offend_v be_v a_o society_n or_o some_o public_a person_n equivalent_a 2_o in_o case_n the_o party_n in_o such_o act_n of_o judgement_n be_v free_v from_o error_n which_o be_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o apostle_n guide_v in_o their_o administration_n by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n object_n 5._o this_o synod_n act_v 15._o lexi_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d septuag_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vid._n schindl_n lexi_fw-la so_o speak_v as_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n clear_v and_o declare_v by_o it_o as_o a_o burden_n upon_o the_o church_n v._o 28._o which_o our_o ordinary_a synod_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v power_n to_o do_v resp_n the_o notion_n or_o term_n burden_n may_v be_v take_v political_o i._n e._n for_o a_o truth_n impose_v by_o virtue_n of_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n this_o though_o the_o apostle_n as_o apostle_n may_v do_v yet_o if_o they_o do_v so_o in_o this_o place_n which_o we_o rather_o conceive_v not_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o consequent_o not_o exemplary_a or_o the_o word_n burden_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o charge_v of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v and_o yield_v obedience_n in_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o truth_n discuss_v clear_v and_o orderly_o command_v to_o they_o in_o which_o sense_n if_o we_o take_v it_o here_o according_a as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o divers_a place_n elsewhere_o pro._n 30.1_o &_o 21.1_o rev._n 2.24_o than_o the_o stile_n or_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v exemplary_a of_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n the_o three_o question_n quest_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n resp_n the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v decisive_n directive_n &_o declarative_a of_o the_o truth_n by_o clear_v and_o evidence_v the_o same_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n non_o coactive_a yet_o more_o than_o discretive_a for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v 1_o decisive_n in_o determine_v by_o way_n of_o discussion_n and_o disputation_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o so_o consequent_o resolve_v the_o question_n in_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n act_v 15.16,28_o &_o 16.4_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o synod_n 2_o discretive_a in_o discern_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o be_v determine_v this_o belong_v to_o every_o believer_n 3_o coactive_a or_o judicial_a for_o we_o omit_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o official_a judgement_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n determine_v authoritative_o so_o as_o to_o impose_v it_o with_o authority_n and_o to_o censure_v the_o disobedient_a with_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o mat._n 18.17_o this_o belong_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n superior_a in_o some_o respect_n inferior_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v superior_a in_o respect_n of_o direction_n inferior_a in_o respect_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o it_o have_v none_o quere_z how_o and_o how_o far_o do_v the_o sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n bind_v answ_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o synod_n declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o the_o synod_n the_o synod_n declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n bind_v not_o political_o but_o formal_o only_a i._n e._n in_o foro_fw-la interiori_fw-la i._n e._n it_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o that_o by_o way_n of_o the_o high_a institution_n that_o be_v mere_o doctrinal_a the_o political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a by_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o bind_v not_o only_o formal_o but_o political_o in_o foro_fw-la exteriori_fw-la i._n e._n it_o bind_v the_o outward_a man_n so_o as_o the_o disobedient_a in_o matter_n of_o offence_n be_v subject_a unto_o church_n censure_n affirmative_o towards_o their_o own_o member_n negative_o by_o non_fw-la communion_n as_o concern_v other_o whether_o church_n or_o member_n 3._o supremi_fw-la magistratuâ—_n approbatio_fw-la est_fw-la supremum_fw-la ut_fw-la soquuntar_fw-la arrestum_fw-la fr._n hom._n disp_n 18._o th._n 4._o &_o disp_a 17._o thes_n 3._o civil_a by_o the_o magistrate_n strengthen_v the_o truth_n thus_o declare_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n either_o by_o his_o mere_a authoritative_a suffrage_n assent_n and_o testimony_n if_o the_o matter_n need_v no_o more_o or_o by_o his_o authoritative_a sanction_n of_o it_o by_o civil_a punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n so_o require_v in_o this_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n together_o in_o their_o respective_a political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n clear_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o synod_n we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o place_n wherein_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n walk_v together_o orderly_o referve_v ecclesiastical_a bind_a power_n to_o the_o particular_a church_n where_o either_o there_o be_v no_o magistrate_n or_o the_o magistrate_n be_v want_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o also_o civil_a power_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n where_o the_o church_n be_v want_v to_o their_o duty_n the_o four_o question_n quest_n 4._o to_o who_o belong_v the_o power_n of_o call_v a_o synod_n answ_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v one_o distinction_n and_o answer_v three_o query_n distin_n the_o power_n of_o call_v synod_n be_v either_o single_a authoritative_a belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n ministerial_a belong_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n mix_v when_o both_o proceed_v orderly_a and_o joint_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o several_a power_n argument_n prove_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o call_v synod_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n 1_o because_o the_o magistrate_n be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la i._n e._n charge_v with_o the_o custody_n of_o both_o table_n that_o