
             .
             It
             injoyns
             the
             love
             of
             enemies
             .
          
           
             It
             exalts
             Humility
             ,
             meekness
             and
             mutual
             forbearance
             as
             chief
             vertues
             ,
             which
             were
             contemned
             by
             the
             pride
             of
             moral
             Heathens
             ;
             And
             therefore
             it
             makes
             men
             just
             and
             peaceable
             :
             And
             yet
             withal
             it
             hath
             the
             best
             grounds
             of
             true
             fortitude
             and
             magnanimity
             ;
             And
             therefore
             Damns
             that
             pusillanimity
             and
             foolish
             softness
             of
             disposition
             ,
             which
             betrays
             truth
             and
             vertue
             .
             Self-denial
             is
             one
             of
             its
             grand
             precepts
             ,
             without
             which
             none
             can
             live
             under
             its
             discipline
             and
             so
             it
             over-rules
             and
             controles
             that
             selfishness
             which
             is
             the
             Arch-rebell
             against
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             root
             of
             all
             mischief
             ,
             and
             turns
             the
             World
             upside
             down
             .
             It
             teaches
             men
             to
             live
             above
             the
             Honors
             and
             riches
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             takes
             off
             the
             heart
             from
             them
             .
          
           
             Its
             principles
             most
             intirely
             accord
             with
             the
             true
             interest
             of
             the
             Higher
             powers
             ,
             it
             declare
             their
             authority
             to
             be
             from
             God
             as
             they
             are
             his
             Vicegerents
             ,
             and
             teacheth
             them
             to
             rule
             in
             Subordination
             to
             him
             according
             to
             his
             laws
             ;
             And
             it
             awes
             the
             Consciences
             of
             Subjects
             to
             obdience
             .
             If
             Rulers
             command
             any
             thing
             repugnant
             
             to
             the
             Laws
             of
             God
             ,
             it
             forbiddeth
             subjects
             to
             perform
             such-commands
             ,
             yet
             withall
             obligeth
             to
             submit
             with
             patience
             to
             the
             unjust
             penalties
             of
             non-performance
             ,
             and
             to
             avoid
             Mutinies
             and
             Rebellions
             .
             It
             also
             teacheth
             the
             people
             in
             Spiritual
             matters
             to
             receive
             the
             Churches
             directive
             with
             their
             own
             discretive
             judgment
             ,
             and
             so
             not
             to
             derogate
             from
             the
             just
             Authority
             of
             Ecclesiastical
             Superiors
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             indeed
             the
             chiefest
             strength
             of
             all
             just
             Governments
             and
             Societies
             .
             The
             truth
             is
             ,
             it
             doth
             hedge
             in
             with
             thorns
             the
             lusts
             of
             men
             ,
             as
             Pride
             ,
             Malice
             ,
             Revenge
             ,
             Covetousness
             and
             Sensuality
             ;
             but
             it
             secures
             and
             inlarges
             their
             wholsome
             comforts
             and
             injoyments
             ,
             their
             proprieties
             ,
             immunities
             and
             all
             just
             priviledges
             .
             It
             advanceth
             Righteousness
             ,
             Temperance
             ,
             Beneficience
             and
             all
             other
             duties
             appertaining
             to
             mankind
             .
             Wherever
             it
             roots
             and
             spreads
             ,
             it
             makes
             no
             small
             part
             of
             the
             Prudence
             ,
             Courage
             ,
             Industry
             and
             Frugality
             ,
             and
             by
             consequence
             of
             the
             wealth
             and
             strength
             of
             a
             Nation
             .
             There
             is
             no
             aggregation
             of
             men
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             wherein
             appears
             more
             of
             that
             which
             is
             good
             and
             profitable
             to
             men
             ,
             than
             is
             found
             where
             the
             influence
             of
             this
             profession
             becomes
             predominant
             ,
             whether
             in
             a
             Nation
             or
             Kingdom
             ,
             or
             City
             or
             Family
             .
          
           
             The
             Spirit
             of
             Christianity
             is
             the
             Spirit
             of
             power
             ,
             of
             love
             and
             of
             a
             sound
             mind
             ,
             which
             gives
             great
             advantage
             for
             Prudence
             ,
             Soberness
             ,
             
             steddiness
             of
             Conversation
             .
             The
             seriousness
             and
             gravity
             of
             this
             way
             disposeth
             not
             to
             futil
             talking
             ,
             childish
             credulity
             ,
             easiness
             and
             rashness
             ,
             but
             to
             a
             considerate
             freeness
             ,
             and
             direct
             dealing
             with
             a
             generous
             caution
             and
             reservedness
             in
             due
             Season
             .
          
           
             Though
             its
             followers
             cannot
             link
             themselves
             to
             Factions
             ,
             and
             serve
             all
             times
             and
             occasions
             ,
             and
             go
             along
             with
             the
             men
             of
             this
             world
             in
             their
             designs
             throughout
             :
             yet
             they
             shall
             not
             fail
             of
             interest
             in
             a
             Nation
             not
             wholly
             vitiated
             ;
             nor
             is
             it
             hard
             for
             them
             to
             maintain
             an
             influence
             upon
             the
             publick
             State
             ,
             if
             they
             accommodate
             themselves
             to
             serve
             it
             so
             far
             as
             conscience
             and
             prudence
             leads
             them
             .
             Considerate
             men
             will
             not
             contemn
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             that
             own
             them
             shall
             know
             where
             to
             find
             them
             ,
             and
             in
             pursuing
             good
             designs
             shall
             find
             them
             fast
             friends
             .
             Religion
             doth
             not
             cast
             men
             down
             into
             stupidity
             ,
             pusillanimity
             ,
             or
             sluggish
             neglect
             of
             opportunity
             ;
             but
             erects
             them
             to
             a
             Prudent
             ,
             and
             temperate
             vigor
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             regular
             activity
             ,
             whereby
             they
             become
             fit
             for
             the
             affairs
             of
             human
             life
             in
             a
             higher
             or
             lower
             Sphear
             ,
             according
             to
             their
             different
             capacities
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVII
             .
          
           
             
               Religion
               may
               be
               advanced
               by
               human
               Prudence
               ;
               what
               ways
               and
               methods
               it
               cannot
               admit
               in
               order
               to
               its
               advancement
               .
            
          
           
             THough
             true
             Religion
             stands
             by
             an
             unchangeable
             Law
             ,
             and
             depends
             not
             upon
             the
             mutable
             things
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             and
             varies
             not
             according
             to
             their
             variations
             ,
             nor
             is
             to
             be
             governed
             by
             the
             common
             policy
             of
             secular
             Kingdoms
             :
             nevertheless
             its
             affairs
             may
             be
             much
             advanced
             by
             prudence
             ,
             and
             disadvantaged
             by
             indiscretion
             .
             There
             is
             a
             lawfull
             use
             of
             human
             Policy
             ,
             being
             refined
             from
             Hypocrisie
             and
             all
             iniquity
             .
             The
             Author
             of
             this
             Profession
             ,
             the
             holy
             and
             just
             One
             ,
             in
             whose
             mouth
             was
             no
             guile
             ,
             adviseth
             his
             Disciples
             to
             
               be
               wise
               as
               serpents
               ,
               and
               harmless
               as
               doves
               .
            
             St.
             Paul
             one
             of
             his
             chief
             Ministers
             was
             attentive
             to
             all
             the
             methods
             of
             gaining
             People
             ,
             and
             
               became
               all
               things
               to
               all
               men
               that
               he
               might
               win
               some
            
             ;
             and
             he
             was
             bold
             to
             tell
             some
             ,
             that
             
               being
               crafty
               he
               caught
               them
               with
               guile
               :
            
             but
             it
             was
             the
             guile
             of
             abounding
             Charity
             and
             self-denial
             ,
             managed
             with
             prudence
             for
             the
             service
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             saving
             of
             Souls
             .
          
           
             In
             secular
             Kingdoms
             the
             reasons
             of
             State
             are
             locked
             up
             from
             the
             common
             view
             .
             But
             the
             maxims
             and
             methods
             of
             this
             Interest
             may
             with
             
             great
             advantage
             be
             disclosed
             as
             well
             to
             Aliens
             and
             Enemies
             ,
             as
             to
             Friends
             and
             fellow-Citizens
             .
             For
             by
             this
             discovery
             the
             powers
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             who
             through
             their
             own
             misapprehensions
             ,
             or
             others
             malicious
             suggestions
             are
             sometimes
             turned
             against
             it
             ,
             may
             become
             more
             propense
             and
             indulgent
             towards
             it
             ;
             and
             the
             more
             sober
             part
             of
             Men
             may
             be
             inclined
             to
             favour
             it
             ,
             and
             greater
             numbers
             both
             of
             high
             and
             low
             Degree
             may
             be
             brought
             intirely
             to
             close
             with
             it
             ,
             when
             they
             shall
             behold
             the
             goodness
             and
             usefulness
             ,
             the
             innocency
             and
             integrity
             of
             its
             Principles
             .
             As
             for
             the
             Enemies
             counterworking
             we
             need
             not
             dread
             it
             .
             For
             the
             stratagems
             of
             this
             warfare
             are
             not
             carnal
             ,
             and
             cannot
             be
             counterwrought
             with
             carnal
             stratagems
             .
          
           
             It
             remaineth
             therefore
             as
             the
             business
             of
             this
             inquiry
             ,
             to
             consider
             how
             we
             may
             improve
             the
             intrinsical
             and
             innate
             Advantages
             before
             mentioned
             ;
             and
             to
             gain
             all
             extrinsical
             and
             adventitious
             ones
             ,
             that
             may
             be
             made
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             th●
             most
             of
             them
             all
             for
             the
             designed
             end
             .
             But
             due
             care
             must
             be
             had
             ,
             that
             the
             wisdom
             of
             this
             World
             or
             human
             Policy
             have
             not
             too
             great
             〈◊〉
             stroke
             .
             For
             many
             are
             the
             arts
             and
             method●…
             that
             serve
             secular
             Interests
             ,
             which
             the
             sincerity
             and
             purity
             of
             true
             Religion
             can
             by
             no
             mean
             admit
             .
          
           
             It
             cannot
             stablish
             it self
             in
             bloud
             and
             cruelty
             nor
             murther
             the
             innocent
             for
             its
             own
             security
             nor
             hold
             People
             in
             subjection
             by
             the
             horro●
             
             of
             a
             Spanish
             Inquisition
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             the
             policy
             of
             the
             city
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             Spiritual
             Jerusalem
             ,
             but
             of
             Babylon
             .
          
           
             It
             cannot
             make
             use
             of
             such
             impostures
             ,
             as
             are
             used
             to
             uphold
             the
             mystery
             of
             iniqui●y
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             the
             way
             of
             those
             Church
             Politicians
             that
             make
             Men
             stupid
             and
             foolish
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             the
             better
             Lord
             it
             over
             them
             as
             besotted
             Vassals
             .
          
           
             It
             cannot
             invite
             or
             ingage
             any
             to
             its
             Side
             by
             ●arnal
             allurements
             ,
             and
             provisions
             made
             for
             ●he
             lusts
             of
             Men.
             The
             making
             of
             such
             Provisions
             would
             extinguish
             its
             life
             and
             power
             ,
             and
             bring
             forth
             a
             spurious
             carnal
             Brood
             ,
             that
             always
             with
             deadly
             hatred
             pursues
             its
             true
             Pro●essors
             .
          
           
             It
             cannot
             lift
             up
             it self
             by
             serving
             the
             de●●gns
             and
             lusts
             of
             earthly
             Potentates
             ;
             though
             it
             ●ives
             them
             their
             due
             honour
             to
             the
             full
             ,
             yet
             it
             ●empts
             them
             not
             by
             flattery
             to
             think
             of
             themselves
             above
             what
             they
             are
             ,
             nor
             doth
             it
             pro●itute
             its
             Sacred
             Rules
             to
             patronize
             any
             enor●ities
             in
             their
             Conversations
             ,
             or
             political
             Ad●inistrations
             .
          
           
             It
             cannot
             subdue
             a
             People
             ,
             and
             hold
             them
             un●er
             by
             armed
             violence
             and
             usurpation
             ,
             for
             his
             were
             to
             subvert
             it self
             ,
             and
             undermine
             its
             ●wn
             foundation
             ,
             which
             is
             
               truth
               ,
               meekness
               and
               ●●ghteousness
            
             .
          
           
             It
             seeks
             not
             by
             any
             irregular
             motions
             to
             per●rb
             a
             settled
             State
             ,
             though
             adverse
             and
             injurious
             
             to
             it
             .
             It
             cannot
             enter
             into
             the
             recesses
             〈◊〉
             wicked
             Policy
             ;
             its
             principles
             will
             not
             bear
             〈◊〉
             out
             in
             the
             cunning
             and
             close
             ways
             of
             dishon●…
             sty
             .
             It
             abhors
             such
             ingagements
             ,
             as
             draw
             o●…
             necessity
             of
             proceeding
             in
             unrighteous
             or
             da●…
             gerous
             Counsels
             ,
             and
             especially
             such
             iniqui●…
             as
             would
             not
             pass
             away
             in
             a
             transient
             action
             but
             would
             hold
             up
             a
             lasting
             usurpation
             or
             i●…
             jury
             to
             its
             perpetual
             reproach
             and
             repugnan●…
             to
             it self
             .
          
           
             It
             neither
             hath
             ,
             nor
             in
             human
             judgment
             〈◊〉
             like
             to
             have
             the
             sufficiency
             of
             an
             arm
             of
             Fles●…
             or
             worldly
             Puissance
             ,
             for
             its
             intrinsick
             and
             a●…
             biding
             strength
             ,
             untill
             it
             comes
             in
             a
             more
             ex●…
             tensive
             power
             ,
             and
             more
             ample
             victory
             that
             hath
             been
             yet
             manifested
             in
             the
             World.
             Th●…
             mutable
             Advantages
             of
             certain
             times
             and
             occa●…
             sions
             are
             but
             loose
             and
             hollow
             ground
             ,
             and
             n●…
             settled
             foundation
             for
             it
             to
             build
             upon
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             not
             furthered
             by
             a
             course
             of
             subtilties
             and
             of
             intricate
             and
             cloudy
             projects
             ,
             which
             be
             get
             suspition
             of
             evil
             ;
             but
             by
             an
             openess
             an
             frankness
             of
             dealing
             in
             all
             certainty
             and
             clearness
             .
             For
             in
             it self
             
               it
               is
               clear
               as
               the
               Sun
               ,
            
             an●…
             regular
             and
             certain
             as
             
               the
               ordinances
               of
               He●…
               ven
            
             ,
             or
             the
             Motions
             of
             the
             Celestial
             Bodies
             Whatsoever
             degree
             of
             obliquity
             or
             uncertainty
             happeneth
             to
             it
             ,
             is
             only
             extrinsical
             proceeding
             from
             Mens
             corruptions
             and
             frailties
             ,
             who
             ne●…
             ther
             are
             ,
             can
             be
             here
             absolutely
             exact
             and
             perfect
             in
             it
             .
          
           
           
             It
             rejects
             the
             fury
             of
             passion
             ,
             bitterness
             ,
             clamours
             ,
             wrath
             ,
             tumult
             ,
             and
             all
             outrage
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             it
             can
             admit
             nothing
             that
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             intire
             honesty
             .
          
           
             And
             it
             is
             not
             weakened
             by
             this
             strictness
             .
             For
             Truth
             is
             great
             and
             powerfull
             ;
             and
             by
             a
             weak
             and
             gentle
             ,
             yet
             sound
             and
             solid
             manifestation
             of
             it self
             ,
             it
             maintains
             a
             conquest
             answerable
             to
             its
             own
             condition
             in
             this
             present
             World.
             
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XVIII
             .
          
           
             
               The
               Interest
               of
               true
               Religion
               lies
               much
               in
               its
               venerable
               Estimation
               among
               Men.
               
            
          
           
             A
             Corrupt
             state
             of
             Religion
             nourishing
             Pride
             and
             Sensuality
             ,
             and
             yielding
             it self
             managable
             to
             the
             designs
             of
             Men
             after
             the
             course
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             is
             commonly
             upheld
             by
             an
             arm
             of
             Secular
             power
             ,
             which
             by
             ways
             of
             its
             own
             it
             can
             make
             sure
             to
             it self
             .
             But
             pure
             Religion
             abhorring
             base
             compliances
             ;
             and
             residing
             in
             the
             hitherto
             lesser
             number
             that
             walk
             
               in
               the
               narrow
               way
            
             ,
             is
             not
             so
             well
             suted
             for
             a
             settled
             and
             continued
             potency
             in
             that
             kind
             .
             Wherefore
             by
             how
             much
             the
             more
             it
             fails
             of
             an
             assurance
             of
             worldly
             Power
             and
             Greatness
             ,
             by
             so
             much
             the
             more
             it
             needs
             the
             advantage
             
             of
             venerable
             estimation
             for
             its
             own
             intrinsick
             excellence
             .
          
           
             A
             desire
             of
             vain
             glory
             ,
             and
             an
             ambitious
             catching
             at
             the
             praise
             of
             Men
             is
             opposite
             to
             this
             interest
             ,
             and
             destroys
             the
             ends
             thereof
             .
             But
             because
             things
             that
             appear
             not
             ,
             are
             of
             the
             same
             reason
             with
             things
             that
             are
             not
             ,
             in
             regard
             of
             influence
             upon
             the
             minds
             of
             Men
             ,
             Christianity
             should
             be
             made
             appear
             to
             be
             what
             it
             is
             indeed
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             not
             a
             meer
             Idea
             in
             the
             imagination
             or
             intellect
             ,
             but
             a
             wisdom
             and
             power
             that
             may
             be
             practiced
             :
             and
             its
             glory
             is
             displaid
             in
             a
             Life
             of
             integrity
             ,
             purity
             and
             charity
             by
             the
             brightness
             of
             which
             graces
             in
             the
             primitive
             Times
             it
             became
             illustrious
             ,
             and
             was
             exalted
             over
             all
             the
             learning
             ,
             and
             vertue
             ,
             and
             potency
             of
             the
             Heathen
             World
             ,
             in
             such
             an
             Age
             as
             had
             all
             civil
             disciplines
             in
             their
             perfection
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             never
             so
             much
             indangered
             ,
             as
             when
             the
             sanctity
             of
             its
             Professors
             is
             fallen
             ,
             or
             exposed
             to
             scandal
             .
          
           
             Eminent
             Holiness
             is
             after
             miracles
             the
             next
             great
             testimony
             to
             the
             truth
             ,
             and
             is
             now
             in
             the
             room
             of
             Miracles
             ,
             and
             its
             influence
             is
             very
             powerfull
             .
             Wheresoever
             it
             is
             ,
             it
             invigorates
             others
             of
             this
             Fellowship
             that
             are
             near
             it
             ,
             and
             it
             commands
             aw
             and
             reverence
             from
             all
             Men.
             T
             is
             a
             great
             happiness
             ,
             when
             Persons
             indued
             herewith
             are
             in
             proportionable
             number
             fixed
             like
             stars
             of
             the
             first
             magnitude
             throughout
             the
             firmament
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             when
             there
             are
             Men
             of
             strong
             Parts
             ,
             much
             prudence
             ,
             active
             spirits
             ,
             
             firm
             resolution
             ,
             who
             are
             filled
             with
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             ,
             inflamed
             with
             love
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             devoted
             to
             seek
             the
             things
             that
             are
             Christs
             ,
             and
             fitted
             thereunto
             by
             real
             mortification
             and
             self-denial
             ,
             also
             when
             Persons
             of
             a
             lower
             sphere
             for
             the
             perfections
             of
             Nature
             or
             Learning
             ,
             have
             attained
             to
             a
             large
             measure
             of
             the
             primitive
             Spirit
             of
             Faith
             ,
             love
             ,
             meekness
             ,
             brotherly
             kindness
             and
             charity
             ,
             whereby
             they
             are
             made
             ready
             to
             every
             good
             work
             ,
             and
             provoke
             others
             thereunto
             .
          
           
             As
             the
             eminent
             piety
             of
             some
             ,
             so
             the
             appro●ed
             piety
             of
             the
             generality
             of
             serious
             Professors
             imports
             exceedingly
             to
             the
             reputation
             and
             reverence
             of
             true
             Religion
             .
             The
             spiritual
             Man
             discerneth
             the
             excellency
             of
             the
             Divine
             life
             ,
             and
             the
             beauty
             of
             Holiness
             ;
             and
             the
             natural
             Man
             also
             can
             discern
             humility
             ,
             chastity
             ,
             tem●erance
             ,
             patience
             ,
             charity
             ,
             integrity
             ,
             as
             things
             morally
             good
             and
             profitable
             to
             Men
             ,
             and
             by
             ●…ese
             things
             the
             truth
             is
             vindicated
             and
             main●…ined
             .
             To
             defile
             the
             purity
             of
             this
             Professi●…
             is
             to
             stain
             its
             glory
             ,
             and
             to
             stain
             i●s
             glory
             ,
             is
             〈◊〉
             render
             it
             weak
             and
             despicable
             .
             None
             there●…re
             may
             pass
             for
             the
             allowed
             Disciples
             of
             this
             ●ay
             ,
             but
             such
             as
             keep
             themselves
             pure
             from
             〈◊〉
             foul
             sins
             of
             Sensuality
             ,
             and
             from
             all
             palpa●…
             dishonesty
             .
             Howbeit
             the
             lawfull
             favour
             ●…d
             assistance
             of
             any
             others
             may
             with
             due
             cau●…
             be
             admitted
             in
             its
             concernments
             .
          
           
             A
             harmless
             life
             if
             barren
             and
             unprofitable
             is
             
             of
             little
             value
             in
             it self
             ,
             and
             also
             of
             little
             force
             to
             advance
             any
             Profession
             .
             Nay
             a
             fruitless
             life
             is
             scandalous
             and
             unchristian
             .
             They
             are
             the
             words
             of
             Christ
             ,
             
               herein
               is
               my
               Father
               glorified
               that
               ye
               bear
               much
               fruit
               ,
               so
               shall
               ye
               be
               my
               Disciples
               .
            
             The
             root
             of
             such
             fruitfulness
             in
             good
             works
             is
             
               love
               out
               of
               a
               pure
               heart
               ,
               and
               good
               conscience
               ,
               and
               faith
               unfeigned
               ,
            
             to
             which
             belong
             those
             praises
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             
               the
               end
               of
               the
               Commandment
            
             ,
             and
             
               the
               fulfilling
               of
               the
               Law.
            
             Now
             because
             they
             that
             walk
             circumspectly
             are
             often
             censured
             by
             the
             looser
             Sort
             to
             be
             uncharitable
             ,
             it
             doth
             the
             more
             concern
             them
             really
             to
             shew
             forth
             the
             laudible
             fruits
             of
             Charity
             ,
             and
             to
             maintain
             all
             good
             works
             before
             Men
             ,
             though
             not
             to
             be
             seen
             of
             Men
             ,
             and
             to
             hate
             narrowness
             of
             Soul
             and
             base
             selfishness
             .
          
           
             
               What
               do
               ye
               more
               than
               Others
               ?
            
             saith
             the
             Author
             of
             our
             Profession
             .
             When
             the
             Religious
             apparently
             excell
             the
             choicest
             part
             of
             unregenerate
             Men
             ,
             then
             is
             Wisdom
             apparently
             justified
             of
             her
             Children
             .
             Natural
             men
             may
             have
             some
             amiable
             vertues
             by
             which
             they
             aim
             to
             commend
             themselves
             both
             to
             God
             and
             the
             World
             ,
             yet
             in
             other
             matters
             of
             no
             less
             manifest
             and
             necessary
             concernment
             they
             are
             licentious
             and
             remiss
             .
             But
             the
             true
             Christian
             make
             it
             his
             business
             to
             fulfill
             all
             Righteousness
             .
             And
             as
             the
             principle
             of
             true
             Piety
             causeth
             an
             intirene●…
             in
             all
             the
             parts
             of
             good
             Life
             ;
             so
             being
             duly
             improved
             and
             stirred
             up
             ,
             it
             will
             cause
             them
             
             that
             have
             it
             ,
             not
             only
             to
             acquit
             themselves
             in
             whatsoever
             things
             are
             acceptable
             ,
             and
             praise-worthy
             among
             the
             meerly
             vertuous
             part
             of
             Men
             ,
             but
             also
             to
             perform
             those
             things
             that
             are
             far
             above
             them
             ,
             and
             both
             a
             wonder
             and
             a
             reproof
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             Religion
             hath
             a
             good
             savour
             among
             all
             Men
             ,
             by
             the
             due
             observance
             of
             all
             relative
             duties
             ;
             and
             nothing
             renders
             it
             more
             unsavoury
             ,
             than
             the
             violating
             of
             those
             bonds
             ,
             and
             the
             non-performance
             of
             those
             dues
             ,
             which
             arise
             from
             natural
             or
             civil
             relations
             ;
             For
             these
             things
             are
             our
             proper
             sphere
             ,
             our
             dayly
             walk
             and
             constant
             business
             ,
             wherein
             we
             are
             most
             accountable
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             usefull
             to
             men
             .
          
           
             Industry
             and
             providence
             in
             the
             affairs
             of
             this
             Life
             ,
             conduceth
             to
             reputation
             ;
             but
             idleness
             and
             improvidence
             is
             very
             scandalous
             .
             Upon
             this
             account
             ,
             Godliness
             is
             sometimes
             reproached
             by
             occasion
             of
             some
             idle
             Pretenders
             ,
             and
             others
             that
             are
             Pious
             ,
             but
             inconsiderate
             and
             imprudent
             .
             Religious
             exercises
             must
             be
             attended
             seasonably
             ,
             and
             in
             due
             order
             :
             Idle
             and
             careless
             Persons
             ,
             that
             wander
             from
             their
             callings
             ,
             how
             full
             soever
             of
             good
             words
             ,
             must
             be
             numbred
             among
             those
             that
             walk
             disorderly
             .
             When
             the
             Rules
             of
             Christianity
             are
             so
             agreeable
             to
             the
             temporal
             well
             being
             ,
             and
             so
             indulgent
             to
             the
             present
             necessities
             of
             mankind
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             great
             shame
             to
             expose
             it
             to
             contempt
             and
             prejudice
             ,
             by
             such
             perversness
             or
             
             improvidence
             ,
             as
             if
             it
             were
             inconsistent
             with
             industry
             and
             prudence
             ,
             in
             the
             necessary
             concernment
             of
             this
             World.
             
          
           
             In
             like
             manner
             a
             discreet
             and
             moderate
             use
             of
             riches
             ,
             a
             generous
             frugality
             ,
             and
             frugal
             liberality
             ,
             avoiding
             fordid
             covetousness
             on
             the
             one
             hand
             ,
             and
             vain
             ostentation
             and
             deliciousness
             on
             the
             other
             ,
             is
             of
             good
             report
             and
             gains
             esteem
             ;
             but
             to
             live
             either
             too
             narrowly
             ,
             or
             too
             profusely
             ,
             taints
             a
             mans
             reputation
             ,
             and
             derogates
             from
             the
             honour
             of
             his
             Profession
             .
          
           
             To
             be
             constant
             or
             always
             the
             same
             ,
             is
             a
             noble
             property
             ,
             and
             is
             had
             in
             much
             honour
             .
             And
             hereunto
             true
             Christianity
             gives
             the
             greatest
             adnantage
             .
             It
             s
             main
             principles
             are
             evident
             and
             unchangable
             ;
             with
             the
             allowance
             of
             prudential
             accommodations
             according
             to
             time
             and
             place
             in
             things
             indifferent
             .
             It
             is
             a
             chief
             point
             of
             Wisdom
             to
             bring
             our
             might
             and
             main
             to
             the
             
               great
               &
               weighty
               things
               of
               the
               Law
               ,
            
             and
             to
             watch
             with
             jealousie
             against
             every
             devise
             of
             man
             that
             would
             undermine
             them
             ;
             but
             to
             be
             more
             cautious
             and
             sparing
             in
             points
             of
             less
             importance
             ,
             yet
             the
             occasions
             of
             much
             contest
             among
             them
             that
             own
             the
             same
             Doctrine
             of
             faith
             .
             We
             are
             ill
             advised
             if
             we
             lay
             our
             main
             stock
             where
             our
             main
             interest
             is
             not
             touched
             .
             Several
             matters
             touching
             Religion
             have
             been
             carried
             in
             a
             vicissitude
             according
             to
             the
             change
             of
             times
             ,
             and
             yet
             the
             substance
             of
             Religion
             not
             altered
             .
             
             It
             is
             not
             safe
             to
             fix
             a
             necessity
             upon
             such
             things
             ,
             from
             which
             the
             urgency
             of
             after-times
             may
             inforce
             us
             to
             drawback
             ,
             unless
             we
             will
             desert
             our
             Stations
             ,
             before
             we
             have
             a
             discharge
             from
             our
             Master
             in
             Heaven
             .
             The
             espousing
             of
             some
             controverted
             Forms
             and
             Doctrines
             may
             end
             in
             a
             divorce
             ,
             dishonourable
             enough
             ,
             although
             it
             be
             conscientious
             :
             And
             the
             reproach
             hereof
             may
             be
             aggravated
             by
             the
             pretended
             constancy
             of
             others
             in
             erroneous
             ways
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             indeed
             no
             other
             than
             the
             pertinacy
             of
             a
             selfish
             mind
             ,
             or
             an
             adhering
             to
             a
             worldly
             interest
             .
             When
             there
             is
             a
             liberty
             some
             Forms
             may
             be
             safely
             chosen
             ,
             as
             most
             advantageous
             ,
             and
             yet
             not
             asserted
             to
             be
             the
             only
             necessary
             ;
             and
             again
             ;
             some
             others
             may
             be
             laid
             aside
             ,
             as
             inconvenient
             :
             and
             yet
             not
             damned
             as
             impious
             ,
             or
             simply
             evil
             .
             The
             parent
             of
             true
             constancy
             is
             Godly
             Wisdom
             ,
             having
             the
             sure
             foundation
             of
             evident
             and
             unchangable
             Truths
             ,
             with
             a
             just
             latitude
             in
             things
             not
             determined
             by
             the
             positive
             Laws
             of
             God.
             And
             so
             there
             may
             ordinarily
             happen
             to
             the
             same
             man
             some
             diversity
             of
             practice
             at
             different
             times
             ,
             that
             deserves
             not
             the
             brand
             of
             time
             serving
             ,
             which
             is
             often
             too
             rashly
             objected
             .
             For
             the
             same
             fixed
             principle
             of
             knowledge
             and
             integrity
             will
             direct
             to
             this
             way
             or
             method
             of
             a
             sacred
             Action
             at
             one
             time
             ,
             and
             at
             another
             time
             to
             that
             which
             is
             far
             different
             ;
             yea
             ,
             and
             (
             when
             it
             cannot
             be
             avoided
             )
             to
             a
             
             submitting
             to
             what
             hath
             sometime
             been
             rejected
             ,
             I
             mean
             rejected
             not
             as
             in
             it self
             unlawfull
             ,
             but
             as
             inconvenient
             or
             less
             profitable
             .
             When
             we
             are
             at
             liberty
             ,
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             take
             the
             best
             way
             ;
             but
             when
             confined
             ,
             we
             must
             do
             as
             well
             as
             we
             may
             in
             that
             state
             .
             And
             the
             submission
             signifies
             an
             acknowledgment
             of
             the
             simple
             lawfulness
             ,
             but
             not
             of
             the
             comparative
             goodness
             or
             desirableness
             of
             the
             thing
             imposed
             .
          
           
             Since
             our
             blessed
             Saviour
             hath
             given
             his
             Church
             a
             legacy
             of
             
               Peace
               in
               Him
               ,
               with
               tribulation
               in
               the
               World
               ,
            
             to
             suffer
             with
             reputation
             ,
             is
             not
             of
             little
             moment
             .
             It
             sometimes
             comes
             to
             pass
             ,
             and
             that
             inevitably
             ,
             that
             the
             Godly
             suffer
             much
             in
             such
             cases
             which
             the
             looser
             sort
             account
             niceties
             ,
             and
             needless
             scruples
             ;
             in
             which
             cases
             ,
             their
             sufferings
             are
             precious
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             highly
             values
             the
             jots
             and
             tittles
             of
             his
             Law
             :
             but
             they
             are
             not
             so
             honourable
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             men
             .
             But
             when
             their
             cause
             is
             so
             unquestionable
             ,
             that
             all
             sober
             Spirits
             of
             Orthodox
             belief
             must
             needs
             regard
             it
             ,
             their
             suffering
             hath
             much
             more
             glory
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             faithfull
             will
             be
             more
             constant
             and
             uniform
             in
             adhering
             to
             such
             a
             cause
             .
             Howbeit
             if
             they
             suffer
             for
             conscience
             sake
             in
             such
             things
             as
             the
             World
             accounts
             niceties
             ;
             yet
             an
             upright
             and
             prudent
             walking
             with
             a
             peaceable
             Spirit
             ,
             submissive
             in
             things
             clearly
             indifferent
             ,
             and
             bearing
             with
             others
             
             intolerable
             differences
             ,
             will
             be
             an
             ample
             defence
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             gain
             respect
             ,
             and
             peradventure
             mollifie
             those
             that
             do
             the
             injury
             .
             Furthermore
             let
             it
             be
             here
             noted
             ,
             that
             to
             the
             Sufferer
             it
             is
             no
             less
             honourable
             ,
             to
             suffer
             for
             the
             Life
             and
             Power
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             in
             opposition
             to
             the
             immorality
             ,
             malignity
             ,
             and
             hypocrisie
             of
             carnal
             Christians
             ,
             than
             in
             the
             defence
             of
             the
             Christian
             Faith
             ,
             or
             any
             Article
             thereof
             ,
             in
             opposition
             to
             Infidels
             ,
             Hereticks
             ,
             or
             Blasphemers
             .
             For
             the
             Christian
             life
             and
             practice
             is
             the
             end
             of
             the
             Christian
             Faith
             and
             Doctrine
             ,
             and
             therefore
             cannot
             be
             of
             less
             regard
             .
             Yet
             this
             kind
             of
             Suffering
             is
             more
             dishonourable
             to
             Christ
             ,
             in
             respect
             of
             the
             Persecutors
             ,
             who
             are
             his
             professed
             Servants
             ,
             and
             therefore
             in
             this
             respect
             ,
             it
             is
             more
             grievous
             to
             the
             persecuted
             ,
             than
             if
             they
             Suffered
             from
             those
             that
             disown
             his
             name
             ,
             or
             are
             his
             more
             avowed
             Enemies
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIX
             .
          
           
             
               The
               most
               ample
               diffusion
               of
               the
               Light
               of
               knowledge
               ,
               is
               a
               sure
               means
               of
               promoting
               true
               Religion
               .
            
          
           
             FAlse
             and
             corrupt
             ways
             bear
             sway
             by
             a
             Peoples
             ignorance
             ;
             but
             Religion
             in
             its
             
             right
             and
             sound
             state
             as
             a
             Jewel
             that
             hath
             its
             greatest
             lustre
             by
             the
             brightest
             light
             ,
             is
             maintain'd
             by
             the
             clearest
             knowledge
             .
             In
             bright
             times
             ,
             the
             impostures
             and
             carnal
             designs
             of
             devised
             Doctrines
             ,
             and
             superstitious
             vanities
             will
             be
             made
             manifest
             ;
             and
             the
             hypocrisie
             being
             detected
             ,
             the
             Merchandize
             thereof
             will
             be
             quite
             marr'd
             .
             In
             such
             times
             even
             the
             vulgar
             sort
             will
             expect
             from
             those
             in
             sacred
             Functions
             ,
             at
             least
             the
             appearance
             of
             a
             sober
             ,
             righteous
             and
             godly
             conversation
             ,
             with
             diligence
             in
             holy
             administrations
             .
             Then
             the
             enemies
             of
             real
             Sanctity
             are
             put
             to
             hard
             shifts
             ,
             and
             forc'd
             to
             appear
             either
             in
             some
             colours
             of
             Truth
             ,
             or
             in
             the
             shame
             of
             their
             own
             nakedness
             .
             For
             this
             cause
             the
             Followers
             of
             Truth
             make
             it
             their
             special
             interest
             ,
             as
             throughly
             to
             promote
             the
             most
             ample
             diffusion
             ,
             and
             universal
             increase
             of
             Knowledge
             among
             all
             ranks
             and
             sorts
             of
             Men
             ,
             as
             the
             Adverse
             partly
             seek
             to
             oppose
             and
             debase
             it
             .
          
           
             We
             do
             not
             hereby
             mean
             an
             intermedling
             in
             difficult
             matters
             ,
             a
             smattering
             in
             controversies
             ,
             and
             certain
             curiosities
             of
             Opinions
             ,
             a
             store
             of
             unnecessary
             notions
             ,
             and
             of
             meer
             words
             and
             phrases
             ,
             which
             things
             are
             commonly
             erroneous
             ,
             and
             at
             the
             best
             but
             injudicious
             ,
             and
             puff
             up
             the
             half-witted
             and
             self-conceited
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             troublesom
             to
             themselves
             and
             others
             .
             But
             that
             which
             is
             here
             commended
             for
             an
             universal
             increase
             and
             propagation
             ,
             is
             to
             
             understand
             the
             Principles
             of
             the
             Essential
             Truths
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             to
             see
             their
             evidence
             ,
             to
             judge
             rightly
             of
             their
             weight
             and
             worth
             ,
             and
             to
             view
             their
             coherence
             ;
             and
             besides
             these
             ,
             to
             know
             so
             much
             of
             other
             Truths
             as
             the
             different
             Capacities
             of
             Men
             will
             inable
             them
             ,
             for
             the
             bettering
             of
             their
             Knowledge
             in
             the
             Essentials
             .
          
           
             The
             means
             of
             diffusing
             this
             Light
             are
             well
             known
             ,
             as
             the
             constant
             Preaching
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             and
             the
             opening
             of
             the
             Principles
             of
             Religion
             in
             a
             due
             form
             of
             Cathechism
             ,
             the
             strict
             observation
             of
             the
             Lords
             Day
             ,
             repetition
             of
             Sermons
             ,
             ●…ious
             Conferences
             ,
             reading
             the
             Word
             ,
             and
             Prayer
             in
             Families
             ,
             profitable
             Communication
             among
             neighbour-Christians
             in
             their
             daily
             converse
             ,
             the
             spreading
             of
             practical
             Books
             written
             by
             Men
             of
             sound
             judgment
             ,
             and
             Ministers
             private
             applications
             to
             those
             of
             their
             own
             Charges
             with
             prudence
             and
             meekness
             .
          
           
             For
             the
             same
             end
             that
             main
             Principle
             of
             Protestanism
             ,
             
               the
               judgment
               of
               Discretion
            
             ,
             as
             ●elonging
             to
             all
             Christians
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             asserted
             and
             ●…indicated
             against
             that
             Popish
             and
             brutish
             Do●…trine
             of
             
               implicit
               Faith
            
             ,
             in
             the
             Church's
             de●…rminations
             .
             This
             is
             not
             to
             subject
             matters
             of
             ●aith
             to
             a
             private
             Spirit
             ;
             but
             to
             refer
             them
             to
             ●…e
             divine
             Authority
             of
             the
             holy
             Scriptures
             ,
             to
             ●…e
             apprehended
             in
             the
             due
             and
             right
             use
             of
             ●eason
             ,
             which
             is
             a
             publick
             and
             evident
             thing
             ,
             ●…d
             lies
             open
             to
             the
             tryal
             and
             judgment
             of
             all
             
             Men.
             And
             to
             Men
             of
             sober
             minds
             ,
             serious
             for
             the
             saving
             of
             their
             own
             Souls
             ,
             the
             Analogy
             of
             Faith
             in
             the
             current
             of
             Scripture
             is
             easily
             discernable
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             ,
             the
             general
             increase
             of
             Knowledge
             lies
             much
             in
             the
             ingenuous
             Education
             and
             condition
             of
             the
             common
             People
             ,
             in
             opposition
             to
             sordidness
             ,
             slavery
             and
             brutish
             rudeness
             .
             Though
             some
             look
             upon
             the
             vulgar
             sort
             with
             contempt
             ,
             and
             seem
             to
             value
             them
             no
             more
             than
             brute
             Animals
             ,
             and
             think
             it
             enough
             that
             their
             Governors
             understand
             and
             consider
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             not
             they
             for
             themselves
             :
             yet
             Christ
             hath
             shed
             his
             Blood
             as
             much
             for
             the
             redemption
             of
             that
             Sort
             ,
             as
             of
             the
             Noble
             and
             Mighty
             ,
             and
             Prudent
             ;
             and
             he
             hath
             made
             no
             difference
             between
             the
             one
             and
             the
             other
             in
             the
             conditions
             of
             Salvation
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             priviledges
             and
             ordinances
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             .
             As
             for
             the
             receiving
             of
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             Scripture
             casts
             the
             advantage
             on
             the
             poorer
             and
             meaner
             side
             .
             
               Not
               many
               wise
               Men
               after
               the
               flesh
               ,
               not
               many
               mighty
               ,
               not
               many
               noble
               are
               called
               ,
            
             was
             the
             observation
             of
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             and
             St.
             James
             witnesseth
             ,
             that
             
               God
               hath
               chosen
               the
               Poor
               of
               this
               world
               ,
               rich
               in
               Faith
               ,
               and
               Heirs
               of
               his
               Kingdom
               .
            
             And
             those
             whom
             God
             hath
             chosen
             ,
             must
             needs
             be
             instructed
             in
             his
             Will.
             That
             
               reasonable
               service
            
             that
             he
             requires
             ,
             none
             can
             perform
             without
             Knowledge
             .
             Ignorance
             is
             opposite
             to
             the
             nature
             and
             being
             of
             true
             Christian
             Piety
             ,
             
             which
             is
             not
             at
             all
             where
             it
             is
             not
             received
             with
             understanding
             .
          
