behind_o he_o do_v and_o i_o trust_v ever_o will_v speak_v to_o the_o saint_n to_o the_o church_n here_o below_o both_o in_o the_o present_a and_o also_o future_a generation_n yet_o unborn_a neither_o do_v the_o other_o viz._n the_o three_o that_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o first_o table_n seem_v to_o claim_v any_o low_a descent_n be_v indeed_o a_o result_n of_o a_o meeting_n of_o divers_a reverend_a and_o godly_a elder_n of_o several_a church_n in_o the_o masaâ—…usets_n plantation_n in_o new-england_n an._n 1646._o where_o both_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o forename_a reverend_a and_o precious_a man_n be_v also_o present_a among_o those_o approve_a workman_n who_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a and_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o do_v treat_v of_o it_o be_v the_o establishment_n of_o peace_n both_o spiritual_a viz._n of_o a_o believe_a soul_n with_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o in_o the_o first_o treatise_n and_o ecclesiastical_a viz._n between_o the_o brethren_n and_o church_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a way_n as_o in_o the_o second_o and_o also_o political_a viz._n between_o magistrate_n and_o people_n in_o point_n of_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n about_o matter_n belong_v to_o the_o first_o table_n as_o in_o the_o three_o treatise_n how_o well_o these_o thing_n be_v here_o speak_v unto_o i_o shall_v willing_o leave_v to_o the_o godly_a and_o learned_a reader_n to_o judge_v i_o shall_v only_o desire_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o publish_n of_o they_o to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o reader_n may_v undoubted_o assure_v himself_o that_o these_o be_v neither_o spurious_a copy_n nor_o surreptitious_o put_v forth_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n have_v be_v take_v from_o the_o author_n mouth_n in_o preach_v be_v afterward_o present_v unto_o he_o with_o desire_n of_o his_o perusal_n and_o emendation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v do_v and_o indeed_o the_o interlining_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n do_v plain_o testify_v his_o correct_v of_o it_o he_o deliver_v back_o not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o gentleman_n one_o of_o the_o church_n in_o boston_n there_o who_o come_v over_o hither_o and_o be_v about_o to_o return_v leave_v it_o with_o i_o to_o take_v order_n for_o the_o print_n of_o it_o that_o of_o the_o query_n i_o have_v from_o the_o reverend_a author_n himself_o my_o most_o honour_a friend_n in_o a_o letter_n from_o he_o with_o liberty_n if_o it_o may_v be_v think_v meet_a of_o publish_v of_o it_o at_o my_o come_n over_o from_o that_o country_n which_o be_v about_o a_o year_n before_o his_o death_n he_o deliver_v unto_o i_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n but_o in_o another_o form_n viz._n in_o 12_o proposition_n and_o therefore_o do_v then_o express_v his_o unwillingness_n to_o yield_v to_o the_o impression_n of_o they_o be_v move_v thereunto_o by_o a_o reverend_a elder_n then_o present_a with_o we_o by_o reason_n as_o he_o say_v they_o be_v set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o proposition_n but_o afterward_o the_o lord_n have_v direct_v he_o to_o mould_v they_o in_o to_o another_o model_n turn_v the_o twelve_o proposition_n into_o eleven_o query_n he_o be_v please_v to_o send_v they_o over_o unto_o i_o as_o here_o they_o be_v present_v he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o peace_n of_o a_o very_a sweet_a spirit_n and_o have_v a_o special_a faculty_n of_o compose_v difference_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o brethren_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o shall_v crave_v liberty_n to_o testify_v of_o he_o that_o beside_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o occasion_n which_o be_v constant_o upon_o he_o he_o be_v not_o without_o care_n about_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n abroad_o and_o notwithstanding_o his_o so_o vast_a a_o distance_n in_o body_n from_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n in_o his_o native_a country_n yet_o he_o have_v great_a thought_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o division_n of_o his_o brethren_n here_o be_v serious_o studious_a how_o to_o compose_v and_o heal_v their_o breach_n he_o have_v sometime_o say_v unto_o i_o be_v private_o together_o brother_n i_o perceive_v there_o be_v a_o great_a gravamen_fw-la which_o the_o one_o party_n be_v much_o offend_v at_o with_o the_o other_o i_o pray_v let_v we_o study_v how_o we_o may_v ease_v and_o remove_v it_o from_o that_o solicitous_a care_n it_o be_v that_o he_o draw_v up_o these_o 11_o query_n unto_o which_o may_v it_o be_v without_o offence_n i_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o add_v one_o more_o to_o make_v up_o the_o number_n even_o and_o round_o the_o which_o i_o do_v presume_v that_o our_o reverend_n and_o honour_a friend_n will_v not_o have_v be_v averse_a unto_o have_v he_o be_v on_o earth_n to_o have_v be_v consult_v withal_o the_o three_o and_o last_o treatise_n