he_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v grant_v that_o he_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o former_a be_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o the_o first_o question_n 2_o from_o the_o record_a and_o approve_a example_n of_o godly_a king_n in_o the_o scripture_n david_n 1_o chron._n 23.2_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o josiah_n 2_o kin._n 23.1,2_o 3_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o great_a assembly_n though_o synodical_a assemble_v be_v spiritual_a yet_o mere_a assemble_v of_o a_o multitude_n together_o which_o a_o synodical_a assembly_n presuppose_v be_v a_o civil_a act_n and_o therefore_o can_v in_o good_a policy_n be_v suffer_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n 4_o from_o the_o necessary_a though_o not_o essential_a requisite_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o synod_n as_o place_n time_n manner_n of_o meeting_n peace_n all_o which_o need_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n of_o violent_a disturbance_n the_o church_n as_o such_o have_v no_o civil_a power_n to_o defend_v they_o can_v but_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o they_o may_v meet_v and_o transact_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o safety_n and_o quietness_n 5_o from_o the_o proportion_n that_o the_o magistrate_n con-coactive_a or_o call_v power_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v with_o his_o confirmation_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o same_o reason_n that_o warrant_v his_o confirm_a power_n for_o the_o better_a strengthen_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n warrant_v his_o call_a power_n for_o the_o better_a be_v of_o the_o synod_n argument_n prove_v the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o call_v synod_n which_o may_v be_v fit_o call_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n because_o church_n therein_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o to_o belong_v unto_o the_o particular_a church_n 1_o from_o that_o famous_a example_n act_v 15._o where_o the_o synod_n meet_v and_z site_z without_o the_o call_n of_o civil_a authority_n there_o be_v then_o no_o christian_a magistrate_n 2_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o synod_n as_o proper_o such_o first_o reside_v with_o ariseth_z from_z and_o last_o return_v to_o particular_a church_n 3_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n tend_v not_o to_o the_o be_v but_o to_o the_o better_a be_v of_o synod_n and_o add_v thereunto_o be_v accumulative_a not_o privative_a i._n e._n it_o add_v strength_n to_o it_o but_o take_v not_o any_o power_n from_o it_o hence_o a_o synod_n may_v in_o ease_n be_v without_o any_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o can_v be_v without_o some_o consent_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a of_o the_o church_n 4_o because_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v invest_v the_o church_n with_o sufficient_a ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o the_o best_a ecclesiastical_a manner_n to_o attain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a end_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n of_o themselves_o by_o joint_a consent_n to_o call_v a_o synod_n query_n query_n 1_o in_o what_o case_n may_v the_o magistrate_n proceed_v to_o call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n the_o church_n be_v defective_a and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n just_a cause_n so_o require_v may_v call_v a_o synod_n and_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n thereunto_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o refusal_n he_o may_v proceed_v to_o call_v a_o assembly_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o a_o synod_n meet_v for_o namely_o to_o consider_v of_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n in_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n but_o such_o a_o assembly_n call_v and_o gather_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o proper_o that_o which_o be_v usual_o understand_v by_o a_o synod_n for_o though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o call_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o at_o least_o the_o implicit_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n because_o church-messenger_n who_o necessary_o presuppose_v a_o explicit_a which_o order_n call_v for_o or_o implicit_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o synod_n query_n 2_o in_o what_o case_n may_v the_o church_n call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n answ_n in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n be_v defective_a and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n just_a cause_n providence_n and_o prudence_n concur_v the_o church_n may_v both_o call_v and_o constitute_v a_o synod_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n can_v constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n although_o the_o magistrate_n can_v constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v because_o the_o essentials_n of_o a_o synod_n together_o with_o such_o other_o cause_n as_o be_v require_v to_o the_o be_v though_o not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o better_a be_v of_o a_o synod_n arise_v out_o of_o particular_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a enumeration_n of_o the_o cause_n thereof_o the_o essential_a cause_n remote_a the_o authoritative_a call_n of_o the_o magistrate_n next_o the_o ministerial_a call_n of_o the_o church_n the_o material_a cause_n the_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n i._n e._n qualify_a church-messenger_n the_o formal_a cause_n the_o meeting_n together_o of_o such_o church-messenger_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o final_a cause_n to_o confider_v of_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n in_o question_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n query_n 3_o in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n and_o church_n be_v both_o willing_a to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o the_o joint_a exercise_n of_o their_o several_a power_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o either_o of_o they_o to_o call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o answ_n no_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v now_o by_o way_n of_o a_o mix_v call_v i._n e._n orderly_o and_o joint_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o