           
             This
             general
             increase
             of
             Knowledge
             hath
             fallen
             under
             a
             great
             suspicion
             of
             evil
             ,
             and
             it
             may
             be
             under
             the
             jealousie
             of
             Rulers
             ,
             as
             disposing
             Men
             to
             Sedition
             ,
             Rebellion
             ,
             Herisie
             and
             Schism
             .
             But
             how
             great
             a
             reproach
             is
             hereby
             cast
             upon
             human
             Nature
             ,
             or
             political
             Government
             ,
             or
             both
             ,
             that
             the
             more
             rationally
             apprehensive
             the
             Body
             of
             a
             People
             are
             ,
             they
             are
             so
             much
             the
             more
             ungovernable
             ,
             as
             if
             Government
             could
             not
             stand
             with
             the
             proper
             dignity
             and
             felicity
             of
             human
             Nature
             ?
             What
             manner
             of
             civil
             State
             is
             that
             ,
             which
             degrades
             the
             Subjects
             from
             Men
             to
             Beasts
             ,
             for
             a
             more
             absolute
             Dominion
             over
             them
             ?
             What
             manner
             of
             Christian
             Church
             is
             that
             ,
             which
             to
             prevent
             Heresie
             and
             Schism
             ,
             takes
             order
             that
             its
             Members
             be
             no
             Christians
             ?
             It
             is
             an
             unchristian
             ,
             inhuman
             policy
             in
             Church
             or
             State
             ,
             the
             foundation
             whereof
             is
             laid
             in
             the
             Peoples
             ignorance
             .
             As
             for
             the
             true
             interest
             of
             Rulers
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             weakened
             ,
             but
             strengthened
             by
             their
             Peoples
             knowledge
             ,
             which
             in
             its
             right
             and
             proper
             tendency
             makes
             them
             more
             conscientious
             ,
             and
             however
             ,
             more
             circumspect
             and
             considerate
             ,
             and
             consequently
             more
             easily
             manageable
             by
             a
             just
             and
             prudent
             Government
             .
             But
             gross
             ignorance
             tends
             to
             make
             them
             barbarous
             and
             belluine
             ,
             and
             in
             their
             mutinies
             and
             discontents
             uncounsellable
             and
             untameable
             ,
             and
             therefore
             very
             incongruous
             
             to
             a
             State
             governed
             by
             the
             Principles
             of
             Christianity
             or
             Humanity
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XX.
             
          
           
             
               The
               advantage
               of
               Human
               Learning
               to
               the
               same
               end
               .
            
          
           
             THough
             Religion
             rests
             not
             on
             human
             Learning
             ,
             as
             its
             main
             support
             ;
             yet
             it
             seeks
             and
             claims
             the
             necessary
             help
             thereof
             .
             Those
             whom
             God
             designs
             for
             eminent
             service
             ,
             he
             indues
             with
             eminent
             gifts
             either
             by
             means
             or
             miracle
             ;
             and
             he
             gives
             every
             intrusted
             Servant
             a
             measure
             answerable
             to
             his
             degree
             .
             The
             Apostles
             who
             laid
             the
             foundation
             were
             wise
             Master-builders
             :
             and
             surely
             it
             was
             not
             the
             mind
             of
             Christ
             that
             Wisdom
             should
             die
             with
             them
             ,
             when
             he
             settled
             his
             Church
             to
             indure
             throughout
             all
             Ages
             ,
             and
             promised
             to
             be
             with
             it
             to
             the
             end
             of
             the
             World.
             It
             is
             said
             indeed
             ,
             that
             
               the
               foolishness
               of
               God
               is
               wiser
               than
               Men
               ,
               and
               the
               weakness
               of
               God
               is
               stronger
               than
               Men.
            
             But
             that
             which
             is
             so
             called
             ,
             is
             not
             foolishness
             and
             weakness
             indeed
             ,
             but
             only
             so
             accounted
             by
             the
             pride
             of
             carnal
             Wisdom
             .
          
           
             In
             this
             Learned
             age
             the
             Antichristian
             State
             in
             Christendom
             is
             forced
             to
             advance
             Learning
             in
             its
             own
             defence
             .
             And
             now
             without
             Learning
             
             either
             divinely
             inspired
             or
             acquired
             by
             means
             ,
             we
             cannot
             defend
             our selves
             against
             it
             .
             Wherefore
             to
             destroy
             the
             supports
             of
             Learning
             ,
             is
             the
             way
             to
             subvert
             Religion
             .
             Yea
             ,
             though
             we
             were
             not
             ingaged
             by
             such
             strength
             of
             the
             Adversary
             to
             provide
             for
             our
             own
             defence
             ;
             yet
             solid
             human
             Learning
             doth
             of
             it self
             notably
             advance
             Divine
             Truth
             .
             The
             Learning
             that
             was
             spread
             over
             the
             World
             in
             the
             primitive
             times
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             apparently
             made
             way
             for
             that
             sudden
             and
             ample
             spreading
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
             And
             the
             Reviving
             thereof
             after
             an
             universal
             decay
             ,
             no
             less
             apparently
             made
             way
             for
             the
             breaking
             forth
             of
             this
             clearer
             Light
             of
             the
             Gospel
             after
             the
             long
             night
             of
             Popery
             .
             Unlearned
             and
             barbarous
             times
             are
             noted
             among
             the
             causes
             of
             depraving
             Religion
             with
             multiplied
             Superstitious
             absurdities
             and
             deformities
             .
             Indeed
             that
             
               great
               Mystery
               of
               Iniquity
            
             ,
             the
             Romish
             Synagogue
             is
             favoured
             by
             many
             wise
             and
             learned
             Ones
             ;
             but
             the
             interest
             of
             great
             Power
             and
             Wealth
             ,
             and
             other
             carnal
             al●urements
             ingage
             them
             to
             uphold
             that
             Babel
             ,
             and
             so
             
               to
               detain
               the
               Truth
               of
               God
               in
               their
               own
               ●nrighteousness
               .
            
          
           
             The
             Papal
             Kingdom
             of
             darkness
             hath
             amply
             provided
             for
             an
             eminent
             measure
             of
             Learning
             in
             their
             Superior
             Clergy
             ,
             and
             certain
             religious
             Orders
             designed
             for
             Theological
             controversies
             ,
             and
             the
             propagation
             of
             the
             
             Roman
             ●aith
             ,
             being
             necessitated
             thereunto
             by
             the
             
             learnedness
             of
             the
             present
             Age.
             But
             for
             the
             vulgar
             Priests
             ,
             who
             dayly
             converse
             with
             the
             common
             People
             ,
             that
             are
             ignorant
             and
             unlearned
             ,
             it
             matters
             not
             how
             little
             Knowledge
             they
             have
             ;
             and
             the
             Grandees
             care
             not
             that
             they
             should
             be
             conversant
             in
             learned
             Books
             ,
             no
             not
             in
             their
             own
             Bellarmine
             .
             As
             for
             the
             Laity
             ,
             t
             is
             a
             Principle
             in
             that
             Church
             ,
             that
             Ignorance
             is
             the
             mother
             of
             Devotion
             .
             A
             corrupt
             Ecclesiastical
             State
             ,
             upheld
             for
             worldly
             ends
             ,
             hath
             no
             reason
             to
             desire
             the
             advancement
             of
             Learning
             any
             further
             ,
             than
             is
             requisite
             to
             defend
             it
             sel●
             against
             learned
             Adversaries
             ,
             and
             to
             hold
             the
             Vulgar
             in
             admiration
             of
             it
             .
             It
             would
             hav●
             the
             People
             wholly
             to
             trust
             their
             Teachers
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             not
             well
             relished
             ,
             when
             learned
             Gentle
             men
             of
             the
             Laity
             are
             exact
             ,
             and
             studious
             i●
             Theological
             inquiries
             .
          
           
             The
             supports
             and
             rewards
             of
             Learning
             may
             be
             so
             inordinately
             apportioned
             and
             confe●…
             red
             ,
             as
             to
             exalt
             boundless
             ambition
             and
             avari●…
             in
             some
             ,
             and
             to
             nourish
             a
             dronish
             idleness
             and
             Epicurism
             in
             others
             ,
             and
             to
             cast
             the
             residue●…
             and
             those
             the
             greatest
             number
             into
             ignoranc●
             beggary
             ,
             baseness
             and
             superfluity
             of
             naught●…
             ness
             .
             Such
             a
             disposition
             of
             things
             ,
             besides
             th●…
             ruine
             of
             Religion
             would
             in
             the
             ruines
             there●…
             bury
             Learning
             it self
             (
             as
             it
             hath
             done
             in
             for
             mer
             Ages
             )
             if
             the
             industry
             of
             some
             were
             n●…
             kept
             waking
             by
             the
             increase
             of
             Knowledge
             a●…
             mong
             another
             sort
             of
             Men.
             But
             whatsoeve●
             
             abuse
             corrupts
             that
             which
             in
             it self
             is
             excellent
             ,
             the
             supports
             of
             Learning
             are
             always
             necessary
             in
             the
             true
             Church
             ;
             and
             to
             settle
             a
             way
             for
             a
             perpetual
             succession
             of
             wise
             and
             learned
             Guides
             of
             the
             Flock
             in
             this
             intire
             and
             sound
             state
             of
             Religion
             ,
             is
             to
             build
             the
             same
             on
             a
             Rock
             .
          
           
             The
             spirit
             of
             this
             Profession
             being
             sober
             ,
             solid
             and
             serious
             ,
             is
             happy
             in
             disposing
             towards
             the
             attainment
             of
             much
             Perfection
             in
             all
             profitable
             science
             ,
             and
             especially
             towards
             that
             which
             is
             most
             excellent
             and
             usefull
             in
             human
             affairs
             ,
             to
             wit
             solid
             and
             deep
             judgement
             .
             In
             this
             respect
             the
             Children
             of
             true
             Wisdom
             stand
             upon
             the
             vantage
             ground
             ;
             and
             the
             scope
             of
             their
             business
             directs
             them
             to
             excell
             in
             the
             more
             substantial
             part
             of
             Learning
             ,
             which
             perfects
             reason
             and
             falls
             in
             with
             practice
             ,
             and
             makes
             them
             able
             effectually
             to
             converse
             with
             Men
             both
             in
             Religious
             and
             Civil
             matters
             .
             These
             do
             not
             spend
             their
             days
             in
             a
             cloyster
             living
             to
             themselves
             alone
             ,
             but
             are
             seasonably
             called
             forth
             to
             sacred
             or
             civil
             Functions
             ,
             and
             so
             by
             Study
             in
             conjunction
             with
             practice
             and
             experience
             ,
             they
             become
             more
             perfect
             in
             Science
             .
             The
             same
             ●ntents
             and
             purposes
             direct
             them
             to
             understand
             the
             end
             and
             use
             of
             their
             acquisitions
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             their
             Learning
             at
             command
             ,
             and
             ma●ageable
             for
             present
             business
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXI
             .
          
           
             
               The
               general
               civility
               or
               common
               honesty
               of
               a
               Nation
               makes
               it
               more
               generally
               receptive
               of
               real
               Christianity
               or
               Godliness
               .
            
          
           
             REligion
             having
             considerateness
             and
             soberness
             in
             its
             nature
             ,
             hath
             great
             advantage
             by
             the
             sober
             and
             serious
             temper
             of
             a
             Nation
             ,
             City
             or
             Country
             ,
             where
             its
             advancement
             and
             propagation
             is
             designed
             .
             Civility
             is
             a
             good
             preparative
             to
             Piety
             ,
             and
             experience
             witnesseth
             ,
             that
             among
             the
             serious
             &
             temperate
             sort
             of
             People
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             most
             civilized
             places
             Religion
             takes
             best
             ;
             and
             that
             it
             takes
             least
             in
             those
             places
             where
             debauchery
             and
             Sensuality
             raign
             in
             those
             of
             the
             higher
             rank
             ,
             and
             a
             Heathen-like
             rudeness
             and
             stupidity
             seiseth
             the
             common
             multitude
             .
             Wherefore
             that
             sort
             of
             Men
             ,
             whose
             spirit
             or
             interest
             leads
             them
             to
             uphold
             a
             corrupt
             and
             carnal
             Church-state
             ,
             seek
             to
             gratifie
             the
             most
             sensual
             and
             vicious
             part
             of
             a
             Nation
             ,
             because
             they
             cannot
             so
             easily
             gain
             the
             considerate
             and
             soberminded
             ,
             who
             are
             more
             inquisitive
             into
             the
             principles
             and
             practices
             of
             different
             Parties
             ,
             and
             look
             more
             than
             others
             into
             the
             inside
             of
             mens
             Devotions
             .
          
           
             A
             Nation
             may
             be
             generally
             brought
             to
             civil
             
             conversation
             and
             the
             external
             part
             of
             Religion
             .
             For
             the
             restraining
             of
             filthy
             lewdness
             ,
             gross
             excesses
             and
             rudeness
             best
             comports
             with
             the
             health
             of
             the
             Body
             ,
             the
             security
             of
             the
             estate
             ,
             and
             the
             quietness
             of
             the
             mind
             .
             Therefore
             when
             it
             is
             in
             use
             ,
             it
             is
             no
             burden
             but
             an
             ease
             even
             to
             unregenerate
             Nature
             ,
             and
             so
             may
             pass
             generally
             among
             a
             People
             .
             Likewise
             natural
             Men
             being
             convinced
             and
             awakened
             ,
             will
             easily
             observe
             Religious
             duties
             so
             far
             as
             the
             peace
             of
             the
             natural
             Conscience
             doth
             require
             .
          
           
             The
             Conversation
             of
             the
             Pious
             is
             exemplary
             and
             of
             great
             authority
             ,
             especially
             when
             their
             strictness
             and
             seriousness
             is
             tempered
             with
             the
             amiable
             vertues
             of
             Meekness
             and
             Moderation
             .
             By
             this
             they
             may
             do
             much
             towards
             the
             civilizing
             of
             those
             that
             live
             about
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             conciliate
             the
             minds
             of
             Men
             towards
             them
             ,
             and
             bring
             them
             to
             good
             thoughts
             of
             Religion
             .
             But
             the
             harshness
             of
             some
             rigid
             honest
             Men
             may
             exasperate
             and
             beget
             hatred
             in
             some
             ,
             whom
             condescension
             and
             sweetness
             of
             conversation
             might
             have
             gained
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             mol●ified
             .
          
           
             Likewise
             by
             a
             discreet
             and
             seasonable
             use
             of
             christian
             liberty
             in
             the
             temperate
             injoyments
             of
             outward
             comforts
             in
             harmless
             Recreations
             ,
             and
             sober
             cheerfulness
             in
             honest
             Company
             ,
             the
             Religious
             may
             bring
             over
             others
             to
             a
             friendly
             converse
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             a
             means
             
             to
             keep
             them
             from
             the
             more
             gross
             and
             scandalous
             Pollutions
             of
             the
             world
             .
             Yet
             as
             they
             ought
             to
             shun
             an
             excessive
             reservedness
             and
             austerity
             ,
             so
             they
             must
             take
             heed
             of
             too
             great
             compliance
             with
             others
             in
             carnal
             liberty
             ,
             upon
             pretence
             of
             a
             friendly
             converse
             with
             them
             .
             They
             may
             not
             spend
             their
             time
             in
             recreations
             ,
             fruitless
             visits
             ,
             merry
             meetings
             and
             the
             like
             exercises
             ,
             wherein
             there
             is
             enough
             of
             idleness
             and
             vanity
             ,
             even
             when
             there
             is
             nothing
             of
             dissoluteness
             or
             gross
             immorallity
             .
             For
             by
             such
             a
             trade
             of
             life
             they
             would
             lose
             themselves
             in
             a
             sober
             kind
             of
             Epicurism
             ,
             or
             Sensuality
             under
             a
             form
             of
             Godliness
             ;
             and
             they
             would
             harden
             others
             in
             their
             loose
             walking
             ,
             or
             make
             them
             think
             that
             Professors
             are
             but
             as
             other
             men
             ,
             except
             in
             a
             name
             and
             outward
             Form.
             Wherefore
             they
             may
             be
             sociable
             no
             otherwise
             ,
             than
             that
             it
             may
             appear
             they
             make
             Religion
             their
             business
             ,
             and
             walk
             circumspectly
             and
             redeem
             their
             time
             from
             vanity
             ,
             for
             the
             serious
             Duties
             of
             their
             general
             and
             particular
             callings
             .
          
           
             It
             may
             be
             further
             noted
             ,
             that
             whatsoever
             promoteth
             knowledge
             among
             the
             meaner
             sort
             ,
             promotes
             Civility
             .
             Likewise
             where
             a
             people
             are
             generally
             settled
             in
             a
             way
             of
             industry
             and
             frugality
             ,
             and
             those
             of
             higher
             extract
             or
             education
             are
             bent
             unto
             exercises
             truly
             noble
             and
             worthy
             ,
             that
             Nation
             will
             be
             disposed
             to
             a
             more
             considerate
             and
             apprehensive
             habit
             of
             mind
             ,
             and
             to
             a
             more
             sober
             and
             regular
             course
             of
             life
             ;
             
             but
             the
             State
             of
             things
             is
             corrupt
             and
             tends
             to
             general
             debauchedness
             ,
             when
             those
             of
             higher
             Rank
             and
             Quality
             live
             in
             idleness
             and
             sensual
             excesses
             ,
             and
             have
             a
             proportionable
             number
             of
             the
             meaner
             sort
             waiting
             upon
             them
             in
             much
             idleness
             ,
             for
             the
             service
             of
             those
             lusts
             and
             vanities
             .
             This
             course
             would
             vitiate
             the
             whole
             Mass
             of
             a
             people
             ,
             did
             not
             some
             powerfull
             opposite
             means
             preserve
             some
             parts
             more
             intire
             and
             sound
             in
             Morals
             .
             Now
             an
             order
             and
             frame
             of
             things
             settled
             for
             frugality
             is
             not
             unworthy
             of
             a
             generous
             Nation
             .
             It
             is
             a
             noble
             thing
             for
             persons
             of
             higher
             birth
             and
             breeding
             to
             improve
             their
             parts
             ,
             and
             wealth
             ,
             and
             leasure
             in
             usefull
             and
             liberal
             studies
             and
             exercises
             ,
             whereby
             something
             may
             be
             added
             either
             to
             their
             own
             Fortunes
             ,
             or
             to
             the
             common
             stock
             and
             treasure
             of
             Mankind
             .
          
           
             Where
             this
             considerate
             and
             sober
             disposition
             of
             a
             people
             is
             affected
             ,
             it
             should
             be
             esteemed
             a
             great
             happiness
             ,
             and
             worthy
             of
             the
             best
             improvement
             for
             the
             advancement
             of
             Religion
             .
             Discreet
             and
             well
             minded
             persons
             are
             in
             no
             wise
             to
             be
             discouraged
             or
             disobliged
             .
             If
             they
             cannot
             be
             raised
             to
             a
             higher
             pitch
             ,
             it
             is
             better
             to
             keep
             them
             where
             they
             are
             ,
             than
             by
             any
             matter
             of
             disgust
             to
             occasion
             them
             to
             fall
             back
             first
             to
             disrelish
             ,
             then
             to
             loath
             and
             oppose
             a
             strict
             profession
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXII
             .
          
           
             
               The
               increase
               of
               Religion
               is
               promoted
               by
               being
               made
               ,
               as
               much
               as
               may
               be
               ,
               passable
               among
               men
               .
            
          
           
             SUch
             is
             the
             course
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             that
             a
             necessity
             of
             being
             singular
             lies
             upon
             those
             that
             imbrace
             the
             power
             of
             Godliness
             .
             And
             because
             all
             singularity
             is
             obnoxious
             to
             disgust
             and
             censure
             ,
             it
             concerns
             them
             to
             make
             it
             evident
             ,
             that
             theirs
             is
             not
             humorous
             and
             affected
             ,
             but
             necessary
             and
             conscientious
             ;
             and
             so
             to
             shun
             all
             affectation
             of
             odd
             conceits
             and
             practises
             ,
             or
             any
             unnecessary
             reservedness
             .
             The
             meer
             departing
             from
             evil
             and
             the
             impartial
             discharge
             of
             duty
             will
             set
             them
             too
             much
             alone
             and
             aloof
             off
             from
             too
             too
             many
             .
             And
             truly
             it
             is
             the
             grief
             of
             sincere
             and
             humble
             minds
             ,
             that
             they
             can
             have
             no
             more
             company
             in
             the
             way
             that
             is
             called
             holy
             .
             But
             the
             humour
             of
             needless
             Singularity
             ,
             hath
             a
             snatch
             of
             Pharisaical
             leaven
             in
             it
             .
             To
             be
             affable
             and
             of
             easie
             access
             ,
             and
             free
             in
             harmless
             compliances
             avails
             much
             to
             remove
             or
             lessen
             prejudice
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             not
             of
             little
             moment
             to
             discern
             and
             keep
             the
             right
             Path
             in
             the
             matter
             of
             Conformity
             to
             the
             decent
             Civilities
             of
             this
             world
             .
             To
             be
             
             sollicitous
             and
             exact
             about
             idle
             and
             tedious
             curiosities
             of
             Habit
             ,
             Gesture
             and
             complemental
             Converse
             ,
             to
             run
             with
             the
             formost
             after
             new
             Garbs
             and
             Fashions
             ,
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             the
             Purity
             ,
             Gravity
             and
             moderate
             severity
             of
             true
             Religion
             .
             On
             the
             other
             hand
             ,
             to
             neglect
             the
             decencies
             of
             the
             Age
             is
             taken
             to
             proceed
             from
             a
             sordid
             or
             a
             peevish
             humour
             .
             A
             mediocrity
             in
             such
             things
             is
             most
             acceptable
             and
             advantageous
             .
             The
             truth
             is
             ,
             the
             extravagancy
             of
             our
             times
             hath
             tempted
             some
             to
             strain
             Christian
             liberty
             beyond
             the
             bounds
             of
             Soberness
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             need
             that
             some
             check
             be
             given
             to
             this
             excess
             of
             vanity
             .
             Nevertheless
             the
             other
             extreem
             will
             gain
             no
             honour
             .
             Morosity
             truly
             so
             called
             is
             very
             offensive
             ,
             and
             is
             indeed
             but
             a
             severe
             and
             serious
             folly
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             not
             to
             be
             expected
             that
             all
             should
             be
             of
             the
             same
             strain
             ,
             Guarb
             or
             humour
             in
             these
             indifferent
             matters
             pertaining
             to
             human
             life
             ,
             wherein
             is
             found
             so
             great
             diversity
             among
             vertuous
             and
             worthy
             Persons
             .
             The
             more
             Free
             ,
             Gentile
             and
             chearfull
             may
             not
             despise
             them
             that
             be
             more
             shie
             ,
             reserved
             and
             solemn
             in
             their
             behaviour
             ,
             nor
             may
             these
             judge
             the
             other
             .
             For
             Godliness
             stands
             on
             neither
             side
             ,
             but
             is
             indifferent
             towards
             both
             .
          
           
             And
             importunate
             zeal
             ,
             and
             strictness
             about
             things
             of
             indifferent
             or
             doubtfull
             interpretation
             doth
             oft-times
             great
             disservice
             to
             Religion
             ,
             and
             hinders
             that
             reception
             that
             was
             ready
             to
             be
             
             given
             to
             it
             .
             When
             too
             great
             a
             stir
             is
             made
             about
             little
             matters
             ,
             men
             of
             loose
             principles
             will
             suggest
             against
             all
             Godly
             care
             and
             strictness
             ,
             as
             needless
             scrupulosity
             and
             preciseness
             .
             And
             the
             urging
             of
             some
             hard
             things
             ,
             as
             indispensable
             duties
             upon
             weak
             and
             uncertain
             grounds
             ,
             hath
             alienated
             the
             minds
             of
             some
             from
             that
             course
             of
             life
             ,
             which
             was
             necessary
             to
             their
             Salvation
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             most
             true
             ,
             that
             the
             Faithfull
             in
             Christ
             have
             their
             conversation
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             as
             being
             redeemed
             from
             this
             present
             evil
             world
             ,
             and
             having
             Jerusalem
             which
             is
             above
             the
             Mother
             of
             them
             all
             .
             Nevertheless
             as
             yet
             they
             dwell
             upon
             earth
             ,
             and
             converse
             with
             natural
             men
             ,
             and
             therefore
             may
             not
             speak
             and
             act
             in
             such
             a
             strain
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             taken
             out
             of
             the
             world
             .
             Provided
             they
             deny
             no
             principle
             of
             Faith
             ,
             it
             behoves
             them
             to
             shew
             themselves
             in
             nothing
             estranged
             from
             the
             principles
             of
             human
             reason
             ,
             and
             moral
             prudence
             according
             to
             men
             upon
             earth
             ,
             and
             in
             that
             regard
             to
             act
             as
             Citizens
             of
             this
             world
             ;
             though
             in
             regard
             of
             their
             heavenly
             Spirit
             and
             conversation
             ,
             which
             is
             their
             life
             indeed
             ,
             they
             must
             walk
             as
             fellow
             Citizens
             with
             the
             Saints
             now
             in
             Glory
             .
             I
             urge
             this
             the
             rather
             because
             they
             are
             by
             Scornfull
             men
             numbred
             among
             Fanaticks
             .
          
           
             Upon
             the
             same
             ground
             in
             all
             publick
             Affairs
             ,
             they
             must
             consider
             what
             the
             Kingdoms
             of
             this
             world
             with
             bear
             ;
             they
             must
             be
             discreet
             and
             
             temperate
             in
             their
             incounters
             with
             Peoples
             vanities
             ,
             especially
             inveterate
             Customs
             ;
             and
             in
             all
             things
             they
             should
             approve
             themselves
             fit
             and
             able
             for
             the
             service
             of
             human
             Society
             .
             This
             will
             make
             them
             appear
             considerable
             ,
             and
             befool
             and
             shame
             those
             that
             slight
             them
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             no
             difference
             in
             Christ
             ,
             between
             bond
             and
             free
             ,
             high
             and
             low
             ,
             rich
             and
             poor
             ;
             but
             they
             are
             all
             one
             in
             him
             :
             Wherefore
             the
             Scripture
             saith
             ,
             
               let
               the
               Brother
               of
               low
               degree
               rejoyce
               in
               that
               he
               is
               exalted
               ,
               but
               the
               rich
               man
               that
               he
               is
               made
               low
               .
            
             And
             accordingly
             it
             testifies
             against
             
               the
               having
               of
               the
               Faith
               of
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               with
               respect
               of
               Persons
               .
            
             Howbeit
             this
             indistinction
             of
             Persons
             respecteth
             Priviledges
             that
             are
             meerly
             Spiritual
             ,
             to
             which
             there
             is
             no
             inequality
             of
             right
             upon
             any
             civil
             pre-eminence
             :
             but
             in
             all
             civil
             Priviledges
             ,
             Christianity
             maintains
             the
             different
             rights
             of
             the
             several
             ranks
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             injoyns
             us
             to
             
               render
               honour
               to
               whom
               honour
               is
               due
               .
            
             And
             there
             is
             more
             in
             it
             than
             a
             meer
             gracefulness
             of
             behaviour
             ,
             or
             pleasingness
             of
             humane
             conversation
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             necessary
             to
             maintain
             Government
             ,
             and
             to
             keep
             the
             World
             in
             order
             .
             Religion
             therefore
             doth
             not
             countenance
             a
             levelling
             humour
             ,
             nor
             any
             insolence
             and
             irreverence
             towards
             Superiors
             ,
             but
             condemns
             their
             pride
             and
             folly
             ,
             that
             presume
             to
             ●arry
             it
             in
             that
             sort
             ,
             upon
             the
             account
             of
             an
             equality
             in
             Christ
             ,
             or
             a
             conceit
             of
             their
             own
             
             pre-eminence
             in
             him
             above
             others
             .
             The
             profession
             of
             Godliness
             cannot
             be
             more
             prejudiced
             ,
             than
             by
             such
             a
             Spirit
             and
             behaviour
             discerned
             in
             those
             that
             pretend
             to
             it
             .
             The
             mighty
             ,
             the
             noble
             ,
             and
             the
             wealthy
             ,
             will
             not
             indure
             to
             be
             confronted
             by
             mean
             Persons
             ;
             but
             are
             tempted
             to
             hate
             and
             crush
             that
             Profession
             ,
             which
             they
             think
             makes
             men
             forget
             those
             distances
             and
             due
             observances
             ,
             which
             civility
             calls
             for
             .
             But
             Religion
             is
             made
             more
             passable
             and
             acceptable
             ,
             especially
             with
             those
             at
             the
             upper
             end
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             by
             the
             discretion
             and
             modesty
             of
             its
             Professors
             ,
             in
             upholding
             civil
             distinctions
             and
             degrees
             of
             honour
             among
             men
             ,
             and
             in
             rendring
             to
             all
             their
             dues
             according
             to
             those
             degrees
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXIII
             .
          
           
             
               The
               observing
               of
               a
               due
               latitude
               in
               Religion
               ,
               makes
               for
               the
               security
               and
               increase
               thereof
               .
            
          
           
             CHristianity
             is
             not
             to
             be
             extended
             to
             such
             a
             latitude
             ,
             as
             to
             take
             in
             Hereticks
             ,
             〈◊〉
             Idolaters
             ,
             or
             real
             Infidels
             ,
             because
             they
             ar●…
             named
             Christians
             ;
             nor
             is
             it
             shut
             up
             in
             severe●…
             Parties
             distinguished
             by
             certain
             Doctrin●…
             Rites
             and
             Platforms
             ,
             which
             the
             tyranny
             〈◊〉
             ancient
             Tradition
             ,
             National
             custom
             ,
             Politic●…
             
             Interest
             ,
             or
             passionate
             zeal
             hath
             exalted
             :
             but
             it
             incompasseth
             all
             those
             that
             hold
             Christ
             the
             Head
             in
             the
             unity
             of
             Faith
             and
             Life
             .
             Wherefore
             the
             constitution
             of
             the
             Church
             must
             be
             set
             as
             much
             as
             may
             be
             for
             the
             incompassing
             of
             all
             true
             Christians
             ,
             which
             indeed
             makes
             for
             its
             most
             fixed
             and
             ample
             state
             .
             And
             the
             taking
             of
             a
             narrower
             compass
             ,
             is
             a
             fundamental
             error
             ●n
             its
             Policy
             ,
             and
             will
             always
             hinder
             its
             stability
             and
             increase
             .
          
           
             The
             true
             state
             of
             the
             Church
             (
             as
             of
             any
             other
             Society
             )
             lies
             in
             the
             universality
             ,
             or
             the
             ●hole
             Body
             ,
             and
             not
             in
             any
             divided
             or
             sub●ivided
             parts
             thereof
             .
             Accordingly
             ,
             its
             true
             ●nterest
             leads
             not
             to
             the
             things
             that
             make
             for
             the
             exalting
             of
             this
             or
             that
             Party
             ,
             but
             to
             those
             common
             and
             great
             concernments
             that
             uphold
             and
             increase
             the
             whole
             Body
             .
             And
             it
             is
             but
             just
             and
             equal
             to
             accomodate
             the
             publick
             Order
             ,
             to
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             all
             Parties
             ,
             not
             in
             what
             their
             several
             designs
             and
             humors
             crave
             ,
             (
             which
             is
             impossible
             )
             but
             in
             what
             they
             all
             may
             justly
             challenge
             by
             their
             Christian
             liberty
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             possible
             ;
             namely
             ,
             that
             their
             consciencies
             may
             not
             be
             perplexed
             and
             ●…rdened
             with
             things
             unnecessary
             ,
             how
             high●…
             soever
             magnified
             by
             some
             one
             Party
             .
          
           
             They
             that
             seek
             Worldly
             wealth
             and
             glory
             〈◊〉
             a
             Church
             state
             ,
             think
             it
             as
             good
             to
             yield
             〈◊〉
             all
             ,
             as
             to
             relinguish
             any
             thing
             of
             their
             ●…nstitutions
             .
             For
             although
             they
             know
             that
             
             moderation
             might
             make
             for
             a
             general
             Peace
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             lasting
             good
             of
             a
             Christian
             People
             ,
             yet
             they
             foresee
             that
             by
             removing
             offences
             ,
             and
             reforming
             abuses
             ,
             they
             should
             open
             a
             door
             to
             men
             of
             such
             principles
             ,
             as
             may
             subvert
             the
             foundations
             of
             their
             building
             .
             Therefore
             they
             think
             it
             safer
             to
             immure
             themselves
             by
             institutions
             sutable
             to
             their
             own
             estate
             ,
             and
             to
             adhere
             to
             them
             unalterably
             .
             According
             to
             this
             reason
             in
             the
             Council
             of
             Trent
             ,
             the
             Pope
             gave
             his
             Legates
             instruction
             so
             to
             proceed
             ,
             that
             the
             Lutherans
             might
             despair
             o●
             Peace
             ,
             without
             a
             total
             submission
             .
             For
             h●
             regarded
             not
             their
             return
             upon
             such
             term●
             as
             would
             diminish
             the
             Authority
             and
             Revenue
             of
             his
             Court
             ,
             or
             weaken
             any
             of
             th●
             foundations
             of
             Papal
             Power
             .
             Such
             a
             Party
             value
             all
             men
             ,
             whether
             they
             draw
             nearer
             t●
             them
             ,
             or
             keep
             further
             from
             them
             ,
             as
             they
             stand
             affected
             to
             the
             interest
             which
             they
             maintain
             .
             But
             true
             Religion
             stands
             upon
             another
             bottom
             ,
             and
             pursues
             other
             ends
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             Holiness
             and
             Peace
             ,
             and
             that
             without
             partiality
             and
             without
             hypocrisie
             .
             It
             hath
             no
             privat●
             carnal
             Interest
             to
             uphold
             ,
             and
             therefore
             need
             not
             such
             carnal
             devices
             for
             its
             own
             securit●
             and
             advantage
             .
             By
             comprehensiveness
             loseth
             nothing
             ,
             because
             it
             seeks
             not
             gre●…
             things
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             nor
             serves
             the
             designs
             of
             an●
             Faction
             ;
             and
             as
             it
             loseth
             nothing
             hereby
             ,
             s●
             it
             gaineth
             much
             ,
             both
             in
             amplitude
             and
             st●
             bility
             .
          
           
           
             In
             Church
             affairs
             ,
             those
             things
             are
             to
             be
             held
             fast
             which
             Christ
             our
             Lawgiver
             hath
             by
             his
             unalterable
             Rule
             determined
             ,
             and
             made
             necessary
             to
             the
             building
             up
             of
             his
             Church
             ,
             such
             as
             are
             the
             Spiritual
             Ordinances
             and
             Officers
             of
             his
             institution
             .
             But
             things
             of
             meer
             human
             determination
             are
             not
             unalterable
             ,
             and
             the
             alteration
             thereof
             in
             a
             season
             that
             requires
             it
             ,
             doth
             no
             whit
             weaken
             Religion
             ,
             or
             darken
             the
             glory
             of
             it
             .
             And
             doubtless
             they
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             more
             regarded
             ,
             than
             integrity
             of
             life
             ,
             and
             Ministerial
             ability
             and
             industry
             ,
             for
             the
             Churches
             Edification
             in
             Faith
             and
             Holiness
             .
             The
             exercises
             of
             Christian
             meekness
             and
             charity
             in
             such
             things
             ,
             is
             far
             more
             glorious
             to
             the
             Church
             ,
             than
             a
             forc'd
             uniformity
             ;
             and
             that
             constraining
             rigor
             which
             doth
             but
             debase
             mens
             judgments
             into
             servility
             ,
             and
             teaching
             them
             to
             strain
             their
             consciences
             ,
             ●ends
             to
             make
             them
             less
             Conscientious
             and
             Religious
             .
             Besides
             ,
             the
             said
             moderation
             in
             those
             matters
             ,
             wherein
             uniformity
             of
             apprehensions
             is
             unnecessary
             and
             imposible
             ,
             will
             keep
             the
             Church
             in
             a
             better
             consistency
             ,
             and
             deliver
             it
             from
             those
             contests
             and
             breaches
             wich
             may
             end
             ●n
             its
             dissipation
             .
             But
             what
             glory
             or
             safety
             ●s
             there
             in
             a
             publick
             Order
             that
             is
             ,
             and
             ever
             will
             be
             made
             the
             subject
             of
             controversie
             ,
             more
             than
             the
             Rule
             of
             Unity
             ?
          
           
             The
             hinderance
             of
             the
             most
             important
             things
             of
             Christs
             Kingdom
             ,
             is
             a
             mischief
             that
             always
             follows
             the
             promoting
             of
             narrow
             principles
             ,
             
             and
             partial
             interests
             in
             Religion
             ,
             Whereof
             these
             instances
             among
             many
             others
             may
             be
             noted
             ,
             The
             obstructing
             of
             the
             liberty
             of
             publick
             Ministerial
             Service
             ,
             to
             be
             given
             to
             Ministers
             that
             lie
             under
             restraint
             ,
             lest
             some
             that
             accept
             it
             not
             should
             be
             weakened
             in
             their
             severed
             Interest
             ;
             Also
             the
             opposing
             of
             a
             publick
             order
             of
             Catechizing
             the
             People
             in
             the
             uncontroverted
             principles
             of
             Religion
             ,
             lest
             the
             petty
             Liberties
             of
             a
             Party
             in
             their
             severed
             way
             should
             be
             impaired
             .
             But
             the
             concerns
             of
             any
             particular
             Party
             are
             set
             behind
             the
             common
             Interest
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             by
             a
             true
             Catholick
             Spirit
             which
             is
             ready
             to
             joyn
             hand
             in
             hand
             with
             any
             that
             seek
             the
             increase
             of
             Faith
             and
             Godliness
             ,
             in
             the
             unquestionable
             means
             thereof
             .
             And
             no
             detriment
             can
             accrew
             by
             concurring
             even
             with
             men
             of
             adverse
             principles
             ,
             in
             setting
             on
             foot
             those
             things
             received
             in
             common
             ,
             that
             have
             a
             sure
             tendency
             to
             advance
             true
             Religion
             :
             of
             which
             sort
             ,
             are
             all
             good
             means
             of
             introducing
             knowledge
             and
             civil
             conversation
             among
             a
             People
             rude
             and
             ignorant
             .
          
           
             The
             fixing
             of
             Divine
             right
             upon
             matters
             of
             meer
             prudence
             ,
             and
             the
             damning
             of
             things
             indifferent
             for
             unlawfull
             ,
             is
             an
             error
             of
             evil
             consequence
             .
             It
             causlesly
             breaks
             a
             People
             into
             Parties
             ,
             and
             excites
             them
             to
             subvert
             their
             opposites
             ,
             and
             the
             opposition
             seems
             unchangeable
             .
             Hereby
             publick
             affairs
             are
             discomposed
             ,
             
             the
             cause
             of
             Religion
             is
             imbroiled
             ,
             and
             the
             propagation
             thereof
             obstructed
             ;
             and
             perhaps
             at
             length
             ,
             after
             tedious
             contests
             ,
             either
             both
             Parties
             being
             weary
             of
             endless
             strife
             ,
             sit
             down
             in
             silence
             ;
             or
             the
             weaker
             being
             vanquished
             ,
             is
             crush'd
             ,
             or
             yields
             with
             shame
             and
             loss
             .
             Into
             the
             snare
             of
             this
             Error
             ,
             men
             are
             brought
             by
             narrowness
             of
             judgment
             ,
             or
             strength
             of
             fancy
             ,
             or
             hurry
             of
             prejudice
             ,
             driving
             from
             one
             extream
             to
             another
             ,
             to
             which
             may
             be
             added
             the
             private
             Interests
             of
             leading
             men
             .
             Wherefore
             we
             should
             take
             care
             that
             we
             lay
             no
             bonds
             upon
             our selves
             ,
             in
             those
             things
             wherein
             neither
             the
             Law
             of
             nature
             ,
             nor
             any
             positive
             Law
             of
             God
             hath
             bound
             us
             up
             .
          
           
             Furthermore
             ,
             it
             doth
             not
             stand
             with
             the
             settlement
             or
             inlargement
             of
             any
             Church
             Interest
             ,
             to
             enter
             into
             such
             Religious
             bonds
             ,
             as
             must
             needs
             conflict
             ,
             not
             only
             with
             the
             opposition
             of
             perpetual
             adversaries
             ,
             but
             also
             with
             the
             dissentings
             and
             dissatisfactions
             of
             friends
             considerable
             for
             number
             and
             quality
             ;
             in
             as
             much
             as
             they
             are
             too
             narrow
             for
             the
             common
             Interest
             ,
             and
             biass
             too
             strongly
             to
             a
             Party
             of
             one
             persuasion
             .
             For
             which
             cause
             their
             pre●alence
             is
             not
             lasting
             ,
             but
             by
             usual
             and
             easie
             changes
             ,
             their
             weakness
             is
             discovered
             .
          
           
             To
             tie
             a
             People
             to
             certain
             little
             rules
             and
             methods
             in
             Church
             Discipline
             ,
             that
             are
             ge●erally
             displeasing
             ;
             as
             the
             necessary
             terms
             of
             ●hurch
             Priviledges
             ,
             when
             the
             ends
             of
             Discipline
             
             may
             be
             as
             well
             obtained
             without
             them
             ,
             is
             at
             the
             best
             but
             the
             vanity
             of
             a
             needless
             trouble
             ,
             in
             doing
             that
             with
             much
             ado
             ,
             which
             might
             be
             done
             with
             less
             ;
             and
             it
             may
             occasion
             an
             incurable
             breach
             ,
             and
             the
             rejection
             of
             the
             whole
             Form
             of
             Government
             .
          
