A Collection of Scarce and Valuable Tracts, on the Most Interesting and Entertaining Subjects (Volume 1); But Chiefly Such as Relate to the History and Constitution of These Kingdoms (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1752 Excerpt: ... To conclude then, when, for avoiding Confusion in the Church, God hath subjected the Spirits of the (particular) Preachers, to the concurrent Judgement of all the Preachers-, for Men, under Pretence of preaching God's Word, to preach their own private Judgement?, in Detraction from the Authority of their Church, and without submitting their Opinions to the Judgement of their Church j this is so farre from honouring God by magnifying of his Word, as that contrarily it deftroyes the Authority of the Scripture, by confused and wrong arrogated Judgement in interpreting of it, it by Sects and Schisines subverts the Peace of the Church, and contrary to the Admonition that God hath given in that behalf, makes God the Author of Confusion. The Assurance of our orthodox Profession depending upon the Consideration of these things, cannot but occasion a little farther Examination of them. Religion, a religando, ex vi termini, is that which whatsoever it be, ought to bind the Professour; but of all other, + Codlinejfe (which or.ely is the true Religion) must not have that binding Power of hers denyed; and therefore Will-worship, as repugnant to Religion, is to be rejected. Ye jhall not (faith Moses to the People when they were to enter into the Land, and be a settled Church) Te shall not (faith he) do as we do this Day, every one that which is good in his own Eyes. It is impossible for the Professour which followeth his own Judgement or Conscience onely, to avoide Disobedience and Will-worship; for private Judgement and Conscience, are neither sure nor constant Observers of God's Law: nor can a Man alwayes tell whether his Judgement, or his Affection leads his Conscience, but as Obedience is that which our Saviourhimself learning, sheweth that we all must le...