several_a power_n that_o which_o learned_a parker_n speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n concern_v call_v of_o synod_n hold_v also_o in_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n their_o power_n be_v divers_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o exercise_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v divers_a nor_o divide_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o as_o before_z the_o church_n desire_n the_o magistrate_n command_v church_n act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o liberty_n the_o magistrate_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n moses_n and_o aaron_n shall_v go_v together_o and_o kiss_v one_o another_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o god._n finis_fw-la courteous_a reader_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o the_o far_a distance_n of_o his_o love_a friend_n the_o publisher_n of_o this_o book_n some_o fault_n may_v have_v escape_v the_o press_n for_o the_o which_o the_o printer_n desire_v excuse_v vale._n
infringe_v when_o as_o he_o de_fw-mi jure_fw-la command_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o if_o man_n have_v any_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o submit_v thereto_o and_o in_o faithful_a submit_v to_o which_o be_v true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n conscience_n be_v never_o in_o a_o â—…er_n or_o better_a estate_n of_o liberty_n here_o on_o earth_n than_o when_o most_o engage_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o god_n commandment_n 4._o that_o thereby_o christian_n become_v servant_n of_o man_n when_o the_o magistrate_n only_o be_v to_o enjoin_v what_o his_o master_n and_o they_o have_v command_v or_o to_o forbid_v the_o contrary_a and_o consequent_o in_o submit_v thereto_o be_v but_o servant_n to_o christ_n in_o man_n 5._o that_o thereby_o man_n be_v make_v hypocrite_n and_o time-servers_a as_o if_o to_o command_v man_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o to_o forbid_v the_o contrary_a be_v to_o make_v man_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n as_o be_v time-servers_a and_o hypocrite_n 6._o that_o thereby_o a_o sluice_n be_v open_v to_o let_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o corrupt_a opinion_n into_o the_o church_n suppose_v the_o magistrate_n be_v of_o any_o false_a religion_n or_o corrupt_v in_o his_o judgement_n yea_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o set_v up_o a_o pope_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n for_o religion_n must_v turn_v as_o he_o turn_v when_o as_o the_o question_n be_v touch_v the_o magistrate_n power_n of_o command_v or_o forbid_v not_o what_o he_o in_o a_o popelike_a way_n shall_v please_v or_o what_o his_o own_o spirit_n shall_v like_o best_a but_o what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n and_o the_o position_n subject_v he_o to_o the_o word_n as_o to_o the_o supreme_a law_n and_o do_v not_o set_v he_o up_o popelike_a above_o the_o scripture_n or_o allow_v he_o to_o make_v his_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o to_o make_v humane_a traditional_a cannon_n to_o be_v as_o much_o of_o force_n as_o scripture_n to_o bind_v man_n conscience_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o position_n rather_o condemn_v any_o such_o power_n as_o gular_a usurp_a &_o not_o approve_v of_o god_n which_o swerve_v from_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n namely_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o that_o object_v will_v rather_o follow_v that_o if_o there_o must_v be_v no_o king_n or_o civil_a power_n among_o god_n profess_a israel_n coercive_o to_o restrain_v forbid_v evil_n in_o religion_n than_o every_o man_n will_v hold_v and_o do_v as_o he_o listen_v as_o if_o every_o one_o be_v a_o pope_n and_o than_o micah_n idolatry_n and_o any_o other_o abomination_n may_v be_v set_v up_o 7._o that_o thereby_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v put_v upon_o many_o intricate_a perplexity_n &_o hazard_n of_o conscience_n how_o to_o judge_v in_o and_o of_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o magistrate_n from_o that_o use_n of_o his_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o first_o table_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v hinder_v he_o from_o the_o like_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n none_o be_v ignorant_a what_o perplex_v intricacy_n there_o be_v in_o these_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o former_a as_o conscientious_a magistrate_n find_v by_o daily_a experience_n yet_o such_o as_o object_v this_o will_v not_o deny_v this_o power_n in_o the_o latter_a and_o why_o then_o in_o the_o former_a the_o objection_n prove_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o know_v of_o god_n mind_n in_o his_o place_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v object_v against_o church-officer_n power_n in_o church_n or_o the_o power_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n in_o their_o family_n it_o will_v have_v prove_v the_o same_o but_o it_o follow_v not_o its_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n in_o authority_n to_o know_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o duty_n in_o his_o place_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n in_o his_o place_n they_o which_o inaugurate_v joash_n to_o be_v king_n 2_o chron._n 23.11_o they_o put_v upon_o he_o the_o testimony_n as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n use_v to_o be_v expound_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n as_o a_o king_n not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o testimony_n or_o book_n of_o god_n law_n but_o authoritative_o to_o establish_v what_o be_v write_v in_o it_o 8._o that_o thereby_o person_n be_v put_v upon_o act_v with_o doubt_v conscience_n the_o magistrate_n injunction_n be_v ofttimes_o not_o clear_a to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v thereby_o compel_v to_o sin_n when_o the_o position_n affirm_v this_o power_n in_o matter_n clear_v in_o the_o word_n which_o if_o not_o clear_v to_o this_o or_o that_o subject_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n that_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n by_o his_o own_o ignorance_n of_o matter_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v to_o bring_v any_o such_o snare_n upon_o his_o conscience_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o may_v desire_v the_o