hereunto_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o magistrate_n pretend_v not_o to_o take_v power_n upon_o himself_o as_o a_o man_n equal_a to_o his_o brethren_n but_o the_o power_n he_o have_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o he_o hold_v by_o commission_n from_o god_n his_o office_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o power_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o rule_v for_o good_a aim_v at_o the_o public_a order_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n we_o read_v that_o of_o necessity_n he_o must_v be_v obey_v a_o double_a necessity_n both_o for_o fear_n of_o bodily_a punishment_n god_n have_v put_v into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n a_o sword_n of_o justice_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v into_o the_o minister_n as_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o fear_v of_o divine_a punishment_n for_o man_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o break_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n shall_v certain_o not_o go_v unpunished_a conscience_n therefore_o yield_v sometime_o in_o lawful_a as_o well_o as_o in_o absolute_a necessary_a thing_n this_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o which_o express_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o we_o nowhere_o find_v that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n in_o such_o thing_n we_o shall_v disobey_v he_o if_o any_o reply_n that_o if_o all_o this_o collect_v and_o speak_v to_o maintain_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v before_o allege_v in_o the_o time_n of_o episcopal_a prelacy_n who_o by_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o magistrate_n to_o their_o cause_n impose_v and_o enjoin_v what_o they_o please_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o they_o argue_v very_o strong_o for_o uphold_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o far_o that_o by_o exalt_v his_o will_n they_o diminish_v his_o power_n but_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o excess_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o their_o government_n have_v be_v as_o good_a as_o their_o argument_n or_o have_v they_o stick_v as_o close_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o frame_v their_o cannon_n and_o injunction_n as_o they_o do_v in_o assert_v the_o lawful_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n no_o man_n can_v have_v just_o be_v grieve_v in_o conscience_n but_o their_o government_n be_v bad_a in_o itself_o can_v not_o be_v better_v by_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o argument_n but_o it_o may_v be_v rejoin_v again_o that_o for_o all_o this_o the_o scripture_n do_v nowhere_o appoint_v or_o confirm_v this_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o and_o establish_v by_o the_o state_n and_o therefore_o just_a it_o be_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v in_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n whether_o they_o will_v conform_v thereunto_o or_o no_o this_o have_v in_o part_n be_v answer_v before_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o compel_v any_o man_n to_o conform_v thereunto_o against_o his_o conscience_n neither_o can_v he_o do_v it_o although_o he_o so_o intend_v and_o therefore_o in_o effect_n that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a feign_a and_o frivolous_a plea_n to_o pretend_v that_o liberty_n against_o the_o magistrate_n which_o no_o magistrate_n can_v constrain_v only_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o faith_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n so_o we_o may_v say_v in_o this_o case_n have_v thou_o liberty_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o betwixt_o god_n and_o thou_o till_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o a_o further_a light_n and_o a_o liberty_n to_o obey_v as_o well_o as_o to_o disobey_v but_o if_o thou_o content_v not_o thy_o self_n with_o this_o sober_a and_o moderate_a liberty_n but_o whilst_o also_o leap_v over_o the_o hedge_n and_o withdraw_v other_o from_o their_o christian_a obedience_n then_o thou_o run_v upon_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n for_o the_o common_a good_a by_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o restrain_v thy_o inordinate_a and_o offensive_a liberty_n that_o it_o disturb_v not_o the_o public_a peace_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o although_o this_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o every_o part_n and_o parcel_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v be_v not_o express_o command_v in_o scripture_n as_o likewise_o no_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n whatsoever_o yet_o much_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o approbation_n of_o it_o and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o scripture_n first_o government_n by_o a_o presbytery_n be_v express_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n second_o for_o execution_n thereof_o some_o general_a rule_n be_v also_o clear_o express_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n without_o contention_n and_o for_o edification_n three_o to_o who_o can_v we_o imagine_v the_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o edification_n shall_v belong_v but_o only_o to_o the_o magistrate_n assist_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o minister_n wherein_o we_o find_v another_o