           
             Narrow
             and
             uncertain
             boundaries
             of
             Church
             Communion
             ,
             and
             arbitrary
             and
             rigid
             rules
             of
             admission
             ,
             are
             contrary
             to
             that
             ample
             and
             fixed
             Church
             state
             ,
             which
             is
             necessary
             to
             uphold
             and
             propagate
             true
             Religion
             .
             The
             Faith
             of
             Christ
             hath
             been
             propagated
             and
             perpetuated
             in
             large
             Kingdoms
             and
             Nations
             ,
             by
             incompassing
             under
             its
             external
             Rule
             and
             Order
             ,
             the
             multitude
             that
             made
             profession
             ,
             though
             they
             might
             fa●…
             short
             of
             the
             New
             Birth
             ,
             and
             
               those
               things
               tha●
               accompany
               Salvation
            
             :
             And
             it
             doth
             not
             roo●
             or
             spread
             in
             any
             sort
             considerable
             in
             a
             Region
             ,
             where
             the
             order
             of
             admission
             is
             set
             by
             the
             rigid
             and
             narrow
             principles
             of
             a
             small
             Party
             ,
             and
             the
             general
             multitude
             lies
             open
             as
             wa●…
             ground
             for
             any
             to
             invade
             or
             occupy
             .
             The
             strength
             and
             security
             of
             the
             Protestant
             Reformation
             ,
             came
             by
             the
             taking
             in
             of
             Kingdom●
             and
             whole
             Dominions
             within
             its
             compas●
             .
             The
             external
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             must
             needs
             be
             much
             wider
             than
             the
             internal
             .
             It
             is
             like
             the
             draw
             Net
             that
             gathered
             Fishes
             good
             and
             bad
             ,
             and
             like
             a
             Corn
             Field
             ,
             wherein
             Whea●…
             and
             Tares
             grow
             together
             till
             the
             Harvest
             .
             Moreover
             ,
             the
             increase
             of
             professed
             Christian
             
             makes
             way
             for
             the
             increase
             of
             regenerate
             Christians
             and
             Converts
             to
             the
             power
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             are
             generally
             made
             out
             of
             the
             mass
             of
             People
             ,
             of
             an
             Orthodox
             profession
             :
             and
             few
             of
             them
             are
             turned
             immediately
             from
             Infidelity
             ,
             Popery
             ,
             or
             any
             Heresie
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXIV
             .
          
           
             
               The
               Care
               and
               Wisdom
               of
               the
               Church
               in
               preventing
               ,
               and
               curing
               the
               evil
               of
               Fanatical
               and
               Sectarian
               Error
               .
            
          
           
             AMong
             the
             Wiles
             of
             Satan
             ,
             whereby
             he
             depraveth
             the
             Spiritual
             excellency
             of
             pure
             Religion
             ,
             and
             mightily
             hinders
             its
             advance
             in
             the
             Kingdoms
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             Fanatical
             and
             Sectarian
             aberrations
             ,
             are
             not
             the
             least
             .
             If
             these
             follies
             were
             but
             heeded
             by
             those
             that
             are
             most
             in
             danger
             ,
             before
             they
             are
             ingaged
             and
             drunken
             with
             errour
             ,
             it
             were
             in
             great
             part
             an
             antidote
             against
             this
             mischief
             .
             For
             the
             well
             minded
             that
             are
             but
             weak
             ,
             and
             of
             easie
             impression
             ,
             are
             lead
             aside
             chiefly
             for
             lack
             of
             attention
             and
             observation
             .
             Many
             are
             Children
             in
             understanding
             ,
             and
             many
             are
             passionate
             and
             inconsiderate
             ,
             and
             an
             innate
             levity
             ,
             and
             inconstancy
             of
             mind
             is
             very
             common
             .
          
           
           
             It
             behoves
             the
             Guides
             of
             the
             Flock
             to
             possess
             the
             minds
             of
             the
             People
             with
             sober
             principles
             ;
             and
             to
             have
             a
             watchfull
             eye
             upon
             the
             first
             rising
             of
             any
             Pragmatick
             Fancies
             that
             feed
             on
             notions
             and
             novelties
             ,
             under
             a
             shew
             of
             a
             more
             discerning
             Spirit
             in
             Gospel
             Mysteries
             ,
             than
             others
             have
             .
             Such
             being
             vanity
             puff'd
             up
             ,
             will
             be
             starting
             questions
             and
             multiplying
             slight
             exceptions
             against
             the
             received
             Truth
             ,
             and
             will
             please
             the
             itching
             ears
             ,
             and
             slight
             Spirits
             of
             some
             pretenders
             to
             Godliness
             ,
             who
             will
             become
             their
             hasty
             proselytes
             ,
             and
             join
             with
             them
             to
             unravel
             one
             thing
             after
             another
             ,
             in
             the
             texture
             of
             holy
             Doctrine
             .
             And
             by
             the
             repute
             of
             their
             good
             parts
             and
             seeming
             Piety
             ,
             may
             stagger
             others
             of
             good
             intentions
             ,
             but
             weaker
             judgments
             .
             And
             of
             this
             sort
             ,
             none
             are
             more
             dangerous
             than
             vain-glorious
             Teachers
             :
             ambitious
             of
             leading
             Parties
             ,
             and
             by
             plausible
             indowments
             furnished
             for
             such
             designs
             .
             These
             to
             raise
             their
             own
             fame
             ,
             and
             make
             to
             themselves
             a
             devoted
             People
             ,
             will
             become
             absolute
             Sect-Masters
             ;
             and
             those
             that
             close
             with
             them
             ,
             they
             hold
             with
             pleasing
             devices
             ,
             and
             serve
             their
             humours
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             serve
             themselves
             of
             them
             .
             There
             is
             also
             in
             some
             Persons
             a
             right
             Sectarian
             leaven
             ,
             which
             is
             evermore
             to
             follow
             peculiar
             Opinions
             ,
             and
             some
             separated
             Party
             in
             Religion
             ,
             and
             they
             speak
             security
             to
             their
             own
             Souls
             ,
             by
             being
             of
             such
             an
             Opinion
             or
             of
             such
             a
             Party
             .
          
           
           
             Against
             the
             Sectarian
             and
             Fanatick
             Spirit
             ,
             it
             concerns
             the
             Church
             to
             keep
             a
             continual
             watch
             and
             ward
             ;
             but
             not
             so
             as
             to
             imprison
             the
             truth
             ,
             to
             lock
             up
             the
             key
             of
             knowledge
             ,
             to
             stifle
             Godly
             zeal
             ,
             to
             detain
             a
             People
             in
             dead
             and
             dull
             principles
             ,
             that
             will
             not
             reach
             to
             the
             New
             Birth
             and
             Divine
             Life
             .
             For
             this
             were
             all
             one
             as
             to
             prevent
             or
             cure
             a
             frenzy
             by
             causing
             a
             Lethargy
             ,
             or
             some
             other
             such
             like
             stupidity
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             ,
             a
             Superstitious
             formal
             love
             ,
             and
             sensual
             way
             of
             Religion
             ,
             will
             in
             no
             wise
             be
             able
             to
             prevent
             or
             suppress
             this
             evil
             ,
             but
             will
             give
             occasion
             to
             its
             rise
             and
             growth
             ,
             except
             in
             times
             of
             profound
             ignorance
             and
             silence
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             depth
             of
             Popish
             darkness
             .
             But
             whensoever
             the
             light
             breaks
             forth
             ,
             and
             the
             People
             see
             with
             their
             own
             eyes
             ,
             and
             the
             Ecclesiastical
             Governours
             will
             not
             admit
             a
             true
             reformation
             ,
             but
             persecute
             those
             that
             seek
             it
             ,
             then
             are
             many
             in
             danger
             of
             falling
             into
             this
             opposite
             extream
             .
             For
             they
             are
             cast
             upon
             it
             ,
             both
             by
             the
             hatred
             of
             the
             present
             corruptions
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             weakness
             of
             their
             own
             judgment
             ,
             being
             not
             throughly
             instructed
             in
             the
             solid
             truth
             .
             And
             so
             they
             ●un
             hastily
             from
             superstition
             and
             externalness
             into
             delusion
             and
             wild
             fancies
             ;
             from
             the
             common
             dissoluteness
             and
             remisness
             of
             those
             that
             call
             themselves
             Orthodox
             ,
             into
             a
             vain
             boasting
             of
             perfection
             ;
             from
             the
             usurpations
             of
             proud
             men
             incroaching
             upon
             Christs
             Prerogative
             
             and
             their
             false
             constrained
             Unity
             ,
             into
             Anarchy
             and
             confusion
             ;
             and
             from
             a
             wrathfull
             zeal
             and
             persecuting
             cruelty
             ,
             into
             a
             disorderly
             promiscuous
             and
             familistical
             love
             ,
             or
             indulgence
             towards
             all
             .
             On
             the
             contrary
             ,
             a
             Church
             state
             that
             is
             agreeable
             to
             the
             Spiritual
             Ministration
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             truly
             Apostolical
             ,
             is
             the
             surest
             remedy
             against
             Sectarianism
             and
             Phanaticism
             ,
             truly
             so
             called
             .
             When
             the
             Church
             abandons
             Romish
             Tyranny
             and
             Superstition
             ,
             and
             yet
             is
             settled
             in
             a
             regular
             and
             stable
             Polity
             ;
             when
             the
             publick
             Order
             throughly
             promotes
             the
             means
             of
             sound
             knowledge
             ,
             and
             incourageth
             real
             Godliness
             ,
             it
             satisfie
             the
             minds
             of
             them
             who
             justly
             expect
             in
             a
             Gospel
             Church
             and
             Ministry
             ,
             more
             than
             an
             outward
             Form
             ,
             even
             the
             manifestation
             of
             Truth
             and
             Spiritual
             Light
             ,
             and
             Life
             and
             Power
             ;
             an●
             it
             prevents
             their
             wandring
             to
             seek
             after
             it
             i●
             the
             devious
             paths
             of
             Sectaries
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             of
             great
             moment
             ,
             that
             of
             the
             mo●…
             learned
             ,
             able
             ,
             and
             judicious
             Persons
             of
             Orthodox
             profession
             ,
             there
             be
             many
             eminently
             Pious
             ,
             whose
             authority
             and
             reputation
             may
             b●…
             able
             to
             hold
             in
             those
             ,
             whose
             affection
             an●…
             fancy
             is
             apt
             to
             outrun
             their
             judgment
             ;
             likewise
             that
             the
             Pastors
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             who
             a●…
             called
             
               the
               Light
               of
               the
               World
            
             ,
             do
             so
             walk
             i●…
             the
             Light
             ,
             as
             that
             there
             be
             no
             occasion
             o●…
             stumbling
             in
             them
             through
             notorious
             Prid●…
             Covetousness
             ,
             Self-Seeking
             ,
             inordinate
             sensuality
             ,
             
             or
             the
             vehement
             appearance
             of
             any
             gross
             evil
             .
             For
             the
             weaker
             sort
             is
             commonly
             undone
             by
             offences
             .
          
           
             And
             because
             seducers
             are
             very
             active
             and
             spare
             no
             cost
             nor
             travel
             ,
             but
             as
             they
             have
             done
             of
             old
             ,
             do
             compass
             Sea
             and
             Land
             to
             gain
             Proselites
             ,
             it
             behoves
             the
             Pastors
             carefully
             to
             keep
             their
             People
             ,
             and
             the
             People
             carefully
             to
             keep
             themselves
             out
             of
             the
             hands
             of
             these
             Hucksters
             .
             The
             common
             remisness
             in
             this
             matter
             is
             deplorable
             .
          
           
             Sometimes
             the
             manner
             of
             opposition
             against
             Seducers
             ,
             is
             unadvised
             and
             prejudicial
             .
             To
             contend
             for
             truth
             by
             wrath
             ,
             and
             clamour
             ,
             and
             contumelious
             language
             and
             usage
             ,
             inhanceth
             the
             price
             of
             Error
             ,
             and
             adds
             to
             its
             reputation
             .
             But
             the
             surest
             way
             is
             to
             converse
             much
             with
             our
             plain
             hearted
             People
             ,
             and
             to
             season
             them
             with
             right
             principles
             ,
             and
             to
             detect
             the
             subtile
             methods
             of
             deceitfull
             workers
             ,
             and
             the
             dangerous
             issues
             of
             their
             allurements
             ,
             and
             by
             honest
             and
             inoffensive
             applications
             to
             prepossess
             those
             holds
             ,
             of
             which
             deceivers
             seek
             to
             possess
             themselves
             .
          
           
             And
             here
             it
             is
             of
             chief
             importance
             ,
             that
             the
             influence
             of
             the
             Pastors
             and
             other
             prudent
             and
             able
             Persons
             ,
             upon
             the
             common
             multitude
             of
             professors
             ,
             be
             more
             prevailing
             ,
             than
             the
             influence
             of
             the
             common
             multitude
             upon
             the
             Pastors
             and
             other
             prudent
             Leaders
             .
             Servile
             temporizing
             with
             vulgar
             fancies
             ,
             degrades
             the
             
             Authority
             and
             Wisdom
             of
             prudent
             Guides
             ,
             and
             lifts
             up
             a
             vulgar
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             will
             bring
             it
             to
             that
             pass
             ,
             that
             the
             weakest
             and
             most
             inconsiderate
             shall
             sway
             the
             Churches
             Interest
             .
             Let
             Persons
             of
             approved
             worth
             be
             more
             faithful
             and
             noble
             ,
             than
             by
             such
             servility
             and
             treachery
             ,
             to
             raise
             to
             themselves
             a
             power
             in
             the
             hearts
             of
             the
             weaker
             sort
             .
             Let
             them
             rather
             commend
             themselves
             by
             their
             known
             Integrity
             ,
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             by
             being
             ready
             also
             in
             all
             condescention
             ,
             to
             serve
             and
             please
             them
             to
             their
             Edification
             .
             And
             such
             faithfulness
             is
             the
             surest
             means
             to
             gain
             them
             love
             and
             honour
             .
          
           
             Let
             the
             Religious
             beware
             of
             seeking
             to
             be
             admired
             and
             magnified
             among
             one
             another
             ,
             or
             of
             overprizing
             each
             others
             esteem
             .
             This
             latter
             seems
             to
             be
             the
             cause
             that
             drew
             Peter
             to
             a
             fit
             of
             dissimulation
             and
             separation
             from
             the
             believing
             Gentiles
             ,
             while
             he
             sought
             too
             much
             to
             please
             them
             that
             were
             of
             the
             Circumcision
             .
          
           
             Sometimes
             we
             know
             not
             our
             own
             Spirits
             .
             It
             is
             good
             to
             beware
             of
             provocations
             like
             to
             be
             given
             or
             taken
             .
             Upon
             a
             supposed
             affront
             or
             injury
             ,
             men
             of
             parts
             have
             been
             hurried
             into
             dangerous
             contests
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             head
             against
             petty
             passionate
             opposition
             ,
             they
             have
             run
             beyond
             their
             own
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             wrought
             strange
             confusion
             .
             Discretion
             and
             charity
             seeks
             to
             convince
             and
             satisfie
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             exasperate
             an
             offended
             Brother
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             well
             observed
             ,
             that
             
               no
               turbulent
               Opinion
               
               or
               Party
               doth
               usually
               arise
               in
               the
               Church
               ,
               but
               by
               the
               Church's
               neglect
               of
               some
               truth
               or
               duty
               .
            
             Wherefore
             if
             an
             evil
             spirit
             seek
             an
             occasion
             of
             mischief
             ,
             reform
             the
             abuse
             ,
             and
             so
             prevent
             his
             working
             upon
             the
             simple
             .
          
           
             And
             forasmuch
             as
             some
             of
             upright
             hearts
             being
             deceived
             with
             a
             fancy
             of
             a
             more
             sublime
             and
             perfect
             way
             ,
             may
             pass
             into
             the
             tents
             of
             Sectaries
             so
             far
             as
             conce●ns
             Church
             Order
             and
             external
             Worship
             ,
             a
             compassionate
             regard
             must
             be
             had
             of
             such
             as
             walk
             honestly
             ,
             and
             retain
             those
             fundamental
             Truths
             ,
             that
             may
             be
             a
             ground-work
             for
             saving
             Faith
             and
             godly
             Life
             .
             Now
             towards
             such
             ,
             the
             greatest
             charity
             is
             exercised
             in
             labouring
             to
             remove
             the
             stumbling-block
             of
             their
             error
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             it
             plain
             before
             them
             ,
             that
             the
             Faithfull
             whose
             Communion
             they
             forsake
             ,
             contend
             for
             the
             Perfection
             of
             holy
             Scripture
             ,
             and
             the
             explicit
             Knowledge
             of
             the
             doctrine
             of
             Salvation
             ,
             and
             the
             reasonable
             service
             of
             God
             according
             to
             his
             Word
             ,
             and
             spiritual
             Worship
             sutable
             to
             the
             Gospel
             Dispensation
             ,
             and
             the
             lively
             use
             of
             holy
             Ordinances
             ,
             in
             opposition
             to
             unwritten
             Traditions
             ,
             Mens
             inventions
             ,
             implicit
             Faith
             ,
             ignorant
             devotion
             and
             meer
             formality
             ;
             That
             they
             declare
             by
             word
             and
             deed
             against
             the
             iniquity
             and
             impiety
             of
             this
             evil
             World
             ,
             and
             therefore
             the
             world
             hates
             them
             ;
             that
             they
             insist
             upon
             no
             forms
             or
             usages
             in
             Religion
             ,
             but
             what
             are
             commanded
             by
             the
             positive
             Laws
             of
             Christ
             ,
             or
             are
             necessary
             
             in
             their
             general
             reason
             by
             the
             law
             of
             Nature
             ;
             that
             they
             seek
             no
             worldly
             advantages
             or
             advancements
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             but
             what
             are
             necessary
             for
             the
             support
             of
             the
             Truth
             ,
             according
             to
             Gods
             ordinary
             Providence
             ;
             and
             lastly
             ,
             that
             human
             infirmities
             must
             not
             be
             thought
             strange
             in
             them
             ,
             that
             have
             not
             obtained
             Angelical
             perfection
             .
             These
             and
             the
             like
             things
             should
             be
             laid
             open
             before
             honest
             People
             that
             have
             been
             seduced
             into
             Sectarian
             error
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXV
             .
          
           
             
               The
               advancement
               of
               the
               sound
               State
               of
               Religion
               by
               making
               it
               National
               ,
               and
               the
               settled
               interest
               of
               Nation
               .
            
          
           
             CHrists
             little
             Flock
             cannot
             go
             out
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             nor
             retire
             within
             themselves
             alone
             from
             the
             Nations
             of
             the
             Earth
             ;
             but
             they
             must
             needs
             remain
             a
             part
             of
             Kingdoms
             &
             Commonwealths
             with
             the
             World
             in
             general
             .
             They
             must
             take
             themselves
             to
             be
             concerned
             in
             the
             civil
             Powers
             ,
             for
             the
             Powers
             that
             are
             will
             take
             themselves
             to
             be
             concerned
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             their
             ways
             .
             For
             which
             cause
             their
             aims
             and
             actions
             (
             as
             far
             as
             their
             Sacred
             Rule
             allows
             )
             must
             be
             fitted
             to
             the
             capacity
             of
             the
             civil
             Government
             ,
             and
             directed
             unto
             the
             generall
             peace
             
             and
             quietness
             of
             the
             nation
             ,
             whereof
             they
             are
             ,
             &
             in
             which
             they
             enjoy
             their
             civil
             rights
             .
             By
             this
             means
             religions
             interest
             may
             incorporate
             with
             the
             general
             interest
             of
             a
             nation
             ,
             &
             run
             in
             the
             same
             channel
             .
          
           
             That
             pure
             Religion
             may
             take
             root
             ,
             and
             spread
             and
             prosper
             ,
             it
             is
             necessary
             to
             bring
             its
             external
             frame
             to
             the
             consistency
             of
             a
             National
             settlement
             .
             The
             just
             ●a●aude
             hereof
             is
             laid
             in
             the
             doctrine
             of
             Faith
             ,
             and
             substantials
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             and
             things
             necessary
             to
             Church
             unity
             and
             order
             ,
             but
             it
             goes
             not
             beyond
             these
             .
             And
             being
             fixed
             in
             this
             extent
             ,
             it
             is
             in
             a
             way
             to
             gain
             besides
             the
             support
             and
             power
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             the
             Nations
             unstrained
             compliance
             and
             approbation
             .
          
           
             As
             on
             the
             one
             hand
             Ecclesiastical
             tyranny
             is
             
               a
               root
               of
               bitterness
               always
               bearing
               gall
               and
               wormwood
               :
            
             so
             on
             the
             other
             hand
             unfixedness
             ,
             and
             unlimited
             liberty
             consists
             not
             with
             that
             stability
             ,
             wherein
             all
             prudent
             Governors
             would
             settle
             their
             own
             affairs
             ,
             as
             also
             with
             that
             general
             tranquillity
             and
             repose
             which
             is
             the
             health
             of
             any
             People
             .
             If
             one
             were
             raised
             to
             empire
             by
             a
             meer
             Fanatick
             Party
             ,
             he
             cannot
             settle
             himself
             ,
             nor
             stand
             upon
             firm
             ground
             ,
             till
             he
             wind
             his
             interest
             out
             of
             their
             hands
             ,
             and
             turn
             himself
             to
             the
             way
             of
             general
             satisfaction
             .
          
           
             To
             the
             same
             intent
             and
             purpose
             it
             is
             of
             great
             importance
             so
             to
             fix
             the
             terms
             of
             Church
             Communion
             ,
             as
             not
             to
             set
             a
             perpetual
             bar
             against
             the
             main
             body
             of
             the
             People
             .
             A
             
             Church
             state
             so
             barr'd
             ,
             though
             it
             were
             asserted
             with
             ,
             a
             veterane
             Army
             ,
             and
             could
             inclose
             all
             preferments
             both
             of
             honor
             and
             profit
             within
             it self
             to
             be
             at
             its
             disposal
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             hard
             to
             see
             how
             it
             could
             ever
             obtain
             a
             firm
             establishment
             .
             For
             a
             Christian
             Nation
             in
             general
             being
             shut
             out
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             or
             barr'd
             of
             such
             Privileges
             ,
             as
             are
             supposed
             to
             belong
             to
             them
             as
             Christians
             ,
             are
             inraged
             ,
             and
             likely
             to
             be
             ingaged
             as
             one
             Man
             to
             oppose
             that
             which
             they
             take
             for
             intolerable
             oppression
             .
             Or
             if
             they
             care
             not
             to
             be
             admitted
             ,
             they
             will
             turn
             to
             a
             contrary
             interest
             and
             Party
             in
             Religion
             ,
             or
             to
             infidelity
             ,
             Barbarism
             ,
             Atheism
             ,
             or
             some
             destructive
             way
             or
             other
             .
          
           
             Now
             the
             intention
             here
             propounded
             may
             take
             effect
             ,
             if
             the
             Constitution
             shut
             out
             none
             from
             Sacred
             and
             Spiritual
             Priviledges
             ,
             but
             such
             as
             make
             not
             Profession
             of
             true
             Christianity
             ,
             or
             be
             destitute
             of
             that
             knowledge
             which
             is
             absolutely
             necessary
             to
             true
             Faith
             in
             Christ
             ,
             or
             to
             the
             profitable
             use
             of
             those
             Ordinances
             whereof
             they
             would
             partake
             ;
             or
             by
             publick
             tryal
             can
             be
             evicted
             in
             their
             deeds
             to
             deny
             Christ
             ,
             to
             whom
             they
             profess
             subjection
             ;
             or
             be
             guilty
             of
             such
             scandalous
             enormity
             or
             disobedience
             ,
             as
             is
             reproachfull
             to
             the
             Christian
             Name
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             likewise
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
             that
             Discipline
             is
             a
             work
             of
             time
             ,
             and
             that
             People
             are
             to
             be
             brought
             on
             by
             degrees
             ,
             when
             they
             have
             lain
             long
             undisciplined
             .
             For
             
               a
               Nation
               is
               not
               born
               in
               a
               day
               .
            
          
           
           
             Right
             Ecclesiastical
             Discipline
             grates
             hard
             upon
             Mens
             corruptions
             ,
             and
             stirs
             up
             many
             nemies
             .
             Likewise
             the
             civil
             Powers
             are
             often
             jealous
             of
             it
             ,
             lest
             it
             should
             move
             excentrick
             to
             their
             motions
             .
             Therefore
             being
             a
             tender
             point
             ,
             it
             requires
             so
             much
             caution
             as
             nothing
             more
             .
             Cogent
             reason
             persuades
             those
             that
             are
             herein
             concern'd
             ,
             most
             willingly
             to
             put
             themselves
             under
             the
             regulation
             of
             the
             civil
             Magistrate
             ,
             and
             to
             contain
             themselves
             within
             all
             tolerable
             limitations
             prescribed
             by
             him
             ,
             (
             I
             mean
             such
             as
             defeat
             not
             the
             ends
             of
             Discipline
             )
             and
             by
             clear
             and
             moderate
             actings
             within
             their
             own
             sphere
             to
             render
             their
             Office
             less
             invidious
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXVI
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Submission
               to
               things
               imposed
               by
               lawfull
               Authority
               .
            
          
           
             WHosoever
             duly
             prizeth
             the
             publick
             peace
             of
             his
             own
             liberty
             for
             publick
             service
             ,
             will
             consider
             the
             utmost
             lawfull
             boundary
             of
             Submission
             to
             things
             imposed
             by
             lawfull
             Authority
             ,
             that
             nothing
             possible
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             be
             left
             undone
             .
             But
             what
             is
             sinfull
             ,
             ●…s
             in
             a
             moral
             sense
             impossible
             .
             We
             may
             not
             ●…ie
             for
             God.
             Nothing
             erroneous
             may
             be
             asser●ed
             ,
             nothing
             simply
             evil
             may
             be
             admitted
             in
             
             our
             own
             practice
             .
             But
             in
             an
             established
             Church
             not
             infected
             with
             Heresie
             or
             Idolatry
             ,
             nor
             defective
             in
             any
             vital
             part
             of
             Religion
             ,
             it
             is
             duty
             to
             bear
             with
             much
             ,
             that
             we
             conceive
             to
             be
             amiss
             in
             others
             practice
             ,
             to
             which
             we
             make
             not
             our selves
             accessary
             by
             neglecting
             any
             means
             of
             redress
             within
             our
             Power
             and
             Calling
             .
             Yea
             ,
             being
             constrained
             by
             others
             rigor
             we
             may
             stoop
             to
             the
             use
             of
             some
             things
             ,
             which
             profit
             little
             ,
             if
             they
             be
             not
             simply
             evil
             ,
             nor
             by
             an
             evil
             consequent
             destructive
             to
             the
             main
             Service
             ,
             to
             which
             they
             are
             superadded
             .
             The
             yoke
             of
             such
             subjection
             may
             cause
             grief
             of
             heart
             ,
             but
             doth
             not
             wound
             the
             conscience
             .
          
           
             Indifferent
             things
             are
             not
             made
             unlawfull
             meerly
             by
             being
             injoyned
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             necessary
             that
             some
             things
             indifferent
             
               in
               specie
            
             should
             be
             determined
             for
             orders
             sake
             .
             But
             forasmuch
             as
             things
             not
             in
             themselves
             unlawfull
             ,
             may
             some
             times
             be
             so
             pernicious
             in
             their
             consequents
             ,
             a●
             by
             a
             vehement
             appearance
             of
             evil
             to
             draw
             others
             into
             sin
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             strong
             tendency
             to
             evil
             ,
             to
             lead
             and
             settle
             them
             in
             a
             way
             that
             is
             not
             good
             ,
             I
             dare
             not
             say
             that
             the
             latitude
             of
             conformity
             to
             things
             in
             their
             own
             nature
             indifferent
             ,
             is
             unlimited
             .
             Rulers
             have
             received
             their
             power
             of
             Injoyning
             ,
             and
             subjects
             their
             liberty
             of
             conforming
             
               for
               edification
               and
               not
               for
               destruction
               .
            
          
           
             In
             a
             case
             of
             this
             nature
             we
             are
             led
             on
             to
             consider
             ,
             whether
             the
             scandal
             of
             compliance
             with
             
             things
             indifferent
             in
             themselves
             but
             of
             harmfull
             consequence
             ,
             be
             not
             of
             lesser
             moment
             than
             the
             scandal
             and
             misery
             that
             may
             follow
             upon
             non-compliance
             .
             Though
             of
             things
             simply
             evil
             neither
             may
             be
             chosen
             :
             yet
             of
             things
             evil
             only
             in
             their
             consequents
             ,
             either
             the
             one
             or
             the
             other
             inevitably
             coming
             upon
             us
             ,
             that
             must
             be
             chosen
             ,
             upon
             which
             the
             lesser
             evil
             follows
             .
             Peradventure
             the
             scandal
             of
             Submission
             may
             be
             overballanced
             by
             the
             apparent
             consequence
             of
             a
             more
             important
             good
             ,
             by
             which
             also
             it
             may
             in
             time
             be
             quite
             removed
             .
             The
             wisdom
             of
             the
             Prudent
             must
             herein
             direct
             their
             way
             .
             Though
             the
             Ruler
             be
             judge
             of
             what
             rules
             he
             is
             to
             prescribe
             ;
             yet
             the
             conscience
             of
             every
             Subject
             is
             to
             judge
             with
             a
             judgment
             of
             discretion
             ,
             whether
             those
             rules
             be
             agreeable
             to
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             or
             not
             ,
             and
             so
             whether
             his
             Conformity
             thereto
             be
             lawfull
             or
             unlawfull
             .
             Otherwise
             he
             must
             act
             upon
             blind
             obedience
             ,
             and
             might
             be
             excused
             in
             doing
             things
             either
             simply
             evil
             ,
             or
             pernicious
             in
             their
             consequents
             .
          
           
             A
             general
             certainty
             ,
             that
             Rulers
             must
             be
             obeyed
             in
             lawfull
             things
             ,
             is
             no
             security
             to
             the
             conscience
             for
             Obedience
             to
             this
             or
             that
             Injunction
             ,
             when
             we
             doubt
             of
             the
             Lawfulness
             of
             the
             thing
             injoyned
             .
             For
             we
             cannot
             be
             sure
             that
             obedience
             in
             this
             case
             is
             a
             duty
             and
             not
             a
             sin
             ,
             because
             we
             are
             sure
             it
             is
             a
             sin
             to
             obey
             in
             things
             unlawfull
             ,
             and
             such
             the
             thing
             now
             in
             
             question
             is
             or
             may
             be
             ,
             for
             ought
             that
             we
             discern
             ,
             and
             our
             ignorance
             cannot
             change
             Gods
             Law.
             Therefore
             the
             doubtfulness
             of
             the
             thing
             it self
             ,
             makes
             the
             obligation
             to
             Obedience
             likewise
             doubtfull
             .
             And
             perhaps
             the
             danger
             may
             be
             greater
             on
             the
             part
             of
             obeying
             than
             refusing
             .
             For
             possibly
             ,
             the
             injunction
             of
             an
             heinous
             sin
             may
             be
             the
             matter
             of
             the
             uncertainty
             ;
             and
             in
             this
             strait
             we
             apprehend
             it
             more
             unsafe
             and
             less
             excusable
             to
             choose
             the
             greater
             before
             the
             lesser
             sin
             ,
             on
             which
             side
             soever
             it
             be
             ,
             though
             indeed
             it
             be
             lawfull
             to
             choose
             neither
             .
          
           
             Indeed
             it
             is
             much
             easier
             for
             Rulers
             to
             relax
             the
             strictness
             of
             many
             injunctions
             about
             matters
             of
             supposed
             convenience
             ,
             than
             for
             Subjects
             to
             be
             inlarged
             from
             the
             strictness
             of
             their
             judgment
             .
             And
             blessed
             are
             they
             that
             consider
             Conscience
             ,
             and
             load
             it
             not
             with
             needless
             burdens
             ,
             but
             seek
             to
             relieve
             it
             i●
             its
             distresses
             .
          
           
             And
             as
             this
             forbearance
             and
             tenderness
             i●
             Superiors
             is
             the
             praise
             of
             their
             Government
             ,
             and
             advanceth
             peace
             and
             concord
             ;
             so
             doth
             moderation
             and
             a
             submissive
             disposition
             commend
             Inferiors
             ,
             and
             much
             advantage
             their
             godly
             zeal
             .
             For
             it
             stops
             the
             mouths
             of
             clamourous
             Men
             ,
             it
             obviates
             the
             ensnaring
             designs
             of
             adversaries
             ,
             and
             it
             gives
             greater
             boldness
             in
             contending
             for
             weightier
             matters
             .
          
           
             Howbeit
             sometimes
             that
             submission
             ,
             which
             all
             circumstances
             considered
             ,
             both
             Prudenc●
             
             and
             upright
             Conscience
             declareth
             necessary
             ,
             may
             be
             liable
             to
             a
             reproach
             as
             a
             matter
             of
             temporizing
             .
             The
             truth
             is
             ,
             a
             Ministers
             reputation
             is
             of
             great
             moment
             to
             the
             ends
             of
             his
             Ministery
             ;
             and
             he
             is
             not
             to
             be
             blamed
             ,
             that
             is
             loth
             it
             should
             suffer
             shipwrack
             ;
             and
             an
             appearance
             or
             suspition
             of
             time-serving
             doth
             greatly
             indanger
             it
             .
             If
             a
             man
             should
             forbear
             some
             compliances
             ,
             which
             he
             clearly
             foresees
             will
             bring
             him
             into
             a
             vehement
             suspition
             thereof
             ,
             in
             Charity
             it
             should
             be
             taken
             not
             for
             an
             undue
             valuation
             of
             his
             own
             credit
             ,
             but
             for
             a
             tender
             regard
             to
             the
             honor
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
             When
             an
             exalted
             Party
             shall
             set
             themselves
             to
             profligate
             the
             credit
             of
             those
             that
             are
             brought
             under
             ,
             by
             constraining
             them
             to
             such
             Compliances
             ,
             they
             have
             more
             regard
             to
             their
             own
             particular
             triumph
             than
             to
             the
             honor
             of
             the
             common
             Faith
             ,
             and
             all
             true
             Religion
             ,
             which
             is
             by
             this
             means
             exposed
             to
             the
             contempt
             of
             the
             irriligious
             ,
             as
             if
             it
             were
             meer
             hypocrisie
             and
             matter
             of
             interest
             on
             all
             sides
             .
             As
             for
             Inferiors
             ,
             in
             this
             case
             they
             are
             in
             a
             strait
             between
             ●wo
             ,
             and
             which
             way
             can
             they
             turn
             themselves
             ●o
             avoid-all
             inconveniences
             .
             For
             the
             same
             ●ersons
             that
             reproach
             them
             as
             temporizing
             ,
             would
             in
             case
             of
             non-submission
             clamour
             against
             them
             as
             humorous
             and
             factious
             .
             Herein
             I
             shall
             offer
             the
             aptest
             remedy
             I
             know
             ,
             ●amely
             ,
             neither
             in
             word
             nor
             deed
             to
             abandon
             or
             disown
             the
             Truth
             ,
             and
             in
             these
             burdensom
             
             yet
             not
             unlawfull
             compliances
             not
             to
             run
             with
             the
             foremost
             ,
             but
             to
             proceed
             in
             such
             manner
             and
             so
             far
             ,
             as
             the
             standing
             in
             necessary
             libertie●
             may
             require
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             more
             considerate
             pa●…
             of
             men
             will
             justifie
             to
             be
             discreet
             and
             honest
             ,
             but
             above
             all
             to
             indeavour
             by
             a
             godly
             and
             blameless
             life
             to
             make
             it
             manifest
             ,
             that
             Conscience
             hath
             been
             duly
             satisfied
             and
             not
             trifle●
             with
             .
          
           
             In
             doubtfull
             matters
             and
             difficult
             times
             ,
             th●
             all
             good
             men
             should
             keep
             the
             same
             latitud●
             of
             judgment
             and
             practice
             in
             all
             wisdom
             ,
             for
             th●
             true
             interest
             of
             Religion
             ,
             may
             be
             wished
             b●…
             not
             expected
             .
             For
             some
             will
             be
             more
             ,
             other
             less
             inlarged
             by
             the
             diversity
             of
             their
             apprehensions
             .
             Also
             some
             by
             their
             natural
             dispositio●
             are
             more
             timerous
             or
             more
             complying
             :
             other
             again
             are
             more
             hardy
             and
             less
             flexible
             ,
             or
             mor●
             reserved
             and
             resolute
             in
             their
             opinions
             .
             Many
             are
             injudicious
             ,
             and
             the
             best
             have
             their
             passion●
             and
             some
             lie
             under
             disadvantages
             that
             may
             Biass
             the
             judgment
             this
             or
             that
             way
             ,
             where
             th●
             matter
             is
             somewhat
             disputable
             :
             others
             ma●
             have
             weightier
             reasons
             ,
             either
             for
             assent
             or
             di●…
             sent
             though
             not
             obvious
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             not
             〈◊〉
             expedient
             to
             be
             declared
             .
             Mens
             cases
             bein●
             so
             exceeding
             various
             ,
             they
             must
             needs
             vary●…
             practice
             .
             Some
             inconvenience
             ,
             but
             no
             d●
             structive
             mischief
             will
             follow
             this
             diversity
             ,
             it
             do
             not
             (
             as
             one
             would
             think
             it
             should
             not
             disunite
             affections
             .
             For
             then
             these
             several
             Pa●…ties
             ,
             
             or
             persuasions
             rather
             ,
             are
             one
             in
             their
             main
             cause
             ,
             and
             may
             with
             one
             Spirit
             ,
             though
             walking
             in
             several
             Paths
             ,
             carry
             on
             the
             great
             concernments
             of
             it
             .
             If
             Religion
             were
             but
             the
             bond
             of
             a
             Faction
             ,
             or
             the
             strength
             of
             a
             worldly
             interest
             ,
             the
             asserters
             thereof
             might
             lose
             or
             lessen
             it
             by
             taking
             such
             several
             ways
             ;
             But
             it
             depends
             not
             upon
             parties
             ,
             and
             their
             designs
             ,
             nor
             is
             obnoxious
             to
             such
             ingagements
             ,
             but
             in
             it self
             perfectly
             free
             from
             them
             .
             Therefore
             it
             is
             advanced
             in
             any
             way
             that
             gives
             it
             liberty
             and
             opportunity
             ,
             to
             display
             it self
             to
             the
             world
             in
             the
             evidence
             of
             its
             own
             truth
             and
             goodness
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXVII
             .
          
           
             
               The
               surest
               and
               safest
               ways
               of
               seeking
               Reformations
               .
            
          
           
             WHen
             a
             corrupt
             State
             of
             Religion
             is
             inveterate
             or
             deeply
             rooted
             in
             a
             Nation
             ,
             ●he
             work
             of
             Pious
             men
             ,
             is
             convincingly
             to
             re●rove
             that
             corruption
             by
             the
             light
             of
             holy
             Doctrine
             ,
             and
             of
             holy
             Walking
             ;
             and
             to
             pro●agate
             and
             press
             home
             with
             zeal
             ,
             the
             great
             and
             ●nquestionable
             truths
             of
             Christianity
             :
             but
             to
             ●e
             more
             silent
             and
             sparing
             in
             matters
             more
             con●overted
             and
             of
             less
             importance
             ,
             the
             vehement
             ●rging
             whereof
             will
             not
             convince
             the
             world
             ,
             
             nor
             silence
             the
             adversary
             .
             Likewise
             by
             humble
             addresses
             to
             the
             Higher
             powers
             in
             a
             fit
             season
             ,
             they
             may
             seek
             the
             redress
             of
             such
             enormities
             ,
             as
             are
             evidently
             Scandalous
             ,
             Absurd
             and
             Odious
             ,
             and
             yet
             perhaps
             the
             chief
             props
             of
             that
             corrupt
             State.
             For
             this
             may
             be
             done
             without
             scandal
             or
             hazard
             ,
             and
             much
             is
             done
             if
             it
             take
             effect
             .
             Clamorous
             contests
             about
             doubtfull
             Forms
             and
             Customs
             ,
             and
             in
             comparison
             but
             by
             matters
             ,
             do
             serve
             to
             animate
             the
             opposite
             party
             ,
             and
             afford
             them
             matter
             to
             work
             upon
             :
             but
             the
             vigorous
             maintenance
             of
             the
             vital
             parts
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             the
             detecting
             of
             gross
             abuses
             ,
             bears
             them
             down
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             time
             that
             ripens
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             every
             thing
             in
             its
             season
             is
             beautifull
             and
             successfull
             .
             Then
             the
             redress
             of
             evils
             will
             run
             in
             its
             prepared
             Channel
             ,
             and
             a
             plain
             Path
             will
             be
             found
             through
             passages
             formerly
             inaccessable
             .
             And
             then
             Rulers
             themselves
             may
             see
             what
             one
             of
             deep
             judgment
             observes
             ,
             that
             
               when
               time
               of
               course
               alters
               things
               to
               the
               worse
               ,
               Wisdom
               and
               Counsell
               had
               need
               alter
               them
               to
               the
               better
            
             ;
             they
             may
             find
             the
             necessity
             and
             utility
             of
             Reformation
             ,
             and
             by
             their
             Authority
             make
             it
             warrantable
             .
             If
             the
             friends
             of
             truth
             walk
             in
             sober
             counsels
             ,
             and
             sure
             ways
             ,
             and
             follow
             the
             truth
             in
             peace
             and
             love
             ,
             and
             be
             serviceable
             to
             the
             common
             good
             ,
             they
             retain
             their
             innocence
             and
             maintain
             their
             honour
             ,
             which
             is
             their
             surest
             interest
             ,
             and
             shall
             be
             found
             though
             the
             fewer
             
             number
             to
             have
             a
             considerable
             influence
             upon
             the
             publick
             State.
             