magistrate_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o clear_v up_o the_o matter_n enjoin_v or_o forbid_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o hinder_a but_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o command_v or_o forbid_v that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v even_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v shall_v not_o then_o be_v urge_v upon_o man_n conscience_n by_o church-officer_n or_o church-censure_n be_v execute_v against_o obstinate_a gainsayers_a because_o through_o error_n in_o judgement_n and_o corruption_n in_o conscience_n man_n will_v say_v thâ—…nd_v after_o all_o mean_v use_v for_o convictâ—…_n they_o may_v still_o affirm_v that_o they_o think_v otherwise_o or_o at_o best_o that_o they_o still_o doubt_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n yea_o albeit_o the_o matter_n be_v fundamental_a 9_o that_o hereby_o christian_n be_v discourage_v from_o seek_v more_o light_a or_o hinder_v from_o embrace_v or_o follow_v such_o new_a light_n as_o the_o saint_n expect_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n when_o as_o its_o evident_a that_o the_o command_a and_o forbid_v thing_n clear_v in_o the_o word_n to_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n do_v neither_o express_v what_o light_a man_n have_v from_o the_o word_n nor_o discourage_v from_o more_o light_n in_o &_o from_o the_o same_o as_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n so_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o 10._o that_o thereby_o conscientious_a man_n especial_o will_v come_v to_o suffer_v because_o magistrate_n may_v think_v thing_n command_v or_o forbid_v of_o god_n and_o according_o ratify_v they_o by_o their_o authority_n which_o god_n do_v never_o command_v or_o forbid_v when_o as_o the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v magistrate_n enjoin_v what_o they_o think_v but_o what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v the_o press_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n command_v what_o he_o requi_v and_o forbid_v the_o contrary_a be_v any_o just_a or_o proper_a cause_n of_o suffer_v to_o man_n true_o conscientious_a the_o magistrate_n may_v indeed_o through_o mistake_n command_n or_o forbid_v thing_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o first_o but_o the_o second_o table_n but_o this_o do_v not_o deprive_v civil_a magistracy_n therefore_o of_o coercive_a power_n as_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o so_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o table_n but_o in_o this_o case_n christian_n must_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v in_o either_o albeit_o withal_o the_o magistrate_n do_v break_v his_o rule_n 11._o that_o thereby_o we_o shall_v encourage_v and_o harden_v papist_n and_o turk_n in_o their_o cruel_a persecution_n of_o the_o saint_n whereas_o for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o command_v or_o forbid_v according_a to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v not_o persecution_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o of_o itself_o tend_v to_o persecution_n power_n to_o press_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n do_v not_o give_v warrant_n to_o suppress_v or_o oppress_v the_o same_o the_o time_n be_v evil_a indeed_o when_o the_o press_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n shall_v be_v count_v persecution_n 12._o that_o thence_o be_v cause_v all_o the_o war_n in_o christendom_n at_o this_o day_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o press_a man_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n either_o of_o the_o second_o or_o fiâ—st_a table_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o any_o cause_n of_o war_n but_o the_o lust_n rather_o of_o such_o as_o abuse_v their_o power_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n by_o this_o already_o speak_v we_o have_v see_v the_o ruin_n of_o twelve_o of_o our_o opposite_n castle_n in_o the_o air_n imaginarily_o frame_v to_o withstand_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o
against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o law_n of_o nation_n or_o deny_v thing_n obstinate_o which_o be_v fundamental_a albeit_o not_o against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o for_o example_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o redeemer_n and_o only_a mediator_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n shall_v yet_o not_o be_v restrain_v yea_o that_o be_v to_o suppose_v some_o under_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o gospel_n leave_v of_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o lawless_a condition_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o authority_n to_o restrain_v they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o civil_a power_n may_v not_o meddle_v with_o they_o and_o ecclesiastical_a can_v as_o not_o be_v actual_o of_o the_o church_n 2_o the_o church_n have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o reach_v her_o end_n in_o curb_v and_o cure_v offence_n of_o the_o second_o table_n yet_o none_o will_v thence_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o no_o need_n to_o the_o church_n therein_o of_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n 3_o the_o church_n aim_v at_o restraint_n from_o infection_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o amend_v the_o party_n themselves_o now_o suppose_v the_o church_n cast_v out_o a_o person_n for_o obstinate_a hold_v of_o heretical_a tenant_n yet_o the_o church_n can_v now_o restrain_v he_o any_o further_a in_o any_o ecclesiastical_a way_n but_o that_o he_o may_v now_o do_v more_o mischief_n in_o spread_v his_o tenent_n then_o ever_o unless_o the_o magistrate_n also_o exercise_v his_o coercive_a power_n 4_o the_o church_n may_v in_o case_n by_o clamorous_a noise_n make_v in_o the_o assembly_n or_o otherwise_o by_o faction_n be_v hinder_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n to_o cencure_v and_o so_o although_o it_o have_v power_n enough_o to_o act_v yet_o it_o will_v need_v the_o magistrate_n help_v to_o exercise_v that_o power_n unless_o we_o dare_v plead_v as_o some_o it_o seem_v do_v that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o elder_n may_v act_v by_o corporal_a force_n to_o redress_v it_o as_o phineas_n the_o priest_n do_v in_o kill_v zimri_n and_o cozbi_fw-la disturb_v the_o congregation_n on_o then_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n but_o we_o say_v