be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n as_o it_o be_v style_v by_o the_o copy_n come_v to_o my_o hand_n be_v late_o send_v over_o unto_o i_o from_o a_o reverend_a friend_n one_o that_o be_v present_a at_o that_o assembly_n desire_v i_o earnest_o intimate_v also_o that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o desire_n only_o to_o procure_v the_o print_n of_o it_o as_o conceive_v it_o may_v prove_v very_o useful_a for_o the_o present_a season_n now_o these_o three_o little_a treatise_n be_v in_o my_o hand_n through_o providence_n together_o and_o each_o of_o they_o somewhat_o too_o small_a to_o put_v forth_o several_o i_o be_v the_o more_o willing_a especial_o apprehend_v they_o not_o to_o be_v altogether_o heterogeniall_a to_o join_v in_o one_o small_a volume_n and_o as_o they_o come_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o place_n so_o to_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o companion_n together_o and_o oh_o that_o the_o presence_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n may_v go_v along_o with_o they_o make_v they_o useful_a and_o profitable_a unto_o the_o reader_n or_o hearer_n of_o they_o tho_o allen_n book_n sell_v by_o john_n allen_n at_o the_o rise_a sun_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n nova_fw-la testament_n beza_n fol._n doctor_n holdsworths_n work_v complete_a 4o._o mr._n caryl_n five_o volume_n on_o job_n 4o._o mr._n greenhil_n second_o voll_n on_o ezekiel_n 4o._o gospel-liberty_n by_o mr._n cradock_n 4o._o mr._n lockier_n work_n 4o._o andrew_n catechisticall_a doctrine_n 8o._o simpson_n of_o justification_n 8o._o ainsworth_n communion_n 8o._o ainsworth_n arrow_n against_o idol_n 8o._o welsh_a testament_n 8o._o the_o saint_n desire_v by_o samuel_n richardson_n 8o._o gaul_n of_o witch_n 8o._o the_o content_n of_o the_o treatise_n concern_v the_o covenant_n doct._n that_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n give_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o receive_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o take_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n and_o surety_n of_o this_o covenant_n between_o both_o page_n 4._o in_o which_o be_v these_o 3_o thing_n 1_o that_o god_n give_v himself_o to_o abraham_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n 5._o &_o 7._o here_o be_v consider_v 1_o what_o it_o be_v for_o god_fw-we to_o give_v himself_o to_o abraham_n 7._o viz._n 1_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o god_n in_o his_o person_n and_o attribute_n 8._o 2_o all_o the_o ordinance_n creature_n and_o work_n of_o god_n 10._o 2_o the_o order_n of_o god_n give_v in_o the_o covenant_n 14._o viz._n 1_o god_n do_v first_o give_v and_o not_o the_o creature_n ibid._n 2_o god_n also_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v ibid._n 3_o the_o manner_n of_o give_v viz._n free_o and_o for_o ever_o 15._o obj._n but_o the_o lord_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v himself_o back_o again_o answer_v 16._o obj._n the_o lord_n require_v he_o to_o circumcise_v his_o seed_n answer_v 17._o 2_o how_o the_o lord_n do_v take_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n to_o be_v his_o people_n 5._o &_o 19_o by_o prepare_v they_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n 20._o burn_v 21._o by_o take_v possession_n of_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n 24._o which_o spirit_n do_v convince_v the_o soul_n of_o unbelief_n 25._o work_v faith_n and_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o some_o promise_n of_o grace_n 26._o qu._n whether_o may_v not_o true_a faith_n be_v build_v on_o a_o conditional_a promise_n answer_v 29._o see_v 56._o from_o union_n follow_v communion_n with_o christ_n in_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n 31._o viz._n relative_n as_o adoption_n ibid._n justification_n ibid._n positive_a wrought_v in_o we_o as_o sanctification_n 34._o glorification_n 35._o 3_o how_o the_o lord_n do_v constitute_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o coven_n 7._o 36._o by_o receive_v he_o the_o son_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o be_v one_o person_n with_o the_o second_o in_o the_o trinity_n ibid._n by_o
acceptance_n of_o they_o yea_o and_o to_o receive_v a_o new_a ordination_n from_o they_o with_o express_a designation_n to_o the_o office_n either_o of_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n and_o that_o without_o prejudice_n or_o dishonour_n to_o his_o former_a call_v for_o a_o renew_a act_n do_v not_o invalidate_n much_o less_o evacuate_v the_o old_a but_o clear_v it_o and_o confirm_v it_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o it_o as_o in_o scripture_n all_o ingemination_n do_v saul_n be_v thrice_o ordain_v king_n over_o israel_n 1_o sam._n 10.1_o &_o ver_fw-la 24._o &_o 11.14,15_o thrice_o to_o the_o same_o call_v and_o with_o several_a solemnity_n neither_o be_v ordination_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o ministerial_a call_v but_o a_o solemn_a adjunct_n of_o it_o which_o may_v be_v renew_a upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o new_a spiritual_a employment_n or_o function_n place_n or_o people_n act_v 