          
           
             Both
             Religious
             and
             Civil
             Affairs
             are
             apt
             to
             be
             carried
             in
             extreams
             ,
             for
             which
             cause
             Reformations
             commonly
             are
             suspected
             ,
             and
             their
             credit
             is
             much
             impaired
             .
             In
             avoiding
             Superstition
             ,
             some
             have
             run
             into
             rudeness
             and
             undecency
             .
             In
             Divine
             worship
             the
             natural
             expressions
             ofreverence
             and
             devout
             affection
             ,
             and
             things
             necessary
             to
             decency
             and
             order
             ,
             should
             be
             observed
             carefully
             by
             those
             that
             turn
             away
             from
             Superstitious
             vanities
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             appear
             that
             a
             well
             informed
             Conscience
             ,
             and
             the
             Spirit
             of
             a
             sound
             mind
             doth
             guide
             and
             rule
             them
             ,
             and
             that
             their
             principles
             are
             no
             way
             defective
             ;
             but
             sufficient
             and
             ample
             unto
             all
             regular
             devotion
             .
             These
             necessary
             decencies
             and
             natural
             expressions
             of
             Devotion
             ,
             are
             plain
             and
             obvious
             to
             all
             intelligent
             persons
             ;
             and
             the
             modes
             of
             Civil
             reverence
             and
             seriousness
             in
             use
             among
             us
             ,
             do
             much
             guide
             herein
             .
          
           
             A
             compliance
             with
             sober
             and
             grave
             solemnities
             affected
             by
             a
             Nation
             in
             general
             ,
             helps
             to
             procure
             a
             good
             esteem
             ,
             and
             to
             get
             ground
             among
             them
             ;
             whereas
             opposition
             and
             singularity
             may
             beget
             a
             general
             dislike
             .
             Men
             do
             but
             mispend
             their
             zeal
             in
             opposing
             prevalent
             customs
             ,
             that
             have
             nothing
             in
             them
             contrary
             to
             sound
             Doctrine
             and
             good
             life
             .
             Among
             other
             things
             I
             may
             instance
             in
             Religious
             performances
             at
             Funerals
             ,
             which
             may
             well
             be
             ordered
             
             without
             Superstition
             or
             any
             other
             abuse
             ,
             and
             improved
             to
             the
             peoples
             benefit
             ,
             who
             are
             then
             met
             together
             in
             the
             house
             of
             mourning
             .
             Some
             Churches
             being
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             false
             worshippers
             to
             prevent
             all
             Superstition
             ,
             have
             forbidden
             the
             making
             of
             Prayers
             or
             Sermons
             at
             the
             interment
             of
             the
             Dead
             .
             But
             in
             things
             of
             this
             nature
             ,
             Several
             Churches
             may
             have
             their
             peculiar
             reasons
             ,
             and
             accordingly
             their
             different
             orders
             .
          
           
             As
             concerning
             Heathenish
             pastimes
             ,
             and
             vanities
             sometimes
             affected
             by
             the
             rude
             vulgar
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             countenanced
             by
             some
             of
             higher
             degree
             for
             ends
             well
             known
             ,
             they
             tend
             indeed
             unto
             much
             profaness
             ,
             and
             may
             trouble
             the
             minds
             and
             stir
             the
             zeal
             of
             good
             men
             .
             Nevertheless
             ,
             when
             the
             power
             of
             reforming
             is
             beyond
             their
             line
             ,
             it
             sufficeth
             that
             the
             weighty
             and
             unquestionable
             matters
             of
             true
             Religion
             ,
             be
             constantly
             inculcated
             upon
             the
             People
             ,
             and
             the
             spreading
             of
             sound
             knowledge
             indeavoured
             ,
             both
             by
             publick
             Doctrine
             and
             by
             private
             Instruction
             .
             And
             those
             humorous
             fooleries
             ,
             which
             opposition
             often
             heighteneth
             ,
             would
             soonest
             fall
             to
             the
             ground
             by
             contempt
             and
             silence
             .
          
           
             In
             a
             happy
             season
             ,
             when
             the
             power
             of
             Religion
             hath
             a
             potent
             influence
             upon
             a
             Nation
             ,
             the
             laying
             of
             a
             good
             foundation
             for
             time
             to
             come
             ,
             is
             mainly
             to
             be
             regarded
             .
             An
             opportunity
             in
             this
             kind
             may
             be
             lost
             ,
             not
             only
             by
             a
             sluggish
             neglect
             ,
             but
             also
             by
             an
             impetuous
             
             overstraining
             of
             it
             .
             It
             is
             overstrained
             ,
             when
             things
             are
             carried
             forth
             beyond
             what
             a
             Nation
             will
             ever
             bear
             .
             It
             may
             be
             more
             advisable
             to
             stop
             at
             moderate
             Reformations
             ,
             than
             to
             proceed
             to
             such
             extream
             alterations
             ,
             as
             must
             needs
             stand
             in
             opposion
             (
             if
             so
             be
             they
             can
             so
             stand
             )
             to
             a
             contrary
             fixed
             inclination
             generally
             prevailing
             .
             The
             consequents
             of
             such
             proceeding
             ,
             need
             not
             to
             be
             here
             discoursed
             .
          
           
             Besides
             ,
             the
             more
             healthfull
             state
             of
             Religion
             may
             stand
             not
             in
             a
             total
             change
             of
             things
             long
             in
             use
             ,
             but
             in
             reforming
             the
             abuse
             thereof
             .
             And
             it
             should
             be
             minded
             that
             sometimes
             in
             curing
             a
             lesser
             evil
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             real
             hazard
             of
             a
             greater
             mischief
             ;
             and
             in
             hasty
             attempts
             of
             changes
             ,
             things
             may
             be
             carried
             on
             beyond
             the
             commendable
             end
             designed
             ,
             even
             to
             its
             utter
             ruin
             .
             For
             commonly
             men
             are
             not
             Masters
             of
             what
             they
             get
             in
             such
             precipitate
             ways
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXVIII
             .
          
           
             
               Considerations
               tending
               to
               a
               due
               inlargement
               and
               unity
               in
               Church-communion
               .
            
          
           
             AN
             unhappy
             kind
             of
             controversies
             about
             Forms
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             Ecclesiastical
             Government
             ,
             and
             qualification
             of
             Church
             
             Members
             ,
             hath
             been
             the
             calamity
             of
             our
             times
             .
             The
             differences
             in
             these
             points
             have
             made
             a
             sad
             breach
             upon
             Church
             unity
             ,
             and
             divided
             Brethren
             of
             the
             same
             Reformed
             Profession
             ,
             both
             in
             affection
             and
             interest
             ,
             and
             have
             been
             the
             occasion
             of
             much
             misery
             .
             In
             regard
             whereof
             ,
             some
             things
             that
             make
             for
             an
             amicable
             condescention
             among
             Brethren
             ,
             and
             for
             humble
             submission
             to
             Superiors
             ,
             are
             here
             propounded
             for
             consideration
             ,
             but
             not
             as
             peremptory
             resolves
             .
             Though
             many
             or
             most
             of
             them
             seem
             to
             me
             to
             carry
             their
             own
             evidence
             ;
             Yet
             it
             becomes
             one
             who
             is
             sensible
             of
             human
             weakness
             ,
             and
             of
             his
             own
             meaness
             ,
             to
             write
             modestly
             in
             these
             points
             about
             which
             there
             is
             so
             great
             a
             variety
             of
             apprehensions
             .
          
           
             The
             Communion
             of
             Saints
             ,
             is
             the
             Communion
             of
             the
             Catholick
             Church
             ,
             and
             of
             particular
             Christians
             ,
             and
             Churches
             one
             with
             another
             as
             Members
             thereof
             ;
             and
             therefore
             we
             may
             not
             restrain
             our
             fellowship
             to
             any
             particular
             Church
             or
             Churches
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             with-hold
             it
             from
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             Catholick
             Church
             .
          
           
             Our
             Communion
             with
             the
             Catholick
             Church
             ,
             is
             as
             well
             in
             Religious
             Worship
             ,
             as
             in
             Christian
             Faith
             and
             Life
             .
             As
             there
             is
             one
             Faith
             ,
             so
             one
             Baptism
             ,
             and
             one
             Communion
             of
             the
             Body
             and
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             we
             being
             many
             ,
             are
             one
             Bread
             and
             one
             Body
             .
             Though
             we
             cannot
             at
             once
             locally
             communicate
             with
             the
             whole
             Church
             in
             external
             Worship
             ,
             because
             
             it
             cannot
             possibly
             meet
             in
             one
             place
             ;
             yet
             according
             to
             our
             capacity
             and
             opportunity
             ,
             we
             are
             so
             to
             communicate
             with
             the
             several
             parts
             thereof
             ,
             and
             not
             unwarrantably
             withdraw
             from
             any
             ,
             and
             this
             is
             a
             vertual
             communicating
             with
             the
             whole
             .
          
           
             Church
             Discipline
             and
             Government
             ,
             as
             to
             the
             particular
             Form
             thereof
             ,
             hath
             much
             more
             obscurity
             than
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             Christian
             Faith
             and
             Life
             ,
             and
             is
             much
             more
             controverted
             among
             the
             Godly
             Learned
             .
             And
             in
             more
             dark
             and
             doubtfull
             points
             ,
             humility
             ,
             charity
             ,
             and
             good
             discretion
             ,
             teacheth
             mutual
             forbearance
             .
          
           
             In
             Ecclesiastical
             Regiment
             ,
             all
             Church
             Members
             are
             not
             so
             concern'd
             ,
             as
             Church
             Guides
             and
             Pastors
             are
             .
          
           
             Christ
             hath
             not
             left
             the
             affairs
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             in
             so
             loose
             a
             posture
             ,
             as
             to
             give
             a
             liberty
             of
             leaving
             or
             chusing
             the
             Communion
             of
             a
             Church
             according
             to
             our
             own
             affections
             ,
             without
             regard
             to
             order
             .
          
           
             A
             particular
             visible
             Church
             being
             a
             Body
             politick
             ,
             cannot
             subsist
             without
             rules
             of
             stable
             Policy
             .
             Her
             censures
             and
             judgments
             ought
             to
             be
             clear
             ,
             certain
             and
             uniform
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             same
             tenor
             ;
             and
             therefore
             may
             not
             proceed
             upon
             such
             a
             kind
             of
             Evidence
             ,
             as
             at
             the
             most
             is
             but
             conjectural
             ,
             and
             of
             variable
             apprehension
             .
          
           
             Our
             arbitrary
             conjecture
             of
             an
             others
             Regeneration
             ,
             is
             but
             an
             uncertain
             way
             of
             admission
             
             to
             sacred
             Priviledges
             ,
             wherein
             no
             uniform
             judgment
             can
             be
             held
             between
             several
             Churches
             ,
             nor
             the
             several
             Members
             of
             the
             same
             Church
             ,
             nor
             by
             the
             same
             Person
             with
             himself
             at
             several
             times
             .
             For
             mens
             apprehensions
             about
             the
             Spiritual
             Estate
             of
             others
             ,
             are
             exceeding
             different
             and
             inconstant
             .
          
           
             But
             whether
             a
             Person
             make
             a
             credible
             profession
             ,
             or
             be
             competently
             knowing
             ,
             or
             grosly
             ignorant
             ;
             whether
             he
             be
             scandalous
             or
             walk
             orderly
             ,
             is
             capable
             of
             certain
             evidence
             ,
             and
             of
             constant
             regular
             proceeding
             thereupon
             .
          
           
             Let
             it
             be
             considered
             whether
             of
             these
             two
             ,
             either
             to
             proceed
             with
             men
             according
             to
             our
             private
             hopes
             and
             fears
             about
             their
             internal
             state
             ,
             or
             according
             to
             stated
             Rules
             and
             certain
             Evidence
             ,
             be
             the
             surer
             way
             to
             preserve
             the
             Church
             in
             Peace
             ,
             and
             to
             propagate
             true
             Piety
             .
          
           
             Also
             ,
             whether
             Persons
             passable
             by
             such
             publick
             Rules
             ,
             can
             in
             Ecclesiastical
             Tryal
             be
             judged
             to
             be
             ungodly
             ,
             or
             to
             make
             a
             false
             profession
             ,
             whatsoever
             our
             private
             fears
             are
             concerning
             them
             .
             And
             if
             their
             Profession
             be
             not
             proved
             false
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             not
             to
             pass
             for
             credible
             in
             that
             Tryal
             .
             Human
             Laws
             and
             publick
             Judgments
             presume
             them
             to
             be
             good
             ,
             that
             are
             not
             evicted
             to
             be
             bad
             .
          
           
             Private
             familiarity
             is
             at
             every
             ones
             choice
             :
             but
             our
             Church-communion
             being
             a
             publick
             matter
             ,
             must
             be
             Governed
             by
             publick
             and
             common
             Rules
             ,
             and
             not
             by
             private
             will.
             
          
           
           
             If
             a
             Church
             impose
             such
             Laws
             of
             her
             Communion
             ,
             as
             infer
             a
             necessity
             of
             doing
             that
             which
             is
             unlawfull
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             necessity
             of
             abstaining
             from
             her
             Communion
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             those
             unlawfull
             terms
             extend
             .
          
           
             Churches
             mentioned
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             had
             their
             corruptions
             in
             Doctrine
             ,
             Worship
             ,
             and
             Manners
             ;
             yet
             the
             Godly
             did
             not
             separate
             from
             them
             for
             those
             corruptions
             ,
             nor
             were
             commanded
             so
             to
             do
             .
             Indeed
             they
             are
             commanded
             
               to
               come
               out
               of
               Babylon
            
             ,
             which
             is
             no
             other
             than
             to
             separate
             from
             Idolatrous
             ,
             Heretical
             ,
             Antichristian
             Societies
             .
             Yet
             in
             suggesting
             this
             ,
             I
             do
             not
             encourage
             to
             a
             stated
             Communion
             in
             such
             Churches
             as
             have
             no
             other
             Ministers
             placed
             in
             them
             ,
             than
             such
             as
             are
             altogether
             unfit
             to
             have
             the
             charge
             of
             Souls
             commited
             to
             them
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             who
             are
             unable
             to
             teach
             ,
             or
             teach
             corruptly
             ;
             either
             teaching
             pernicious
             Doctrine
             ,
             or
             abusing
             ,
             mishandling
             ,
             and
             misapplying
             sound
             Doctrine
             ,
             to
             encourage
             the
             Ungodly
             ,
             and
             discourage
             the
             Godly
             .
             For
             the
             Scripture
             bids
             us
             beware
             of
             blind
             Guides
             and
             false
             Prophets
             .
          
           
             By
             continuing
             in
             Church-communion
             ,
             we
             partake
             not
             of
             the
             Sins
             of
             others
             ,
             which
             we
             have
             no
             power
             to
             redress
             ,
             nor
             are
             we
             made
             guilty
             by
             their
             leaven
             ,
             if
             it
             doth
             not
             infect
             us
             ;
             and
             profane
             Persons
             are
             no
             more
             countenanced
             by
             our
             presence
             ,
             than
             those
             lewd
             Priests
             the
             Sons
             of
             Eli
             were
             by
             the
             Peoples
             coming
             to
             sacrifice
             .
          
           
           
             In
             communicating
             in
             holy
             things
             ,
             we
             have
             internal
             Communion
             only
             with
             the
             faithfull
             ,
             and
             as
             for
             the
             meer
             external
             Communion
             ,
             it
             is
             with
             those
             that
             have
             as
             yet
             an
             outward
             standing
             in
             Christ
             ,
             till
             they
             are
             cut
             off
             by
             the
             hand
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             due
             order
             of
             Discipline
             .
          
           
             When
             a
             Minister
             hath
             done
             his
             part
             to
             keep
             off
             the
             unworthy
             ,
             in
             the
             dspensing
             of
             the
             Sacrament
             to
             such
             ,
             he
             is
             in
             a
             moral
             sense
             meerly
             passive
             ;
             so
             that
             their
             unworthy
             participation
             cannot
             be
             imputed
             to
             him
             .
          
           
             Nor
             in
             such
             an
             Administration
             is
             a
             practical
             lie
             or
             any
             falshood
             uttered
             .
             For
             the
             Sacrament
             seals
             the
             mercy
             of
             the
             Covenant
             not
             irrespectively
             ,
             but
             conditionally
             ,
             and
             the
             words
             of
             the
             application
             must
             be
             so
             understood
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             have
             not
             power
             to
             separate
             an
             obstinate
             scandalous
             offender
             from
             the
             Church
             ,
             yet
             the
             withdrawing
             of
             our selves
             from
             him
             ,
             is
             an
             Excommunication
             in
             some
             degree
             ,
             and
             the
             effect
             thereof
             is
             hereby
             in
             part
             obtained
             .
          
           
             When
             Ministers
             and
             People
             do
             their
             duties
             in
             their
             Places
             ,
             without
             usurpation
             of
             further
             Power
             than
             they
             have
             warrant
             for
             ,
             then
             all
             will
             be
             ,
             though
             not
             so
             well
             as
             it
             might
             ,
             yet
             as
             it
             can
             be
             at
             present
             .
          
           
             Of
             several
             modes
             and
             methods
             of
             publick
             Action
             ,
             Prudence
             makes
             choice
             not
             always
             of
             what
             is
             simply
             best
             ,
             but
             of
             that
             which
             is
             most
             passable
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             not
             so
             disorderly
             as
             to
             marr
             the
             substance
             ,
             or
             frustrate
             the
             end
             of
             an
             Administration
             .
          
           
           
             In
             sacred
             Adminstrations
             we
             may
             yield
             without
             sin
             to
             others
             sinfull
             weaknesses
             .
             And
             though
             we
             may
             not
             please
             them
             in
             doing
             that
             which
             is
             evil
             ;
             yet
             we
             may
             in
             that
             which
             is
             lawfull
             ,
             but
             less
             edifying
             ;
             and
             so
             we
             may
             let
             go
             some
             good
             in
             the
             manner
             of
             performance
             ,
             rather
             than
             omit
             the
             whole
             Service
             .
             Here
             is
             indeed
             a
             sinfull
             defect
             ,
             yet
             not
             on
             our
             part
             ,
             but
             on
             theirs
             who
             urge
             the
             way
             that
             is
             less
             edifying
             ,
             and
             refuse
             the
             better
             .
          
           
             The
             exercise
             of
             Church
             Discipline
             being
             a
             means
             and
             not
             the
             end
             ,
             must
             be
             govern'd
             by
             rules
             of
             Prudence
             ,
             among
             which
             this
             is
             a
             chief
             one
             ,
             that
             the
             means
             must
             not
             be
             asserted
             so
             stifly
             as
             to
             indanger
             or
             destroy
             the
             end
             .
          
           
             The
             exercise
             of
             Spiritual
             Authority
             is
             necessarily
             more
             regulated
             by
             the
             determination
             of
             the
             Civil
             Magistrate
             ,
             in
             a
             State
             that
             maintains
             the
             true
             Religion
             ,
             than
             in
             a
             State
             that
             either
             persecutes
             or
             disregards
             it
             .
          
           
             If
             it
             were
             supposed
             ,
             that
             Spiritual
             Power
             is
             radically
             the
             same
             in
             all
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             let
             it
             be
             considered
             ,
             whether
             the
             exercise
             of
             that
             Power
             may
             not
             be
             more
             restrained
             in
             some
             ,
             and
             let
             forth
             to
             a
             larger
             extent
             in
             others
             ,
             upon
             prudential
             grounds
             ;
             provided
             it
             be
             not
             inlarged
             in
             some
             to
             an
             exorbitancy
             ,
             and
             streightened
             in
             others
             to
             an
             extream
             deficiency
             .
          
           
             Likewise
             if
             there
             be
             a
             dissent
             or
             doubting
             about
             a
             Superiority
             or
             Pre-eminence
             of
             Spiritual
             Power
             in
             some
             distinct
             Ecclesiastical
             
             Office
             ,
             let
             it
             be
             considered
             how
             far
             submission
             may
             be
             yielded
             to
             a
             Power
             objectively
             Ecclesiastical
             ,
             but
             formally
             Political
             ,
             derived
             from
             the
             Civil
             Magistrate
             ,
             and
             seated
             in
             Ecclesiastical
             Persons
             by
             Temporal
             Laws
             .
          
           
             Lastly
             in
             reference
             to
             things
             imposed
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             wide
             difference
             between
             a
             quiet
             submission
             ,
             and
             an
             approving
             free
             choice
             .
             It
             may
             be
             the
             duty
             of
             Subjects
             to
             do
             that
             ,
             which
             may
             be
             the
             sin
             of
             Governors
             to
             command
             .
             For
             in
             the
             same
             things
             wherein
             Governors
             refuse
             the
             better
             way
             ,
             Subjects
             may
             do
             their
             parts
             and
             choose
             the
             best
             way
             they
             can
             .
          
           
             If
             these
             considerations
             or
             others
             of
             the
             like
             Catholick
             tendency
             be
             found
             allowable
             ,
             and
             will
             pass
             among
             Brethren
             of
             different
             judgments
             ,
             they
             may
             prevent
             and
             heal
             many
             breaches
             ,
             and
             unite
             dissenters
             in
             the
             bond
             of
             Peace
             and
             Love
             ,
             and
             afford
             unto
             such
             as
             have
             been
             intangled
             ,
             a
             more
             free
             scope
             and
             large
             capacity
             for
             publick
             aims
             and
             actions
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXIX
             .
          
           
             
               Whether
               the
               purity
               and
               power
               of
               Religion
               be
               lessened
               by
               amplitude
               and
               comprehensiveness
               .
            
          
           
             A
             Doubt
             may
             arise
             in
             this
             place
             ,
             whether
             it
             ben
             ot
             safer
             to
             make
             the
             Church-doors
             narrow
             ,
             and
             to
             keep
             a
             strict
             guard
             upon
             the
             entrance
             into
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             insist
             upon
             the
             exactest
             purity
             ,
             that
             Religion
             may
             continue
             uncorrupt
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             Church
             be
             not
             defiled
             ,
             nor
             its
             Interest
             ravished
             by
             Strangers
             .
          
           
             In
             resolving
             this
             doubt
             ,
             I
             forget
             not
             that
             
               the
               way
               is
               narrow
               and
               the
               Gate
               is
               straight
               that
               leadeth
               unto
               Life
               .
            
             But
             self-denial
             and
             real
             mortification
             and
             a
             conversation
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             not
             strictness
             of
             opinion
             in
             Church
             Order
             ,
             is
             this
             narrow
             way
             and
             straight
             Gate
             ;
             and
             our
             Salvation
             lies
             upon
             purity
             of
             heart
             and
             life
             ,
             and
             not
             upon
             Church
             purity
             .
          
           
             Besides
             ,
             God
             hath
             made
             the
             Gate
             of
             the
             visible
             Church
             ,
             much
             wider
             than
             the
             Gate
             of
             Heaven
             ;
             and
             Church
             Discipline
             cannot
             be
             set
             in
             that
             strictness
             ,
             in
             which
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             Salvation
             is
             to
             be
             preached
             .
             For
             Doctrine
             directly
             judgeth
             the
             heart
             ;
             and
             requireth
             truth
             in
             the
             inward
             parts
             ;
             but
             Discipline
             judgeth
             
             only
             the
             exterior
             conversation
             ,
             and
             must
             be
             satisfied
             in
             the
             credibility
             of
             Profession
             .
          
           
             In
             walking
             by
             rigid
             rules
             of
             Discipline
             ,
             though
             with
             an
             aim
             to
             advance
             purity
             ,
             we
             may
             easily
             shut
             out
             those
             whom
             Christ
             hath
             taken
             in
             .
             True
             Piety
             may
             be
             found
             in
             many
             ,
             who
             retain
             such
             things
             as
             some
             Godly
             Christians
             judge
             Erroneous
             or
             Superstitious
             ;
             and
             Godly
             sincerity
             may
             be
             found
             in
             many
             ,
             whom
             some
             of
             greater
             zeal
             ,
             but
             too
             censorious
             ,
             may
             judge
             to
             be
             but
             formalists
             .
             It
             is
             not
             good
             to
             neglect
             sober
             and
             serious
             People
             ,
             though
             in
             a
             lower
             degree
             of
             profession
             ,
             who
             conform
             to
             Gods
             Ordinances
             ,
             and
             regard
             a
             sound
             Ministery
             ,
             and
             shew
             themselves
             teachable
             ,
             lest
             we
             reject
             those
             that
             would
             help
             to
             uphold
             and
             honour
             Religion
             ,
             more
             than
             many
             who
             will
             put
             themselves
             forward
             among
             the
             strictest
             sort
             ,
             but
             indeed
             are
             either
             carnal
             projecters
             or
             busie
             bodies
             ,
             or
             froward
             and
             fickle
             Persons
             ,
             and
             a
             stain
             to
             the
             Profession
             in
             which
             they
             seem
             to
             glory
             .
          
           
             This
             narrowness
             of
             Church-communion
             ,
             and
             other
             reservedness
             of
             some
             strict
             Professors
             ,
             tends
             neither
             to
             the
             increase
             nor
             stability
             of
             pure
             Religion
             .
             Zealous
             Christians
             are
             a
             kind
             of
             good
             leaven
             ,
             like
             that
             in
             the
             Gospel
             Parable
             ,
             which
             if
             kept
             alone
             ,
             is
             of
             no
             efficacy
             ,
             but
             being
             diffused
             will
             season
             the
             whole
             lump
             .
             If
             they
             sever
             themselves
             into
             distinct
             visible
             Societies
             from
             the
             body
             of
             a
             Nation
             ,
             professing
             
             the
             true
             Religion
             ,
             their
             vertue
             cannot
             spread
             far
             ;
             but
             they
             leaven
             the
             whole
             mass
             of
             People
             by
             being
             diffused
             throughout
             the
             whole
             .
             And
             then
             they
             gain
             reverence
             and
             reputation
             ,
             and
             by
             their
             example
             profane
             and
             dissolute
             Persons
             may
             be
             convinced
             and
             much
             reformed
             ,
             and
             among
             those
             that
             walk
             orderly
             ,
             many
             may
             be
             carried
             on
             from
             common
             to
             saving
             Grace
             .
          
           
             Hereunto
             may
             be
             added
             this
             inestimable
             benefit
             ;
             to
             wit
             ,
             the
             apparent
             hope
             of
             the
             propagation
             of
             true
             Religion
             to
             the
             Generations
             to
             come
             ,
             which
             otherwise
             being
             unfixed
             ,
             might
             in
             time
             wear
             away
             and
             fail
             in
             such
             a
             Nation
             .
          
           
             Furthermore
             ,
             sincere
             Christians
             are
             comparatively
             but
             a
             little
             Flock
             ,
             and
             of
             that
             little
             Flock
             ,
             the
             greater
             number
             are
             of
             low
             capacities
             and
             very
             defective
             in
             political
             prudence
             ;
             and
             if
             they
             were
             wholly
             left
             to
             govern
             themselves
             in
             separated
             Societies
             ,
             they
             might
             easily
             be
             insnared
             into
             Parties
             and
             Breaches
             ,
             and
             manifold
             inconveniencies
             .
             Indeed
             those
             of
             them
             that
             are
             best
             able
             to
             govern
             themselves
             ,
             are
             most
             convinced
             of
             the
             need
             of
             publick
             Government
             .
             Wherefore
             it
             is
             the
             security
             of
             the
             faithfull
             to
             live
             under
             a
             publick
             and
             fixed
             rule
             and
             order
             ,
             and
             consequently
             to
             be
             imbodied
             with
             a
             Nation
             ,
             if
             it
             may
             be
             ,
             in
             one
             way
             of
             Communion
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXX
             .
          
           
             
               Factious
               usurpations
               are
               destructive
               to
               Religions
               interest
               .
            
          
           
             REligion
             is
             by
             the
             maligners
             of
             it
             too
             often
             called
             Faction
             .
             But
             the
             name
             is
             not
             more
             reproachfull
             ,
             than
             the
             thing
             it self
             is
             hurtfull
             to
             it
             .
             And
             the
             prudent
             promoters
             of
             it
             ,
             will
             avoid
             Factious
             usurpations
             and
             all
             such
             ways
             ,
             as
             would
             turn
             to
             a
             general
             greivance
             .
             But
             if
             any
             number
             of
             men
             in
             a
             higher
             degree
             of
             profession
             ,
             should
             seek
             the
             ingrossing
             of
             profits
             and
             preferments
             within
             themselves
             ,
             upon
             the
             account
             of
             their
             being
             Religious
             ,
             and
             the
             assuming
             of
             such
             power
             as
             cannot
             be
             maintained
             ,
             but
             by
             injury
             or
             disregard
             really
             ,
             or
             in
             appearance
             offered
             to
             all
             others
             ,
             and
             should
             so
             act
             in
             Civil
             Affairs
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             only
             were
             the
             people
             ,
             and
             think
             to
             do
             this
             for
             the
             advancement
             of
             Religion
             ,
             they
             would
             much
             mistake
             their
             way
             .
             For
             besides
             the
             iniquity
             of
             this
             practice
             ,
             the
             vanity
             and
             weakness
             of
             it
             is
             manifest
             .
          
           
             The
             intrinsick
             and
             permanent
             strength
             of
             strict
             Religion
             must
             be
             well
             considered
             .
             For
             that
             which
             is
             adventitious
             ,
             is
             very
             mutable
             and
             may
             be
             soon
             turn'd
             against
             it
             .
             Occasional
             
             advantages
             may
             suddenly
             raise
             it
             up
             to
             reputation
             and
             power
             among
             men
             ,
             and
             as
             suddenly
             leave
             it
             to
             sink
             and
             fall
             again
             .
             Wherefore
             its
             friends
             and
             followers
             may
             well
             reckon
             that
             they
             have
             made
             the
             most
             of
             their
             advantages
             ,
             when
             they
             can
             secure
             its
             interests
             in
             the
             common
             interest
             of
             a
             Nation
             .
          
           
             A
             firm
             liberty
             and
             security
             founded
             in
             a
             national
             interest
             ,
             is
             more
             agreeable
             to
             the
             condition
             of
             regenerate
             Christians
             ,
             than
             an
             intire
             potency
             to
             themselves
             alone
             .
             For
             they
             would
             scarce
             well
             comport
             with
             so
             great
             a
             weight
             of
             power
             .
             Hypocrites
             for
             carnal
             ends
             would
             addict
             themselves
             to
             their
             party
             and
             overact
             them
             .
             The
             sincere
             would
             prove
             but
             men
             ,
             corruptions
             would
             appear
             ,
             and
             miscarriages
             would
             marr
             their
             reputation
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             their
             least
             Support
             .
             Hereunto
             may
             be
             added
             many
             incongruities
             that
             would
             happen
             to
             them
             .
             The
             Gallantry
             and
             Splendor
             of
             the
             world
             will
             be
             no
             help
             to
             that
             humble
             and
             contrite
             frame
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             real
             mortification
             ,
             and
             holy
             walking
             ,
             and
             heavenly
             mindedness
             which
             is
             the
             power
             of
             Christianity
             .
             The
             various
             and
             versatile
             ways
             of
             worldly
             policy
             turning
             to
             innumerable
             occasions
             ,
             are
             not
             very
             passable
             to
             truly
             tender
             Consciences
             .
             Besides
             ,
             if
             the
             power
             were
             inclosed
             within
             these
             narrow
             limits
             ,
             many
             of
             low
             Birth
             and
             Breeding
             must
             needs
             be
             lifted
             up
             ,
             both
             to
             the
             envy
             of
             the
             excluded
             party
             ,
             and
             
             the
             disesteem
             of
             Magistracy
             .
             And
             persons
             of
             low
             condition
             being
             raised
             above
             their
             own
             Sphere
             upon
             the
             account
             of
             Religion
             ,
             may
             be
             easily
             tempted
             to
             think
             more
             highly
             of
             themselves
             than
             they
             ought
             to
             think
             ,
             and
             to
             grow
             busie
             ,
             peevish
             and
             rigid
             in
             needless
             matters
             ,
             which
             will
             provoke
             a
             People
             and
             fire
             their
             Spirits
             ,
             and
             though
             the
             rage
             be
             pent
             up
             for
             a
             season
             within
             their
             breasts
             ,
             it
             will
             at
             length
             break
             out
             into
             a
             flame
             .
          
           
             The
             power
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             as
             to
             human
             strength
             ,
             is
             best
             established
             and
             extended
             ,
             by
             leaning
             upon
             some
             common
             interest
             with
             which
             it
             falls
             in
             ,
             as
             the
             Vine
             is
             born
             up
             ,
             and
             spreads
             abroad
             by
             the
             support
             of
             a
             wall
             or
             frame
             .
             It
             is
             therefore
             most
             sutable
             to
             the
             terms
             upon
             which
             it
             stands
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             to
             be
             in
             a
             complex
             state
             with
             some
             other
             just
             ,
             large
             and
             stable
             interest
             ,
             such
             as
             is
             the
             common
             peace
             and
             safety
             both
             of
             Prince
             and
             People
             .
          
           
             And
             being
             a
             holy
             and
             wise
             Profession
             ,
             it
             leads
             its
             Followers
             in
             safe
             and
             right
             Paths
             ,
             and
             teacheth
             them
             to
             wait
             therein
             with
             patience
             .
             The
             nature
             of
             its
             interest
             will
             bear
             such
             patient
             waiting
             .
             For
             it
             is
             not
             carnal
             consisting
             of
             the
             great
             things
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             which
             may
             call
             for
             an
             eager
             and
             quick
             pursuit
             ,
             and
             daring
             interprizes
             .
             but
             it
             is
             the
             upholding
             of
             such
             a
             cause
             as
             needs
             not
             fear
             a
             sinking
             ,
             if
             it
             catch
             not
             hold
             of
             every
             sudden
             offer
             ,
             that
             is
             not
             clear
             in
             regard
             
             of
             Conscience
             or
             prudence
             ,
             but
             by
             an
             unchangable
             reason
             it
             indures
             throughout
             all
             ages
             ,
             and
             if
             it
             fall
             it
             shall
             rise
             again
             .
             It
             needs
             not
             the
             making
             of
             Parties
             ,
             and
             drawing
             people
             to
             its
             side
             by
             a
             pragmatical
             importunity
             ,
             nor
             to
             enter
             into
             any
             suspected
             ways
             ;
             but
             wheresoever
             it
             is
             managed
             like
             it self
             in
             righteous
             and
             prudent
             Counsels
             ,
             it
             makes
             the
             fairest
             progress
             and
             of
             longest
             continuance
             .
          
           
             The
             reasons
             aforegoing
             ,
             do
             hold
             in
             due
             proportion
             against
             the
             ingrossing
             of
             privileges
             ,
             in
             particular
             in
             corporate
             Societies
             ,
             and
             the
             making
             of
             Parties
             to
             interrupt
             the
             settled
             order
             of
             promotions
             and
             to
             keep
             back
             persons
             legally
             intitled
             ,
             that
             the
             Religious
             alone
             might
             be
             promoted
             .
             Such
             Practises
             make
             sad
             breaches
             ,
             and
             upon
             change
             of
             Affairs
             will
             turn
             to
             the
             great
             detriment
             if
             not
             the
             depression
             of
             the
             Party
             so
             advanced
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXXI
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Leading
               and
               following
               ,
               and
               of
               Combinations
               .
            
          
           
             GOds
             Providence
             useth
             to
             dispose
             into
             all
             quarters
             ,
             some
             men
             not
             only
             of
             known
             integrity
             ,
             but
             eminent
             for
             wisdom
             and
             reputation
             ,
             
             who
             see
             more
             than
             the
             ordinary
             sort
             of
             good
             men
             ,
             and
             are
             able
             and
             meet
             to
             give
             advice
             like
             those
             children
             of
             Issachar
             ,
             
               men
               that
               had
               understanding
               of
               the
               times
               to
               know
               what
            
             Israel
             
               ought
               to
               do
            
             .
             These
             are
             much
             the
             stay
             of
             this
             Profession
             ,
             and
             by
             their
             influence
             keep
             things
             right
             ,
             and
             preserve
             the
             weaker
             sort
             from
             manifold
             aberrations
             .
             It
             is
             supposed
             that
             they
             seek
             not
             their
             own
             glory
             in
             being
             made
             Heads
             of
             Parties
             ;
             but
             that
             in
             sincerity
             and
             self-denial
             they
             follow
             truth
             and
             peace
             ,
             and
             use
             their
             Authority
             and
             ability
             ,
             to
             promote
             a
             Catholick
             interest
             ,
             and
             true
             concord
             among
             all
             Christians
             .
          
           
             Nevertheless
             sometimes
             the
             understanding
             of
             the
             prudent
             fails
             ,
             and
             Counsel
             is
             hidden
             from
             them
             .
             It
             pleaseth
             the
             only
             wise
             God
             ,
             sometimes
             to
             permit
             strange
             resolves
             to
             proceed
             from
             good
             and
             wise
             men
             ,
             that
             our
             main
             stress
             of
             hope
             might
             rest
             upon
             him
             alone
             ,
             and
             on
             his
             infallible
             Word
             ;
             and
             that
             we
             might
             not
             become
             the
             absolute
             Disciples
             of
             any
             Masters
             upon
             Earth
             .
          
           
             One
             or
             two
             eminent
             men
             in
             a
             Country
             ,
             though
             wise
             and
             faithfull
             ,
             may
             not
             be
             followed
             as
             it
             were
             by
             implicit
             Faith
             ,
             which
             may
             lead
             into
             great
             mistakes
             .
             It
             is
             to
             be
             supposed
             ,
             that
             there
             be
             many
             discreet
             persons
             ,
             though
             not
             of
             eminent
             ability
             ,
             whom
             it
             may
             become
             to
             hear
             and
             reverence
             their
             eminent
             men
             ,
             yet
             to
             see
             with
             their
             own
             eyes
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             judge
             by
             their
             
             own
             reason
             .
             In
             this
             matter
             there
             be
             two
             extreams
             ,
             either
             to
             be
             too
             morose
             or
             too
             sequacious
             ,
             the
             one
             being
             the
             effect
             of
             a
             sullen
             pride
             and
             Self-conceit
             ;
             the
             other
             of
             pusillanimity
             ,
             temerity
             ,
             and
             such
             like
             weakness
             ,
             and
             both
             tending
             to
             make
             breaches
             and
             lead
             into
             parties
             .
             We
             may
             have
             the
             persons
             of
             Worthy
             men
             in
             due
             veneration
             ,
             but
             not
             in
             excessive
             admiration
             .
          
           
             Avoid
             precipitate
             Leaders
             ,
             for
             though
             the
             service
             of
             hot
             Spirits
             may
             be
             sometimes
             prosperous
             ;
             yet
             in
             this
             temperate
             cause
             their
             conduct
             is
             pernicious
             .
             And
             there
             is
             as
             much
             reason
             to
             avoid
             such
             Leaders
             as
             care
             not
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             consider
             not
             ,
             what
             they
             do
             against
             the
             common
             interest
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             to
             advance
             a
             particular
             Form
             or
             Party
             .
             But
             above
             all
             beware
             of
             such
             persons
             ,
             whose
             apparent
             worldly
             interests
             lead
             them
             to
             adhere
             to
             some
             divided
             Party
             ,
             &
             to
             cherish
             Faction
             .
             If
             much
             be
             committed
             into
             such
             hands
             ,
             we
             shall
             be
             lead
             into
             a
             wrong
             course
             ,
             or
             disabled
             to
             follow
             the
             right
             ,
             though
             we
             see
             it
             plain
             before
             us
             .
             Yea
             ,
             the
             cause
             of
             Religion
             will
             be
             inthralled
             to
             the
             service
             of
             a
             Faction
             ,
             and
             be
             left
             with
             disgrace
             enough
             when
             men
             have
             serv'd
             their
             turns
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             A
             people
             of
             honest
             zeal
             may
             easily
             be
             over-credulous
             of
             great
             and
             powerfull
             men
             that
             pretend
             to
             favour
             Religion
             ,
             and
             take
             it
             into
             their
             Patronage
             .
             Yet
             the
             more
             discerning
             sort
             will
             look
             to
             it
             ,
             that
             ,
             while
             Grandees
             retain
             them
             
             with
             such
             favour
             and
             Friendship
             ,
             they
             overact
             them
             not
             to
             the
             dishonor
             and
             dammage
             of
             this
             Profession
             ,
             which
             is
             more
             worthy
             than
             to
             be
             held
             in
             vassalage
             ,
             and
             made
             to
             lackey
             after
             corrupt
             designs
             ;
             and
             more
             noble
             than
             to
             bear
             such
             indignity
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             good
             for
             the
             younger
             sort
             of
             Professors
             to
             reverence
             the
             ancient
             and
             more
             experienced
             ;
             and
             for
             all
             sorts
             in
             their
             choice
             of
             Guides
             and
             Patterns
             ,
             to
             prefer
             solid
             judgment
             with
             integrity
             of
             Life
             and
             Conversation
             before
             taking
             parts
             ,
             heat
             of
             zeal
             and
             high
             affections
             .
             Amidst
             diversities
             of
             Parties
             and
             Persuasions
             ,
             it
             is
             safe
             to
             hold
             communion
             with
             the
             generality
             of
             Serious
             and
             Pious
             Christians
             ,
             and
             yet
             to
             receive
             with
             love
             the
             several
             disagreeing
             Parties
             ,
             who
             for
             the
             main
             walk
             in
             the
             truth
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             communion
             with
             them
             all
             ,
             as
             far
             as
             Catholick
             Principles
             will
             give
             leave
             .
          