that_o be_v extraordinary_a as_o be_v the_o act_n of_o samuel_n in_o cut_v agag_n in_o piece_n of_o elijah_n in_o put_v baal_n priest_n to_o death_n and_o peter_n act_n against_o the_o life_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n nor_o will_v we_o plead_v the_o priest_n example_n 2_o chron._n 26._o in_o thrust_v out_o vzziah_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n or_o such_o like_a argument_n suppose_v that_o the_o priest_n of_o old_a and_o the_o levite_n might_n by_o a_o dispensation_n peculiar_a to_o those_o time_n be_v allow_v more_o liberty_n of_o act_v in_o matter_n of_o a_o civil_a nature_n both_o in_o the_o great_a synedrian_n and_o other_o where_o than_o any_o of_o we_o dare_v say_v be_v imitable_a by_o or_o allowable_a to_o church_n or_o church_n officer_n now_o object_n three_o and_o last_o the_o tare_n be_v command_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o mat._n 13.29,30_o therefore_o what_o authority_n have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o restrain_v or_o punish_v man_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o rather_o to_o leave_v christian_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n answ_n this_o be_v a_o parable_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o scope_n and_o substance_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o as_o peter_n martyr_n note_v in_o this_o case_n now_o the_o scope_n of_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o direction_n unto_o we_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v in_o point_n of_o exercise_n of_o any_o power_n with_o we_o but_o contain_v simple_o a_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n what_o god_n will_v order_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o show_v that_o christ_n intend_v not_o any_o rule_n of_o precept_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o sentence_n of_o the_o parable_n vers_fw-la 29_o 30._o nay_o let_v both_o grow_v together_o he_o do_v not_o in_o his_o after_o exposition_n of_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o the_o parable_n insist_v at_o all_o on_o the_o branch_n mention_v to_o give_v any_o explication_n thereof_o and_o if_o it_o be_v any_o direction_n it_o must_v either_o look_v to_o civil_a or_o church_n power_n if_o to_o civil_a power_n then_o since_o the_o tare_n be_v express_o interpret_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o such_o as_o offend_v and_o do_v iniquity_n and_o be_v as_o reprobate_n to_o be_v burn_v or_o damn_v vers_fw-la 38._o then_o the_o worst_a wretch_n that_o live_v murderer_n bugger_n traitor_n etc._n etc._n must_v be_v all_o let_v alone_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o only_o leave_v to_o christ_n judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o our_o opposite_n have_v least_o reason_n to_o stretch_v this_o parable_n as_o respect_v any_o restraint_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n when_o the_o very_a scope_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o tell_v we_o touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o civil_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n but_o rather_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o ecclesiastical_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o it_o look_v at_o any_o restraint_n of_o the_o use_n of_o power_n it_o strike_v rather_o at_o the_o use_n of_o church_n power_n but_o if_o it_o look_v at_o church_n power_n than_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o censure_v heretic_n no_o not_o though_o obstinate_a contrary_a to_o titus_n 3_o no_o incestuous_a adulterous_a covetous_a church-member_n contrary_a to_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o that_o the_o parable_n never_o intend_v any_o abridgement_n of_o either_o power_n in_o the_o just_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o it_o speak_v 1_o of_o such_o a_o extirpation_n of_o offender_n as_o be_v only_o possible_a to_o angel_n arm_v with_o christ_n power_n and_o 2_o of_o a_o universal_a extirpation_n of_o all_o and_o every_o reprobate_n from_o among_o the_o company_n of_o the_o elect_n neither_o of_o which_o hinder_v but_o that_o 1_o to_o such_o particular_a offender_n as_o may_v be_v root_v up_o by_o civil_a and_o church_n power_n without_o danger_n and_o hurt_n to_o godly_a one_o as_o be_v obstinate_a seducer_n heretic_n and_o they_o may_v and_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v 2_o such_o particular_a offender_n which_o by_o their_o continuance_n among_o god_n people_n do_v overrun_v and_o overtop_n they_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o they_o be_v hurt_v and_o endanger_v by_o they_o and_o they_o can_v grow_v and_o thrive_v spiritual_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o they_o may_v &_o aught_o to_o be_v root_v out_o by_o both_o power_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o the_o parable_n in_o this_o way_n it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o tare_n be_v to_o be_v suffer_v in_o reference_n not_o to_o the_o hurt_n but_o to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o wheat_n so_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o corrupt_a blast_a and_o destruction_n of_o the_o wheat_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v remove_v because_o hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a to_o the_o wheat_n so_o that_o our_o opposite_n will_v gain_v nothing_o to_o their_o cause_n by_o press_v this_o parable_n as_o directory_n that_o way_n to_o we_o but_o we_o rather_o upon_o the_o reason_n before_o go_v conceive_v it_o to_o be_v set_v down_o not_o as_o a_o direction_n or_o any_o command_n of_o christ_n enjoin_v we_o thus_o or_o thus_o to_o do_v but_o as_o a_o doctrinal_a instruction_n that_o god_n may_v and_o will_v in_o his_o providence_n suffer_v for_o a_o time_n mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a together_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a in_o his_o visible_a church_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o fret_v or_o be_v discontent_v at_o his_o providence_n in_o it_o or_o to_o think_v that_o by_o any_o course_n we_o can_v take_v it_o will_v be_v otherwise_o whilst_o and_o where_o ever_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n like_v to_o that_o speech_n of_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 5_o 10._o now_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v who_o doctrine_n do_v most_o infringe_v true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n those_o which_o will_v have_v every_o christian_n leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o at_o least_o be_v not_o against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n law_n of_o nation_n or_o those_o that_o maintain_v the_o forenamed_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n for_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o christian_n he_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o conscience_n too_o as_o well_o as_o other_o now_o if_o leave_v to_o the_o lesbian_a warp_a rule_n what_o if_o he_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n through_o temptation_n and_o error_n be_v in_o most_o thing_n a_o papist_n which_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o law_n