13.2,3_o the_o 9_o query_n if_o the_o godly_a member_n of_o a_o congregation_n former_o subject_a to_o episcopacy_n but_o repent_v of_o their_o sinful_a subordination_n thereunto_o and_o be_v studious_a of_o reformation_n have_v solemn_o covenant_v to_o endeavour_v the_o same_o and_o have_v choose_v their_o former_a godly_a minister_n one_o or_o more_o into_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n office_n whether_o may_v not_o those_o minister_n withhold_v their_o ignorant_a and_o carnal_a hearer_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n though_o they_o have_v their_o consent_n to_o their_o election_n until_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o befit_v to_o receive_v it_o without_o profane_v it_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n whether_o may_v they_o not_o dispense_v some_o other_o ministerial_a act_n unto_o they_o as_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o also_o to_o catechise_v they_o and_o their_o family_n and_o if_o hereby_o they_o shall_v attain_v unto_o so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o profess_v before_o the_o church_n both_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o covenant_n to_o themselves_o and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o unto_o their_o seed_n and_o also_o their_o own_o duty_n of_o subjection_n unto_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o shall_v likewise_o be_v find_v free_a from_o any_o open_a scandal_n or_o else_o open_o judge_v themselves_o for_o the_o same_o whether_o may_v it_o not_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o minister_n to_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n for_o it_o be_v not_o with_o such_o as_o with_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n who_o though_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o seal_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n yet_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n the_o one_o mock_v at_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o other_o despise_v the_o birthright_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o the_o one_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o the_o other_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o both_o of_o they_o deprive_v their_o child_n of_o circumcision_n but_o such_o be_v not_o the_o case_n here_o of_o these_o we_o speak_v of_o but_o rather_o they_o be_v like_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o israelite_n who_o though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_o godly_a yet_o whilst_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o god_n people_n deut._n 26.3_o to_o 11._o and_o continue_v under_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n they_o be_v still_o account_v a_o holy_a seed_n ezr._n 9.2_o and_o so_o their_o child_n be_v partaker_n of_o circumcision_n yea_o further_o though_o themselves_o be_v sometime_o keep_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o passcover_v for_o some_o or_o other_o uncleanness_n yet_o that_o debar_v not_o their_o child_n from_o circumcision_n against_o this_o may_v it_o not_o seem_v vain_a to_o stand_v upon_o a_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o our_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o that_o they_o be_v a_o nationall_n church_n and_o we_o congregationall_a for_o the_o same_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o nationall_n church_n of_o israel_n and_o their_o seed_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o for_o substance_n and_o none_o other_o which_o the_o lord_n make_v with_o any_o congregationall_a church_n and_o our_o seed_n when_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o child_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n we_o and_o our_o child_n be_v engraft_v into_o their_o room_n and_o estate_n rom._n 11.17,19_o so_o that_o we_o be_v now_o become_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d coheire_n concorporate_a and_o compartner_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n in_o jesus_n christ_n eph._n 3.6_o the_o 10._o query_n when_o any_o christian_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n &_o the_o covenant_n thereof_o whether_o be_v it_o regular_a that_o the_o elder_n shall_v take_v all_o the_o trial_n of_o they_o in_o a_o private_a consistory_n alone_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o way_n of_o preparation_n that_o so_o they_o may_v more_o fit_o and_o safe_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o public_a trial_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o be_v it_o not_o meet_v that_o the_o last_o trial_n of_o member_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v approve_v be_v receive_v either_o into_o the_o church_n in_o a_o congregationall_a way_n or_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o a_o presbyterial_a way_n shall_v be_v transact_v before_o the_o church_n for_o as_o no_o member_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church-communion_n but_o by_o the_o judgement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o the_o brethren_n as_o the_o elder_n so_o none_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o