           
             In
             pursuing
             the
             ends
             of
             this
             Interest
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             need
             of
             private
             or
             unauthorized
             Persons
             entring
             into
             such
             stated
             combinations
             and
             correspondences
             ,
             as
             the
             Jesuits
             and
             other
             Orders
             under
             the
             Papacy
             ,
             have
             setled
             in
             their
             Societies
             throughout
             the
             World.
             For
             all
             Pious
             Christians
             are
             taught
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             have
             one
             Spirit
             touching
             the
             main
             of
             this
             design
             ,
             and
             are
             inclined
             to
             pursue
             the
             same
             with
             one
             accord
             .
             And
             indeed
             so
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             only
             the
             sincere
             friends
             of
             truth
             ,
             men
             of
             upright
             hearts
             ,
             
             and
             humble
             spirits
             ,
             and
             honest
             lives
             ,
             will
             observe
             and
             follow
             the
             rules
             of
             this
             Interest
             .
             And
             it
             sufficeth
             ,
             if
             they
             keep
             close
             to
             their
             common
             rule
             of
             Faith
             and
             Life
             ,
             and
             follow
             after
             the
             things
             that
             make
             for
             Peace
             ,
             and
             know
             the
             present
             state
             of
             Gods
             Israel
             ,
             and
             acquaint
             themselves
             with
             each
             other
             ,
             as
             opportunity
             of
             converse
             offers
             it self
             ,
             and
             so
             govern
             themselves
             ,
             and
             carry
             on
             the
             advancement
             of
             Religion
             by
             such
             honest
             and
             harmless
             means
             ,
             as
             need
             not
             shun
             the
             light
             ,
             but
             may
             stand
             before
             the
             face
             of
             all
             opposers
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXXII
             .
          
           
             
               The
               Wisdom
               of
               the
               Higher
               Powers
               in
               promoting
               the
               Religiousness
               of
               their
               People
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             advancement
             of
             true
             Religion
             is
             the
             interest
             of
             the
             Higher
             Powers
             ,
             if
             to
             maintain
             Gods
             honour
             and
             mans
             chief
             good
             be
             their
             interest
             ,
             and
             if
             the
             defying
             of
             God
             and
             the
             utter
             undoing
             of
             men
             be
             against
             it
             .
             Yea
             ,
             if
             the
             Tranquility
             and
             Peace
             of
             Governours
             and
             the
             stability
             of
             Government
             be
             regarded
             ,
             human
             Wisdom
             will
             direct
             to
             promote
             that
             way
             which
             is
             no
             other
             than
             
               the
               exercise
               
               of
               a
               Conscience
               void
               of
               offence
               towards
               God
               and
               towards
               Man.
            
             Godliness
             includes
             Prudence
             ,
             Justice
             ,
             Temperance
             ,
             Fortitude
             ,
             and
             all
             Goodness
             .
             It
             is
             an
             internal
             Law
             effectually
             subduing
             them
             that
             have
             it
             to
             all
             external
             Laws
             that
             are
             just
             and
             good
             ,
             and
             the
             example
             of
             it
             goes
             far
             to
             the
             bettering
             of
             many
             others
             in
             things
             pertaining
             to
             humanity
             .
             It
             is
             regular
             and
             harmonious
             in
             every
             part
             ,
             it
             leads
             to
             Order
             ,
             Peace
             and
             Unity
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             nothing
             in
             it
             inconsistent
             with
             right
             Policy
             .
             It
             is
             the
             way
             of
             true
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             apt
             to
             take
             most
             among
             the
             serious
             and
             well
             advised
             part
             of
             the
             People
             ,
             and
             when
             it
             hath
             taken
             hold
             of
             them
             ,
             it
             makes
             them
             Wise
             and
             Serious
             more
             abundantly
             .
             It
             corrects
             rash
             ,
             rugged
             ,
             wrathfull
             ,
             and
             fierce
             natures
             ,
             and
             to
             say
             the
             least
             ,
             whatsoever
             turbulency
             may
             afterwards
             remain
             in
             such
             ,
             it
             makes
             them
             of
             far
             more
             sedate
             and
             castigate
             Spirits
             than
             otherwise
             they
             would
             be
             .
             And
             though
             it
             doth
             not
             forthwith
             exterminate
             ,
             yet
             it
             so
             debilitates
             all
             Complexional
             Distempers
             ,
             that
             they
             cannot
             break
             forth
             into
             a
             course
             of
             mischief
             ;
             and
             ordinarily
             it
             works
             an
             evident
             notable
             change
             .
             Of
             so
             great
             force
             is
             an
             attentive
             and
             active
             Conscience
             over
             all
             human
             passions
             .
             And
             doubtless
             it
             is
             the
             strongest
             bond
             to
             hold
             Subjects
             in
             obedience
             to
             their
             Governours
             .
             For
             the
             Conscientious
             are
             held
             in
             by
             the
             terrour
             of
             the
             
             Lord
             and
             the
             dread
             of
             the
             wrath
             to
             come
             ,
             besides
             the
             sense
             of
             mans
             wrath
             ,
             which
             they
             have
             in
             common
             with
             all
             considerate
             Persons
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             it
             is
             clearly
             the
             Princes
             Interest
             that
             his
             Subj●cts
             universally
             (
             if
             it
             can
             be
             )
             should
             be
             Religious
             ,
             and
             consequently
             it
             is
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             his
             Government
             to
             indeavour
             it
             as
             far
             as
             it
             is
             attainable
             .
             And
             if
             he
             would
             bring
             them
             to
             such
             a
             state
             ,
             he
             is
             to
             take
             care
             to
             exalt
             Gods
             immediate
             Soveraignty
             over
             their
             Consciencies
             ,
             and
             under
             that
             Soveraignty
             to
             hold
             them
             in
             subjection
             to
             himself
             .
             For
             where
             Conscience
             is
             not
             preserved
             in
             its
             awfull
             regard
             to
             Gods
             Law
             as
             its
             Supream
             rule
             ,
             true
             Religion
             is
             extinguished
             .
             And
             they
             are
             the
             Patrons
             of
             Irreligion
             ,
             who
             propagate
             such
             principles
             as
             tend
             to
             alienate
             the
             Conscience
             from
             its
             true
             Soveraign
             and
             Proprietor
             ,
             and
             either
             to
             make
             it
             servile
             to
             those
             who
             have
             no
             just
             dominion
             over
             it
             ,
             or
             to
             debauch
             it
             into
             searedness
             or
             dead
             security
             .
          
           
             One
             way
             most
             needfull
             and
             advantagious
             for
             preserving
             Gods
             Authority
             over
             Conscience
             ,
             is
             most
             effectually
             to
             bind
             Gods
             Laws
             upon
             the
             People
             ;
             and
             to
             order
             what
             things
             else
             are
             necessary
             for
             the
             due
             observation
             thereof
             ,
             and
             to
             lay
             no
             other
             yoke
             upon
             them
             in
             things
             pertaining
             to
             God.
             And
             as
             this
             way
             imports
             much
             to
             the
             sincerity
             and
             reality
             of
             Religion
             ,
             so
             it
             doth
             no
             less
             to
             the
             keeping
             of
             Religious
             
             minds
             in
             unity
             .
             For
             in
             what
             center
             will
             the
             judiciously
             Conscientious
             unite
             ,
             if
             not
             in
             the
             revealed
             mind
             and
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             apprehended
             by
             them
             ?
             Will
             the
             injunctions
             of
             the
             Civil
             Magistrate
             ,
             or
             the
             Authority
             of
             Ecclesiastical
             Superiors
             better
             resolve
             the
             doubts
             of
             such
             men
             ,
             or
             silence
             their
             Disputes
             ?
             This
             is
             not
             urged
             to
             prove
             that
             Superiors
             can
             injoyn
             nothing
             in
             Religion
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             particularly
             before
             enjoyned
             of
             God
             ;
             or
             that
             the
             Consciences
             of
             Inferiors
             are
             not
             bound
             by
             their
             Commands
             in
             subordination
             to
             Gods
             Commands
             :
             but
             only
             that
             they
             take
             the
             best
             course
             for
             the
             unfeigned
             Piety
             and
             truly
             Christian
             concord
             of
             their
             People
             ,
             that
             by
             their
             injunctions
             ,
             seek
             mainly
             to
             promote
             obedience
             to
             the
             Divine
             Laws
             ,
             and
             add
             no
             more
             of
             their
             own
             than
             what
             is
             clearly
             necessary
             thereunto
             .
             And
             what
             more
             just
             and
             prudent
             course
             than
             to
             forbear
             things
             that
             are
             unnecessary
             ,
             and
             unserviceable
             to
             the
             promoting
             of
             Truth
             and
             Peace
             ;
             yet
             with
             a
             perplexity
             and
             a
             stumbling
             block
             ,
             an
             easie
             inlet
             to
             all
             dissolute
             or
             ductile
             Spirits
             ,
             and
             a
             bar
             against
             many
             of
             known
             sincerity
             :
             and
             to
             use
             that
             moderation
             in
             the
             publick
             Rule
             and
             Standard
             ,
             which
             takes
             away
             or
             exceedingly
             lessens
             ,
             dissents
             ,
             and
             consequently
             the
             occasions
             of
             dissention
             .
          
           
             The
             Spirit
             of
             Christianity
             forbids
             Christian
             
             Magistrates
             to
             destroy
             sincere
             Christians
             ,
             for
             their
             little
             differences
             and
             narrow
             principles
             in
             Forms
             of
             Church
             Order
             .
             And
             no
             reason
             of
             State
             will
             oblige
             them
             to
             that
             severity
             ,
             how
             importunately
             soever
             some
             Interessed
             men
             may
             urge
             it
             .
             Judicious
             charity
             or
             a
             prudent
             indulgence
             towards
             such
             ,
             cannot
             undermine
             Religion
             or
             the
             Civil
             State.
             And
             a
             sound
             Ecclesiastical
             Polity
             set
             for
             the
             increase
             of
             true
             Godliness
             ,
             will
             receive
             no
             dammage
             by
             it
             ,
             but
             it
             will
             rather
             gain
             upon
             those
             Dissenters
             ,
             and
             if
             their
             scruples
             be
             not
             removed
             ,
             it
             shall
             abide
             firm
             and
             stable
             ,
             and
             grow
             in
             strength
             by
             the
             reputation
             of
             its
             own
             goodness
             and
             sufficiency
             ,
             in
             that
             it
             is
             not
             hazarded
             or
             impaired
             by
             this
             charity
             and
             forbearance
             .
             The
             Higher
             Powers
             by
             granting
             some
             limited
             liberty
             do
             more
             universally
             protect
             the
             faithfull
             ,
             and
             having
             no
             interest
             in
             competition
             with
             the
             advancement
             of
             Christs
             Kingdom
             ,
             are
             able
             and
             wise
             enough
             to
             provide
             against
             any
             dangerous
             inconveniencies
             .
             The
             bounds
             and
             rules
             of
             this
             indulgence
             are
             not
             so
             undiscoverable
             as
             to
             make
             it
             a
             vain
             proposal
             :
             yet
             ,
             it
             is
             but
             an
             idle
             demand
             of
             those
             that
             require
             an
             enumeration
             of
             all
             particulars
             ,
             than
             which
             ,
             nothing
             more
             or
             less
             may
             be
             tolerated
             in
             any
             case
             .
             All
             particularities
             in
             any
             human
             affairs
             are
             not
             easie
             nor
             necessary
             to
             be
             known
             at
             one
             view
             ,
             nor
             are
             they
             so
             fixed
             ,
             but
             they
             
             may
             admit
             considerable
             variations
             according
             to
             the
             different
             state
             of
             things
             .
             There
             be
             general
             rules
             of
             Prudence
             that
             are
             a
             sufficient
             indication
             of
             what
             ought
             to
             be
             done
             at
             any
             time
             ,
             as
             the
             present
             case
             requires
             .
             As
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             a
             Housholder
             will
             direct
             him
             how
             far
             to
             bear
             with
             faults
             and
             weaknesses
             in
             his
             Family
             ;
             so
             the
             Magistrate
             by
             Wisdom
             will
             discern
             what
             may
             be
             born
             with
             in
             his
             Common-Wealth
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             is
             sufficient
             to
             the
             true
             and
             just
             ends
             of
             Government
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXXIII
             .
          
           
             
               The
               Churche's
               true
               interest
               to
               be
               pursued
               by
               Ecclesiastical
               Persons
               .
            
          
           
             NOthing
             is
             more
             precious
             ,
             and
             among
             Christians
             nothing
             should
             be
             more
             valued
             ,
             than
             the
             good
             of
             Gods
             Church
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             Christs
             and
             Gods
             great
             interest
             in
             the
             world
             :
             but
             the
             misery
             is
             ,
             that
             the
             Churches
             name
             is
             abused
             ,
             and
             its
             interest
             mistaken
             most
             perversly
             .
             For
             none
             have
             more
             pretended
             for
             the
             Church
             than
             they
             ,
             whose
             business
             is
             to
             get
             and
             keep
             worldly
             pomp
             ,
             and
             power
             with
             carnal
             ease
             and
             pleasure
             ;
             and
             to
             make
             laws
             and
             rules
             serviceable
             to
             these
             ends
             ;
             and
             to
             corrupt
             the
             minds
             and
             debauch
             the
             lives
             of
             men
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             bring
             
             them
             into
             blind
             obedience
             to
             such
             laws
             ,
             and
             maintain
             their
             worldly
             dominion
             over
             Christs
             heritage
             ,
             and
             who
             value
             all
             men
             howsoever
             qualified
             ,
             as
             they
             stand
             affected
             to
             their
             estate
             ,
             and
             accordingly
             stick
             not
             to
             reject
             the
             eminently
             good
             ,
             and
             to
             receive
             the
             notoriously
             bad
             .
             In
             the
             Romish
             Church
             all
             this
             is
             palpable
             .
             Now
             let
             these
             be
             called
             
               the
               Church
            
             ,
             by
             them
             that
             list
             to
             give
             that
             name
             ,
             to
             a
             state
             of
             Pride
             and
             Luxury
             ,
             of
             Tyranny
             and
             oppression
             ,
             of
             carnal
             and
             Devilish
             Policy
             ,
             under
             which
             the
             souls
             of
             people
             are
             betray'd
             to
             everlasting
             perdition
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             those
             in
             the
             Ministery
             that
             are
             sollicitous
             of
             the
             Churches
             welfare
             ,
             should
             state
             the
             interest
             thereof
             aright
             ,
             which
             indeed
             is
             not
             for
             the
             service
             of
             the
             flesh
             or
             the
             carnal
             mind
             ;
             but
             for
             the
             promoting
             of
             the
             Divine
             life
             in
             men
             ,
             and
             the
             increase
             of
             the
             mystical
             Society
             of
             Regenerate
             Persons
             ,
             united
             in
             Christ
             their
             Head
             by
             his
             Spirit
             dwelling
             in
             them
             ;
             and
             in
             order
             thereunto
             ,
             for
             the
             increase
             of
             the
             visible
             Society
             of
             persons
             externally
             owning
             such
             an
             internal
             State.
             And
             therefore
             it
             is
             to
             promote
             and
             propagate
             the
             sound
             knowledge
             of
             God
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             the
             people
             of
             their
             charge
             really
             good
             ,
             and
             to
             advance
             them
             what
             they
             can
             in
             grace
             and
             wisdom
             according
             to
             their
             several
             capacities
             ,
             and
             to
             deal
             with
             them
             in
             meekness
             and
             love
             ,
             and
             to
             walk
             before
             them
             as
             examples
             of
             all
             purity
             and
             goodness
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             more
             
             sensible
             and
             sollicitous
             about
             the
             corruptions
             and
             sinfull
             disorders
             ,
             than
             the
             sufferings
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             more
             zealous
             for
             Gods
             honour
             and
             the
             good
             of
             Souls
             ,
             than
             for
             their
             own
             honour
             ,
             wealth
             or
             power
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             word
             to
             seek
             the
             things
             of
             Christ
             more
             than
             their
             own
             things
             .
          
           
             The
             Ministers
             that
             discharge
             their
             Office
             well
             ,
             are
             in
             Scripture
             declared
             Worthy
             of
             double
             honour
             .
             And
             that
             they
             be
             indowed
             with
             honorable
             settled
             maintenance
             ,
             is
             necessary
             for
             the
             support
             of
             a
             Religion
             ,
             that
             for
             its
             excellency
             requires
             to
             be
             supported
             by
             the
             help
             of
             excellent
             Gifts
             ,
             as
             Learning
             ,
             Eloquence
             and
             Prudence
             ,
             not
             now
             to
             be
             obtained
             by
             Miracles
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             ordinary
             use
             of
             means
             with
             much
             cost
             and
             labour
             .
             And
             questionless
             the
             withdrawing
             of
             these
             supports
             tends
             to
             the
             Churches
             ruine
             ,
             nevertheless
             an
             inordinate
             and
             licentious
             collation
             ,
             and
             accumulation
             of
             Preferments
             making
             for
             the
             Service
             of
             Covetousness
             ,
             Ambition
             and
             depraved
             appetite
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             decay
             of
             Sobriety
             ,
             Vigilancy
             and
             Industry
             in
             the
             Pastors
             ,
             is
             no
             less
             dangerous
             .
             This
             exorbitancy
             after
             the
             Roman
             Empire
             became
             Christian
             ,
             allured
             and
             brought
             in
             the
             men
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             who
             have
             their
             Portion
             in
             this
             life
             ,
             and
             gave
             them
             advantage
             by
             carnal
             arts
             ,
             to
             possess
             themselves
             of
             the
             chief
             Seats
             of
             Power
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             by
             which
             means
             Religion
             
             degenerated
             into
             externalness
             and
             carnality
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             was
             then
             named
             
               the
               Church
            
             was
             at
             length
             turned
             into
             a
             worldly
             State
             ,
             which
             grew
             more
             and
             more
             corrupt
             till
             
               the
               mystery
               of
               iniquity
            
             was
             fulfilled
             in
             it
             .
          
           
             Where
             Christianity
             hath
             recovered
             it self
             out
             of
             the
             degeneracy
             of
             the
             later
             times
             ,
             and
             knowledge
             is
             generally
             diffused
             among
             the
             people
             ,
             the
             sufficiency
             ,
             industry
             and
             faithfulness
             of
             Ecclesiastical
             persons
             will
             be
             inquired
             after
             ,
             negligence
             in
             their
             Administrations
             and
             irregularities
             in
             their
             lives
             will
             not
             pass
             without
             noting
             ,
             the
             ignorant
             ,
             idle
             and
             scandalous
             will
             fall
             into
             contempt
             ,
             outward
             Formalities
             will
             be
             no
             covering
             ,
             as
             in
             darker
             times
             they
             were
             ,
             distinctive
             Habits
             and
             Reverend
             Titles
             alone
             will
             not
             procure
             veneration
             ,
             the
             Ecclesiastical
             Authority
             will
             sink
             and
             fall
             without
             remedy
             ,
             if
             real
             worth
             doth
             not
             uphold
             it
             .
             In
             such
             times
             men
             will
             not
             be
             to
             learn
             that
             an
             arm
             of
             flesh
             doth
             not
             constitute
             a
             Christian
             Church
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             aid
             of
             the
             secular
             Power
             is
             not
             enough
             to
             prove
             one
             Party
             to
             be
             Orthodox
             ,
             and
             the
             rest
             Heretical
             or
             Schismatical
             .
             External
             violence
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             common
             support
             of
             false
             Religions
             ,
             will
             in
             this
             case
             do
             little
             good
             ,
             but
             it
             will
             render
             them
             that
             call
             for
             it
             the
             more
             odious
             ,
             and
             more
             discover
             the
             weakness
             of
             their
             Cause
             .
             Wherefore
             the
             Clergy
             must
             resolve
             to
             do
             Worthily
             and
             fulfill
             their
             Ministery
             ,
             or
             
             they
             must
             extinguish
             the
             Light
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             or
             the
             Light
             of
             the
             Gospel
             will
             extinguish
             them
             .
             But
             if
             as
             faithfull
             Shepherds
             they
             watch
             over
             the
             Flock
             ,
             and
             tender
             the
             state
             thereof
             ,
             if
             they
             labour
             in
             the
             Word
             and
             Doctrine
             ,
             and
             Teach
             with
             meekness
             and
             patience
             if
             they
             pitty
             and
             succour
             the
             weak
             ,
             and
             heal
             that
             which
             is
             lame
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             not
             be
             turned
             out
             of
             the
             way
             ,
             if
             they
             use
             the
             rod
             of
             Discipline
             with
             judgment
             and
             Paternal
             affection
             ,
             if
             they
             discard
             and
             lay
             by
             mens
             unprofitable
             institutes
             ,
             and
             maintain
             all
             Divine
             ordinances
             in
             their
             due
             honour
             ,
             and
             chiefly
             urge
             the
             observance
             of
             the
             indispensable
             Commands
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             turn
             men
             from
             externalness
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             their
             chief
             aim
             that
             Christ
             by
             his
             Word
             and
             Spirit
             may
             Reign
             in
             the
             hearts
             of
             Professed
             Christians
             ;
             then
             shall
             they
             magnifie
             their
             Office
             and
             establish
             their
             Authority
             ,
             and
             hold
             their
             Flocks
             in
             an
             unfeigned
             Reverence
             and
             submission
             ,
             as
             feeling
             the
             force
             of
             the
             Ministerial
             warfare
             in
             their
             Consciences
             .
             And
             the
             inferior
             differences
             shall
             not
             be
             able
             to
             cause
             disgust
             or
             aversation
             ,
             or
             break
             those
             strong
             bonds
             of
             the
             Peoples
             sincere
             regard
             toward
             their
             Pastors
             :
             but
             they
             would
             rather
             be
             swallowed
             up
             in
             love
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             bond
             of
             Perfectness
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             The
             Conclusion
             .
          
           
             NO
             greater
             thing
             can
             fall
             under
             the
             consideration
             of
             Mankind
             ,
             than
             the
             Security
             and
             increase
             of
             true
             Religion
             .
             The
             Glory
             of
             God
             among
             men
             and
             their
             eternal
             Salvation
             depends
             upon
             it
             .
             T
             is
             as
             far
             above
             the
             concernments
             of
             the
             Kingdoms
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             and
             their
             Politick
             Administrations
             ,
             all
             Secular
             Affairs
             ,
             and
             Philosophical
             speculations
             ,
             as
             the
             Heavens
             are
             high
             above
             the
             Earth
             .
             An
             inquiry
             into
             the
             Sound
             state
             and
             true
             interest
             thereof
             ,
             is
             a
             contemplation
             worthy
             of
             the
             greatest
             minds
             ,
             and
             the
             advancement
             of
             it
             is
             the
             chiefest
             honour
             of
             the
             highest
             Powers
             .
             T
             is
             the
             Royal
             interest
             of
             that
             Potentate
             ,
             who
             is
             
               King
               of
               Kings
               and
               Lord
               of
               Lords
               ,
            
             and
             of
             that
             Blessed
             Society
             which
             are
             incorporated
             under
             him
             their
             Lord
             and
             Head.
             And
             who
             that
             in
             any
             degree
             hath
             truly
             known
             the
             felicity
             of
             this
             Kingdom
             ,
             and
             hopes
             for
             a
             Lot
             of
             inheritance
             in
             the
             glory
             of
             it
             ,
             doth
             not
             value
             the
             concerns
             thereof
             above
             all
             his
             chief
             joys
             that
             are
             but
             of
             this
             World
             ?
             A
             zeal
             for
             the
             common
             Faith
             ,
             and
             a
             constraning
             love
             to
             all
             the
             Faithfull
             ,
             hath
             excited
             a
             very
             mean
             and
             weak
             one
             to
             do
             what
             he
             was
             able
             on
             this
             important
             Subject
             ,
             impartially
             searching
             after
             their
             common
             
             good
             .
             Let
             the
             Prince
             of
             this
             Society
             ,
             one
             of
             whose
             names
             is
             Counsellour
             deliver
             his
             Flock
             from
             all
             dangerous
             and
             disadvantageous
             error
             ,
             and
             from
             wandring
             in
             broken
             Parties
             by
             unstable
             and
             divided
             Counsels
             ,
             and
             shew
             them
             graciously
             the
             right
             way
             of
             maintaining
             a
             consistency
             among
             themselves
             ,
             and
             of
             gaining
             upon
             the
             reconcilable
             part
             of
             men
             .
             And
             forasmuch
             as
             this
             Prince
             and
             Leader
             is
             
               the
               Lamb
               of
               God
               whose
               Banner
               is
               Love
               ,
            
             let
             his
             people
             every
             where
             be
             acted
             by
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Love
             ,
             and
             shew
             forth
             the
             meekness
             of
             Wisdom
             in
             all
             good
             Conversation
             ,
             with
             Humility
             ,
             Patience
             and
             Long-suffering
             ,
             having
             this
             Principle
             deeply
             imprinted
             in
             them
             ,
             
               The
               Wrath
               of
               Man
               worketh
               not
               the
               Righteousness
               of
               God.
               
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
         
         
           The
           point
           of
           CHURCH-UNITY
           AND
           
             SCHISM
             Discuss'd
          
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Church
               and
               its
               Polity
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             Church
             is
             a
             Spiritual
             Common-wealth
             ,
             which
             according
             to
             its
             primary
             and
             invisible
             State
             is
             a
             Society
             of
             regenerate
             Persons
             ,
             who
             are
             joyned
             to
             the
             Lord
             Christ
             their
             Head
             ,
             and
             one
             to
             another
             as
             fellow
             Members
             by
             a
             mystical
             Union
             through
             the
             Holy
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             are
             justified
             ,
             Sanctified
             ,
             and
             adopted
             to
             the
             inheritance
             of
             Eternal
             Life
             ;
             but
             according
             to
             
             its
             secondary
             and
             visible
             state
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             Society
             of
             Persons
             professing
             Christianity
             or
             Regeration
             ,
             and
             externally
             joyned
             to
             Christ
             ,
             and
             to
             one
             another
             by
             the
             Symbals
             of
             that
             Profession
             ,
             and
             made
             partakers
             of
             the
             external
             priviledges
             thereunto
             belonging
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             one
             Catholick
             Church
             ,
             which
             according
             to
             the
             invisible
             Form
             ,
             is
             the
             whole
             company
             of
             true
             Believers
             throughout
             the
             World
             ;
             and
             according
             to
             its
             visible
             Form
             ,
             is
             the
             whole
             company
             of
             visible
             Believers
             throughout
             the
             World
             ,
             or
             Believers
             according
             to
             human
             judgment
             .
          
           
             This
             Church
             hath
             one
             Head
             and
             Supream
             Lord
             ,
             even
             Christ
             ,
             and
             one
             Charter
             and
             System
             of
             Laws
             ;
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             and
             Members
             ,
             that
             are
             free
             Denizons
             of
             the
             whole
             Society
             ,
             and
             one
             Form
             of
             Admission
             or
             solemn
             Initiation
             for
             its
             Members
             ,
             and
             one
             kind
             of
             Ministery
             and
             Ecclesiastical
             Power
             .
          
           
             This
             Church
             hath
             not
             the
             power
             of
             its
             own
             Fundamental
             Constitution
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             Laws
             ,
             and
             Officers
             ,
             and
             Administrations
             intrinsecally
             belonging
             to
             it
             ,
             but
             hath
             received
             all
             these
             from
             Christ
             its
             Head
             ,
             King
             and
             Lawgiver
             ,
             and
             is
             limited
             by
             him
             in
             them
             all
             .
             Nevertheless
             ,
             it
             hath
             according
             to
             the
             capacity
             of
             its
             acting
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             according
             to
             its
             several
             parts
             a
             power
             of
             making
             Secondary
             Laws
             or
             Canons
             ,
             either
             to
             impress
             the
             Laws
             of
             Christ
             upon
             its
             Members
             ,
             or
             to
             regulate
             circumstantials
             and
             
             accidentals
             in
             Religion
             ,
             by
             determining
             things
             necessary
             in
             genere
             ,
             not
             determined
             of
             Christ
             in
             specie
             .
          
           
             As
             the
             Scripture
             sets
             forth
             one
             Catholick
             Church
             ,
             so
             also
             many
             particular
             Churches
             ,
             as
             so
             many
             Political
             Societies
             distinct
             from
             each
             other
             ,
             yet
             all
             compacted
             together
             as
             parts
             of
             that
             one
             ample
             Society
             ,
             the
             Catholick
             Church
             .
          
           
             Each
             of
             these
             particular
             Churches
             have
             their
             proper
             Elder
             or
             Elders
             ,
             Pastor
             or
             Pastors
             ,
             having
             authority
             of
             teaching
             and
             ruling
             them
             in
             Christs
             name
             .
             An
             Ecclesiastical
             Order
             of
             Presbyters
             or
             Elders
             ,
             that
             are
             not
             Bishops
             ,
             is
             not
             found
             in
             holy
             Scripture
             .
             For
             all
             Presbyters
             or
             Elders
             ,
             being
             of
             a
             sacred
             Order
             in
             the
             Gospel
             Church
             that
             are
             any
             where
             mentioned
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             are
             therein
             set
             forth
             as
             Bishops
             truly
             and
             properly
             so
             called
             ,
             and
             are
             no
             where
             set
             forth
             as
             less
             than
             Bishops
             .
             These
             Elders
             or
             Bishops
             are
             Personally
             to
             Superintend
             all
             their
             Flock
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             no
             grant
             from
             Christ
             to
             discharge
             the
             same
             by
             Delegates
             or
             Substitutes
             .
          
           
             A
             distinction
             between
             Bishops
             and
             Presbyters
             ,
             and
             a
             Superiority
             of
             the
             former
             over
             the
             latter
             ,
             was
             after
             the
             Scripture
             times
             anciently
             and
             generally
             received
             in
             the
             Christian
             Church
             .
             Yet
             it
             was
             not
             a
             diversity
             of
             Orders
             or
             Offices
             essentially
             different
             ,
             but
             of
             degrees
             in
             the
             same
             Office
             ,
             the
             essential
             nature
             whereof
             is
             in
             both
             .
             The
             Bishop
             of
             the
             first
             
             Ages
             was
             a
             Bishop
             not
             of
             a
             multitude
             of
             Churches
             ,
             but
             of
             one
             stated
             Ecclesiastical
             Society
             or
             single
             Church
             ,
             whereof
             he
             was
             an
             immediate
             Pastor
             ;
             and
             he
             performed
             the
             work
             of
             a
             Bishop
             ,
             or
             immediate
             Pastor
             towards
             them
             all
             in
             his
             own
             Person
             ,
             and
             not
             by
             Delegates
             and
             Substitutes
             ;
             and
             he
             governed
             not
             alone
             ,
             but
             in
             conjunction
             with
             the
             Presbyters
             of
             his
             Church
             ,
             he
             being
             the
             President
             .
          
           
             Though
             several
             Cities
             in
             the
             same
             Kingdom
             have
             their
             different
             municipal
             Laws
             and
             Priviledges
             according
             to
             the
             diversity
             of
             their
             Charters
             ,
             yet
             particular
             Churches
             have
             no
             Divine
             Laws
             and
             Priviledges
             diverse
             from
             each
             other
             ,
             but
             the
             same
             in
             common
             to
             them
             all
             ,
             because
             they
             have
             all
             the
             same
             Charter
             in
             specie
             from
             Christ.
             Therefore
             each
             of
             them
             have
             the
             same
             power
             of
             Government
             within
             themselves
             .
             And
             the
             qualifications
             requisite
             to
             make
             men
             Members
             or
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Universal
             Church
             ,
             do
             according
             to
             Christs
             Law
             sufficiently
             qualifie
             them
             to
             be
             Members
             or
             Ministers
             of
             any
             particular
             Church
             ,
             to
             which
             they
             have
             a
             due
             and
             orderly
             call
             .
          
           
             Local
             ,
             presential
             Communion
             in
             Gods
             Ordinances
             ,
             being
             a
             main
             end
             of
             erecting
             particular
             Churches
             ,
             they
             should
             in
             all
             reason
             consist
             of
             Persons
             ,
             who
             by
             their
             cohabitation
             in
             a
             vicinity
             are
             capable
             of
             such
             Communion
             ,
             and
             there
             may
             not
             be
             a
             greater
             local
             distance
             of
             the
             Persons
             than
             can
             stand
             with
             it
             .
          
           
           
             A
             Bishops
             Church
             was
             anciently
             made
             up
             of
             the
             Christians
             of
             a
             City
             or
             Town
             ,
             and
             the
             adjacent
             Villages
             ,
             who
             might
             and
             did
             Personally
             meet
             together
             ,
             both
             for
             Worship
             and
             Discipline
             .
          
           
             All
             Christians
             of
             the
             same
             local
             Precinct
             are
             most
             conveniently
             brought
             into
             one
             and
             the
             same
             stated
             Church
             ,
             that
             there
             might
             be
             the
             greatest
             Union
             among
             them
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             occasion
             of
             straggling
             and
             running
             into
             several
             Parties
             might
             be
             avoided
             .
             Yet
             this
             local
             partition
             of
             Churches
             is
             not
             of
             absolute
             necessity
             and
             invariable
             ,
             but
             if
             there
             be
             some
             insuperable
             impediment
             thereof
             ,
             the
             partition
             must
             be
             made
             as
             the
             state
             of
             things
             will
             admit
             .
          
           
             No
             Bishop
             or
             Pastor
             can
             by
             Divine
             right
             or
             warrant
             ,
             claim
             any
             assigned
             circuit
             of
             Ground
             as
             his
             propriety
             for
             Ecclesiastical
             Government
             ,
             as
             a
             Prince
             claims
             certain
             Territories
             as
             his
             propriety
             for
             Civil
             Government
             ;
             so
             that
             no
             other
             Bishop
             or
             Pastor
             may
             without
             his
             Licence
             ,
             do
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Ministery
             ,
             in
             any
             case
             whatsoever
             within
             that
             Circuit
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             not
             the
             conjunction
             of
             a
             Bishop
             or
             Pastor
             with
             the
             generallity
             or
             the
             greater
             number
             of
             the
             People
             ,
             that
             of
             it self
             declares
             the
             only
             rightfull
             Pastor
             or
             true
             Church
             within
             this
             or
             that
             Circuit
             .
             For
             many
             causes
             may
             require
             and
             justifie
             the
             being
             of
             other
             Churches
             therein
             .
          
           
           
             Seeing
             particular
             Churches
             are
             so
             many
             integral
             parts
             of
             the
             Catholick
             Church
             ,
             and
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             each
             others
             help
             in
             things
             that
             concern
             them
             joyntly
             and
             severally
             ,
             and
             they
             have
             all
             an
             influence
             on
             each
             other
             ,
             the
             Law
             of
             Nature
             leads
             them
             to
             Associations
             or
             Combinations
             greater
             and
             lesser
             ,
             according
             to
             their
             capacities
             .
             And
             the
             orderly
             state
             that
             is
             requisite
             in
             all
             Associations
             ,
             doth
             naturally
             require
             some
             regular
             Subordination
             in
             the
             several
             parts
             thereof
             ,
             either
             in
             way
             of
             proper
             authority
             or
             of
             mutual
             agreement
             .
             And
             the
             Associated
             Churches
             and
             particular
             Members
             therein
             ,
             are
             naturally
             bound
             to
             maintain
             the
             orderly
             state
             of
             the
             whole
             Association
             ,
             and
             to
             comply
             with
             the
             Rules
             thereof
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             not
             repugnant
             to
             the
             Word
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             A
             Bishop
             or
             Pastor
             and
             the
             People
             adhering
             to
             him
             ,
             are
             not
             declared
             to
             be
             the
             only
             true
             Church
             and
             Pastor
             within
             such
             a
             Precinct
             ,
             by
             their
             conjunction
             with
             the
             largest
             Combination
             of
             Bishops
             or
             Pastors
             and
             their
             Churches
             .
             For
             the
             greater
             number
             of
             Bishops
             may
             in
             such
             manner
             err
             in
             their
             Constitutions
             ,
             as
             to
             make
             rightly
             informed
             Persons
             uncapable
             of
             their
             Combination
             .
          
           
             A
             National
             Church
             is
             not
             a
             particular
             Church
             properly
             so
             called
             ,
             but
             a
             Combination
             or
             Coagmentation
             of
             particular
             Churches
             ,
             united
             under
             one
             Civil
             Supream
             ,
             either
             Personal
             as
             in
             a
             Monarchy
             ,
             or
             Collective
             as
             in
             a
             Republick
             .
             
             And
             the
             true
             notion
             thereof
             lies
             not
             in
             any
             Combination
             purely
             Ecclesiastical
             and
             Intrinsecal
             ,
             but
             Civil
             and
             Extrinsecal
             ,
             as
             of
             so
             many
             Churches
             that
             are
             collected
             under
             one
             that
             hath
             the
             Civil
             Supremacy
             over
             them
             .
             The
             National
             Church
             of
             England
             truly
             denotes
             all
             the
             Churches
             in
             England
             united
             under
             one
             Supream
             Civil
             Church-Governour
             ,
             the
             Kings
             Majesty
             .
          
           
             Civil
             Magistrates
             as
             such
             ,
             are
             no
             Constitutive
             parts
             of
             the
             Church
             .
             The
             Christian
             Church
             stood
             for
             several
             Centuries
             without
             the
             support
             of
             their
             authority
             .
             But
             Supream
             Magistrates
             have
             a
             Civil
             Supremacy
             in
             all
             Ecclesiastical
             matters
             ,
             and
             a
             political
             ,
             extrinsecal
             Episcopacy
             over
             all
             the
             Pastors
             of
             the
             Churches
             in
             their
             Dominions
             ,
             and
             may
             compell
             them
             to
             the
             performance
             of
             their
             Duties
             ,
             and
             punish
             them
             for
             negligence
             and
             mal-Administration
             ;
             and
             they
             may
             reform
             the
             Churches
             ,
             when
             they
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             Reformation
             .
          
           
             The
             possession
             of
             the
             Tithes
             and
             Temples
             doth
             not
             of
             it self
             declare
             the
             true
             Pastor
             and
             Church
             ,
             nor
             doth
             the
             Privation
             thereof
             declare
             no
             Pastor
             and
             no
             Church
             .
             For
             these
             are
             disposed
             of
             by
             the
             secular
             power
             ,
             which
             of
             it self
             can
             neither
             make
             ,
             nor
             make
             void
             a
             Pastor
             or
             Church
             .
          
           
             A
             Diocess
             is
             a
             collective
             body
             of
             many
             Parishes
             under
             the
             Government
             of
             one
             Diocesan
             .
             If
             the
             several
             Parishes
             be
             so
             many
             particular
             
             Churces
             ,
             and
             if
             their
             proper
             and
             immediate
             Presbyters
             be
             of
             the
             same
             order
             with
             those
             which
             in
             Scripture
             are
             mentioned
             by
             that
             name
             ,
             and
             were
             no
             other
             than
             Bishops
             or
             Pastors
             ;
             then
             a
             Diocess
             is
             not
             a
             particular
             Church
             ,
             but
             a
             Combination
             of
             Churches
             ,
             and
             the
             Diocesan
             is
             a
             Bishop
             of
             Bishops
             ,
             or
             a
             Governour
             over
             many
             Churches
             and
             their
             immediate
             Bishops
             .
             If
             the
             Parishes
             be
             not
             acknowledged
             to
             be
             Churches
             ,
             nor
             their
             Presbyters
             to
             be
             realy
             Bishops
             or
             Pastors
             ,
             but
             the
             Diocess
             be
             held
             to
             be
             the
             lowest
             Political
             Church
             ,
             and
             the
             Diocesan
             to
             be
             a
             Bishop
             of
             the
             lowest
             rank
             ,
             and
             the
             sole
             Bishop
             or
             Pastor
             of
             all
             the
             included
             Parishes
             ;
             I
             confess
             ,
             I
             have
             no
             knowledge
             of
             the
             Divine
             right
             of
             such
             a
             Church
             or
             Bishop
             ,
             or
             of
             any
             precept
             or
             precedent
             thereof
             in
             Scripture
             .
             For
             every
             particular
             Church
             mentioned
             in
             Scripture
             was
             but
             one
             distinct
             stated
             Society
             ,
             having
             its
             own
             proper
             and
             immediate
             Bishop
             or
             Bishops
             ,
             Elder
             or
             Elders
             ,
             Pastor
             or
             Pastors
             ,
             who
             did
             Personally
             and
             immediately
             Superintend
             over
             the
             whole
             Flock
             ,
             which
             ordinarily
             held
             either
             at
             once
             together
             ,
             or
             by
             turns
             Personal
             ,
             present
             Communion
             with
             each
             other
             in
             Gods
             Worship
             .
             But
             a
             Diocess
             consists
             of
             several
             stated
             Societies
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             the
             Parishes
             which
             are
             Constituted
             severally
             of
             a
             proper
             and
             immediate
             Presbyter
             or
             Elder
             having
             cure
             of
             Souls
             ,
             and
             commonly
             called
             a
             Rector
             ,
             and
             the
             People
             
             which
             are
             his
             proper
             and
             ●…rge
             or
             cure
             .
             And
             the
             People
             of
             th●…
             not
             live
             under
             the
             Personal
             and
             in●…rsight
             of
             their
             Diocesan
             ,
             but
             under
             ●…legates
             and
             Substitutes
             .
             Nor
             do
             they
             o●…ly
             hold
             Personal
             present
             Communion
             with
             each
             other
             in
             Gods
             Worship
             ,
             either
             at
             once
             together
             or
             by
             turns
             .
             Nevertheless
             ,
             which
             way
             soever
             a
             Diocess
             be
             considered
             ,
             I
             have
             nothing
             to
             object
             against
             submission
             to
             the
             Government
             of
             the
             Diocesan
             ,
             as
             an
             Ecclesiastical
             Officer
             established
             by
             the
             Law
             of
             the
             Land
             under
             the
             Kings
             Supremacy
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             nothing
             in
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             Office
             of
             Presbyterate
             (
             which
             according
             to
             the
             Scripture
             is
             a
             Pastoral
             Office
             )
             that
             shewe
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             exercised
             no
             otherwise
             than
             in
             Subordination
             to
             a
             Diocesan
             Bishop
             .
             Christ
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             Author
             and
             only
             proper
             giver
             of
             all
             Spiritual
             Authority
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             hath
             not
             so
             limited
             the
             said
             Office
             ,
             and
             men
             cannot
             by
             any
             act
             of
             theirs
             enlarge
             or
             lessen
             it
             as
             to
             its
             nature
             or
             essential
             state
             ,
             or
             define
             it
             otherwise
             than
             it
             is
             stated
             of
             Christ
             in
             his
             word
             .
          