express_a command_n that_o the_o magistrate_n so_o judge_v for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v obey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n bring_v we_o this_o cause_n to_o a_o pair_n of_o scale_n and_o there_o we_o shall_v see_v it_o decide_v put_v into_o one_o scale_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o magistrate_n into_o the_o other_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a man_n put_v into_o either_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o both_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o judgement_n put_v in_o again_o that_o upon_o search_n therein_o they_o meet_v with_o two_o several_a government_n neither_o of_o they_o direct_o command_v nor_o direct_o forbid_v nor_o yet_o unconsonant_a to_o the_o word_n hitherto_o the_o beam_n go_v even_o betwixt_o they_o search_v again_o what_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o more_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o express_a word_n of_o god_n command_v every_o private_a soul_n to_o obey_v the_o high_a power_n judge_v and_o govern_v for_o good_a and_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n put_v this_o into_o the_o magistrate_n scale_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o preponderate_v till_o we_o can_v find_v any_o other_o word_n that_o bid_v the_o high_a power_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o low_a and_o indeed_o be_v there_o no_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n may_v convince_v we_o for_o if_o we_o allow_v that_o reason_n shall_v rule_v our_o affection_n we_o must_v also_o allow_v the_o magistrate_n to_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o when_o any_o difference_n arise_v between_o they_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o pretend_v to_o judge_v by_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a rule_n reason_n require_v that_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v stand_v and_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n but_o be_v wise_a with_o sobriety_n suffer_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v overruled_a by_o their_o ruler_n who_o office_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o good_a in_o the_o order_n of_o such_o thing_n while_o thing_n be_v debate_v every_o one_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o speak_v their_o conscience_n but_o when_o thing_n be_v determine_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n must_v yield_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n otherwise_o that_o sweet_a harmony_n will_v be_v break_v which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o world_n between_o party_n command_v and_o party_n obey_v wherein_o alone_o consist_v the_o outward_a happiness_n of_o all_o society_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o disclaim_v not_o civil_a obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n hope_v that_o in_o time_n they_o will_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n cease_v to_o contend_v against_o this_o government_n for_o that_o it_o be_v now_o indeed_o or_o intend_v to_o be_v make_v a_o civil_a sanction_n and_o a_o statute_n law_n and_o then_o deny_v subjection_n thereunto_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n may_v aswell_o transport_v they_o to_o claim_v exemption_n from_o many_o other_o civil_a law_n if_o one_o of_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o murder_n and_o know_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v innocent_a and_o have_v besideâ—_z twenty_o witness_n to_o clear_v he_o yet_o if_o one_o single_a witness_n shall_v make_v oath_n against_o he_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o king_n he_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n may_v he_o not_o stand_v upon_o term_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o his_o innocence_n and_o just_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o obey_v this_o law_n and_o suffer_v sentence_n be_v innocent_a suppose_v another_o have_v
look_v for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n both_o way_n our_o duty_n to_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o few_o precept_n but_o more_o word_n it_o seem_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v explain_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o cause_n leave_v no_o power_n to_o any_o man_n to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o interpret_v his_o law_n but_o by_o his_o own_o word_n which_o make_v moses_n though_o he_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n in_o israel_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o judge_v the_o gatherer_n of_o stick_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n without_o consultation_n with_o the_o lord_n before_o the_o write_a law_n every_o father_n of_o a_o family_n be_v both_o priest_n and_o magistrate_n to_o look_v to_o both_o and_o the_o great_a the_o family_n or_o society_n be_v so_o much_o high_a be_v the_o magistrate_n and_o reverence_v with_o more_o honour_n as_o be_v the_o common_a parent_n care_v for_o the_o whole_a country_n this_o law_n therefore_o of_o nature_n be_v the_o very_a dictate_n of_o god_n himself_o may_v not_o improper_o be_v term_v a_o divine_a law_n there_o be_v also_o other_o law_n which_o god_n prescribe_v by_o his_o servant_n moses_n to_o the_o people_n of_o jsrael_n politic_a and_o judicial_a law_n for_o preserve_v human_a society_n