with_o the_o approbation_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n the_o 11._o query_n whether_o be_v it_o just_a matter_n of_o offence_n if_o a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o leaven_n of_o corruption_n after_o the_o use_n of_o all_o good_a mean_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o own_o church_n be_v it_o presbyterial_a or_o congregationall_a and_o after_o long_o wait_v for_o the_o same_o in_o vain_a shall_v at_o the_o length_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o out_o of_o conscionable_a desire_n to_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o purity_n quick_o and_o orderly_o remove_v his_o relation_n and_o adjoyne_v himself_o to_o a_o church_n more_o reform_v yet_o not_o condemn_v the_o church_n as_o no_o church_n from_o which_o he_o remove_v for_o if_o a_o man_n may_v remove_v his_o habitation_n for_o outward_a easment_n and_o convenience_n and_o then_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o relation_n be_v easy_o grant_v without_o offence_n then_o why_o may_v he_o not_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o conscience_n remove_v his_o relation_n though_o not_o his_o habitation_n unless_o his_o habitation_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la a_o inseparable_a adjunct_n to_o his_o relation_n or_o his_o relation_n to_o his_o habitation_n christian_n as_o brethren_n be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n gal._n 6.2_o if_o it_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o stay_v in_o communion_n let_v his_o brethren_n ease_v his_o burden_n with_o a_o dismission_n glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o peace_n to_o all_o his_o israel_n unto_o the_o aforesaid_a query_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n this_o also_o may_v brief_o be_v add_v to_o make_v up_o the_o number_n round_o the_o 12._o query_n whether_o it_o be_v unlawful_a or_o may_v be_v true_o account_v a_o necessary_a cause_n of_o disorder_n or_o confusion_n for_o godly_a christian_n live_v in_o several_a precinct_n or_o parish_n not_o far_o distant_a but_o so_o as_o they_o may_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o join_v in_o church-fellowship_n together_o for_o mutual_a spiritual_a edification_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a convenient_a and_o desirable_a thing_n for_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n to_o inhabit_v and_o dwell_v as_o near_o together_o as_o they_o may_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o meeting_n together_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o of_o mutual_a watchfullnesse_n over_o each_o other_o and_o of_o spiritual_a helpfulnesse_n unto_o one_o another_o be_v easy_o grant_v by_o all_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unlawful_a and_o disorderly_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o have_v their_o abide_n and_o residence_n in_o divers_a precinct_n and_o parish_n indeed_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o have_v be_v account_v by_o the_o prelate_n and_o the_o prelatical_a party_n a_o very_a disorderly_a and_o unlawful_a thing_n and_o that_o which_o do_v expose_v to_o the_o great_a of_o their_o spiritual_a censure_n for_o people_n ordinary_o to_o go_v to_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n out_o of_o their_o own_o parish_n
of_o nature_n and_o nation_n or_o suppose_v he_o in_o conscience_n deny_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n or_o such_o and_o such_o book_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v only_o depend_v on_o revelation_n and_o herein_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n leave_v he_o now_o he_o in_o conscience_n think_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o establish_v this_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o all_o other_o which_o to_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o conscience_n to_o oppose_v all_o contrary_a doctrine_n what_o then_o will_v become_v of_o subject_n liberty_n the_o word_n be_v not_o make_v the_o rule_n to_o regulate_v this_o ruler_n conscience_n according_a as_o we_o say_v it_o shall_v for_o if_o that_o be_v so_o his_o rule_n there_o be_v a_o remedy_n and_o way_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o rule_n but_o his_o conscience_n judgement_n and_o fantasy_n touch_v the_o rule_n that_o be_v by_o this_o tenent_n make_v his_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o he_o must_v be_v leave_v free_o to_o act_v without_o restraint_n the_o mischief_n necessary_o follow_v this_o if_o once_o cry_v up_o we_o leave_v to_o such_o of_o our_o opposite_n sad_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o nature_n &_o power_n of_o synod_n the_o second_o question_n quest_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o warrant_v synod_n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v to_o consideration_n three_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o five_o reason_n argument_n argum_fw-la 1_o take_a from_o act_n 15._o a_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n in_o time_n of_o controversy_n and_o danger_n concern_v weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o consider_v dispute_v find_v out_o and_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o establish_v of_o peace_n among_o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o act_n 15._o but_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n in_o time_n of_o controversy_n and_o danger_n concern_v weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o consider_v dispute_v find_v out_o and_o clear_v of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o establish_v of_o peace_n among_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la a_o synod_n be_v found_v upon_o act_n 15._o distin_n 1_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n three_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v and_o some_o objection_n to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o first_o distinction_n be_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o question_n the_o other_o with_o the_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o objection_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o text._n the_o necessity_n of_o synod_n be_v either_o 1_o absolute_a 2_o respective_a synod_n be_v not_o necessary_a absolute_o i._n e._n unto_o the_o being_n but_o respective_o i._n e._n unto_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n distin_n 2_o in_o this_o synod_n some_o thing_n be_v first_o extraordinary_n and_o not_o exemplary_a some_o whereof_o be_v certain_o so_o and_o the_o rest_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o unto_o divers_a as_o 1_o the_o quality_n of_o some_o of_o the_o member_n sc_n apostle_n v._o 6.23_o 2_o the_o style_n v._o 28._o 3_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o sentence_n as_o immediate_o and_o political_o bind_v at_o least_o as_o some_o expound_v the_o place_n 4_o the_o object_n upon_o who_o they_o impose_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o decree_n viz._n absent_a church_n vers_fw-la 23._o chap._n 16.4_o some_o of_o which_o be_v neither_o call_v nor_o have_v ordinary_a member_n or_o messenger_n there_o other_o be_v ordinary_a ergo_fw-la exemplary_a as_o 1_o the_o public_a meeting_n of_o church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n 2_o the_o propound_v of_o matter_n to_o be_v consider_v 3_o the_o dispute_v of_o they_o v._o 7._o 4_o the_o joint_a resolution_n of_o the_o question_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n v._o 15_o 16._o 5_o the_o declaration_n and_o delivery_n thereof_o unto_o the_o church_n to_o be_v accept_v of_o and_o keep_v by_o they_o act_v 16._o v._o 4._o 6_o order_n in_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v elder_n and_o member_n of_o every_o church_n ergo_fw-la here_o be_v assemble_v elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o all_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o some_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o universal_a counsel_n distin_n 3_o hence_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v extraordinary_a so_o it_o may_v warrant_v the_o great_a counsel_n look_v upon_o what_o be_v ordinary_a therein_o and_o so_o it_o warrant_v the_o small_a counsel_n in_o this_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v the_o substantial_o matter_n and_o form_n circumstantials_n constant_o such_o as_o necessary_o accompany_v every_o synod_n occasional_o which_o accompany_v the_o synod_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la i_o e._n according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o time_n and_o this_o place_n that_o which_o be_v command_v as_o continual_o bind_v act_v 15._o be_v the_o circumstantial_o of_o a_o synod_n the_o constant_a circumstantial_o and_o such_o occasional_o as_o be_v to_o edification_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la these_o two_o last_o distinction_n right_o apply_v may_v satisfy_v many_o light_a objection_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o argum_fw-la 2_o take_a by_o proportion_n from_o gal._n 2.2_o if_o in_o time_n of_o controversy_n about_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n who_o know_v the_o truth_n before_o they_o come_v on_o to_o the_o synod_n and_o one_o of_o they_o be_v great_a than_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o testify_a to_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v less_o than_o the_o find_n out_o testify_v to_o carrying_z on_z of_o the_o truth_n if_o warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n by_o themselves_o or_o by_o church-messenger_n either_o of_o which_o be_v a_o synod_n to_o the_o find_v our_o testify_v to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrantable_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o such_o time_n of_o controversy_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n one_o of_o who_o be_v great_a than_o all_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o testify_a to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n gal._n 2.2_o ergo_fw-la in_o such_o time_n of_o controversy_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n by_o themselves_o or_o by_o the_o church-messenger_n either_o of_o which_o be_v a_o synod_n for_o the_o find_v out_o