           
             No
             power
             Ecclesiastical
             or
             Civil
             can
             discharge
             any
             Minister
             of
             Christ
             from
             the
             exercise
             of
             his
             Ministery
             in
             those
             circumstances
             ,
             wherein
             Christ
             commands
             him
             to
             exercise
             it
             ,
             nor
             any
             Christians
             from
             those
             duties
             of
             Religion
             ,
             to
             which
             the
             Command
             of
             Christ
             obligeth
             them
             .
          
           
           
             As
             the
             Magistrate
             is
             to
             judge
             what
             Laws
             touching
             Religion
             are
             fit
             for
             him
             to
             enact
             and
             execute
             ,
             so
             the
             Ministers
             of
             Christ
             are
             to
             use
             a
             judgment
             of
             discretion
             about
             their
             own
             Pastoral
             acts
             ;
             and
             all
             Christians
             are
             to
             do
             the
             same
             about
             their
             own
             acts
             of
             Church-Communion
             .
             The
             too
             common
             abuse
             of
             the
             judgment
             of
             discretion
             cannot
             abrogate
             the
             right
             use
             thereof
             ,
             it
             being
             so
             necessary
             that
             without
             it
             men
             cannot
             act
             as
             men
             ,
             nor
             offer
             to
             God
             a
             reasonable
             Service
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               true
               Church-Unity
               .
            
          
           
             WHen
             the
             names
             of
             Unity
             and
             Schism
             are
             by
             partiality
             and
             selfishness
             commonly
             and
             grosly
             abused
             and
             misapplied
             ,
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             things
             to
             which
             those
             names
             do
             of
             right
             belong
             ,
             ought
             to
             be
             diligently
             inquired
             into
             ,
             and
             clearly
             and
             distinctly
             laid
             open
             .
             For
             a
             groundwork
             in
             this
             inquiry
             I
             fix
             upon
             two
             very
             noted
             texts
             of
             Scripture
             .
             The
             one
             is
             Eph.
             4.
             3.
             
             Indeavouring
             to
             keep
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             in
             the
             bond
             of
             Peace
             .
             The
             other
             is
             Rom.
             16.
             17.
             
             Mark
             them
             that
             cause
             Divisions
             and
             Offences
             contrary
             to
             the
             Doctrine
             that
             ye
             have
             learned
             ,
             and
             avoid
             
             them
             .
             The
             former
             guides
             us
             to
             the
             knowledge
             of
             true
             Church-unity
             ,
             and
             the
             latter
             shews
             us
             the
             true
             nature
             of
             Schism
             .
          
           
             By
             the
             former
             of
             these
             Texts
             ,
             all
             Christians
             are
             obliged
             to
             maintain
             that
             Spiritual
             Unity
             ,
             which
             they
             have
             one
             with
             another
             under
             Christ
             their
             Head
             ,
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             in
             all
             due
             acts
             of
             holy
             Communion
             in
             Peace
             and
             Concord
             .
             Several
             important
             things
             are
             here
             to
             be
             taken
             notice
             of
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             There
             is
             a
             Spiritual
             unity
             between
             all
             Christians
             in
             the
             form
             of
             one
             mystical
             Body
             ,
             as
             there
             is
             a
             natural
             unity
             between
             all
             the
             members
             of
             the
             natural
             Body
             .
             The
             members
             being
             many
             are
             one
             body
             and
             members
             one
             of
             another
             .
             2.
             
             This
             Unity
             is
             under
             Christ
             as
             the
             Head
             of
             it
             .
             What
             the
             head
             is
             to
             the
             natural
             Body
             ,
             that
             is
             Christ
             and
             much
             more
             to
             his
             mystical
             Body
             the
             Church
             .
             3.
             
             This
             Unity
             of
             Christians
             one
             with
             another
             under
             Christ
             ,
             is
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             and
             therefore
             called
             the
             Unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
             The
             Spirit
             of
             Christ
             the
             Head
             ,
             doth
             seize
             upon
             and
             reside
             in
             all
             the
             Faithfull
             ,
             by
             which
             they
             become
             Christs
             mystical
             Body
             ,
             and
             are
             joyned
             one
             to
             another
             as
             fellow-members
             .
             4.
             
             This
             Unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             among
             Christians
             is
             witnessed
             ,
             maintained
             ,
             and
             strengthened
             by
             their
             holy
             communion
             of
             Love
             and
             Peace
             one
             with
             another
             ,
             but
             is
             darkened
             ,
             weakened
             ,
             and
             lessened
             by
             their
             uncharitable
             Dissentions
             .
          
           
           
             Hence
             it
             is
             evident
             that
             the
             Unity
             here
             commended
             ,
             is
             primarily
             that
             of
             the
             Church
             in
             its
             internal
             and
             invisible
             State
             ,
             or
             the
             Union
             and
             Communion
             of
             Saints
             ,
             having
             in
             themselves
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             Life
             ,
             and
             Power
             of
             Christianity
             .
             T
             is
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             we
             are
             charged
             to
             keep
             in
             the
             bond
             of
             Peace
             .
             But
             concord
             in
             any
             external
             order
             with
             a
             vital
             Union
             with
             Christ
             and
             holy
             Souls
             ,
             his
             living
             members
             ,
             is
             not
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             which
             is
             to
             partake
             of
             the
             same
             new
             Nature
             and
             Divine
             Life
             .
             Secondarily
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             Unity
             of
             the
             Church
             in
             its
             external
             and
             visible
             State
             ,
             which
             is
             consequent
             and
             subservient
             to
             the
             internal
             ,
             and
             stands
             in
             the
             profession
             and
             appearance
             of
             it
             ,
             in
             the
             professed
             observation
             of
             the
             duties
             arising
             from
             it
             .
             Where
             there
             is
             not
             a
             credible
             Profession
             of
             Faith
             unfeigned
             and
             true
             Holiness
             ,
             there
             is
             not
             so
             much
             as
             the
             external
             and
             visible
             Unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
             Therefore
             a
             sensual
             Earthly
             generation
             of
             men
             ,
             who
             are
             apparently
             lead
             by
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             not
             by
             the
             Spirit
             that
             is
             of
             God
             ,
             have
             little
             cause
             to
             glory
             in
             their
             adhering
             to
             an
             external
             Church
             order
             ,
             whatsoever
             it
             be
             .
          
           
             Holy
             love
             ,
             which
             is
             unselfed
             and
             impartial
             ,
             is
             the
             Life
             and
             Soul
             of
             this
             unity
             ,
             without
             which
             it
             is
             but
             a
             dead
             thing
             ,
             as
             the
             Body
             without
             the
             Soul
             is
             dead
             .
             And
             this
             love
             is
             the
             bond
             of
             perfectness
             ,
             that
             Cement
             ,
             that
             holds
             altogether
             in
             this
             mystical
             Society
             .
             
             For
             this
             being
             seated
             in
             the
             several
             members
             ,
             disposeth
             them
             to
             look
             ,
             not
             to
             their
             own
             things
             ,
             but
             also
             to
             the
             things
             of
             others
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             the
             undue
             advancement
             of
             a
             Party
             ,
             but
             to
             the
             common
             good
             of
             the
             whole
             Body
             .
             Whosoever
             wants
             this
             love
             ,
             hath
             no
             vital
             Union
             with
             Christ
             and
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             no
             part
             in
             the
             Communion
             of
             Saints
             .
             The
             Church
             is
             much
             more
             ennobled
             ,
             strengthened
             ,
             and
             every
             way
             blessed
             by
             the
             Communion
             of
             holy
             love
             among
             all
             its
             living
             members
             ,
             or
             real
             Christians
             ,
             than
             by
             an
             outside
             uniformity
             in
             the
             minute
             circumstances
             ,
             or
             accidental
             modes
             of
             Religion
             .
             By
             this
             love
             it
             is
             more
             beautifull
             and
             lovely
             in
             the
             eyes
             of
             all
             intelligent
             beholders
             ,
             than
             by
             outward
             pomp
             and
             ornament
             ,
             or
             any
             worldly
             splendor
             .
          
           
             The
             Unity
             of
             the
             Church
             as
             visible
             ,
             whether
             Catholick
             or
             particular
             ,
             may
             be
             considered
             in
             a
             three-fold
             respect
             ,
             or
             in
             three
             very
             different
             points
             .
             The
             first
             and
             chief
             point
             thereof
             ,
             is
             in
             the
             essentials
             and
             all
             weighty
             matters
             of
             Christian
             Faith
             and
             Life
             .
             The
             second
             and
             next
             in
             account
             is
             in
             the
             essentials
             and
             integrals
             of
             Church
             state
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             in
             the
             Christian
             Church-Worship
             ,
             Ministery
             and
             Discipline
             ,
             considered
             as
             of
             Christs
             institution
             ,
             and
             abstracted
             from
             all
             things
             superadded
             by
             men
             .
             The
             third
             and
             lowest
             point
             is
             in
             those
             extrinsecal
             and
             accidental
             Forms
             and
             Orders
             of
             Religion
             ,
             which
             are
             necessary
             
             in
             genere
             ,
             but
             left
             in
             specie
             to
             human
             determination
             .
          
           
             Of
             these
             several
             points
             of
             Unity
             ,
             there
             is
             to
             be
             a
             different
             valuation
             according
             to
             their
             different
             value
             .
             Our
             first
             and
             chief
             regard
             is
             due
             to
             the
             first
             and
             chief
             point
             ,
             which
             respects
             Christian
             Faith
             and
             Life
             ;
             The
             next
             regard
             is
             due
             to
             that
             which
             is
             next
             in
             value
             ,
             that
             which
             respects
             the
             very
             constitution
             or
             frame
             of
             a
             Church
             ;
             And
             regard
             is
             to
             be
             had
             of
             that
             also
             which
             respects
             the
             accidentals
             of
             Religion
             ,
             yet
             in
             its
             due
             place
             and
             not
             before
             things
             of
             greater
             weight
             and
             worth
             .
             Things
             are
             of
             a
             very
             different
             nature
             and
             importance
             to
             the
             Churches
             good
             Estate
             ;
             and
             a
             greater
             or
             lesser
             stress
             must
             be
             laid
             upon
             Unity
             in
             them
             ,
             as
             the
             things
             themselves
             are
             of
             greater
             or
             lesser
             moment
             .
          
           
             The
             Rule
             or
             Law
             of
             Church
             Unity
             is
             not
             the
             will
             of
             man
             ,
             but
             the
             will
             of
             God.
             Whosoever
             keeps
             that
             Unity
             which
             hath
             Gods
             word
             for
             its
             Rule
             ,
             keeps
             the
             Unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ;
             And
             whosoever
             boasts
             of
             a
             Unity
             that
             is
             not
             squared
             by
             this
             Rule
             ,
             his
             boasting
             is
             but
             vain
             .
          
           
             An
             Hypothesis
             that
             nothing
             in
             the
             Service
             of
             God
             is
             lawfull
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             expresly
             prescribed
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             is
             by
             some
             falsly
             ascribed
             to
             a
             sort
             of
             men
             who
             earnestly
             contend
             for
             the
             Scriptures
             sufficiency
             ,
             and
             perfection
             for
             the
             regulating
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             and
             
             the
             whole
             state
             of
             Religion
             .
             God
             in
             his
             Word
             hath
             prescribed
             all
             those
             parts
             of
             his
             Worship
             ,
             that
             are
             necessary
             to
             be
             performed
             to
             him
             .
             He
             hath
             likewise
             therein
             instituted
             those
             Officers
             that
             are
             to
             be
             the
             Administrators
             of
             his
             publick
             Worship
             in
             Church
             Assemblies
             ,
             and
             hath
             defined
             the
             authority
             and
             duty
             of
             those
             Officers
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             essentials
             and
             integrals
             of
             Church
             state
             .
             As
             for
             the
             circumstantials
             and
             accidentals
             belonging
             to
             all
             the
             things
             aforesaid
             ,
             he
             hath
             laid
             down
             general
             Rules
             for
             the
             regulation
             thereof
             ,
             the
             particulars
             being
             both
             needless
             and
             impossible
             to
             be
             enumerated
             and
             defined
             .
          
           
             In
             this
             point
             God
             hath
             declared
             his
             mind
             ,
             Deut.
             4.
             2.
             
             Ye
             shall
             not
             add
             unto
             the
             word
             which
             I
             command
             you
             ,
             neither
             shall
             ye
             diminish
             ought
             from
             it
             .
             Deut.
             12.
             32.
             
             What
             soever
             thing
             I
             command
             you
             ,
             observe
             to
             do
             it
             ,
             Thou
             shalt
             not
             add
             thereto
             nor
             diminish
             from
             it
             .
             The
             prohibition
             is
             not
             meerly
             of
             altering
             the
             Rule
             ,
             Gods
             written
             Word
             by
             addition
             or
             diminution
             ,
             but
             of
             doing
             more
             or
             less
             than
             the
             Rule
             required
             ,
             as
             the
             precept
             is
             not
             of
             preserving
             the
             Rule
             ,
             but
             of
             observing
             what
             is
             commanded
             in
             it
             .
          
           
             Such
             human
             institutions
             in
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             as
             be
             in
             meer
             subserviency
             to
             Divine
             institutions
             ,
             for
             the
             necessary
             and
             convenient
             modifying
             and
             ordering
             thereof
             ,
             are
             not
             properly
             additions
             to
             Gods
             commandments
             .
             For
             
             they
             are
             of
             things
             which
             are
             not
             of
             the
             same
             nature
             ,
             end
             and
             use
             with
             the
             things
             which
             God
             hath
             commanded
             ,
             but
             of
             meer
             circumstantials
             and
             accidentals
             belonging
             to
             those
             things
             .
             And
             these
             circumstantials
             are
             in
             genere
             necessary
             to
             the
             performance
             of
             Divine
             Institutions
             ,
             and
             are
             generally
             commanded
             in
             the
             Word
             ,
             though
             not
             in
             particular
             ,
             but
             are
             to
             be
             determined
             in
             specie
             by
             those
             to
             whom
             the
             power
             of
             such
             determination
             belongs
             .
          
           
             They
             that
             assert
             and
             stand
             to
             this
             only
             Rule
             ,
             provide
             best
             for
             the
             Unity
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             the
             Peace
             of
             the
             Church
             .
             For
             they
             are
             ready
             to
             reject
             whatsoever
             they
             find
             contrary
             to
             this
             Rule
             ,
             they
             are
             more
             easily
             kept
             within
             the
             bounds
             of
             acceptable
             Worship
             ,
             and
             all
             warrantable
             obedience
             ,
             they
             lay
             the
             greatest
             weight
             on
             things
             of
             the
             greatest
             worth
             and
             moment
             ,
             they
             carefully
             regard
             all
             Divine
             institutions
             and
             whatsoever
             God
             hath
             commanded
             ,
             and
             they
             maintain
             Love
             ,
             and
             Peace
             ,
             and
             mutual
             forbearance
             towards
             one
             another
             in
             the
             more
             inconsiderable
             diversities
             of
             Opinion
             and
             Practice
             .
          
           
             Those
             things
             that
             are
             left
             to
             human
             determination
             ,
             the
             Pastors
             ,
             Bishops
             or
             Elders
             ,
             did
             anciently
             determine
             for
             their
             own
             particular
             Churches
             .
             And
             indeed
             it
             is
             very
             reasonable
             and
             naturally
             convenient
             ,
             that
             they
             who
             are
             the
             Administrators
             of
             Divine
             institutions
             ,
             and
             have
             the
             conduct
             of
             the
             People
             in
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             and
             know
             best
             what
             is
             most
             expedient
             
             for
             their
             own
             Society
             ,
             should
             be
             intrusted
             with
             the
             determination
             of
             necessary
             circumstances
             within
             their
             own
             Sphere
             .
             But
             forasmuch
             as
             the
             Supream
             Magistrate
             is
             intrusted
             of
             God
             with
             the
             care
             of
             Religion
             within
             his
             Dominions
             ,
             and
             hath
             a
             Civil
             Supremacy
             in
             Eclesiastical
             affairs
             ,
             and
             a
             great
             concern
             in
             the
             orderly
             management
             of
             publick
             Assemblies
             ,
             he
             is
             authorized
             of
             God
             to
             oversee
             the
             determinations
             and
             actings
             of
             Ecclesiastical
             Persons
             ,
             and
             may
             assume
             to
             himself
             the
             determination
             of
             the
             aforesaid
             circumstantials
             for
             the
             honour
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             Churches
             edification
             and
             the
             publick
             Peace
             ,
             keeping
             within
             the
             general
             rules
             prescribed
             in
             Gods
             Word
             .
          
           
             For
             the
             maintaining
             of
             Church-Unity
             ,
             that
             is
             according
             to
             Gods
             word
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             part
             of
             Subjects
             to
             submit
             to
             what
             their
             Governours
             have
             determined
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             their
             submission
             is
             allowable
             by
             the
             said
             rule
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             the
             part
             of
             Governours
             to
             consider
             well
             the
             warrantableness
             of
             their
             determinations
             .
             More
             especially
             their
             wisdom
             and
             care
             is
             much
             required
             in
             settling
             the
             right
             bounds
             of
             Unity
             .
             In
             this
             regard
             the
             terms
             of
             admission
             to
             the
             Communion
             and
             Ministery
             of
             the
             Church
             must
             be
             no
             other
             ,
             than
             what
             the
             declared
             will
             of
             God
             hath
             made
             the
             terms
             of
             those
             priviledges
             ,
             and
             which
             will
             shut
             out
             none
             ,
             whom
             God
             hath
             qualified
             for
             and
             called
             to
             the
             same
             .
             The
             setting
             of
             other
             boundaries
             ,
             besides
             the
             
             iniquity
             thereof
             ,
             will
             inevitably
             cause
             divisions
             .
          
           
             The
             Apostles
             ,
             Elders
             and
             Brethren
             assembled
             at
             
               Jerusalem
               ,
               Acts
            
             15.
             28.
             writing
             to
             the
             blieving
             Gentiles
             declare
             ,
             
               It
               seemed
               good
               to
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               and
               to
               us
               to
               lay
               upon
               you
               no
               greater
               burden
               than
               these
               necessary
               things
               .
            
             From
             which
             it
             is
             evidently
             inferred
             that
             the
             burden
             of
             things
             unnecessary
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             laid
             on
             the
             Churches
             .
          
           
             The
             things
             injoyned
             by
             that
             Assembly
             were
             antecedently
             to
             their
             Decree
             ,
             either
             necessary
             in
             themselves
             or
             in
             their
             consequents
             according
             to
             the
             state
             of
             things
             in
             those
             times
             and
             places
             .
             And
             whatsoever
             is
             made
             the
             matter
             of
             a
             strict
             injunction
             ,
             especially
             a
             condition
             of
             Church
             Communion
             and
             Priviledges
             ,
             ought
             to
             have
             some
             kind
             of
             necessity
             in
             it
             antecedent
             to
             its
             imposition
             .
             Symbolical
             Rites
             or
             Ceremonies
             instituted
             by
             man
             to
             signifie
             Grace
             or
             Duty
             ,
             are
             none
             of
             those
             things
             ,
             which
             being
             necessary
             in
             general
             ,
             are
             left
             to
             human
             determination
             for
             this
             or
             that
             kind
             thereof
             .
             They
             have
             no
             necessary
             Subserviency
             to
             Divine
             institutions
             ,
             they
             are
             no
             parts
             of
             that
             necessary
             decency
             and
             order
             in
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             without
             which
             the
             Service
             would
             be
             undecent
             .
             And
             indeed
             they
             are
             not
             necessary
             to
             be
             instituted
             or
             rigidly
             urged
             in
             any
             time
             or
             place
             whatsoever
             .
             The
             being
             and
             well
             being
             of
             any
             rightly
             constituted
             Church
             of
             Christ
             ,
             may
             stand
             without
             them
             .
          
           
           
             St.
             Paul
             resolves
             upon
             the
             cases
             of
             using
             or
             refusing
             of
             meats
             ,
             and
             the
             observance
             or
             non-observance
             of
             days
             ,
             which
             God
             had
             neither
             commanded
             nor
             forbidden
             ,
             and
             of
             eating
             of
             those
             meats
             which
             had
             been
             offered
             in
             Sacrifice
             to
             Idols
             ,
             Rom.
             14.
             and
             1
             
               Cor.
               8.
               
               That
               no
               man
               put
               a
               stumbling
               block
               ,
               or
               an
               occasion
               to
               fall
               in
               his
               Brothers
               way
               .
            
             The
             Command
             here
             given
             ,
             extends
             to
             Pastors
             and
             Governours
             as
             well
             as
             to
             other
             Christians
             ,
             and
             is
             to
             be
             observed
             in
             acts
             of
             Governments
             as
             well
             as
             in
             other
             acts
             .
             St.
             Paul
             was
             a
             Church
             Governour
             and
             of
             high
             authority
             ,
             yet
             he
             would
             not
             use
             his
             own
             liberty
             in
             eating
             Flesh
             ,
             much
             less
             would
             he
             impose
             in
             things
             unnecessary
             to
             make
             his
             Brother
             to
             offend
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             cases
             aforementioned
             ,
             there
             was
             a
             greater
             appearance
             of
             reason
             for
             despising
             ,
             censuring
             or
             offending
             others
             ,
             than
             there
             can
             be
             for
             some
             impositions
             now
             in
             question
             among
             us
             ,
             viz.
             on
             the
             one
             side
             a
             fear
             of
             partaking
             in
             Idolatry
             ,
             or
             of
             eating
             meats
             that
             God
             had
             forbidden
             ,
             or
             of
             neglecting
             days
             that
             God
             had
             commanded
             ,
             as
             they
             thought
             ;
             on
             the
             other
             side
             a
             fear
             of
             being
             driven
             from
             the
             Christian
             Liberty
             ,
             and
             of
             restoring
             the
             Ceremonial
             Law.
             Nevertheless
             ,
             the
             Apostle
             gives
             a
             severe
             charge
             against
             censuring
             ,
             despising
             or
             offending
             others
             of
             different
             Persuasions
             in
             those
             cases
             .
             And
             if
             it
             were
             a
             Sin
             to
             censure
             or
             despise
             one
             another
             ,
             much
             more
             is
             
             it
             a
             Sin
             to
             shut
             out
             of
             the
             Communion
             or
             Ministery
             of
             the
             Church
             for
             such
             matters
             .
          
           
             The
             word
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Rule
             of
             Church-Unity
             ,
             evidently
             shews
             that
             the
             unity
             of
             external
             order
             must
             always
             be
             Subservient
             to
             Faith
             and
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             required
             no
             further
             than
             is
             consistent
             with
             the
             Churches
             Peace
             and
             Edification
             .
          
           
             The
             Churches
             true
             Interest
             lies
             in
             the
             increase
             of
             regenerate
             Christians
             ,
             who
             are
             her
             true
             and
             living
             Members
             ,
             and
             in
             their
             mutual
             love
             ,
             peace
             and
             concord
             ,
             in
             receiving
             one
             another
             upon
             those
             terms
             which
             Christ
             hath
             made
             the
             bond
             of
             this
             Union
             .
             The
             true
             Church
             Unity
             is
             comprized
             by
             the
             Apostle
             in
             these
             following
             Unities
             ;
             One
             Body
             ,
             one
             Spirit
             ,
             one
             Hope
             ,
             One
             Lord
             ,
             one
             Faith
             ,
             one
             Baptism
             ,
             one
             God.
             But
             there
             is
             nothing
             said
             of
             one
             ritual
             or
             set
             Form
             of
             Sacred
             Offices
             ,
             one
             policy
             or
             model
             of
             Rules
             and
             Orders
             ,
             that
             are
             but
             circumstantial
             and
             accidental
             in
             a
             Church
             state
             and
             very
             various
             and
             alterable
             ,
             while
             the
             Church
             abides
             the
             same
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               Schism
               truly
               so
               called
               .
            
          
           
             HEre
             I
             lay
             down
             general
             positions
             about
             Schism
             without
             making
             application
             
             thereof
             ;
             Whether
             these
             positions
             be
             right
             or
             wrong
             Gods
             Word
             will
             shew
             ;
             and
             who
             are
             ,
             or
             are
             not
             concerned
             in
             them
             ,
             the
             state
             of
             things
             will
             shew
             .
             Schism
             is
             a
             violation
             of
             the
             Unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             or
             of
             that
             Church-Unity
             which
             is
             of
             Gods
             making
             or
             approving
             .
             This
             Definition
             I
             ground
             on
             the
             afore-cited
             Text
             ,
             
               Mark
               them
               that
               cause
               Divisions
               and
               Offences
               contrary
               to
               the
               Doctrine
               that
               ye
               have
               learned
               .
            
          
           
             Separation
             and
             Schism
             are
             not
             of
             equal
             extent
             .
             There
             may
             be
             a
             Separation
             or
             Secession
             where
             there
             is
             no
             Schism
             .
             For
             Schism
             is
             always
             a
             Sin
             ,
             but
             Separation
             may
             be
             a
             Duty
             ,
             as
             the
             Separation
             of
             the
             Protestants
             from
             the
             Church
             of
             Rome
             .
             Moreover
             ,
             there
             may
             be
             Schism
             where
             there
             is
             no
             Separation
             .
             The
             violation
             of
             Unity
             or
             the
             causing
             of
             Divisions
             may
             be
             not
             only
             by
             withdrawing
             ,
             but
             by
             any
             causing
             of
             others
             to
             withdraw
             from
             the
             Communion
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             or
             by
             the
             undue
             casting
             or
             keeping
             of
             others
             out
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             or
             by
             making
             of
             any
             breaches
             in
             Religion
             contrary
             to
             the
             Unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
          
           
             By
             looking
             back
             to
             the
             nature
             ,
             and
             rule
             ,
             and
             requisites
             of
             true
             Church-Unity
             ,
             we
             shall
             understand
             the
             true
             nature
             and
             the
             several
             kinds
             and
             degrees
             of
             Schism
             .
          
           
             As
             holy
             love
             is
             the
             life
             and
             Soul
             of
             Church-Unity
             ,
             so
             that
             aversation
             and
             opposition
             which
             is
             contrary
             to
             love
             ,
             is
             that
             which
             animates
             
             the
             sin
             of
             Schism
             ,
             and
             is
             as
             it
             were
             the
             heart
             root
             of
             it
             .
             Whosoever
             maintains
             love
             ,
             and
             makes
             no
             breach
             therein
             ,
             and
             whose
             dissenting
             or
             withdrawing
             from
             a
             Church
             is
             no
             other
             than
             what
             may
             stand
             with
             love
             in
             its
             extent
             ,
             is
             no
             Schismatick
             .
          
           
             The
             Unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             being
             primarily
             that
             of
             the
             Church
             as
             mystically
             ,
             the
             breach
             thereof
             lies
             primarily
             in
             being
             destitute
             of
             the
             Spirit
             and
             Life
             Spiritual
             ,
             much
             more
             in
             being
             opposite
             thereunto
             ,
             under
             the
             shew
             of
             Christianity
             ;
             also
             in
             the
             languishing
             or
             lessening
             of
             Spiritual
             Life
             ,
             especially
             of
             the
             acts
             of
             holy
             love
             .
          
           
             The
             Unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             being
             secondarily
             ,
             that
             of
             the
             Church
             as
             visible
             in
             its
             external
             state
             ,
             and
             the
             first
             and
             chiefest
             point
             thereof
             being
             in
             the
             essentials
             and
             weighty
             matters
             of
             Christian
             Faith
             and
             Life
             ;
             the
             highest
             violation
             thereof
             and
             the
             chiefest
             point
             of
             Schism
             ,
             lies
             in
             denying
             or
             enormously
             violating
             the
             said
             essentials
             or
             weighty
             matters
             .
             And
             it
             is
             directly
             a
             violation
             of
             the
             Unity
             of
             the
             Catholick
             Church
             ,
             and
             not
             of
             particular
             Churches
             only
             .
          
           
             Not
             only
             particular
             Persons
             ,
             but
             Churches
             ,
             yea
             a
             large
             combination
             of
             Churches
             bearing
             the
             Christian
             name
             ,
             may
             in
             their
             Doctrine
             ,
             Worship
             and
             other
             avowed
             Practice
             ,
             greatly
             violate
             the
             essentials
             ,
             or
             very
             weighty
             matters
             of
             Christian
             Faith
             and
             Life
             ,
             and
             be
             found
             
             guilty
             of
             the
             most
             enormous
             breach
             of
             Unity
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             no
             Schism
             to
             withdraw
             or
             depart
             from
             any
             the
             largest
             combination
             or
             collective
             body
             of
             Churches
             ,
             (
             though
             for
             their
             amplitude
             they
             presume
             to
             stile
             their
             combination
             the
             Catholick
             Church
             )
             that
             maintain
             and
             avow
             any
             Doctrine
             or
             Practice
             ,
             which
             directly
             ,
             or
             by
             near
             and
             palpable
             consequence
             overthrows
             the
             said
             essentials
             .
          
           
             The
             next
             point
             of
             external
             Unity
             being
             about
             the
             essentials
             and
             integrals
             of
             Church
             state
             ,
             the
             Sacraments
             and
             other
             publick
             Worship
             ,
             the
             Ministery
             and
             Discipline
             of
             the
             Church
             considered
             as
             of
             Christs
             institution
             ,
             the
             next
             chief
             point
             of
             Schism
             is
             the
             breach
             hereof
             .
             And
             this
             may
             be
             either
             against
             the
             Catholick
             ,
             or
             a
             particular
             Church
             .
          
           
             Of
             such
             Schism
             against
             the
             state
             of
             the
             Catholick
             Church
             ,
             there
             are
             these
             instances
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             When
             any
             one
             part
             of
             professed
             Christians
             how
             numerous
             soever
             ,
             combined
             by
             any
             other
             terms
             of
             Catholick
             Unity
             ,
             than
             what
             Christ
             hath
             made
             ,
             account
             themselves
             the
             only
             Catholick
             Church
             ,
             excluding
             all
             Persons
             and
             Churches
             that
             are
             not
             of
             their
             combination
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             When
             a
             false
             Catholick
             Unity
             is
             devised
             or
             contended
             for
             ,
             viz.
             a
             devised
             Unity
             of
             Government
             for
             the
             Catholick
             Church
             under
             one
             terrene
             Head
             ,
             personal
             or
             collective
             ,
             assuming
             a
             proper
             governing
             power
             over
             all
             
             Christians
             upon
             the
             face
             of
             the
             whole
             Earth
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             When
             there
             is
             an
             utter
             disowning
             of
             most
             of
             the
             true
             visible
             Churches
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             as
             having
             no
             true
             Church
             state
             ,
             no
             not
             the
             essentials
             thereof
             ,
             and
             an
             utter
             breaking
             off
             from
             communion
             with
             them
             accordingly
             .
          
           
             Of
             Schism
             against
             a
             particular
             Church
             in
             point
             of
             its
             Church
             state
             ,
             there
             be
             these
             instances
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             renouncing
             of
             a
             true
             Church
             as
             no
             Church
             ,
             although
             it
             be
             much
             corrupted
             ,
             much
             more
             if
             it
             be
             a
             purer
             Church
             ,
             though
             somewhat
             faulty
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             An
             utter
             refusing
             of
             all
             acts
             of
             communion
             with
             a
             true
             Church
             when
             we
             may
             have
             communion
             with
             it
             ,
             either
             in
             whole
             or
             in
             part
             ,
             without
             our
             personal
             sin
             of
             commission
             or
             omission
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             The
             causing
             of
             any
             Divisions
             or
             Distempers
             in
             the
             state
             or
             frame
             of
             a
             true
             Church
             contrary
             to
             the
             Unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
          
           
             But
             it
             is
             no
             Schism
             to
             disown
             a
             corrupt
             frame
             of
             Polity
             ,
             supervenient
             to
             the
             essentials
             and
             integrals
             of
             Church
             state
             in
             any
             particular
             Church
             or
             combination
             of
             Churches
             ,
             like
             a
             leprosie
             in
             the
             Body
             ,
             that
             doth
             grosly
             deprave
             them
             ,
             and
             in
             great
             part
             frustrate
             the
             ends
             of
             their
             constitution
             .
          
           
             The
             last
             and
             lowest
             point
             of
             external
             Unity
             lying
             in
             the
             accidental
             modes
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             matters
             of
             meer
             order
             ,
             extrinsick
             to
             the
             
             essentials
             and
             integrals
             of
             Church-State
             ,
             the
             violation
             thereof
             is
             the
             least
             and
             lowest
             point
             of
             Schism
             ,
             I
             mean
             in
             it self
             considered
             ,
             and
             not
             in
             such
             aggravating
             circumstances
             as
             it
             may
             be
             in
             .
          
           
             Those
             accidental
             Forms
             and
             Orders
             of
             Religion
             ,
             which
             are
             necessary
             in
             genere
             but
             left
             in
             specie
             to
             human
             determination
             ,
             are
             allowed
             of
             God
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             determined
             according
             to
             prudence
             ,
             and
             charity
             for
             Peace
             and
             Edification
             ,
             and
             accordingly
             they
             are
             to
             be
             submitted
             to
             .
             Consequently
             it
             is
             one
             point
             of
             Schism
             to
             make
             a
             Division
             from
             or
             in
             a
             Church
             upon
             the
             accountal
             of
             accident
             Forms
             and
             Orders
             so
             determined
             according
             to
             Gods
             allowance
             .
          
           
             But
             if
             any
             of
             the
             accidentals
             be
             unlawfull
             ,
             and
             the
             maintaining
             or
             practicing
             thereof
             be
             imposed
             upon
             us
             as
             the
             terms
             of
             our
             communion
             ,
             it
             is
             no
             Schism
             but
             Duty
             to
             abstain
             from
             communion
             in
             that
             case
             .
             For
             explicitly
             and
             personally
             to
             own
             errors
             and
             corruptions
             even
             in
             smaller
             points
             is
             evil
             in
             it self
             ,
             which
             must
             not
             be
             committed
             that
             good
             may
             come
             .
             In
             this
             case
             not
             he
             that
             withdraws
             ,
             but
             he
             that
             imposes
             causeth
             the
             Division
             .
             And
             this
             holds
             of
             things
             sinfull
             either
             in
             themselves
             ,
             or
             by
             just
             consequence
             .
          
           
             And
             herein
             he
             that
             is
             to
             act
             ,
             is
             to
             discern
             and
             judge
             for
             his
             own
             practice
             ,
             whether
             the
             things
             imposed
             be
             such
             .
             For
             Gods
             Law
             supposeth
             
             us
             rational
             creatures
             able
             to
             discern
             its
             meaning
             ,
             and
             to
             apply
             it
             for
             the
             regulating
             of
             our
             own
             actions
             ;
             else
             the
             Law
             were
             given
             us
             in
             vain
             .
             Submission
             and
             reverence
             towards
             Superiors
             obligeth
             no
             man
             to
             resign
             his
             understanding
             to
             their
             determinations
             ,
             or
             in
             compliance
             with
             them
             to
             violate
             his
             own
             conscience
             .
             Persons
             meek
             ,
             humble
             ,
             peaceable
             and
             throughly
             conscientious
             and
             of
             competent
             judgment
             ,
             may
             not
             be
             able
             by
             their
             diligent
             and
             impartial
             search
             to
             see
             the
             lawfulness
             of
             things
             injoyned
             ,
             and
             t
             is
             a
             hard
             case
             if
             they
             should
             thereupon
             be
             declared
             contumacious
             .
          
           
             Seeing
             there
             be
             several
             points
             of
             Unity
             ,
             the
             valuation
             whereof
             is
             to
             be
             made
             according
             to
             their
             different
             value
             ,
             mens
             judgment
             and
             estimation
             of
             Unity
             and
             Schism
             ,
             is
             very
             preposterous
             ,
             who
             lay
             the
             greatest
             stress
             on
             those
             points
             that
             are
             of
             least
             moment
             ,
             and
             raise
             things
             of
             the
             lowest
             rank
             to
             the
             highest
             in
             their
             valuation
             ,
             and
             set
             light
             by
             things
             of
             the
             greatest
             moment
             and
             highest
             value
             ;
             as
             indeed
             they
             do
             ,
             who
             set
             light
             by
             soundness
             of
             Faith
             and
             holiness
             of
             Life
             ,
             and
             consciencious
             observance
             of
             Divine
             institutions
             ,
             where
             there
             is
             not
             also
             unanimity
             and
             uniformity
             in
             unscriptural
             Doctrines
             and
             human
             ceremonies
             .
             And
             they
             that
             make
             such
             an
             estimate
             of
             things
             ,
             and
             deal
             with
             Ministers
             accordingly
             ,
             do
             therein
             little
             advance
             the
             Unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             or
             indeavour
             to
             keep
             it
             in
             the
             bond
             of
             Peace
             .
          
           
           
             Seeing
             the
             word
             of
             God
             is
             the
             rule
             of
             Church
             Unity
             ,
             a
             breach
             is
             made
             upon
             it
             ,
             when
             other
             bounds
             thereof
             are
             set
             than
             this
             rule
             allows
             .
             An
             instance
             hereof
             is
             the
             devising
             of
             other
             terms
             of
             Church-communion
             ,
             and
             Ministerial
             liberty
             ,
             than
             God
             hath
             commanded
             ,
             or
             allowed
             in
             his
             Word
             to
             be
             made
             the
             terms
             thereof
             ;
             Also
             any
             casting
             or
             keeping
             out
             of
             the
             Church
             or
             Ministery
             such
             as
             Gods
             Word
             doth
             not
             exclude
             from
             either
             ,
             but
             signifies
             to
             be
             qualified
             and
             called
             thereunto
             .
          
           
             God
             doth
             not
             allow
             on
             the
             part
             of
             the
             Imposer
             such
             tearms
             of
             Church
             communion
             or
             Ministerial
             station
             ,
             as
             are
             neither
             Scriptural
             nor
             necessary
             to
             Peace
             and
             Edification
             ,
             nor
             are
             any
             part
             of
             that
             necessary
             order
             and
             decency
             ,
             without
             which
             the
             Service
             of
             God
             would
             be
             undecent
             ,
             nor
             are
             in
             any
             regard
             so
             necessary
             ,
             but
             that
             they
             may
             be
             dispensed
             with
             for
             a
             greater
             benefit
             ,
             and
             the
             avoiding
             of
             a
             greater
             mischief
             .
             And
             they
             are
             found
             guilty
             of
             Schism
             that
             urge
             such
             unscriptural
             and
             unnecessary
             things
             unto
             a
             breach
             in
             the
             Church
             .
             Such
             Imposers
             are
             not
             only
             an
             occasion
             of
             the
             breach
             that
             follows
             ,
             but
             a
             culpable
             cause
             thereof
             ,
             because
             they
             impose
             without
             and
             against
             Christs
             warrant
             ,
             who
             will
             not
             have
             his
             Church
             to
             be
             burdened
             ,
             nor
             the
             consciences
             of
             his
             Servants
             intangled
             with
             things
             unnecessary
             .
          
           
             Nevertheless
             ,
             such
             unscriptural
             or
             unnecessary
             things
             ,
             if
             they
             be
             not
             in
             themselves
             
             unlawfull
             nor
             of
             mischievous
             consequence
             ,
             may
             be
             of
             Gods
             allowing
             as
             to
             the
             submitters
             .
             Thereupon
             they
             are
             guilty
             of
             Schism
             ,
             who
             meerly
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             those
             unnecessary
             things
             yet
             lawfull
             as
             to
             their
             use
             ,
             though
             wrongfully
             urged
             upon
             them
             ,
             forsake
             the
             communion
             of
             the
             Church
             or
             their
             Ministerial
             station
             ,
             where
             things
             are
             well
             settled
             as
             to
             the
             substantials
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             the
             ends
             of
             Church
             order
             ,
             and
             when
             they
             themselves
             are
             not
             required
             to
             justifie
             the
             imposing
             of
             such
             unnecessaries
             .
             Here
             I
             speak
             of
             contumacious
             refusers
             ,
             who
             will
             rather
             make
             a
             breach
             than
             yield
             .
             But
             refusers
             out
             of
             conscience
             believing
             ,
             or
             with
             appearance
             of
             reason
             suspecting
             the
             said
             lawfull
             things
             to
             be
             unlawfull
             ,
             are
             either
             accquitted
             from
             Schism
             ,
             or
             guilty
             but
             in
             a
             low
             degree
             ,
             and
             much
             less
             culpable
             than
             the
             Imposers
             ,
             who
             might
             well
             forbear
             to
             impose
             .
          
           
             Be
             it
             here
             noted
             that
             when
             Superiors
             sin
             in
             commanding
             a
             thing
             exempt
             from
             their
             authority
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             the
             Subjects
             duty
             to
             observe
             the
             thing
             commanded
             .
             In
             this
             case
             the
             said
             observance
             is
             not
             an
             act
             of
             obedience
             ,
             for
             that
             can
             arise
             only
             from
             the
             Rulers
             authority
             to
             command
             .
             But
             it
             is
             an
             act
             of
             prudence
             ,
             equity
             and
             charity
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             good
             and
             necessary
             for
             the
             ends
             sake
             ,
             and
             in
             that
             regard
             t
             is
             an
             act
             of
             obedience
             ,
             though
             not
             to
             the
             Earthly
             Ruler
             ,
             yet
             to
             God
             who
             commands
             us
             to
             follow
             Peace
             and
             maintain
             Unity
             in
             all
             lawfull
             ways
             and
             means
             .
          
           
           
             In
             the
             judgment
             of
             the
             Apostle
             it
             is
             no
             slight
             matter
             to
             act
             against
             conscience
             rationally
             doubting
             ,
             or
             suspecting
             a
             breach
             of
             Gods
             Law
             ,
             
               Rom.
               14.
               5.
               