and_o govern_v the_o commonwealth_n and_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o the_o outward_a manner_n and_o form_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n for_o performance_n whereof_o he_o ordain_v divers_a sacrifice_n and_o sacrificer_n allot_v maintenance_n for_o they_o both_o but_o when_o the_o time_n fore-appoint_v come_v that_o god_n will_v restore_v man_n to_o that_o happiness_n he_o have_v deserve_o lose_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n he_o send_v his_o only_a son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o adam_n in_o the_o flesh_n who_o after_o he_o have_v manifest_v his_o divine_a power_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n do_v by_o his_o last_o word_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o by_o the_o first_o visible_a testimony_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o death_n finish_v and_o consummate_v the_o law_n and_o rend_v from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n the_o veil_n of_o separation_n by_o both_o declare_v the_o necessity_n of_o type_n and_o ceremony_n place_n and_o time_n of_o worship_n difference_n of_o people_n sacrifice_n and_o sacrificer_n fix_v and_o impropriate_v maintenance_n for_o any_o of_o they_o be_v no_o long_a to_o be_v continue_v strict_o in_o the_o letter_n although_o a_o moral_a equity_n shadow_v by_o they_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a neither_o do_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o evangelical_a church_n revive_v any_o of_o they_o nor_o ordain_v any_o set_a form_n of_o worship_n rule_n for_o government_n or_o a_o certain_v and_o special_a maintenance_n for_o his_o minister_n but_o only_o repair_v and_o restore_v man_n to_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n which_o adam_n have_v in_o his_o innocency_n prescribe_v he_o to_o serve_v god_n the_o father_n of_o spirit_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o otherwise_o confine_v he_o to_o time_n place_n gesture_n posture_n or_o other_o circumstance_n which_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v not_o permanent_o confineable_a in_o like_a sort_n the_o bless_a apostle_n who_o christ_n send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n lay_v no_o other_o foundation_n as_o necessary_a thereunto_o than_o jesus_n christ_n and_o what_o he_o have_v lay_v himself_o for_o they_o be_v only_o master_n builder_n on_o that_o corner_n stone_n christ_n jesus_n what_o they_o declare_v to_o any_o people_n convert_v to_o the_o gospel_n concerning_o any_o rule_n of_o order_n about_o the_o outward_a man_n or_o his_o christian_a behaviour_n in_o public_a service_n it_o be_v only_o a_o temporary_a advice_n suitable_a to_o the_o time_n country_n and_o occasion_n wherein_o they_o live_v not_o universal_o bind_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o generation_n to_o come_v in_o their_o day_n there_o be_v neither_o christian_a state_n nor_o christian_a magistrate_n nor_o any_o public_a power_n to_o countenance_n or_o appoint_v the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o default_n whereof_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o make_v such_o order_n and_o constitution_n as_o may_v serve_v for_o those_o present_a time_n nevertheless_o as_o christ_n himself_o take_v upon_o he_o no_o civil_a authority_n so_o give_v he_o none_o to_o his_o apostle_n nor_o they_o to_o the_o minister_n succeed_v for_o when_o christ_n be_v require_v to_o divide_v a_o inheritance_n betwixt_o two_o brother_n he_o ask_v with_o indignation_n who_o have_v make_v he_o a_o judge_n or_o divider_n over_o they_o and_o when_o the_o case_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n fall_v out_o at_o corinth_n st._n paul_n inflict_v no_o temporal_a punishment_n upon_o he_o only_o advise_v the_o brethren_n that_o while_o he_o stand_v obstinate_a against_o all_o reproof_n to_o shun_v his_o company_n and_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o their_o communion_n that_o the_o shame_n thereof_o make_v he_o sensible_a of_o his_o sin_n it_o may_v beget_v repentance_n and_o make_v he_o return_v to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o true_a believer_n i_o very_o think_v that_o if_o all_o the_o direction_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v record_v in_o scripture_n be_v lay_v in_o one_o view_n together_o no_o man_n nor_o multitude_n of_o man_n how_o learned_a soever_o can_v collect_v or_o frame_v out_o of_o they_o all_o a_o exact_a body_n of_o church_n government_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o to_o be_v impose_v as_o a_o divine_a bind_v infallible_a rule_n upon_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o where_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o counsel_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n who_o be_v holy_a man_n endue_v with_o more_o immediate_a power_n from_o christ_n with_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o consequent_o with_o a_o great_a certainty_n of_o judgement_n than_o any_o of_o their_o ministerial_a successor_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o they_o and_o make_v they_o our_o pattern_n only_o remember_v the_o distinction_n of_o time_n that_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v in_o infancy_n and_o under_o persecution_n and_o the_o english_a in_o full_a growth_n and_o dominion_n in_o so_o much_o that_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n a_o eye_n and_o