testify_v to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o argument_n proceed_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o lesser_a thus_o if_o the_o truth_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n have_v need_v of_o the_o help_n of_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n then_o in_o like_a time_n it_o have_v much_o more_o need_n of_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n if_o apostle_n at_o such_o time_n have_v need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o other_o apostle_n than_o church_n in_o like_a time_n have_v need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o other_o church_n such_o assembly_n the_o example_n whereof_o be_v record_v and_o approve_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n argum_fw-la 3_o but_o the_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o the_o qualify_a people_n of_o god_n for_o the_o consider_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n be_v such_o assembly_n the_o example_n whereof_o be_v record_v &_o commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n erg_fw-mi the_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a person_n for_o the_o consider_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o script_n prove_v minor_n prove_v ezra_n 7.14_o ezra_n inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n id_fw-la est_fw-la consult_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n 13.2_o david_n consult_v with_o the_o congregation_n concern_v the_o carry_n of_o the_o ark_n to_o its_o place_n 2_o chr._n 30.2_o hezekiah_n have_v take_v counsel_n of_o all_o his_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n on_o in_o jerusalem_n to_o keep_v the_o passeover_n in_o the_o second_o month_n the_o approve_a example_n of_o the_o godly_a of_o imitable_a and_o useful_a nature_n in_o practical_a case_n be_v a_o rule_n unto_o we_o reason_n 1_o from_o the_o cause_n when_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o synod_n remain_v there_o opportunity_n be_v have_v the_o warrantable_a use_n of_o synod_n remain_v but_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o cause_n of_o synod_n remain_v ergo_fw-la under_o the_o gospel_n the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v warrantable_a the_o cause_n of_o synod_n be_v either_o prevent_v remove_v of_o or_o recover_v from_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
the_o covenant_n of_o grace._n discover_v the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o sinner_n reconciliation_n to_o god._n by_o john_n cotton_n minister_n at_o boston_n in_o new_a england_n whereunto_o be_v add_v certain_a query_n tend_v to_o accommodadation_n between_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n also_o a_o discussion_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o same_o author_n london_n print_v by_o m._n s._n for_o francis_n eglesfield_n and_o john_n allen_n at_o the_o marigold_n and_o rise_v sun_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1655._o to_o the_o true_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a my_o ever_o honour_a and_o much_o esteem_v friend_n m_o ris_z catharine_n hodson_n the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n if_o either_o religion_n or_o civility_n have_v any_o virtue_n to_o oblige_v certain_o i_o be_o much_o your_o debtor_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o compliment_n which_o usual_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o the_o vain_a assentation_n to_o promise_v any_o adequate_a satisfaction_n for_o those_o many_o favour_n you_o be_v please_v to_o make_v i_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o design_n of_o these_o few_o line_n be_v to_o testify_v to_o yourself_o and_o the_o world_n that_o i_o be_o real_o thankful_a or_o hearty_o desire_v to_o be_v so_o the_o follow_a treatise_n which_o concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o commend_v rather_o to_o your_o practice_n then_o protection_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o orphan_n entertain_v it_o for_o the_o father_n sake_n and_o i_o shall_v undertake_v you_o shall_v gain_v no_o mean_a satisfaction_n for_o your_o pain_n the_o two_o small_a tract_n at_o the_o end_n be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o first_o the_o reverend_a author_n undertake_v a_o good_a office_n which_o be_v to_o become_v umpire_n betwixt_o dissent_v brethren_n next_o to_o their_o not_o fall_v out_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v to_o agree_v i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o if_o man_n do_v more_o attend_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v less_o particular_a in_o their_o end_n the_o quarrel_n about_o the_o way_n will_v not_o be_v so_o endless_a as_o to_o that_o latter_a tract_n about_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n touch_v the_o first_o table_n of_o late_a day_n it_o have_v fall_v much_o under_o question_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n who_o have_v attend_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o single_a eye_n have_v look_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a rom._n 13.4_o under_o the_o name_n