all_o will_v say_v they_o be_v all_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o bind_v to_o know_v and_o do_v otherwise_o nero_n be_v brand_v for_o a_o beastly_a person_n a_o lion_n in_o that_o he_o abuse_v that_o authority_n of_o he_o which_o of_o right_n shall_v have_v be_v improve_v for_o encouragement_n of_o paul_n in_o his_o ministry_n and_o doctrine_n to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o endeavoure_n to_o destroy_v and_o devour_v he_o 2_o tim._n 4.17_o 2_o a_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o tim._n 2.1,2_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v have_v such_o magistrate_n as_o may_v act_v authoritative_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n as_o well_o as_o of_o righteousness_n and_o honesty_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v put_v forth_o their_o power_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o object_n yea_o but_o some_o have_v say_v if_o you_o now_o allow_v civil_a ruler_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v persecute_v we_o answ_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o answer_v pray_v therefore_o in_o these_o persecute_v time_n of_o romish_a emperor_n that_o they_o may_v not_o meddle_v at_o all_o coercive_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v to_o usurp_v power_n not_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o rather_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v use_v this_o power_n which_o they_o have_v aright_o or_o as_o we_o may_v peaceable_o exercise_v act_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o honesty_n nor_o do_v he_o say_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v deal_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n negative_o that_o be_v so_o as_o authoritative_o to_o hinder_v any_o from_o disturb_v any_o christian_n in_o that_o which_o he_o take_v up_o for_o truth_n or_o piety_n or_o in_o any_o opinion_n which_o he_o may_v hold_v and_o yet_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n no_o more_o than_o he_o say_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v deal_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o honesty_n as_o to_o hinder_v any_o from_o disturbance_n in_o any_o suppose_a course_n of_o honesty_n yea_o in_o any_o act_n of_o dishonesty_n which_o may_v be_v incident_a to_o one_o that_o yet_o in_o the_o main_n be_v godly_a for_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o in_o all_o ungodliness_n or_o dishonesty_n nor_o do_v he_o say_v pray_v that_o every_o one_o may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n or_o hold_v out_o any_o opinion_n tenent_n or_o practice_n suit_v with_o his_o conscience_n so_o it_o raze_v not_o the_o foundation_n of_o godliness_n but_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o all_o godliness_n peaceable_o or_o that_o we_o may_v with_o quietness_n and_o encouragement_n so_o carry_v it_o as_o will_v stand_v with_o godliness_n itself_o yea_o with_o godliness_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o all_o godliness_n a_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o isa_n 49.23_o which_o though_o a_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a yet_o respect_v the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o argument_n stand_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o civil_a ruler_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v authoritative_o act_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o be_v to_o the_o church_n as_o milk_n therefore_o it_o be_v his_o mind_n that_o in_o these_o day_n they_o shall_v act_v authoritative_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o say_v to_o act_v authoritative_o because_o to_o act_v as_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o act_v mere_o allure_o as_o some_o say_v or_o in_o a_o general_a way_n of_o countenance_n but_o coercive_o father_n act_n fatherly_a in_o command_v in_o forbid_v and_o in_o punish_v as_o well_o as_o in_o kiss_v and_o give_v good_a word_n in_o take_v the_o rod_n as_o giving_z a_o apple_n nor_o do_v he_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v nurse_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o act_v official_o in_o preach_v or_o in_o administration_n whether_o of_o church_n seal_v or_o of_o church_n censure_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o similitude_n forbid_v it_o nurse-fathers_n can_v give_v milk_n to_o the_o child_n but_o nurse-fathers_n and_o nurse-mothers_n to_o take_v authoritative_a care_n what_o milk_n either_o church-officer_n or_o any_o other_o yield_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o according_o to_o reward_v and_o encourage_v it_o to_o look_v that_o it_o be_v not_o bad_a but_o coercive_o to_o restrain_v it_o at_o least_o from_o be_v milk_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n hurt_n albeit_o if_o keep_v within_o the_o breast_n that_o breed_v it_o it_o be_v out_o of_o their_o cognizance_n nor_o be_v this_o speak_v of_o heathen_a ruler_n as_o pagan_n not_o christian_n but_o of_o such_o which_o though_o as_o civil_a ruler_n they_o command_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o righteousness_n yea_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o obey_v the_o church_n stoop_v to_o its_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n so_o they_o lick_v up_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o church_n foot_n 4_o a_o four_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o zech._n 13.2,3,4,5,6_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o as_o a_o approve_a act_n of_o the_o zealous_a member_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n to_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n