regard_n must_v ever_o be_v have_v to_o the_o civil_a government_n which_o always_o aim_v at_o the_o public_a good_a both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v lodge_v the_o minister_n doubtless_o have_v power_n by_o their_o office_n to_o advise_v and_o instruct_v exhort_v and_o rebuke_v out_o of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n but_o it_o be_v as_o doubtless_o that_o the_o power_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n upon_o hear_v their_o advice_n to_o constitute_v and_o establish_v under_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o order_n such_o decree_n as_o upon_o due_a debate_n and_o deliberation_n they_o shall_v find_v most_o wholesome_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o present_a state_n this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o office_n and_o honour_n to_o minister_n for_o his_o brethren_n in_o thing_n pertain_v unto_o god_n unless_o he_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o christ_n himself_o be_v send_v by_o the_o father_n and_o anoint_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o his_o heavenly_a office_n by_o christ_n the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o immediate_a commission_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n follow_v their_o pattern_n do_v not_o only_o send_v and_o appoint_v pastor_n over_o all_o church_n in_o their_o present_a time_n but_o also_o lest_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o ordain_v all_o other_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v till_o the_o world_n end_n i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o god_n do_v in_o our_o day_n call_v and_o stir_v up_o many_o to_o this_o holy_a office_n by_o particular_a motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n yet_o that_o exempt_v not_o the_o person_n so_o call_v from_o manifest_v and_o approve_v their_o vocation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v leave_v in_o scripture_n where_o we_o be_v command_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n peculiar_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n as_o fit_v to_o be_v try_v and_o examine_v by_o they_o who_o by_o long_a experience_n and_o without_o reproach_n have_v converse_v in_o the_o church_n and_o dispense_v the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n from_o this_o brief_a and_o plain_a deduction_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o position_n as_o ground-line_n of_o the_o discourse_n ensue_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v by_o his_o son_n take_v away_o all_o tie_n of_o necessity_n for_o observe_v any_o part_n or_o
ought_v not_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o one_o another_o in_o this_o case_n therefore_o thing_n by_o nature_n indifferent_a shall_v make_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o brethren_n but_o so_o to_o be_v use_v or_o not_o use_v that_o now_o and_o then_o for_o charity_n sake_n the_o expediency_n of_o they_o shall_v suspend_v their_o lawfulness_n this_o be_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n instruct_v private_a christian_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o though_o they_o reach_v not_o the_o magistrate_n in_o his_o office_n yet_o they_o do_v in_o his_o profession_n have_v give_v up_o his_o name_n to_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a society_n and_o have_v our_o religious_a magistrate_n transgress_v these_o rule_n let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o tender_a conscience_n many_o grievance_n be_v complain_v of_o in_o the_o episcopal_a time_n which_o the_o parliament_n have_v remove_v they_o have_v take_v away_o consecration_n of_o day_n and_o place_n the_o superstition_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n image_n and_o altar_n cross_n and_o surplice_n the_o usurpation_n of_o spiritual_a court_n and_o temporal_a bishop_n which_o be_v all_o abuse_v with_o a_o danger_n to_o introduce_v popery_n and_o idolatry_n will_v not_o these_o thing_n satisfy_v weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n unless_o they_o take_v away_o government_n also_o which_o be_v command_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n therefore_o we_o must_v know_v that_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o public_a assembly_n be_v no_o indifferent_a thing_n nor_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o their_o number_n god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n comeliness_n and_o peace_n and_o when_o the_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o be_v right_o order_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n deduct_v from_o the_o general_n rule_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n and_o settle_v by_o just_a and_o lawful_a authority_n it_o be_v no_o long_o leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o any_o man_n subject_a to_o the_o same_o authority_n to_o conform_v or_o not_o conform_v thereunto_o as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a much_o less_o to_o pretend_v that_o because_o their_o conscience_n can_v approve_v thereof_o it_o shall_v be_v permit_v to_o they_o to_o set_v up_o another_o government_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a demand_n that_o while_o they_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n law_n they_o shall_v nevertheless_o seek_v for_o liberty_n and_o power_n from_o they_o to_o overthrow_v their_o own_o order_n