               Let
               every
               man
               be
               fully
               persuaded
               in
               his
               mind
               ,
            
             v.
             14.
             
             
               To
               him
               that
               esteemeth
               any
               thing
               to
               be
               unclean
               ,
               to
               him
               it
               is
               unclean
               ,
            
             ver
             .
             23.
             
             
               He
               that
               doubteth
               ,
               is
               damned
               if
               he
               eat
               ,
               because
               he
               eateth
               not
               of
               Faith
               ,
               for
               whatsoever
               is
               not
               of
               Faith
               is
               sin
               .
            
             The
             command
             of
             Rulers
             is
             no
             good
             security
             for
             acting
             against
             a
             rational
             doubting
             conscience
             .
             When
             I
             am
             in
             doubt
             touching
             the
             lawfulness
             of
             the
             thing
             injoyned
             ,
             I
             have
             no
             certainty
             of
             being
             on
             the
             safer
             side
             ,
             by
             complying
             with
             Rulers
             .
             For
             though
             in
             general
             obedience
             to
             Rulers
             be
             a
             certain
             Duty
             ,
             yet
             in
             the
             particular
             doubted
             case
             ,
             I
             cannot
             be
             certain
             that
             my
             compliance
             is
             right
             and
             warrantable
             obedience
             ,
             and
             not
             a
             breach
             of
             Gods
             Law.
             Is
             it
             plain
             that
             I
             ought
             to
             obey
             the
             commands
             of
             Rulers
             in
             things
             that
             have
             Gods
             allowance
             ?
             so
             t
             is
             as
             plain
             that
             I
             ought
             not
             to
             obey
             their
             commands
             in
             things
             which
             God
             hath
             forbidden
             .
             Moreover
             ,
             it
             is
             as
             plain
             that
             I
             ought
             not
             to
             act
             against
             my
             own
             conscience
             ,
             which
             as
             being
             the
             discerner
             of
             the
             will
             of
             God
             concerning
             me
             ,
             is
             of
             right
             the
             immediate
             director
             of
             my
             actions
             .
             Indeed
             my
             conscience
             cannot
             alter
             Gods
             Law
             ,
             or
             make
             that
             which
             God
             hath
             made
             my
             duty
             to
             be
             not
             
             my
             duty
             ,
             yet
             it
             will
             not
             suffer
             me
             to
             act
             in
             disconformity
             to
             its
             directions
             .
          
           
             Seeing
             the
             Unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             is
             always
             in
             conjunction
             with
             Faith
             and
             Holiness
             ,
             to
             which
             the
             Unity
             of
             external
             order
             is
             always
             to
             be
             subservient
             ,
             it
             follows
             that
             when
             Unity
             of
             external
             order
             doth
             not
             tend
             to
             advance
             but
             hinder
             sound
             Faith
             and
             true
             Holiness
             ,
             then
             a
             false
             Unity
             is
             set
             up
             ,
             and
             the
             true
             Unity
             is
             abandoned
             ,
             and
             divisions
             and
             offences
             are
             caused
             .
             And
             it
             is
             no
             Schism
             but
             a
             duty
             not
             to
             adhere
             to
             a
             Unity
             of
             external
             order
             so
             set
             and
             urged
             ,
             as
             that
             it
             tends
             to
             the
             destruction
             or
             notable
             detriment
             of
             Faith
             and
             Holiness
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             end
             of
             all
             Church
             Order
             .
             The
             means
             are
             good
             in
             reference
             to
             their
             end
             ,
             and
             must
             never
             be
             used
             in
             a
             way
             destructive
             to
             it
             .
             Of
             the
             hinderance
             of
             the
             said
             ends
             ,
             there
             be
             these
             following
             instances
             .
          
           
             Here
             laid
             down
             in
             general
             ,
             without
             intendment
             of
             particular
             application
             to
             any
             Churches
             now
             in
             being
             ,
             which
             are
             left
             to
             be
             tryed
             and
             judged
             by
             that
             rule
             by
             which
             all
             must
             stand
             or
             fall
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             When
             a
             Church
             or
             Churches
             ,
             a
             Congregation
             or
             Congregations
             have
             an
             establishment
             of
             external
             Polity
             ,
             and
             an
             ordained
             Ministery
             ,
             and
             a
             Form
             of
             Divine
             Worship
             ,
             but
             are
             destitute
             of
             such
             Ministers
             as
             are
             qualified
             to
             feed
             the
             Flock
             ,
             and
             are
             burdened
             with
             such
             
             as
             are
             altogether
             unfit
             to
             have
             the
             charge
             of
             Souls
             committed
             to
             them
             ,
             who
             are
             either
             unable
             to
             teach
             ,
             or
             teach
             corruptly
             ,
             either
             teaching
             corrupt
             Doctrine
             ,
             or
             abusing
             ,
             mishandling
             and
             misapplying
             sound
             Doctrine
             ,
             to
             encourage
             the
             Ungodly
             and
             discourage
             the
             Godly
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Where
             there
             are
             some
             Ministers
             able
             and
             apt
             to
             teach
             and
             duly
             qualified
             ;
             but
             their
             number
             is
             in
             no
             wise
             proportionable
             to
             the
             number
             of
             the
             People
             ,
             and
             there
             be
             multitudes
             that
             cannot
             have
             the
             benefit
             of
             their
             Ministery
             ,
             so
             that
             if
             they
             have
             no
             more
             placed
             among
             them
             than
             those
             few
             ,
             they
             have
             in
             effect
             none
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             Where
             sincere
             Christians
             ,
             or
             credible
             Professors
             of
             Christianity
             are
             cast
             out
             of
             an
             established
             Church
             by
             wrong
             sentence
             ,
             or
             are
             debarred
             from
             its
             communion
             by
             unlawfull
             terms
             injoyned
             them
             ,
             or
             unnecessary
             terms
             which
             are
             to
             them
             unlawfull
             by
             real
             doubts
             of
             conscience
             ,
             and
             which
             Christ
             hath
             not
             authorized
             Rulers
             to
             injoyn
             as
             terms
             of
             Church
             communion
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             When
             Ministers
             ,
             whom
             Christ
             hath
             furnished
             and
             called
             ,
             are
             driven
             out
             of
             their
             publick
             station
             by
             unlawfull
             terms
             injoyned
             ,
             or
             by
             terms
             unnecessary
             and
             to
             them
             unlawfull
             by
             real
             doubts
             of
             conscience
             ,
             and
             which
             Christ
             hath
             not
             authorized
             Rulers
             to
             injoyn
             as
             terms
             of
             the
             publick
             Ministery
             .
          
           
           
             Upon
             the
             cases
             here
             mentioned
             ,
             I
             inquire
             whether
             the
             said
             Ministers
             and
             People
             may
             not
             draw
             together
             into
             new
             congregations
             .
             Let
             it
             be
             considered
             whether
             the
             determinations
             of
             men
             may
             be
             a
             perpetual
             bar
             to
             true
             visible
             Christians
             ,
             (
             it
             may
             be
             to
             multitudes
             of
             them
             )
             against
             the
             injoyment
             of
             those
             most
             important
             priviledges
             ,
             to
             which
             God
             hath
             given
             them
             right
             .
             Yea
             ,
             suppose
             their
             consciences
             were
             culpably
             weak
             in
             scrupling
             things
             imposed
             ,
             yet
             they
             may
             suffer
             wrong
             by
             such
             an
             excess
             of
             punishment
             ,
             as
             so
             great
             a
             deprivation
             .
             And
             Christ
             doth
             not
             reject
             them
             for
             such
             weaknesses
             .
          
           
             Let
             it
             be
             also
             considered
             ,
             whether
             such
             injured
             as
             Christians
             are
             wrongfully
             excluded
             from
             Gods
             Ordinances
             ,
             and
             such
             neglected
             Souls
             as
             are
             left
             destitute
             of
             the
             necessary
             means
             of
             Salvation
             ,
             may
             lawfully
             be
             deserted
             by
             Christs
             Ministers
             .
             Should
             not
             the
             Stewards
             of
             the
             mysteries
             of
             God
             indeavour
             to
             supply
             what
             is
             lacking
             to
             such
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             rigourousness
             or
             negligence
             of
             others
             ?
             If
             it
             be
             said
             ,
             we
             may
             not
             do
             evil
             that
             good
             may
             come
             ,
             nor
             break
             the
             laws
             of
             Unity
             for
             such
             respects
             ,
             the
             answer
             is
             ,
             that
             this
             is
             not
             to
             do
             evil
             ,
             but
             a
             good
             work
             and
             a
             necessary
             duty
             ,
             and
             here
             is
             no
             breach
             of
             Unity
             that
             is
             of
             Gods
             making
             or
             allowing
             .
             The
             necessary
             means
             of
             saving
             Souls
             are
             incomparably
             more
             pretious
             than
             
             uniformity
             in
             external
             ,
             accidental
             order
             ,
             especially
             when
             t
             is
             unwarrantably
             injoyned
             ,
             and
             attended
             with
             such
             evil
             consequents
             .
             If
             within
             any
             local
             bounds
             assigned
             for
             the
             Pastoral
             charge
             of
             any
             Ecclesiastick
             ,
             the
             People
             be
             left
             destitude
             of
             competent
             provision
             for
             their
             Souls
             ,
             it
             is
             no
             intrusion
             or
             breach
             of
             Unity
             if
             an
             other
             Pastor
             perform
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Ministery
             within
             those
             bounds
             .
          
           
             Subjects
             may
             not
             by
             coercive
             power
             reform
             the
             publick
             State
             and
             change
             the
             Laws
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Supream
             Magistrate
             .
             But
             let
             it
             be
             considered
             whether
             they
             may
             not
             have
             their
             voluntary
             Assemblies
             for
             Gods
             Worship
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             driven
             from
             the
             communion
             of
             the
             legal
             Churches
             by
             the
             imposition
             of
             unlawfull
             terms
             ,
             or
             unnecessary
             terms
             apprehended
             by
             them
             to
             be
             unlawfull
             .
             For
             in
             this
             case
             they
             are
             forced
             either
             to
             hold
             such
             Assemblies
             ,
             or
             to
             abide
             perpetually
             without
             those
             Spiritual
             priviledges
             which
             are
             their
             due
             ,
             and
             the
             ordinary
             means
             of
             their
             Salvation
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             a
             great
             difference
             between
             inimical
             Separation
             ,
             like
             Sedition
             in
             a
             Common-wealth
             ,
             and
             Secregation
             upon
             necessary
             causes
             without
             breach
             of
             charity
             .
             And
             among
             the
             necessary
             causes
             this
             may
             be
             one
             ,
             that
             all
             sober
             Christians
             ,
             who
             for
             conscience
             sake
             cannot
             submit
             to
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Established
             Churches
             ,
             may
             be
             relieved
             ;
             and
             that
             none
             may
             be
             exposed
             
             for
             lack
             of
             that
             relief
             to
             be
             lead
             aside
             into
             the
             error
             of
             the
             wicked
             ,
             as
             Heresie
             ,
             Infidelity
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             course
             of
             Impiety
             .
             Indeed
             here
             is
             some
             variation
             from
             the
             ordinarily
             regular
             bounding
             of
             Churches
             .
             But
             the
             partition
             of
             one
             Church
             from
             another
             by
             local
             bounds
             ,
             is
             not
             of
             absolute
             necessity
             and
             invariable
             ,
             but
             naturally
             eligible
             from
             the
             convenience
             thereof
             ,
             when
             it
             may
             be
             had
             .
             But
             the
             state
             of
             some
             Christians
             may
             be
             such
             ,
             as
             to
             compel
             them
             to
             vary
             from
             it
             .
             The
             scope
             hereof
             is
             not
             to
             set
             up
             Churches
             against
             Churches
             ,
             but
             either
             occasional
             and
             temporary
             Assemblies
             ,
             or
             at
             the
             most
             but
             divers
             Churches
             distinguished
             by
             their
             several
             places
             of
             assembling
             ,
             or
             by
             diversity
             of
             external
             order
             ,
             as
             the
             allowed
             Congregations
             of
             Foreigners
             in
             London
             ,
             are
             distinguished
             from
             the
             Parish
             Churches
             .
          
           
             If
             any
             object
             the
             inconveniencies
             that
             may
             follow
             the
             permitting
             of
             Church
             Assemblies
             besides
             those
             of
             the
             Established
             Order
             ,
             the
             answer
             is
             ,
             That
             the
             wisdom
             and
             clemency
             of
             Rulers
             in
             any
             Nation
             where
             this
             case
             may
             be
             supposed
             can
             provide
             ,
             that
             as
             few
             as
             may
             be
             should
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             that
             permission
             ,
             by
             fixing
             the
             terms
             of
             Church
             communion
             and
             Ministerial
             liberty
             to
             such
             a
             latitude
             ,
             as
             may
             comprehend
             all
             the
             more
             moderate
             Dissenters
             .
             And
             after
             such
             comprehension
             ,
             Christian
             charity
             
             will
             plead
             ,
             that
             all
             tolerable
             Dissenters
             (
             that
             is
             ,
             all
             who
             believe
             and
             live
             as
             Christians
             )
             may
             be
             tolerated
             within
             such
             limits
             ,
             as
             may
             stand
             with
             publick
             Peace
             and
             safety
             .
             That
             which
             is
             here
             proposed
             ,
             may
             make
             for
             the
             relief
             of
             many
             thousand
             serious
             Christians
             without
             breach
             of
             the
             external
             order
             ,
             which
             is
             necessary
             to
             be
             maintained
             ,
             and
             is
             not
             set
             up
             to
             the
             hinderance
             of
             things
             more
             necessary
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             to
             be
             noted
             that
             the
             offenders
             expresly
             marked
             out
             by
             the
             Apostle
             in
             the
             Text
             ,
             Rom.
             16.
             17.
             were
             ungodly
             men
             that
             opposed
             or
             perverted
             the
             Christian
             Doctrine
             ,
             and
             being
             Sensualists
             and
             deceivers
             disturbed
             and
             polluted
             the
             Christian
             Societies
             ,
             and
             seduced
             the
             simple
             into
             destructive
             error
             and
             practice
             .
             Wherefore
             the
             Text
             is
             ill
             applied
             to
             the
             rigorous
             condemnation
             of
             honest
             and
             peaceable
             men
             ,
             that
             dissent
             only
             in
             some
             accidental
             or
             inferior
             points
             of
             Religion
             ,
             for
             which
             the
             Apostle
             forbids
             Christians
             to
             despise
             or
             judge
             one
             another
             .
             Yet
             not
             only
             false
             Teachers
             ,
             but
             all
             Schismaticks
             are
             here
             condemned
             under
             this
             description
             ,
             viz.
             those
             that
             cause
             Divisions
             and
             Offences
             .
             And
             though
             they
             be
             not
             direct
             opposers
             of
             sound
             Doctrine
             ,
             yet
             being
             Dividers
             or
             Disturbers
             ,
             they
             practice
             contrary
             to
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             Christ
             ,
             which
             teacheth
             Unity
             ,
             Love
             and
             Peace
             .
             But
             still
             it
             must
             be
             observed
             that
             the
             reality
             of
             Schism
             lies
             not
             in
             being
             divided
             
             or
             disordered
             ,
             but
             in
             causing
             the
             division
             or
             disturbance
             ,
             or
             in
             a
             voluntary
             violation
             of
             or
             departing
             from
             true
             Church-Unity
             .
          
           
             They
             that
             cause
             Divisions
             are
             not
             excused
             from
             Schism
             by
             the
             support
             of
             Secular
             Power
             ,
             nor
             are
             others
             convicted
             of
             it
             meerly
             by
             the
             want
             of
             that
             Support
             .
             The
             Magistrates
             power
             in
             Sacred
             things
             is
             accumulative
             ,
             not
             destructive
             or
             diminitive
             to
             the
             rights
             of
             Christs
             Ministers
             and
             People
             .
             It
             takes
             not
             from
             them
             any
             thing
             that
             Christ
             hath
             granted
             them
             ,
             but
             gives
             them
             a
             better
             capacity
             to
             make
             use
             thereof
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Schisms
               that
               were
               in
               the
               more
               ancient
               times
               of
               the
               Church
               ;
               and
               the
               different
               case
               of
               the
               Nonconformists
               in
               these
               times
               .
            
          
           
             OF
             those
             parties
             which
             were
             anciently
             reputed
             Schismaticks
             ,
             as
             violating
             the
             Unity
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             yet
             not
             Hereticks
             ,
             as
             denying
             any
             Fundamental
             point
             of
             the
             Christian
             Faith
             ,
             the
             Novatians
             and
             Donatists
             are
             of
             the
             chiefest
             note
             .
             Forasmuch
             as
             both
             these
             are
             looked
             upon
             as
             the
             greatest
             instances
             of
             Schism
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             requisite
             for
             me
             to
             consider
             
             the
             true
             state
             of
             their
             separation
             from
             the
             main
             body
             of
             the
             Christian
             Church
             ,
             passing
             by
             accidental
             matters
             ,
             and
             insisting
             on
             the
             merits
             of
             their
             cause
             according
             to
             their
             main
             Principles
             and
             Practices
             .
          
           
             As
             concerning
             the
             Donatists
             ,
             the
             breach
             made
             by
             them
             had
             this
             rise
             .
             Donatus
             with
             his
             Complices
             vehemently
             opposed
             Cecilianus
             ,
             who
             had
             been
             chosen
             Bishop
             of
             Carthage
             ,
             in
             design
             to
             thrust
             him
             out
             of
             his
             Bishoprick
             .
             They
             accuse
             him
             of
             being
             ordained
             by
             one
             that
             had
             been
             a
             Proditor
             ,
             and
             of
             having
             admitted
             into
             Ecclesiastical
             Office
             one
             that
             was
             guilty
             of
             the
             like
             fault
             .
             This
             Cause
             was
             by
             the
             Emperor
             
             Constantine's
             appointment
             heard
             before
             several
             Councils
             and
             many
             Judges
             .
             The
             Accusers
             still
             fail
             in
             their
             Proofs
             of
             the
             things
             objected
             ,
             Cecilianus
             is
             acquitted
             and
             confirmed
             in
             his
             Office.
             The
             Party
             of
             Donatus
             failing
             in
             their
             design
             ,
             were
             carried
             in
             a
             boundless
             rage
             of
             opposition
             to
             a
             total
             ,
             and
             irreclaimable
             Separation
             from
             all
             the
             Churches
             that
             were
             not
             of
             their
             Faction
             ,
             and
             became
             very
             numerous
             upon
             a
             pretence
             of
             shunning
             the
             contagion
             of
             the
             wicked
             in
             the
             Communion
             of
             the
             Sacraments
             .
             Their
             principles
             were
             ,
             that
             the
             Church
             of
             Christ
             was
             no
             where
             to
             be
             found
             but
             among
             themselves
             in
             a
             corner
             of
             Africa
             ;
             also
             that
             true
             Baptism
             was
             not
             Administred
             but
             in
             their
             Sect.
             Likewise
             they
             
             proceeded
             to
             great
             tumult
             ,
             and
             violence
             ,
             and
             rapine
             .
             And
             a
             sort
             of
             them
             called
             Circumcelliones
             gloried
             in
             a
             furious
             kind
             of
             Martyrdom
             ,
             partly
             by
             forcing
             others
             to
             kill
             them
             ,
             and
             partly
             by
             killing
             themselves
             .
          
           
             The
             Novatians
             took
             their
             name
             and
             beginning
             from
             Novatus
             a
             Presbyter
             ,
             first
             at
             Carthage
             ,
             afterwards
             at
             Rome
             ,
             who
             held
             that
             they
             who
             lapsed
             in
             times
             of
             Persecution
             unto
             the
             denying
             of
             Christ
             ,
             were
             not
             to
             be
             readmitted
             unto
             the
             Communion
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             though
             they
             repented
             and
             submitted
             to
             the
             Ecclesiastical
             Discipline
             of
             Pennance
             .
             He
             separated
             from
             the
             Roman
             Church
             ,
             and
             was
             made
             a
             Bishop
             by
             Bishops
             of
             his
             own
             judgment
             ,
             in
             opposition
             to
             Cornelius
             Bishop
             of
             
               Rome
               .
               Cyprian
            
             gives
             a
             very
             bad
             character
             of
             him
             ,
             as
             a
             turbulent
             ,
             arrogant
             and
             avaritious
             Person
             .
             But
             of
             what
             Spirit
             soever
             he
             was
             ,
             his
             Judgment
             and
             Canon
             was
             received
             among
             many
             that
             were
             of
             stricter
             lives
             ;
             and
             he
             himself
             is
             reported
             to
             have
             suffered
             death
             in
             the
             persecution
             under
             Valerian
             .
          
           
             At
             the
             Council
             of
             
               Nice
               ,
               Acesius
            
             Bishop
             of
             the
             Novatians
             being
             asked
             by
             Constantine
             ,
             whether
             he
             assented
             to
             the
             same
             Faith
             with
             the
             Council
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             observation
             of
             Easter
             as
             was
             there
             derceed
             ,
             answered
             that
             he
             fully
             assented
             to
             both
             .
             Then
             being
             again
             asked
             by
             the
             Emperor
             ,
             why
             he
             separated
             from
             the
             
             Communion
             ,
             he
             recited
             for
             himself
             things
             done
             in
             the
             Reign
             of
             Decius
             ,
             and
             the
             exquisite
             observation
             of
             a
             certain
             severe
             Canon
             ,
             that
             they
             who
             after
             Baptism
             had
             fallen
             into
             that
             kind
             of
             sin
             ,
             which
             the
             Scripture
             calls
             a
             sin
             unto
             death
             ,
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             partakers
             of
             the
             Divine
             mysteries
             ;
             but
             to
             be
             exhorted
             to
             repentance
             ,
             and
             to
             expect
             the
             hope
             of
             remission
             not
             from
             the
             Priest
             but
             from
             God
             ,
             who
             hath
             power
             to
             forgive
             .
             By
             this
             it
             appears
             that
             the
             Novatians
             did
             not
             deny
             the
             Salvability
             of
             the
             lapsed
             ,
             or
             others
             that
             had
             fallen
             into
             a
             sin
             unto
             death
             ,
             but
             only
             refused
             to
             admit
             them
             to
             Sacerdotal
             Absolution
             and
             Church-Communion
             .
             And
             thus
             they
             made
             a
             very
             unwarrantable
             separation
             ,
             grounded
             upon
             an
             unjust
             rigor
             of
             very
             bad
             consequence
             .
          
           
             Nevertheless
             their
             error
             was
             no
             other
             ,
             than
             what
             holy
             and
             good
             men
             might
             be
             ensnared
             in
             by
             the
             appearance
             of
             a
             greater
             detestation
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             its
             tendency
             to
             prevent
             the
             lapse
             of
             Christians
             into
             Idolatry
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             them
             more
             resolved
             for
             Martyrdom
             .
             And
             by
             as
             credible
             History
             as
             any
             we
             have
             of
             the
             ancient
             times
             ,
             they
             are
             reported
             to
             have
             had
             among
             them
             men
             eminently
             Pious
             ,
             and
             some
             famous
             for
             Miracles
             .
             They
             unmovably
             adhered
             to
             the
             Homousian
             Faith
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             maintenance
             of
             it
             together
             with
             the
             Orthodox
             ,
             suffered
             dreadfull
             Persecutions
             .
             They
             had
             
             some
             Bishops
             remarkable
             for
             Wisdom
             and
             Godliness
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             were
             consulted
             with
             by
             some
             of
             the
             chief
             of
             the
             Catholick
             Bishops
             ,
             and
             that
             with
             good
             success
             for
             support
             of
             the
             Common
             Faith
             against
             the
             Arrians
             and
             such
             like
             Hereticks
             .
             Under
             a
             certain
             Persecution
             ,
             wherein
             they
             were
             Companions
             of
             the
             self
             same
             suffering
             ,
             it
             is
             said
             that
             the
             Catholicks
             and
             Novatians
             had
             Prayers
             together
             in
             the
             Novations
             Churches
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             those
             times
             they
             were
             almost
             united
             ,
             if
             the
             Novations
             had
             not
             utterly
             refused
             that
             they
             might
             keep
             up
             their
             old
             institutes
             ;
             yet
             they
             bare
             such
             good
             will
             one
             to
             another
             ,
             that
             they
             would
             die
             one
             for
             another
             .
             These
             and
             many
             other
             things
             of
             like
             nature
             are
             reported
             of
             them
             by
             Socrates
             ,
             whom
             some
             indeed
             suspect
             to
             have
             been
             addicted
             to
             them
             ,
             yet
             upon
             no
             other
             ground
             ,
             but
             because
             he
             gives
             them
             their
             due
             upon
             evident
             proof
             .
             And
             besides
             what
             he
             hath
             reported
             ,
             Sosomen
             thus
             testifies
             of
             them
             ,
             
               L.
               2.
               
               C.
               30.
               
               That
               when
               other
               Sects
               expired
               ,
               the
               Novatians
               because
               they
               had
               good
               men
               for
               the
               Leaders
               of
               their
               way
               ,
               and
               because
               they
               defended
               the
               same
               Doctrine
               with
               the
               Catholick
               Church
               ,
               were
               very
               numerous
               from
               the
               beginning
               ,
               and
               so
               continued
               ,
               and
               suffered
               not
               much
               dammage
               by
            
             Constantines
             
               Law
               for
               suppressing
               of
               Sects
            
             ;
             And
             Acesius
             their
             Bishop
             being
             much
             favoured
             by
             the
             Emperor
             ,
             for
             the
             integrity
             of
             his
             life
             
             greatly
             advantaged
             his
             Church
             .
             Also
             
               L.
               4.
               
               C.
            
             19.
             
             He
             reports
             the
             great
             amity
             that
             was
             between
             them
             and
             the
             Catholicks
             in
             a
             time
             of
             common
             Persecution
             .
          
           
             Whether
             the
             case
             of
             the
             Dissenters
             from
             the
             Uniformity
             now
             required
             ,
             be
             in
             point
             of
             Schism
             of
             the
             same
             or
             like
             reason
             with
             the
             above
             mentioned
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             anciently
             reputed
             Schismaticks
             ,
             is
             now
             to
             be
             considered
             .
             And
             it
             is
             the
             case
             of
             those
             that
             dissent
             not
             in
             the
             substance
             of
             Religion
             ,
             but
             only
             in
             things
             pertaining
             to
             the
             Ecclesiastical
             Polity
             or
             external
             Order
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             that
             is
             here
             taken
             into
             consideration
             .
             Of
             these
             ,
             some
             being
             persuaded
             of
             the
             necessity
             of
             their
             own
             Church-Order
             ,
             desire
             to
             remain
             as
             they
             are
             in
             their
             severed
             Societies
             ;
             yet
             they
             do
             not
             nullify
             the
             legal
             Churches
             or
             Ministery
             ,
             or
             the
             dispensation
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             Sacraments
             and
             Prayer
             therein
             performed
             .
             Others
             being
             satisfied
             in
             the
             constitution
             of
             Parochial
             Churches
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             substance
             of
             the
             Established
             Form
             of
             Worship
             ,
             would
             gladly
             embrace
             a
             freedom
             of
             Communicating
             and
             Administring
             therein
             ,
             upon
             the
             removal
             of
             some
             bars
             that
             lie
             against
             them
             ,
             and
             which
             they
             think
             may
             well
             be
             removed
             .
             Thereupon
             they
             seek
             an
             Accommodation
             and
             Union
             by
             a
             sufficient
             comprehensiveness
             in
             the
             publick
             constitution
             ;
             and
             withall
             a
             reasonable
             indulgence
             towards
             
             those
             Brethren
             ,
             who
             for
             the
             straightness
             of
             their
             judgments
             cannot
             be
             comprehended
             .
          
           
             Neither
             Party
             of
             the
             Dissenters
             here
             described
             can
             be
             charged
             with
             any
             thing
             like
             the
             Donatistical
             fury
             before
             expressed
             .
             If
             Austin
             sought
             the
             suppression
             of
             that
             Sect
             by
             the
             secular
             power
             ,
             in
             regard
             of
             the
             horrible
             outrages
             committed
             by
             them
             ,
             it
             cannot
             reasonably
             be
             urged
             for
             a
             precedent
             (
             as
             it
             hath
             been
             by
             some
             )
             for
             the
             suppression
             of
             men
             Sober
             and
             Peaceable
             ,
             and
             sound
             in
             the
             main
             points
             of
             Christian
             Faith
             and
             Life
             .
             Nor
             can
             either
             Party
             of
             us
             be
             charged
             with
             that
             intolerable
             presumption
             and
             arrogance
             of
             the
             Donatists
             ,
             in
             confining
             the
             Flock
             of
             Christ
             to
             their
             own
             Party
             ,
             or
             the
             disannulling
             and
             utter
             denouncing
             of
             all
             Churches
             besides
             their
             own
             .
             Nor
             is
             the
             ground
             of
             our
             dissatisfaction
             like
             theirs
             ,
             which
             began
             in
             a
             quarrel
             against
             a
             particular
             Bishop
             ,
             and
             was
             maintained
             by
             animosity
             against
             those
             that
             would
             not
             condemn
             him
             .
             It
             is
             well
             known
             that
             another
             manner
             of
             account
             is
             to
             be
             given
             of
             our
             Dissents
             .
          
           
             If
             it
             be
             objected
             ,
             that
             those
             Dissenters
             whose
             principles
             bind
             them
             up
             to
             persevere
             in
             their
             severed
             Societies
             ,
             seem
             in
             this
             respect
             to
             be
             as
             the
             Novatians
             ,
             who
             would
             not
             admit
             a
             re-Union
             with
             the
             other
             Churches
             ;
             it
             may
             be
             answered
             for
             them
             ,
             that
             reasons
             
             have
             been
             offered
             in
             the
             foregoing
             parts
             of
             this
             Discourse
             for
             indulgence
             to
             conscientious
             People
             ,
             who
             are
             intangled
             by
             the
             narrowness
             of
             their
             principles
             touching
             Church-Order
             .
             Besides
             ,
             they
             do
             not
             stand
             off
             upon
             so
             harsh
             and
             rigorous
             a
             point
             as
             the
             Novatians
             did
             ,
             viz.
             The
             utter
             repelling
             of
             the
             lapsed
             ,
             though
             penitent
             from
             the
             Communion
             of
             the
             Church
             .
             And
             they
             have
             ordinarily
             communion
             in
             the
             Word
             and
             Prayer
             with
             Congregations
             that
             are
             not
             of
             their
             Church
             way
             ,
             and
             occasionally
             in
             the
             Sacrament
             with
             those
             Congregations
             ,
             where
             they
             apprehend
             a
             care
             of
             the
             exercise
             of
             Discipline
             .
             Nor
             may
             they
             be
             judged
             so
             irreconcilable
             to
             the
             Established
             Order
             ,
             but
             that
             the
             holy
             lives
             of
             those
             in
             the
             publick
             Ministery
             ,
             and
             their
             lively
             Preaching
             ,
             and
             a
             greater
             care
             of
             true
             and
             real
             Church-Discipline
             ,
             might
             do
             much
             to
             their
             recovery
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             mean
             time
             ,
             why
             may
             not
             these
             be
             upon
             as
             good
             terms
             under
             the
             present
             Government
             ,
             as
             the
             Novatians
             were
             under
             the
             Government
             of
             their
             times
             ?
             Church
             History
             reports
             that
             they
             were
             cruelly
             Persecuted
             by
             the
             Arrian
             Emperours
             and
             Bishops
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             had
             great
             indulgence
             under
             Orthodox
             Emperours
             ,
             and
             with
             many
             Catholick
             Bishops
             and
             Patriarchs
             ,
             whose
             prudent
             and
             moderate
             Government
             did
             best
             provide
             for
             
             the
             Peace
             of
             their
             Churches
             .
             But
             those
             Orthodox
             Bishops
             ,
             who
             took
             from
             them
             their
             Churches
             and
             Estates
             ,
             were
             chiefly
             either
             such
             as
             took
             to
             themselves
             a
             Secular
             Power
             ,
             and
             ruled
             imperiously
             and
             with
             violence
             ,
             or
             such
             as
             with
             their
             zeal
             had
             more
             of
             wrath
             and
             rashness
             than
             of
             meekness
             and
             prudence
             .
             This
             can
             be
             easily
             proved
             in
             the
             particular
             instances
             ,
             if
             need
             were
             .
          
           
             But
             this
             is
             not
             the
             case
             of
             all
             Nonconformists
             .
             For
             part
             of
             them
             (
             and
             upon
             good
             experiment
             made
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             found
             the
             greater
             part
             )
             do
             not
             seek
             to
             abide
             in
             a
             severed
             State
             ,
             but
             desire
             a
             Union
             .
             It
             is
             well
             known
             they
             are
             as
             sensible
             of
             the
             evil
             of
             Schism
             ,
             and
             as
             Studious
             of
             the
             Churches
             Peace
             and
             Concord
             ,
             as
             any
             others
             .
             And
             though
             they
             have
             not
             the
             same
             latitude
             of
             judgment
             with
             others
             in
             some
             points
             ,
             yet
             they
             have
             a
             right
             Catholick
             Spirit
             to
             promote
             the
             common
             Interest
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             more
             especially
             the
             Protestant
             Reformation
             ,
             and
             dread
             the
             weakning
             and
             shattering
             of
             it
             by
             needless
             Divisions
             ,
             and
             are
             ready
             to
             go
             as
             far
             as
             conscience
             will
             allow
             in
             compliance
             with
             the
             injunctions
             of
             Rulers
             .
             But
             they
             are
             cast
             and
             kept
             out
             of
             the
             Established
             Order
             by
             the
             injunction
             of
             some
             terms
             ,
             which
             in
             regard
             of
             their
             present
             judgment
             ,
             they
             can
             not
             comply
             with
             ,
             but
             under
             the
             guilt
             of
             so
             
             great
             a
             sin
             as
             dissembling
             in
             the
             matter
             of
             Religion
             .
          
           
             Touching
             Church-Government
             ,
             they
             admit
             the
             Episcopacy
             that
             was
             of
             ancient
             Ecclesiastical
             custom
             in
             the
             time
             of
             Ignatius
             ,
             yea
             ,
             or
             of
             Cyprian
             .
             Bishop
             
             Usher's
             model
             of
             Government
             by
             Bishops
             and
             Arch-bishops
             with
             their
             Presbyters
             ,
             was
             by
             some
             of
             them
             presented
             to
             the
             Kings
             Majesty
             for
             a
             ground-work
             of
             Accommodation
             .
             They
             acknowledge
             the
             Kings
             Ecclesiastical
             Supremacy
             according
             to
             the
             Oath
             in
             that
             case
             required
             .
             His
             Majesty
             in
             his
             gracious
             Declaration
             concerning
             Ecclesiastical
             Affairs
             ,
             gives
             a
             Testimony
             concerning
             the
             Ministers
             that
             attended
             him
             in
             Holland
             ,
             in
             these
             words
             ,
             
               viz.
               To
               our
               great
               satisfaction
               and
               comfort
               ,
               We
               found
               them
               Persons
               full
               of
               affection
               to
               Us
               ,
               and
               of
               zeal
               to
               the
               Peace
               of
               Church
               and
               State
               ,
               and
               neither
               Enemies
               (
               as
               they
               had
               been
               given
               out
               to
               be
               )
               to
               Episcopacy
               or
               Liturgy
               ,
               but
               modestly
               to
               desire
               such
               alterations
               in
               either
               ,
               as
               without
               shaking
               foundations
               might
               best
               allay
               the
               present
               Distempers
               .
            
          
           
             They
             are
             ready
             to
             engage
             that
             they
             will
             not
             disturb
             the
             Peace
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             nor
             indeavour
             any
             point
             of
             alteration
             in
             its
             Government
             by
             Rebellious
             Seditions
             ,
             or
             any
             unlawfull
             ways
             .
             Those
             points
             of
             Conformity
             wherein
             they
             are
             dissatisfied
             ,
             are
             but
             some
             accidentals
             of
             Religion
             and
             external
             
             modes
             ,
             and
             the
             Declarations
             and
             Subscriptions
             importing
             an
             allowance
             of
             all
             and
             every
             thing
             contained
             in
             the
             Liturgy
             .
             And
             they
             think
             that
             these
             points
             are
             not
             so
             necessary
             in
             themselves
             or
             in
             their
             consequents
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             very
             dispensable
             as
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             Governours
             shall
             see
             cause
             .
          
           
             If
             it
             be
             objected
             ,
             that
             if
             any
             thing
             should
             be
             yielded
             to
             them
             ,
             there
             would
             be
             no
             end
             of
             their
             cravings
             ,
             that
             which
             I
             have
             to
             say
             is
             ,
             That
             reasonable
             men
             will
             be
             satisfied
             with
             reasonable
             concessions
             ;
             and
             if
             Subjects
             know
             not
             what
             is
             fit
             for
             them
             to
             ask
             ,
             Governours
             know
             what
             is
             fit
             for
             them
             to
             give
             .
             By
             granting
             the
             desired
             relaxation
             ,
             the
             Church
             would
             not
             (
             as
             some
             alledge
             )
             be
             self-condemned
             ,
             as
             confessing
             the
             unlawfulness
             of
             her
             injunctions
             ,
             or
             as
             justifying
             the
             Opinions
             of
             the
             Dissenters
             .
             For
             it
             can
             signifie
             from
             her
             no
             more
             than
             either
             her
             indulgence
             to
             the
             weak
             ,
             or
             her
             moderation
             in
             things
             less
             necessary
             and
             more
             controverted
             ,
             which
             would
             not
             turn
             to
             her
             reproach
             ,
             but
             to
             her
             greater
             justification
             .
          
           
             I
             have
             here
             nothing
             to
             say
             to
             them
             that
             object
             against
             any
             relaxation
             after
             that
             manner
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             desired
             not
             our
             Conformity
             but
             our
             perpetual
             exclusion
             .
             Such
             may
             be
             answered
             in
             due
             season
             .
             And
             I
             have
             here
             nothing
             to
             do
             with
             those
             that
             argue
             against
             
             us
             from
             Politick
             considerations
             ,
             respecting
             a
             particular
             Interest
             too
             narrow
             for
             an
             adequate
             foundation
             of
             Church-Peace
             and
             Christian-Concord
             .
             But
             my
             scope
             is
             to
             consider
             what
             may
             be
             done
             by
             the
             Higher
             Powers
             and
             Church
             Guides
             for
             the
             healing
             of
             breaches
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Wisdom
             which
             is
             from
             above
             ,
             which
             is
             first
             pure
             ,
             then
             peaceable
             ,
             gentle
             and
             easie
             to
             be
             intreated
             ,
             full
             of
             mercy
             and
             good
             fruits
             ,
             without
             partiality
             and
             without
             hypocrisie
             .
          
           
             I
             have
             made
             particular
             observation
             of
             those
             too
             most
             remarkable
             Parties
             ,
             which
             have
             been
             looked
             upon
             as
             the
             chief
             instances
             of
             Schism
             in
             the
             more
             ancient
             times
             .
             The
             other
             Schisms
             that
             I
             find
             of
             any
             remark
             in
             those
             times
             were
             raised
             ,
             sometimes
             by
             Persons
             cast
             out
             of
             the
             Church
             for
             their
             Crimes
             ,
             and
             thereupon
             drawing
             Disciples
             after
             them
             ,
             as
             was
             that
             of
             Meletius
             a
             Bishop
             in
             Egypt
             ,
             who
             was
             desposed
             for
             having
             sacrificed
             to
             Idols
             .
             Sometimes
             by
             offence
             unjustly
             taken
             at
             some
             supposed
             faultiness
             in
             a
             Bishop
             ,
             as
             was
             that
             of
             an
             Orthodox
             Party
             in
             Antioch
             ,
             against
             another
             Meletius
             ,
             an
             Orthodox
             and
             right
             worthy
             Bishop
             of
             that
             City
             ,
             only
             because
             he
             was
             at
             first
             brought
             in
             by
             the
             Arrians
             ;
             sometimes
             by
             the
             exasperations
             of
             the
             People
             for
             injuries
             done
             
             to
             them
             or
             their
             Pastors
             ,
             and
             outrages
             committed
             by
             their
             opposites
             ,
             as
             was
             that
             of
             the
             Johannites
             at
             Constantinople
             upon
             the
             banishment
             of
             Chrysostom
             ;
             and
             somtimes
             by
             meer
             animosity
             and
             humor
             of
             discontentment
             ,
             as
             was
             that
             of
             Lucifer
             a
             Bishop
             in
             Sardinia
             ,
             who
             separated
             from
             Eusebius
             Bishop
             of
             Vertellis
             and
             others
             ,
             because
             they
             disliked
             his
             rash
             act
             of
             Ordaining
             Paulinus
             to
             be
             Bishop
             of
             Antioch
             ,
             as
             tending
             to
             perpetuate
             the
             Schism
             there
             begun
             .
          
           
             Touching
             all
             the
             said
             Parties
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             observed
             that
             they
             did
             not
             plead
             that
             any
             Opinions
             or
             Forms
             were
             imposed
             on
             them
             ,
             to
             which
             their
             consciences
             did
             reluctate
             ,
             nor
             did
             they
             desire
             others
             forbearance
             towards
             them
             in
             such
             things
             as
             might
             bear
             too
             hard
             upon
             them
             ;
             but
             they
             themselves
             would
             not
             bear
             with
             others
             in
             that
             which
             they
             supposed
             faulty
             ,
             but
             did
             nither
             choose
             wholly
             to
             abandon
             the
             Communion
             of
             the
             Churches
             ,
             and
             did
             not
             seek
             nor
             care
             for
             accomodation
             with
             them
             .
             But
             this
             is
             not
             the
             case
             of
             at
             least
             a
             great
             part
             of
             the
             Dissenters
             of
             these
             times
             .
             For
             they
             importune
             an
             accommodation
             with
             the
             Churches
             of
             the
             Established
             Order
             ,
             and
             for
             Peace
             sake
             ,
             are
             willing
             to
             bear
             with
             the
             practice
             of
             others
             in
             that
             which
             themselves
             dislike
             or
             doubt
             of
             ;
             but
             they
             cannot
             
             obtain
             a
             Dispensation
             from
             others
             ,
             in
             some
             things
             which
             are
             very
             dispensable
             points
             according
             to
             their
             judgment
             ,
             but
             are
             forced
             to
             abide
             in
             a
             severed
             state
             ,
             unless
             they
             will
             profess
             what
             they
             believe
             not
             ,
             or
             practice
             what
             they
             allow
             not
             .
          