a_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o in_o these_o day_n such_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v exercise_v nor_o may_v any_o here_o restrain_v these_o word_n to_o church-censure_n it_o be_v not_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o express_v church-censure_n great_a and_o lesser_a by_o take_v away_o the_o life_n wound_n and_o work_n in_o the_o hand_n but_o rather_o prove_v that_o power_n of_o civil_a authority_n to_o inflict_v death_n in_o some_o case_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o some_o other_o reproachful_a corporal_a punishment_n in_o some_o case_n of_o error_n which_o be_v not_o of_o moment_n as_o the_o other_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o argument_n prove_v the_o position_n we_o shall_v brief_o now_o take_v off_o two_o or_o three_o general_a objection_n and_o then_o come_v to_o a_o close_a of_o this_o question_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a therefore_o no_o such_o use_n now_o to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o such_o carnal_a weapon_n as_o the_o penal_a law_n or_o censure_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o late_a pamphlet_n and_o plea_n for_o liberty_n use_v against_o this_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o some_o case_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o if_o they_o be_v forcible_a they_o conclude_v universal_o even_o against_o that_o coercive_a power_n which_o our_o opposite_n allow_v to_o he_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o far_o also_o of_o the_o first_o as_o in_o thing_n against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o law_n of_o nation_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o taste_n in_o this_o argument_n for_o beside_o the_o mistake_n of_o apply_v this_o as_o if_o mean_v of_o other_o person_n then_o of_o church_n officer_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a scope_n of_o the_o text_n the_o argument_n conclude_v against_o the_o use_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n by_o civil_a ruler_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o first_o because_o spiritual_a weapon_n be_v as_o weighty_a to_o pull_v down_o strong_a hold_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o first_o of_o like_a nature_n be_v that_o objection_n christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n this_o if_o of_o any_o force_n exclude_v whole_o take_v away_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o both_o table_n object_n 2._o the_o church_n have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o reach_v her_o end_n in_o curb_v or_o cure_v offence_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o such_o coercive_a power_n therein_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n answ_n 1._o suppose_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o therefore_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n thereof_o yet_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o a_o civil_a society_n stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o and_o so_o far_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v yield_v or_o what_o if_o the_o church_n have_v no_o need_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o subject_n enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o not_o actual_o of_o the_o church_n as_o person_n not_o yet_o join_v to_o any_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o power_n may_v be_v most_o needful_a else_o they_o may_v vent_v thing_n as_o well_o
error_n and_o division_n or_o provide_v for_o preserve_v of_o or_o restore_v of_o truth_n and_o peace_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n reason_n 2_o from_o the_o end_n of_o synod_n where_o there_o be_v use_v of_o the_o end_n of_o synod_n namely_o to_o clear_v and_o declare_v the_o truth_n from_o scripture_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n there_o the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v warrantable_a but_o under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v use_v of_o the_o end_n of_o synod_n namely_o to_o clear_v and_o declare_v the_o truth_n from_o scripture_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n ergo_fw-la under_o the_o gospel_n the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v warrantable_a preeminency_n of_o knowledge_n concern_v church_n matter_n be_v in_o the_o synod_n hence_o the_o question_n be_v arise_v to_o the_o synod_n church_n authority_n be_v only_o place_v in_o the_o church_n hence_o the_o cause_n remain_v with_o the_o particular_a church_n reason_n 3_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a external_a mean_n of_o the_o union_n of_o church_n in_o one_o judgement_n and_o consequent_o a_o especial_a help_n to_o preserve_v communion_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o warrantable_a use_n but_o a_o synod_n be_v the_o great_a external_a mean_n to_o unite_n church_n in_o one_o judgement_n by_o confer_v apprehension_n for_o the_o concur_v in_o the_o same_o sentence_n ergo_fw-la a_o synod_n be_v of_o warrantable_a use_n reason_n 4_o from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o church-administrations_a that_o without_o which_o particular_a church_n in_o divers_a of_o their_o administration_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o run_v in_o vain_a be_v of_o warrantable_a use_n but_o without_o the_o approbation_n of_o other_o church_n for_o the_o end_n whereof_o synod_n be_v a_o especial_a mean_n particular_a church_n be_v in_o divers_a of_o their_o administration_n in_o danger_n to_o run_v in_o vain_a from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 2.2_o ergo_fw-la synod_n be_v of_o warrantable_a use_n reason_n 5_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o church-matter_n if_o the_o weighty_a transaction_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n be_v such_o and_o so_o concern_v particular_a neighbour_a church_n as_o that_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o all_o neighbour_a church_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v and_o consult_v with_o thereabouts_o and_o synod_n be_v the_o fit_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n then_o synod_n be_v of_o warrantable_a use_n but_o the_o weighty_a transaction_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v such_o and_o so_o concern_v all_o particular_a neighbour_a church_n as_o that_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o all_o neighbour_a church_n be_v