and_o make_v they_o cross_a shinn_n with_o their_o own_o authority_n the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o liberty_n purchase_v by_o christ_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o support_v one_o another_o for_o they_o be_v both_o truth_n avow_v in_o the_o word_n and_o no_o truth_n can_v overthrow_v another_o and_o if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o a_o weak_a conscience_n though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o error_n yet_o till_o it_o be_v convince_v shall_v sin_v in_o obey_v the_o truth_n it_o may_v be_v reply_v a_o fortiorâ—_n that_o the_o magistrate_n determine_v the_o truth_n can_v tolerate_v any_o error_n without_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n and_o partake_v of_o those_o error_n he_o condemn_v 6._o but_o the_o other_o objection_n proceed_v from_o a_o conceit_n of_o strength_n march_v with_o more_o assurance_n for_o some_o imagine_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o grace_n and_o free_v from_o sin_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v consequent_o in_o a_o state_n of_o peâ—ection_n able_a to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o deliver_v from_o all_o law_n of_o man_n for_o lex_fw-la non_fw-la ponitur_fw-la justo_fw-la they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o repentance_n be_v secure_v from_o fall_v nor_o much_o of_o faith_n be_v already_o in_o fruition_n they_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o under_o no_o magistrate_n above_o all_o penalty_n as_o if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o flesh_n have_v shake_v off_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n and_o climb_v up_o to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o sin_n nor_o sorrow_n this_o be_v a_o sweet_a fancy_n to_o they_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o all_o will_v hardâ—y_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v remove_v by_o force_n of_o argumentation_n otherwise_o we_o may_v say_v that_o never_o any_o man_n be_v without_o sin_n but_o christ_n alone_o who_o be_v like_o to_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n sin_v except_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n feel_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n which_o make_v he_o do_v that_o he_o will_v not_o and_o will_v that_o he_o do_v not_o he_o bid_v we_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a not_o with_o surquedry_n and_o presumption_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a and_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o perfect_a we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n many_o such_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o convince_v this_o opinion_n but_o it_o refute_v itself_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o condition_n of_o humanity_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n work_v against_o his_o will_n his_o will_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v militant_a in_o this_o life_n wherefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v triumphant_a till_o the_o war_n be_v do_v his_o will_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v grow_v to_o our_o full_a stature_n by_o degree_n and_o scale_v the_o ladder_n of_o heaven_n not_o be_v take_v up_o in_o a_o whirlwind_n his_o will_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v tempt_v and_o buffet_v and_o fall_v and_o rise_v that_o see_v our_o frailty_n and_o our_o misery_n we_o shall_v seek_v for_o the_o renew_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o every_o day_n beg_v our_o daily_a pardon_n more_o due_o than_o our_o daily_a bread_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o strength_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v abstain_v awhile_o from_o food_n but_o by_o corruption_n of_o nature_n we_o can_v abstain_v awhit_o from_o sin_n this_o error_n puff_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o unstable_a man_n have_v heretofore_o bring_v forth_o furious_a and_o pernicious_a effect_n the_o story_n of_o john_n a_o leyden_n and_o knipperdolling_n and_o of_o their_o frenzy_n at_o munster_n be_v not_o yet_o forget_v i_o pray_v god_n our_o time_n be_v not_o pregnant_a of_o some_o such_o monster_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o so_o many_o in_o our_o day_n separate_a from_o their_o brethren_n as_o if_o all_o other_o be_v profane_a why_o do_v they_o gather_v in_o heap_n together_o like_o bile_n and_o ulcer_n draw_v the_o corruption_n with_o they_o and_o yet_o say_v the_o body_n be_v unclean_a in_o such_o manner_n begin_v they_o of_o munster_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o a_o garb_n of_o simplicity_n they_o seem_v grave_a and_o deject_v fervent_a in_o long_a prayer_n full_a of_o revelation_n lament_v the_o fashion_n and_o profaneness_n of_o the_o time_n contemn_v honour_n despise_v money_n and_o neglect_v matrimony_n wish_v and_o weep_v for_o reformation_n by_o such_o hypocrisy_n they_o captivate_v weak_a and_o wander_a soul_n who_o take_v they_o only_o to_o be_v the_o little_a flock_n of_o heaven_n that_o live_v among_o wolf_n and_o be_v persecute_v on_o earth_n till_o have_v make_v up_o their_o muster_n and_o assemble_v their_o troop_n they_o set_v up_o a_o standard_n call_v the_o multitude_n into_o their_o snare_n under_o the_o promise_n and_o proclamation_n of_o liberty_n now_o the_o bless_a time_n be_v come_v that_o