           
             Now
             because
             the
             judgment
             and
             practice
             of
             antiquity
             is
             much
             insisted
             on
             ,
             I
             pray
             that
             it
             may
             be
             considered
             ,
             whether
             in
             the
             Primitive
             ,
             or
             ancient
             times
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             men
             ,
             yea
             ,
             many
             hundreds
             of
             men
             duly
             qualified
             for
             the
             Ministery
             by
             sound
             Faith
             and
             good
             Life
             ,
             as
             also
             by
             their
             Learning
             and
             Industry
             ,
             and
             offering
             all
             reasonable
             security
             for
             their
             submissive
             and
             peaceable
             demeanure
             ,
             were
             or
             would
             have
             been
             cast
             and
             kept
             out
             of
             the
             Church
             for
             their
             Nonconformity
             to
             some
             Opinions
             ,
             Forms
             and
             Ceremonies
             ,
             which
             at
             the
             best
             are
             but
             the
             accidentals
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             truth
             or
             lawfulness
             whereof
             ,
             the
             Dissenters
             were
             wholly
             dissatisfied
             ,
             and
             which
             the
             Imposers
             judged
             to
             be
             but
             things
             in
             themselves
             indifferent
             .
          
           
             And
             I
             further
             pray
             that
             it
             may
             be
             considered
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             easier
             for
             the
             Nonconformists
             to
             be
             self-condemned
             in
             Conforming
             to
             some
             injunctions
             against
             their
             consciences
             ,
             and
             in
             deserting
             the
             Ministery
             to
             
             which
             they
             are
             dedicated
             ,
             than
             for
             Superiours
             either
             by
             some
             relaxation
             to
             make
             them
             capable
             of
             Conforming
             ,
             or
             to
             bear
             with
             their
             peaceable
             exercise
             of
             the
             Ministery
             in
             a
             state
             of
             Nonconformity
             ,
             while
             some
             of
             their
             injunctions
             confine
             them
             to
             that
             state
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               making
               a
               right
               estimate
               of
               the
               guilt
               of
               Schism
               ,
               and
               something
               more
               of
               taking
               the
               right
               way
               to
               Unity
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             confused
             noise
             about
             Schism
             ,
             and
             the
             unjust
             imputation
             thereof
             ,
             that
             is
             commonly
             made
             ,
             hath
             greatly
             disordered
             the
             minds
             of
             many
             .
             Some
             have
             been
             thereby
             swaid
             to
             an
             absolute
             compliance
             with
             the
             most
             numerous
             or
             the
             most
             prevailing
             Parties
             .
             Others
             discerning
             the
             abuse
             of
             this
             name
             ,
             but
             forgetting
             that
             there
             is
             something
             truly
             so
             called
             ,
             have
             made
             light
             of
             the
             thing
             it self
             ,
             which
             is
             indeed
             of
             a
             heinous
             nature
             .
             I
             have
             been
             engaged
             in
             this
             Disquisition
             by
             a
             deep
             sense
             of
             the
             evil
             of
             Schism
             ,
             and
             an
             earnest
             care
             of
             keeping
             my self
             from
             the
             real
             guilt
             thereof
             ,
             and
             what
             is
             here
             written
             ,
             I
             willingly
             submit
             to
             a
             grave
             and
             just
             examination
             .
             
               Errare
               possum
               ,
               Haereticus
               ,
               Schismaticus
               esse
               nolo
               .
            
             I
             am
             liable
             to
             Errour
             as
             others
             are
             ,
             but
             I
             am
             sure
             I
             am
             no
             wilfull
             Schismatick
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             commonly
             given
             to
             men
             to
             pass
             a
             
             severe
             judgment
             upon
             every
             dissent
             from
             their
             own
             Opinions
             and
             Orders
             .
             Whereupon
             ,
             as
             that
             hath
             had
             the
             character
             of
             Schism
             stamped
             upon
             it
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             such
             indeed
             ;
             so
             that
             which
             is
             Schism
             in
             a
             low
             and
             tolerable
             degree
             ,
             hath
             been
             aggravated
             to
             the
             highest
             ,
             and
             prosecuted
             against
             all
             rules
             of
             prudence
             and
             charity
             .
          
           
             To
             make
             an
             equal
             judgment
             of
             the
             guilt
             of
             Schism
             in
             Persons
             or
             Parties
             ,
             the
             degree
             of
             the
             Schism
             is
             duly
             to
             be
             considered
             .
             Our
             Saviour
             teacheth
             that
             reviling
             language
             ,
             contemptuous
             words
             and
             rash
             anger
             ,
             are
             breaches
             of
             the
             Sixth
             Commandment
             ,
             yet
             in
             degree
             of
             guilt
             ,
             they
             are
             vastly
             different
             from
             the
             act
             of
             wilfull
             Murther
             .
             And
             indeed
             in
             the
             kind
             of
             delinquency
             here
             treated
             of
             ,
             there
             are
             as
             great
             differences
             of
             degrees
             as
             of
             any
             other
             kind
             .
             The
             case
             of
             those
             that
             are
             necessitated
             to
             a
             non-compliance
             in
             some
             lawfull
             things
             by
             them
             held
             unlawfull
             ,
             yet
             seeking
             union
             would
             gladly
             embrace
             a
             reasonable
             accomodation
             ,
             is
             much
             different
             from
             theirs
             ,
             who
             upon
             choice
             and
             wilfully
             sever
             themselves
             ,
             because
             they
             love
             to
             be
             severed
             .
             In
             like
             manner
             the
             case
             of
             those
             who
             desire
             and
             seek
             the
             conformity
             of
             others
             ,
             and
             would
             gladly
             have
             fellowship
             with
             them
             ,
             yet
             through
             misguided
             zeal
             ,
             are
             approvers
             of
             such
             unnecessary
             
             impositions
             as
             hinder
             the
             conforming
             of
             many
             ,
             is
             much
             different
             from
             theirs
             ,
             who
             designing
             the
             extrusion
             of
             others
             ,
             contrive
             the
             intangling
             of
             them
             by
             needless
             rigors
             .
             Many
             other
             instances
             might
             be
             given
             to
             express
             the
             great
             disparity
             of
             cases
             in
             point
             of
             Schism
             ,
             all
             which
             may
             teach
             us
             in
             the
             estimate
             that
             we
             are
             to
             make
             thereof
             ,
             to
             put
             a
             difference
             between
             honest
             minds
             ,
             that
             by
             mistake
             are
             drawn
             into
             Division
             ,
             and
             those
             that
             out
             of
             their
             corrupt
             minds
             and
             evill
             designs
             do
             wilfully
             cause
             Division
             .
          
           
             In
             many
             things
             we
             offend
             all
             ,
             and
             therefore
             it
             behoves
             us
             to
             consider
             one
             another
             ,
             as
             subject
             to
             the
             like
             errours
             and
             passions
             .
             We
             should
             not
             judge
             too
             severely
             ,
             as
             we
             would
             not
             be
             so
             judged
             .
             There
             be
             many
             examples
             of
             Schismatical
             animosities
             and
             perversnesses
             ,
             into
             which
             in
             the
             ancient
             times
             such
             Persons
             have
             fallen
             ,
             as
             were
             otherwise
             worthily
             esteemed
             in
             the
             Church
             .
             Cyril
             with
             the
             greater
             number
             of
             Bishops
             in
             the
             Ephesine
             Council
             ,
             too
             rashly
             deposed
             John
             of
             Antioch
             ,
             and
             his
             Party
             of
             Bishops
             upon
             a
             quarrel
             that
             arose
             between
             them
             .
             And
             John
             with
             his
             Adherents
             returning
             to
             Antioch
             ,
             did
             more
             rashly
             depose
             Cyril
             and
             his
             Party
             ,
             and
             yet
             both
             Parties
             were
             Orthodox
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             issue
             joyned
             in
             the
             Condemnation
             of
             Nestorius
             .
             
             But
             the
             most
             remarkable
             instance
             in
             this
             kind
             ,
             is
             the
             disorderly
             and
             injurious
             proceeding
             of
             so
             venerable
             a
             Person
             as
             Epiphanius
             ,
             against
             so
             worthy
             a
             Person
             as
             Chrysostom
             ,
             to
             which
             he
             was
             stirred
             up
             by
             the
             instigation
             of
             that
             incendiary
             Theophilus
             of
             Alexandria
             .
             The
             said
             Epiphanius
             goes
             to
             Constantinople
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Church
             without
             the
             City
             held
             a
             sacred
             Communion
             ,
             and
             Ordained
             a
             Deacon
             ;
             and
             when
             he
             had
             entred
             the
             City
             ,
             in
             a
             publick
             Church
             he
             read
             the
             Decree
             made
             by
             himself
             and
             some
             others
             in
             the
             condemnation
             of
             Origens
             Books
             ,
             and
             excommunicated
             Dioscurus
             and
             his
             Brethren
             called
             the
             long
             Monks
             ,
             worthy
             and
             Orthodox
             men
             persecuted
             by
             the
             Anthromorphites
             .
             And
             all
             this
             he
             did
             without
             and
             against
             the
             consent
             of
             Chrysostom
             the
             Bishop
             of
             the
             Place
             ,
             and
             in
             contempt
             of
             him
             .
             I
             may
             further
             instance
             in
             the
             long
             continued
             division
             between
             Paulinus
             and
             Meletius
             ,
             with
             their
             Parties
             at
             Antioch
             ,
             though
             both
             of
             them
             were
             of
             the
             Nicene
             Faith
             ;
             likewise
             in
             the
             long
             continued
             Separation
             made
             from
             the
             Church
             of
             Constantinople
             ,
             by
             the
             followers
             of
             Chrysostom
             after
             his
             banishment
             ,
             because
             they
             were
             exasperated
             by
             the
             injuries
             done
             to
             their
             worthy
             Patriarch
             .
          
           
             These
             weaknesses
             in
             good
             men
             of
             old
             times
             ,
             I
             observe
             not
             to
             dishonour
             them
             ,
             but
             
             that
             we
             may
             be
             thereby
             warned
             to
             be
             more
             charitable
             and
             less
             censorious
             towards
             one
             another
             ,
             in
             case
             of
             the
             like
             weaknesses
             and
             disorders
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             sollicitous
             to
             maintain
             Peace
             ,
             and
             to
             prevent
             discord
             among
             all
             those
             that
             are
             united
             in
             the
             substantials
             of
             Christian
             Faith
             and
             Practice
             ,
             and
             for
             this
             end
             to
             be
             more
             carefull
             in
             avoiding
             unreasonable
             oppositions
             ,
             unwarrantable
             impositions
             ,
             and
             all
             causless
             exasperations
             .
          
           
             True
             Holiness
             is
             the
             basis
             of
             true
             Unity
             .
             For
             by
             it
             the
             Faithfull
             cleave
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             one
             to
             another
             in
             him
             and
             for
             him
             ,
             and
             are
             inclined
             to
             receive
             one
             another
             on
             those
             terms
             ,
             on
             which
             God
             hath
             received
             them
             all
             .
             And
             by
             it
             they
             are
             turned
             from
             that
             dividing
             selfishness
             ,
             which
             draws
             men
             into
             several
             or
             opposite
             ways
             according
             to
             their
             several
             or
             opposite
             ends
             .
          
           
             Let
             not
             a
             carnal
             wordly
             Interest
             in
             a
             Church
             state
             ,
             be
             set
             up
             against
             Holiness
             and
             Unity
             .
             Let
             the
             increase
             and
             peace
             of
             the
             Church
             visible
             ,
             be
             sought
             in
             order
             to
             the
             increase
             and
             peace
             of
             the
             mystical
             .
             Let
             no
             one
             Party
             be
             lifted
             up
             against
             the
             common
             Peace
             of
             sound
             Believers
             ;
             and
             let
             not
             any
             part
             of
             the
             legitimate
             Children
             of
             Christs
             Family
             be
             ejected
             or
             harassed
             upon
             the
             instigation
             of
             others
             ,
             but
             let
             the
             Stewards
             in
             the
             Family
             carry
             it
             equally
             ,
             and
             so
             gratifie
             one
             part
             in
             their
             
             desired
             Orders
             ,
             that
             the
             other
             part
             be
             not
             oppressed
             .
             Let
             not
             them
             be
             still
             vexed
             ,
             who
             would
             be
             glad
             of
             tolerable
             terms
             with
             their
             Brethren
             .
             In
             Church-Governours
             let
             the
             power
             of
             doing
             good
             be
             enlarged
             ,
             and
             the
             power
             of
             doing
             hurt
             restrained
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             will
             stand
             with
             the
             necessary
             ends
             of
             Government
             .
          
           
             Let
             the
             Discipline
             of
             the
             Church
             commend
             it self
             to
             the
             consciences
             of
             men
             .
             Let
             the
             edge
             of
             it
             be
             turned
             the
             right
             way
             and
             its
             vigor
             be
             put
             forth
             ,
             not
             about
             little
             formalities
             but
             the
             great
             and
             weighty
             matters
             of
             Religion
             .
             Zeal
             in
             substantials
             and
             charitable
             forbearance
             in
             circumstantials
             ,
             is
             the
             way
             to
             gain
             upon
             the
             hearts
             of
             those
             that
             understand
             the
             true
             ends
             of
             Church-government
             ,
             and
             what
             it
             is
             to
             be
             Religious
             indeed
             .
          
           
             Let
             the
             occasions
             of
             stumbling
             and
             snares
             of
             division
             be
             taken
             out
             of
             the
             way
             ,
             and
             let
             controverted
             unnecessaries
             be
             left
             at
             liberty
             .
             Discord
             will
             be
             inevitable
             ,
             where
             the
             terms
             of
             concord
             remain
             a
             difficulty
             insuperable
             .
             The
             Conscientious
             that
             are
             willing
             to
             bid
             high
             for
             Peace
             ;
             cannot
             resign
             their
             consciences
             to
             the
             wills
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             humility
             and
             soberness
             doth
             not
             oblige
             them
             to
             act
             contrary
             to
             their
             own
             judgments
             out
             of
             reverence
             to
             their
             Superiors
             ;
             they
             cannot
             help
             themselves
             ,
             but
             their
             Superiors
             may
             .
             T
             is
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Antichrist
             that
             is
             fierce
             and
             violent
             ;
             but
             the
             
             Spirit
             of
             Christ
             is
             dovelike
             ,
             meek
             and
             harmless
             ,
             and
             that
             Spirit
             inclines
             to
             deal
             tenderly
             with
             the
             consciences
             of
             Inferiours
             .
             Tenderness
             of
             conscience
             is
             not
             to
             be
             despised
             or
             exposed
             to
             scorn
             ,
             because
             some
             may
             falsly
             pretend
             to
             it
             .
             The
             Head
             of
             the
             Church
             and
             Saviour
             of
             the
             Body
             is
             compassionate
             towards
             his
             Members
             ,
             and
             he
             hath
             said
             ,
             
               Whoso
               shall
               offend
               one
               of
               these
               little
               ones
               ,
               that
               believe
               in
               me
               ,
               it
               were
               better
               for
               him
               that
               a
               milstone
               were
               hanged
               about
               his
               neck
               ,
               and
               that
               he
               were
               drowned
               in
               the
               depth
               of
               the
               Sea.
               
            
          
           
             As
             the
             way
             of
             unity
             lies
             much
             in
             the
             wisdom
             ,
             equity
             and
             charity
             of
             Superiours
             ,
             so
             in
             the
             humility
             and
             due
             submission
             of
             Inferiours
             ,
             in
             their
             ready
             closing
             with
             what
             is
             commendable
             in
             the
             publick
             constitutions
             ,
             in
             their
             bearing
             with
             what
             is
             tolerable
             ,
             in
             making
             the
             best
             improvement
             of
             what
             is
             therein
             improvable
             for
             their
             own
             and
             others
             Edification
             ,
             in
             a
             word
             ,
             in
             denying
             no
             compliance
             ,
             which
             piety
             towards
             God
             and
             charity
             towards
             men
             doth
             not
             forbid
             .
          
           
             Matters
             of
             publick
             injunction
             ,
             which
             Inferiors
             stick
             at
             ,
             may
             be
             considered
             by
             them
             either
             as
             in
             themselves
             unlawfull
             ,
             or
             as
             inexpedient
             .
             Now
             it
             is
             not
             only
             or
             chiefly
             the
             inexpediency
             of
             things
             commanded
             ,
             but
             the
             supposed
             unlawfulness
             of
             divers
             of
             those
             things
             that
             the
             Nonconformists
             generally
             stick
             
             at
             ,
             whereof
             they
             are
             ready
             to
             render
             a
             particular
             account
             ,
             when
             it
             will
             be
             admitted
             .
             Howbeit
             a
             question
             may
             arise
             about
             the
             warrantableness
             of
             submission
             to
             things
             not
             in
             themselves
             unlawfull
             but
             inexpedient
             ,
             especially
             in
             respect
             of
             scandal
             ,
             the
             solution
             whereof
             may
             be
             requisite
             for
             the
             clearing
             of
             our
             way
             in
             such
             things
             .
          
           
             Upon
             this
             question
             it
             may
             be
             noted
             ,
             That
             in
             those
             cases
             ,
             wherein
             there
             is
             no
             right
             of
             commanding
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             due
             of
             obedience
             .
             Nevertheless
             ,
             things
             unwarrantably
             commanded
             are
             sometimes
             warrantably
             observed
             ,
             though
             not
             in
             obedience
             ,
             yet
             in
             prudence
             ,
             as
             to
             procure
             Peace
             ,
             and
             to
             shew
             a
             readiness
             to
             all
             possible
             compliance
             with
             Superiors
             .
             Moreover
             ,
             Rulers
             have
             no
             authority
             to
             command
             that
             ,
             which
             in
             it self
             is
             not
             unlawfull
             ,
             when
             Christian
             charity
             forbids
             to
             do
             it
             in
             the
             present
             circumstances
             by
             reason
             of
             evil
             consequents
             .
             For
             all
             authority
             is
             given
             for
             Edification
             and
             not
             for
             Destruction
             .
             Likewise
             our
             Christian
             liberty
             includes
             no
             Licence
             to
             do
             that
             act
             at
             the
             command
             of
             Rulers
             ,
             the
             doing
             of
             which
             in
             regard
             of
             circumstances
             ,
             is
             uncharitable
             .
             But
             here
             it
             must
             be
             considered
             ,
             how
             far
             the
             law
             of
             charity
             doth
             extend
             in
             this
             case
             ,
             and
             when
             it
             doth
             ,
             or
             doth
             not
             forbid
             my
             observance
             of
             what
             the
             Ruler
             hath
             unwarrantably
             ,
             because
             uncharitably
             commanded
             .
          
           
           
             True
             charity
             doth
             not
             wholly
             destroy
             Christian
             Liberty
             ,
             though
             it
             regulates
             the
             use
             thereof
             ;
             and
             it
             doth
             not
             extend
             it
             so
             far
             one
             way
             as
             to
             destroy
             it self
             another
             way
             .
             If
             I
             am
             bound
             up
             from
             doing
             every
             indifferent
             thing
             ,
             at
             which
             weak
             consciences
             will
             take
             offence
             ,
             my
             liberty
             is
             turned
             into
             bondage
             ,
             and
             I
             am
             left
             in
             thraldom
             to
             other
             mens
             endless
             Scrupulosities
             .
             This
             is
             I
             think
             a
             yoke
             which
             Christians
             are
             not
             fit
             nor
             able
             to
             bear
             .
             This
             bondage
             is
             greater
             and
             the
             burden
             lies
             heavier
             upon
             me
             ,
             if
             by
             reason
             of
             others
             weakness
             ,
             I
             must
             be
             bound
             up
             from
             observing
             an
             indifferent
             thing
             at
             the
             command
             of
             Rulers
             ,
             and
             by
             them
             made
             the
             condition
             of
             my
             liberty
             for
             publick
             Service
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             when
             my
             conscience
             is
             fully
             satisfied
             that
             it
             is
             lawfull
             ,
             and
             otherwise
             expedient
             for
             me
             to
             do
             it
             .
             As
             for
             the
             warrantableness
             of
             enjoyning
             ,
             the
             Ruler
             must
             look
             to
             that
             .
             Are
             some
             displeased
             and
             grieved
             that
             I
             do
             it
             ?
             As
             many
             or
             more
             may
             be
             displeased
             and
             grieved
             if
             I
             do
             it
             not
             .
             Do
             some
             take
             occasion
             by
             my
             necessary
             use
             of
             a
             just
             liberty
             ,
             to
             embolden
             themselves
             to
             sin
             ?
             My
             forbearing
             of
             it
             may
             be
             an
             occasion
             of
             sin
             to
             others
             ,
             as
             their
             persisting
             in
             some
             troublesom
             Errour
             to
             their
             own
             and
             others
             Spiritual
             dammage
             ,
             and
             in
             unwarrantable
             non-compliance
             with
             their
             Governours
             .
             And
             the
             loss
             of
             my
             liberty
             for
             publick
             Service
             consequent
             to
             such
             forbearance
             ,
             must
             also
             be
             laid
             in
             the
             ballance
             .
          
           
           
             When
             both
             the
             using
             and
             forbearing
             of
             my
             liberty
             is
             clogged
             with
             evil
             consequents
             ,
             I
             know
             no
             safer
             way
             than
             duly
             to
             consider
             of
             what
             moment
             the
             consequents
             are
             on
             either
             side
             ,
             and
             to
             incline
             to
             that
             which
             hath
             the
             lesser
             evil
             .
             Herein
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             the
             prudent
             is
             to
             direct
             his
             way
             upon
             the
             impartial
             view
             of
             all
             circumstances
             which
             come
             under
             his
             prospect
             .
             And
             if
             good
             conscience
             and
             right
             reason
             ,
             guided
             by
             the
             general
             Rules
             of
             Gods
             Word
             ,
             lead
             me
             to
             make
             use
             of
             my
             Christian
             liberty
             in
             compliance
             with
             my
             Superiors
             ,
             I
             must
             humbly
             and
             charitably
             apply
             my self
             to
             remove
             the
             offence
             ,
             that
             some
             take
             ,
             by
             clearing
             the
             lawfulness
             and
             expediency
             of
             my
             act
             to
             their
             judgments
             .
             But
             if
             that
             cannot
             be
             discerned
             by
             them
             ,
             I
             am
             by
             my
             Christian
             good
             behaviour
             to
             make
             it
             evident
             to
             their
             consciences
             ,
             what
             in
             me
             lies
             ,
             that
             what
             I
             do
             ,
             I
             do
             sincerely
             and
             faithfully
             ,
             and
             that
             I
             am
             no
             temporizer
             ,
             man-pleaser
             and
             self-seeker
             .
             I
             humbly
             conceive
             that
             that
             high
             saying
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               If
               meat
               make
               my
               Brother
               to
               offend
               ,
               I
               will
               eat
               no
               Flesh
               while
               the
               World
               standeth
               ,
            
             doth
             admit
             such
             equitable
             interpretation
             ,
             as
             the
             circumstances
             of
             time
             ,
             place
             ,
             person
             ,
             and
             the
             whole
             state
             of
             things
             declares
             to
             be
             most
             reasonable
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             A
             humble
             representation
             of
             my
             own
             case
             touching
             the
             exercise
             of
             the
             Ministery
             .
          
           
             I
             Have
             been
             in
             the
             Ministery
             near
             fourty
             years
             ,
             having
             been
             ordained
             Presbyter
             according
             to
             the
             Form
             of
             Ordination
             used
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             England
             .
             And
             being
             called
             to
             this
             Sacred
             Order
             ,
             I
             hold
             my self
             indispensibly
             obliged
             to
             the
             work
             thereof
             ,
             as
             God
             enables
             me
             and
             gives
             me
             opportunity
             .
             The
             nature
             of
             the
             Office
             is
             signified
             in
             the
             Form
             of
             Words
             ,
             by
             which
             I
             was
             solemnly
             set
             apart
             thereunto
             .
             
               viz.
               [
               Receive
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               whose
               sins
               thou
               dost
               forgive
               ,
               they
               are
               forgiven
               ,
               and
               whose
               sins
               thou
               dost
               retain
               ,
               they
               are
               retained
               :
               And
               be
               thou
               a
               faithfull
               Dispenser
               of
               the
               Word
               of
               God
               and
               of
               his
               holy
               Sacraments
               ,
               in
               the
               name
               of
               the
               Father
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               Son
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
               Amen
               .
               ]
            
             The
             former
             part
             of
             these
             Words
             being
             used
             by
             our
             Saviour
             to
             his
             Apostles
             ,
             in
             conferring
             upon
             them
             the
             Pastoral
             Authority
             ,
             fully
             proves
             that
             the
             Office
             of
             a
             Presbyter
             is
             Pastoral
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             same
             nature
             with
             that
             which
             was
             ordinary
             in
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             and
             in
             which
             they
             had
             Successours
             .
          
           
           
             Likewise
             ,
             this
             Church
             did
             then
             appoint
             that
             at
             the
             ordering
             of
             Priests
             or
             Presbyters
             ,
             certain
             portions
             of
             Scripture
             should
             be
             read
             ,
             as
             belonging
             to
             their
             Office
             to
             instruct
             them
             in
             the
             nature
             of
             it
             ,
             viz.
             That
             portion
             of
             Act.
             20.
             which
             relates
             St.
             Pauls
             sending
             to
             Ephesus
             ,
             and
             calling
             for
             the
             Elders
             of
             the
             Congregation
             with
             his
             exhortation
             to
             them
             ,
             
               To
               take
               heed
               to
               themselves
               and
               to
               all
               the
               Flock
               ,
               over
               which
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               had
               made
               them
               Overseers
               ,
               to
               rule
               the
               Congregation
               of
               God.
            
             Or
             else
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             which
             sets
             forth
             the
             Office
             and
             due
             qualification
             of
             a
             Bishop
             .
             And
             afterwards
             the
             Bishop
             spake
             to
             them
             that
             were
             to
             receive
             the
             Office
             of
             Priesthood
             ,
             in
             this
             form
             of
             words
             ,
             
               (
               Ye
               have
               heard
               ,
               brethren
               ,
               as
               well
               in
               your
               private
               examination
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               exhortation
               and
               holy
               Lessons
               taken
               out
               of
               the
               Gospels
               and
               Writings
               of
               the
               Apostles
               ,
               of
               what
               dignity
               ,
               and
               how
               great
               importance
               this
               Office
               is
               whereto
               ye
               are
               called
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               the
               Messengers
               ,
               the
               Watchmen
               ,
               the
               PASTORS
               and
               Stewards
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               to
               teach
               ,
               to
               premonish
               ,
               to
               feed
               ,
               to
               provide
               for
               the
               Lords
               Family
               .
            
          
           
             I
             mention
             my
             Ordination
             according
             to
             the
             Episcopal
             Form
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             of
             greatest
             esteem
             with
             them
             ,
             to
             whom
             this
             Representation
             is
             more
             especially
             tendred
             .
             Nevertheless
             ,
             I
             own
             the
             validity
             of
             Presbyterial
             Ordination
             ,
             and
             judge
             that
             Ministers
             so
             Ordained
             ,
             
             may
             make
             the
             same
             defence
             for
             exercising
             the
             Ministery
             ,
             in
             the
             same
             case
             that
             is
             here
             represented
             .
          
           
             Christ
             is
             the
             Author
             and
             the
             only
             proper
             Giver
             of
             this
             Office
             ;
             and
             though
             he
             give
             it
             by
             the
             mediation
             of
             men
             ,
             yet
             not
             by
             them
             as
             giving
             the
             Office
             ,
             but
             as
             instruments
             of
             the
             designation
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             solemn
             investiture
             of
             the
             Person
             to
             whom
             he
             gives
             it
             .
             As
             the
             King
             is
             the
             immediate
             Giver
             of
             the
             power
             of
             a
             Mayor
             in
             a
             Town
             Corporate
             ,
             when
             he
             gives
             it
             by
             the
             Mediation
             of
             Electors
             and
             certain
             Officers
             ,
             only
             as
             instruments
             of
             the
             designation
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             solemn
             investiture
             of
             the
             Person
             .
          
           
             I
             am
             not
             conscious
             of
             disabling
             my self
             to
             the
             Sacred
             Ministrations
             ,
             that
             belong
             to
             the
             Office
             of
             a
             Presbyter
             ,
             by
             any
             Opinion
             or
             Practice
             ,
             that
             may
             render
             me
             unfit
             for
             the
             same
             .
             Touching
             which
             matter
             ,
             I
             humbly
             offer
             my self
             to
             the
             tryal
             of
             my
             Superiors
             to
             be
             made
             according
             to
             Gods
             Word
             .
          
           
             Nothing
             necessary
             to
             authorize
             me
             to
             those
             Ministrations
             is
             wanting
             that
             I
             know
             of
             .
             I
             am
             Christs
             Commissioned
             Officer
             ;
             and
             I
             do
             not
             find
             that
             he
             hath
             revoked
             the
             authority
             which
             I
             have
             received
             from
             him
             ;
             And
             without
             the
             warrant
             of
             his
             Law
             no
             man
             can
             take
             it
             from
             me
             .
             Nor
             do
             I
             find
             ,
             that
             the
             nature
             of
             this
             Office
             ,
             or
             the
             declared
             will
             of
             Christ
             
             requires
             ,
             that
             it
             be
             exercised
             no
             otherwise
             than
             in
             subordination
             to
             a
             Disocesan
             Bishop
             .
          
           
             That
             I
             do
             not
             exercise
             the
             Ministery
             under
             the
             regulation
             of
             the
             Bishop
             of
             the
             Diocess
             ,
             and
             in
             other
             circumstances
             according
             to
             the
             present
             established
             Order
             ,
             the
             cause
             is
             not
             in
             me
             ,
             who
             am
             ready
             to
             submit
             thereunto
             ;
             but
             a
             bar
             is
             laid
             against
             me
             by
             the
             injunction
             of
             some
             terms
             in
             the
             lawfulness
             whereof
             I
             am
             not
             satisfied
             ,
             whereof
             I
             am
             ready
             to
             give
             an
             account
             when
             it
             is
             required
             .
          
           
             I
             do
             not
             understand
             that
             I
             am
             under
             any
             Oath
             or
             Promise
             to
             exercise
             the
             Ministery
             ,
             no
             otherwise
             than
             in
             subordination
             to
             the
             Bishop
             ,
             or
             the
             Ordinary
             of
             the
             Place
             .
             The
             promise
             made
             at
             my
             Ordination
             to
             obey
             my
             Ordinary
             and
             other
             chief
             Ministers
             ,
             to
             whom
             the
             government
             and
             charge
             over
             me
             is
             committed
             ,
             concerns
             me
             only
             as
             a
             Presbyter
             ,
             standing
             in
             relation
             to
             the
             Bishop
             or
             Ordinary
             ,
             as
             one
             of
             the
             Clergy
             of
             the
             Diocess
             ,
             or
             other
             peculiar
             Jurisdiction
             ,
             in
             which
             relation
             I
             do
             not
             now
             stand
             ,
             being
             cast
             out
             and
             made
             uncapable
             thereof
             .
             Moreover
             ,
             in
             whatsoever
             capacity
             I
             now
             stand
             ,
             the
             said
             Promise
             must
             be
             understood
             either
             limitedly
             or
             without
             limitation
             .
             If
             limitedly
             ,
             as
             in
             things
             lawfull
             and
             honest
             ,
             (
             as
             I
             conceive
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             understood
             )
             then
             I
             am
             not
             bound
             by
             it
             in
             the
             present
             case
             .
             For
             it
             is
             not
             lawfull
             nor
             honest
             for
             
             me
             to
             comply
             with
             the
             now
             injoyned
             Conformity
             against
             my
             conscience
             ,
             or
             in
             case
             of
             such
             necessitated
             non-compliance
             ,
             to
             desist
             from
             the
             Ministery
             that
             I
             have
             received
             in
             the
             Lord.
             If
             it
             be
             understood
             without
             limitation
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             sinfull
             promise
             in
             the
             matter
             thereof
             ,
             and
             thereupon
             void
             .
             Absolute
             and
             unlimited
             obedience
             to
             man
             may
             not
             be
             promised
             .
             Let
             it
             be
             considered
             also
             that
             the
             objected
             promise
             could
             not
             bind
             me
             to
             more
             than
             the
             Conformity
             then
             required
             .
             But
             since
             my
             Ordination
             and
             Promise
             then
             made
             ,
             the
             state
             of
             Conformity
             hath
             been
             much
             altered
             by
             the
             injunction
             of
             more
             ,
             and
             to
             me
             harder
             terms
             than
             formerly
             were
             injoyned
             .
             When
             I
             was
             Ordained
             ,
             I
             thought
             that
             the
             terms
             then
             required
             were
             such
             as
             might
             be
             lawfully
             submitted
             to
             .
             But
             young
             men
             (
             such
             as
             I
             then
             was
             )
             may
             be
             easily
             drawn
             to
             subscribe
             to
             things
             publickly
             injoyned
             ,
             and
             so
             become
             engaged
             ,
             before
             they
             have
             well
             considered
             .
          
           
             The
             Ordainer
             or
             Ordainers
             ,
             who
             designed
             me
             to
             this
             Office
             of
             Christs
             donation
             ,
             and
             not
             theirs
             ,
             could
             not
             by
             any
             act
             of
             theirs
             lessen
             it
             as
             to
             its
             nature
             or
             essential
             state
             .
             Nor
             can
             they
             derogate
             from
             Christs
             authority
             over
             me
             ,
             and
             the
             obligation
             which
             he
             hath
             laid
             upon
             me
             ,
             to
             discharge
             the
             Office
             with
             which
             he
             hath
             intrusted
             me
             .
          
           
             That
             a
             necessity
             is
             laid
             upon
             me
             in
             my
             present
             
             state
             to
             preach
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             I
             am
             fully
             perswaded
             ,
             in
             regard
             of
             the
             necessities
             of
             Souls
             ,
             which
             cry
             aloud
             for
             all
             the
             help
             that
             can
             posibly
             be
             given
             by
             Christs
             Ministers
             ,
             whether
             Conformists
             or
             Nonconformists
             .
             The
             necessary
             means
             of
             their
             Salvation
             is
             more
             valuable
             ,
             than
             meer
             external
             Order
             or
             Uniformity
             in
             things
             accidental
             .
          
           
             I
             receive
             the
             whole
             Doctrine
             of
             Faith
             and
             Sacraments
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Articles
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             England
             ,
             and
             am
             ready
             to
             subscribe
             the
             same
             .
             I
             have
             joyned
             ,
             and
             still
             am
             ready
             to
             joyn
             with
             the
             legally
             established
             Churches
             in
             their
             publick
             Worship
             .
             The
             matter
             of
             my
             sacred
             Ministrations
             hath
             been
             always
             consonant
             to
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Reformed
             Churches
             ,
             and
             particularly
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             England
             .
             I
             meddle
             not
             with
             our
             present
             differences
             ,
             but
             insist
             on
             the
             great
             and
             necessary
             points
             of
             Christian
             Religion
             .
             I
             design
             not
             the
             promoting
             of
             a
             severed
             Party
             ,
             but
             of
             meer
             Christianity
             or
             Godliness
             .
          
           
             I
             am
             willing
             to
             comply
             with
             the
             will
             of
             my
             Superiors
             as
             far
             as
             is
             possible
             with
             a
             safe
             conscience
             ,
             and
             to
             return
             to
             my
             Ministerial
             station
             in
             the
             Established
             Churches
             ,
             may
             I
             be
             but
             dispensed
             with
             in
             the
             injunctions
             ,
             with
             which
             my
             conscience
             ,
             till
             I
             be
             otherwise
             informed
             ,
             forbids
             me
             to
             comply
             .
             In
             the
             whole
             of
             my
             dissent
             from
             the
             said
             injunctions
             ,
             I
             can
             
             not
             be
             charged
             with
             denying
             any
             thing
             essential
             to
             Christian
             Faith
             and
             Life
             ,
             or
             to
             the
             constitution
             of
             a
             Church
             ,
             or
             any
             of
             the
             weightier
             matters
             of
             Religion
             ,
             or
             with
             being
             in
             any
             thing
             inconsistent
             with
             good
             Order
             and
             Government
             .
          
           
             My
             Case
             ,
             as
             I
             have
             sincerely
             set
             it
             forth
             ,
             I
             humbly
             represent
             to
             the
             Clemency
             of
             my
             Governours
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             charity
             ,
             equity
             and
             ●●●●●r
             of
             all
             Christs
             Ministers
             and
             People
             .
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             e
             I
             design
             to
             follow
             after
             the
             things
             which
             make
             for
             Peace
             ;
             and
             I
             hope
             I
             am
             not
             mistaken
             in
             the
             way
             to
             it
             .
          
           
             
               I.
               C.
               
            
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           Books
           lately
           Printed
           for
           
             Tho.
             Parkhurst
          
           at
           the
           Bible
           and
           Three
           Crowns
           in
           Cheapside
           .
        
         
           
             ONe
             Hundred
             of
             Select
             Sermons
             upon
             several
             occasions
             ,
             by
          
           Tho.
           Horton
           ,
           
             D.
             D.
          
           
        
         
           
             Sermons
             on
             the
          
           4th
           .
           Psal.
           42.
           
           Psal.
           51.
           and
           63.
           
           Psal.
           by
           Tho.
           Horton
           ,
           
             D.
             D.
          
           
        
         
           
             A
             Compleat
             Martyrology
             ,
             both
             of
             Foraign
             and
          
           English
           
             Martyrs
             ,
             with
             the
             Lives
             of
             26
             Modern
             Divines
             ,
             by
          
           Sam.
           Clark.
           
        
         
           
             A
             Discourse
             of
             Actual
             Providence
             ,
             by
          
           John
           Collings
           ,
           
             D.
             D.
          
           
        
         
           
             An
             Exposition
             on
             the
             5
             first
             Chapters
             of
             the
          
           Revelation
           
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             by
          
           Charles
           Phelpes
           .
        
         
           
             A
             Discourse
             of
             Grace
             and
             Temptation
             ,
             by
          
           Tho.
           Froysall
           .
        
         
           
             The
             Revival
             of
             Grace
             .
             Sacramental
             Reflections
             on
             the
             Death
             of
             Christ
             as
             Testator
             .
          
        
         
           
             A
             Sacrifice
             and
             Curse
             ,
             by
          
           John
           Hurst
           .
        
         
         
           
             A
             Glimps
             of
             Eternity
             to
             Awaken
             Sinners
             and
             Comfort
             Saints
             ,
             by
          
           Ab.
           Coley
           .
        
         
           
             Which
             is
             the
             Church
             ,
             or
             an
             Answer
             to
             the
             Question
             ,
             Where
             was
             your
             Church
             before
          
           Luther
           ?
           by
           Rich.
           Baxter
           .
        
         
           
             The
             Husbandmans
             Companion
             ,
             or
             Meditations
             sutable
             for
             Farmers
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             Spiritualize
             their
             Employment
             ,
             by
          
           Edward
           Bury
           .
        
         
           Mr.
           Adams
           
             Exposition
             of
             the
             Assemb
             .
             Catechism
             ,
             showing
             its
             Harmony
             with
             the
             Articles
             and
             Homilies
             of
             the
             Church
             of
          
           England
           .
        
         
           
             The
             present
             State
             of
          
           New-England
           ,
           
             with
             the
             History
             of
             their
             Wars
             with
             the
          
           Indies
           .
        
         
           
             Popery
             an
             Enemy
             to
             Truth
             and
             Civil
             Government
             ,
             by
          
           Jo.
           Sheldeck
           .
        
         
           
             Spelling
             Book
             for
             Children
             ,
             by
          
           Tho.
           Lye.
           
        
         
           
             Principals
             of
             Christian
             Religion
             ,
             with
             Practical
             Applications
             to
             each
             Head
             ,
             by
          
           Tho.
           Gouge
           .
        
         
           
             Almost
             Christian
             ,
             by
          
           Matth.
           Mead.
           
        
         
           
             Godly
             Mans
             Ark
             ,
             by
          
           Edmund
           Calamy
           .
        
         
         
           
             Heaven
             and
             Hell
             on
             Earth
             in
             a
             good
             or
             bad
             Conscience
             ,
             by
          
           Nath.
           Vincent
           .
        
         
           
             Little
             Catechism
             for
             Children
             ,
             with
             short
             Histories
             ,
             which
             may
             both
             please
             and
             profit
             them
             ,
             by
          
           Nath.
           Vincent
           .
        
         
           
             Ark
             of
             the
             Covenant
             ,
             with
             an
             Epistle
             prefixed
             by
          
           John
           Owen
           ,
           
             D.
             D.
          
           
        
         
           
             This
             Author
             hath
             lately
             Published
             this
             Book
             Intituled
             ,
          
        
         
           The
           Kingdom
           of
           God
           among
           men
           .
           A
           Tract
           of
           the
           sound
           state
           of
           Religion
           ,
           or
           that
           Christianity
           which
           is
           described
           in
           the
           holy
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           of
           things
           that
           make
           for
           the
           security
           and
           increase
           thereof
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           designing
           its
           more
           ample
           diffusion
           among
           professed
           Christians
           of
           all
           sorts
           ,
           and
           its
           surer
           propagation
           to
           future
           Ages
           .
           
             Printed
             for
          
           Tho.
           Parkhurst
           .