acquaint_v and_o consult_v with_o thereabouts_o and_o synod_n be_v the_o fit_a mean_n to_o that_o end_n ergo_fw-la synod_n be_v of_o warrantable_a use_n quod_fw-la tangit_fw-la omnes_fw-la spectat_fw-la ad_fw-la omnes_fw-la the_o cognizance_n of_o that_o belong_v to_o all_o who_o practice_n concern_v all_o objection_n against_o the_o urge_n of_o that_o synod_n act_v 15._o as_o a_o example_n warrant_v our_o ordinary_a synod_n object_n 1._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o the_o other_o brethren_n send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n and_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 2._o but_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o the_o church_n be_v send_v unto_o which_o in_o ordinary_a synod_n order_n call_v for_o resp_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o so_o many_o word_n express_v that_o the_o church_n be_v send_v unto_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o they_o may_v be_v send_v unto_o implicit_o though_o not_o explicit_o 2_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o therefore_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v not_o to_o this_o assembly_n without_o the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n so_o we_o may_v well_o think_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n come_v not_o to_o this_o assembly_n without_o the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n 3_o consider_v the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n that_o they_o have_v orderly_a and_o seasonable_a notice_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v present_a at_o it_o and_o be_v join_v together_o with_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o all_o which_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n either_o in_o express_a word_n or_o just_a consequence_n from_o thence_o vers_fw-la 4.22,23_o object_n 2._o our_o synod_n consist_v only_o of_o such_o member_n as_o be_v messenger_n of_o church_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v exemplify_v by_o that_o act_v 15._o because_o that_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v not_o of_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n resp_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v present_a according_a to_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o be_v as_o messenger_n 2_o it_o be_v all_o one_o upon_o this_o point_n whether_o a_o church_n be_v present_a by_o the_o fraternity_n itself_o or_o by_o their_o messenger_n if_o conveniency_n of_o the_o place_n and_o transaction_n of_o affair_n will_v permit_v it_o be_v at_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o fraternity_n to_o be_v present_a immediate_o or_o to_o send_v their_o messenger_n 3_o what_o the_o fraternity_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v here_o the_o like_a may_v the_o fraternity_n of_o any_o church_n in_o like_a case_n do_v with_o we_o as_o the_o church_n of_o cambridge_n for_o instance_n now_o if_o they_o please_v 4_o where_o the_o fraternity_n be_v present_a formal_o there_o the_o messenger_n be_v present_a virtual_o 5_o in_o such_o case_n where_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o fraternity_n immediate_o or_o send_v of_o messenger_n be_v occasional_a circumstance_n of_o which_o before_o it_o be_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o fraternity_n to_o do_v as_o they_o judge_v most_o for_o their_o edification_n object_n 3._o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o question_n in_o our_o synod_n or_o assembly_n ordinary_o proceed_v joint_o from_o the_o messenger_n of_o all_o church_n at_o least_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o but_o the_o judgement_n concern_v matter_n agitate_a in_o that_o synod_n act_v 15._o seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o one_o part_n thereof_o only_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o letter_n send_v from_o thence_o not_o mention_v any_o part_n of_o that_o judgement_n as_o proceed_v from_o the_o church_n messenger_n of_o antioch_n resp_n 1._o we_o may_v distinguish_v between_o the_o synod_n pass_v for_o act_n of_o judgement_n upon_o the_o question_n discuss_v and_o the_o send_n of_o that_o judgement_n pass_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n do_v judge_v joint_o with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n concern_v the_o matter_n agitate_a in_o that_o synod_n appear_v thus_o in_o every_o regular_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church-messenger_n in_o a_o synod_n where_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o ability_n right_a and_o duty_n to_o pass_v a_o actual_a judgement_n as_o declarative_a to_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o actual_a judgement_n but_o such_o be_v the_o case_n in_o this_o synod_n ergo_fw-la the_o reason_n why_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o not_o of_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v only_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o letter_n may_v be_v because_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church-messenger_n of_o antioch_n be_v already_o know_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o doubt_n of_o their_o messenger_n concurrence_n with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o present_a conclusion_n if_o there_o be_v any_o doubt_n in_o that_o respect_n they_o be_v personal_o present_a to_o satisfy_v it_o 2_o because_o the_o contrary_n mind_v have_v already_o signify_v their_o non_fw-la acquiescence_n or_o not_o rest_v either_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n or_o their_o messenger_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n unto_o church_n there_o appear_v not_o any_o cause_n out_o of_o the_o text_n to_o doubt_v the_o delivery_n of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o joint_a judgement_n of_o they_o all_o but_o the_o contrary_n object_n 4._o a_o party_n may_v not_o be_v a_o judge_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v party_n in_o this_o business_n act_v 15._o ergo_fw-la resp_n 1._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n here_o be_v not_o proper_o party_n in_o that_o they_o act_n not_o their_o own_o case_n but_o the_o case_n of_o the_o truth_n &_o that_o as_o send_v from_o the_o church_n 2_o though_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v party_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a that_o a_o party_n may_v not_o be_v a_o judge_n as_o 1_o in_o case_n the_o party_n