the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n that_o the_o king_n and_o potentate_n and_o adonibezeck_n of_o this_o world_n who_o have_v do_v despite_n and_o violence_n to_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v break_v with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o dash_v in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n thence_o they_o fall_v into_o revelation_n and_o find_v it_o write_v in_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o john_n a_o leyden_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v king_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o rule_v the_o nation_n in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o power_n after_o this_o the_o king_n be_v inspire_v to_o set_v up_o sundry_a queen_n and_o to_o take_v to_o himself_o many_o wife_n at_o once_o to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v the_o holy_a seed_n upon_o earth_n but_o this_o imaginary_a kingdom_n be_v of_o short_a durance_n for_o the_o neighbour_n prince_n find_v their_o design_n join_v against_o they_o as_o against_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n and_o after_o they_o have_v endure_v a_o long_a siege_n their_o king_n by_o revelation_n assure_v they_o that_o before_o easter_n they_o shall_v have_v deliverance_n but_o when_o none_o appear_v he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v be_v in_o a_o trance_n six_o day_n in_o which_o time_n he_o have_v ride_v on_o a_o blind_a ass_n and_o that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v lay_v upon_o
his_o back_n the_o sin_n of_o they_o all_o whereby_o they_o be_v set_v free_a and_o deliver_v from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o deliverance_n he_o promise_v wherewithal_o they_o ought_v to_o rest_v content_v thereupon_o the_o town_n be_v take_v the_o delude_a people_n disabuse_v the_o king_n impostor_n execute_v to_o death_n and_o hang_v up_o in_o chain_n upon_o the_o high_a steeple_n thus_o end_v this_o tragedy_n and_o ever_o tragical_a be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o folly_n the_o apostle_n note_v that_o faction_n and_o division_n be_v sign_n of_o carnality_n first_o man_n separate_v from_o other_o as_o unclean_a than_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o government_n the_o next_o step_n be_v to_o blind_v the_o people_n with_o revelation_n from_o thence_o they_o fall_v into_o snare_n of_o the_o flesh_n at_o last_o they_o stir_v up_o sedition_n and_o last_o of_o all_o their_o end_n be_v destruction_n hitherto_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o magistrate_n by_o his_o office_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v do_v first_o by_o enact_v just_a law_n and_o wholesome_a order_n consonant_a to_o wisdom_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o second_o by_o use_v his_o power_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o vigour_n and_o execution_n as_o also_o to_o show_v that_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v willing_a obedience_n to_o such_o law_n and_o order_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o restrain_v the_o disobedient_a and_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n nevertheless_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o power_n wherewithal_o god_n have_v invest_v the_o magistrate_n be_v always_o to_o be_v use_v for_o public_a good_a and_o requisite_a it_o be_v that_o a_o due_a distinction_n be_v make_v in_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n between_o such_o as_o err_v out_o of_o mistake_n or_o ignorance_n and_o those_o that_o resist_v out_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o contempt_n i_o shall_v in_o all_o humbleness_n propound_v some_o few_o expedient_n how_o far_o the_o magistrate_n may_v please_v to_o slacken_v his_o power_n and_o so_o temper_v the_o law_n and_o penalty_n thereof_o as_o they_o may_v serve_v both_o way_n as_o lenitive_n for_o the_o simple_a and_o corrosive_n for_o the_o stubborn_a who_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v reform_v 1._o i_o conceive_v that_o as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v so_o it_o will_v be_v dangerous_a to_o grant_v any_o toleration_n of_o religion_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n will_v breed_v a_o freedom_n of_o will_n and_o freedom_n of_o will_n will_v beget_v liberty_n of_o life_n which_o will_v breed_v a_o fearful_a independency_n when_o every_o one_o may_v do_v what_o they_o list_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n and_o one_o truth_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v obsiquity_n and_o error_n therefore_o when_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v try_v by_o the_o word_n and_o ratify_v by_o the_o magistrate_n he_o can_v suffer_v any_o falsehood_n without_o be_v accessary_a thereunto_o yet_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n for_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o weak_a brethren_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o dissent_v in_o outward_a form_n out_o of_o tenderness_n or_o ignorance_n to_o such_o a_o toleration_n or_o connivance_n or_o suspension_n of_o law_n may_v be_v harmless_a and_o charitable_a till_o they_o be_v further_o satisfy_v and_o instruct_v 2._o that_o whosoever_o live_v under_o the_o subjection_n of_o this_o state_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o destitute_a of_o grace_n as_o to_o renounce_v christ_n or_o speak_v blasphemous_o of_o he_o or_o any_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n he_o shall_v upon_o conviction_n be_v inform_v of_o the_o truth_n with_o a_o brotherly_a admonition_n not_o to_o divulge_v his_o error_n to_o the_o corruption_n or_o scandal_n of_o other_o or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a peace_n for_o the_o second_o offence_n he_o shall_v endure_v a_o year_n imprisonment_n be_v disable_v in_o his_o testimony_n put_v out_o of_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o wear_v some_o public_a mark_n note_v he_o for_o a_o blasphemer_n for_o the_o three_o offence_n he_o shall_v suffer_v banishment_n or_o close_o and_o perpetual_a imprisonment_n and_o if_o banish_v it_o shall_v be_v capital_a for_o he_o to_o return_v without_o licence_n of_o the_o state_n for_o if_o he_o by_o our_o law_n deserve_v death_n that_o seduce_v any_o subject_a from_o the_o allegiance_n of_o his_o natural_a prince_n what_o deserve_v he_o that_o seek_v to_o alienate_v the_o soul_n of_o any_o christian_n from_o the_o dependence_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o devil_n 3._o if_o any_o one_o out_o of_o a_o evil_a heart_n shall_v break_v forth_o into_o open_a revile_v scorn_v disgraceful_a word_n against_o the_o present_a church-government_n now_o establish_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v connive_v at_o as_o a_o man_n of_o tender_a conscience_n for_o as_o he_o give_v himself_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o disjoin_v from_o it_o so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o his_o power_n not_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o but_o do_v it_o by_o choice_n and_o deliberation_n he_o can_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o weakness_n for_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o all_o his_o godly_a brethren_n live_v in_o peaceable_a obedience_n can_v imagine_v that_o his_o private_a fancy_n though_o cover_v with_o weakness_n shall_v be_v more_o tender_v than_o the_o public_a conscience_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n such_o a_o one_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v as_o a_o contemner_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n first_o by_o reproof_n and_o exhortation_n not_o to_o disquiet_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o land_n second_o by_o a_o pecuniary_a mulct_n for_o some_o public_a use_n with_o disability_n of_o his_o credit_n three_o if_o he_o still_o persist_v with_o close_a imprisonment_n till_o he_o give_v public_a satisfaction_n of_o his_o repentance_n 4._o forasmuch_o as_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o undertake_v the_o office_n and_o function_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n ministry_n without_o he_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o inward_a call_n thereunto_o neither_o can_v such_o man_n conceive_v themselves_o awhit_o the_o worse_a or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n to_o have_v a_o outward_a approbation_n by_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o pray_v for_o divine_a blessing_n upon_o their_o person_n and_o give_v they_o a_o orderly_a mission_n into_o god_n harvest_n therefore_o whosoever_o shall_v take_v unto_o himself_o the_o holy_a call_n presume_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n not_o be_v admit_v nor_o ordain_v thereunto_o by_o lawful_a authority_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v as_o the_o former_a be_v that_o contemn_v the_o civil_a power_n or_o rather_o more_o severe_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v find_v in_o their_o public_a preach_n to_o sow_v sedition_n among_o the_o people_n provide_v that_o such_o person_n master_n of_o family_n or_o other_o meet_v in_o their_o own_o house_n or_o in_o their_o neighbour_n to_o repeat_v what_o they_o hear_v or_o learn_v out_o of_o sermon_n preach_v by_o authority_n and_o upon_o that_o or_o the_o like_a occasion_n worship_n god_n by_o pray_v or_o sing_v of_o psalm_n confer_v or_o argue_v upon_o any_o part_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v as_o also_o such_o who_o be_v require_v by_o any_o friend_n or_o neighbour_n when_o the_o advice_n of_o minister_n can_v be_v have_v to_o open_v or_o expound_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n or_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n upon_o any_o case_n of_o conscience_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o party_n be_v not_o comprehend_v under_o this_o article_n or_o any_o penalty_n thereof_o because_o we_o be_v command_v to_o exercise_v the_o gift_n and_o talent_n god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o a_o sober_a and_o orderly_a way_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o one_o another_o 5._o whereas_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n many_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o manifest_v nor_o clear_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n blow_v where_o he_o list_v and_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o time_n place_n nor_o person_n but_o inspire_v who_o he_o please_v if_o therefore_o any_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o have_v a_o new_a opinion_n or_o new_a light_n reveal_v unto_o he_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n fit_v it_o be_v he_o shall_v bring_v his_o knowledge_n to_o some_o godly_a minister_n approve_v of_o or_o to_o the_o next_o classiâ—_z where_o he_o live_v