of_o evil_n comprehend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aristot_n eth._n 5._o 13._o whatsoever_o be_v commit_v about_o holy_a thing_n child_n be_v command_v obedience_n to_o their_o parent_n in_o all_o thing_n col._n 3.20_o felius_fw-la inquit_fw-la augustinus_n reges_fw-la si_fw-la svam_fw-la potestatem_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la cultuum_fw-la maximè_fw-la dilatandum_fw-la majestati_fw-la ejus_fw-la famulam_fw-la faciant_fw-la de_fw-fr civet_n dei_fw-la 5._o c._n 14._o all_o thing_n comprehend_v holy_a thing_n and_o the_o command_n of_o a_o father_n be_v less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o which_o relate_v in_o this_o little_a book_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o commend_v to_o your_o special_a meditation_n every_o truth_n have_v its_o value_n but_o not_o of_o equal_a concernment_n unto_o all_o among_o all_o the_o parcel_n of_o sacred_a word_n none_o more_o just_o challenge_v our_o serious_a study_n and_o affectionate_a inquisition_n than_o this_o mystery_n that_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n colos_n 1.26_o comprehend_v in_o the_o covenant_n or_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o constellation_n of_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n communicate_v the_o most_o beneficial_a influence_n of_o rich_a everlasting_a and_o undeserved_a mercy_n by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o need_v of_o lose_v heavy_a load_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o city_n of_o refuge_n and_o sure_a sanctuary_n to_o which_o distress_a soul_n have_v always_o flee_v and_o find_v security_n when_o the_o â—…owes_n and_o the_o wave_n of_o temptation_n have_v beat_v upon_o they_o here_o they_o have_v successful_o cast_v the_o anchor_n of_o their_o hope_n for_o the_o mountain_n shall_v depart_v and_o the_o hill_n be_v remove_v but_o my_o kindness_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o neither_o shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o peace_n be_v remove_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o oh_o thou_o afflict_a and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v i_o will_v etc._n etc._n isai_n 54.10,11,12_o they_o only_o know_v how_o much_o sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n the_o gen._n 33.9,11_o esau_n look_v upon_o his_o substance_n and_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v much_o or_o abundance_n jacob_n look_v upon_o his_o portion_n in_o jehovah_n &_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v all_o thing_n thus_o it_o shall_v be_v translate_v large_a content_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v who_o have_v taste_v the_o grace_n of_o that_o covenant_n the_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o you_o have_v of_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v so_o right_o exercise_v that_o your_o experience_n exceed_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o knowledge_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o administer_v but_o this_o covenant_n be_v our_o grand_a charter_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o our_o hope_n for_o another_o life_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o perusal_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n bespeak_v a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n upon_o your_o meditation_n in_o it_o i_o question_v not_o but_o still_o you_o pursue_v that_o thrive_a course_n in_o religion_n which_o many_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o in_o and_o that_o be_v to_o keep_v off_o from_o unedifying_a dispute_n and_o question_n which_o have_v add_v nothing_o to_o christianity_n but_o discord_n scruple_n and_o a_o loss_n of_o the_o vital_n of_o godliness_n beside_o the_o expense_n of_o precious_a hour_n which_o you_o have_v improve_v to_o more_o considerable_a advantage_n you_o run_v well_o let_v nothing_o hinder_v you_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v wrought_v that_o you_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n live_v as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n for_o the_o land_n of_o immanuel_n be_v a_o excellent_a soil_n the_o pure_a air_n be_v above_o where_o the_o spirit_n breathe_v free_o and_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v a_o condition_n proportionable_a to_o itself_o in_o as_o much_o as_o nothing_o can_v fit_v it_o but_o that_o which_o bear_v some_o similitude_n to_o its_o be_v your_o warfare_n be_v not_o yet_o accomplish_v as_o you_o must_v wrestle_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n so_o you_o must_v wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr supercoelestibus_fw-la eph_n 6.12_o vide_fw-la mat._n 10.32_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mei_fw-la causââ—…_n illius_fw-la causa_fw-la vide_fw-la mat._n 26.21_o all_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o i_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aâ—ovi_fw-la or_o because_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o nature_n of_o satan_n be_v to_o tempt_v and_o we_o have_v that_o in_o our_o nature_n fit_v to_o comply_v with_o any_o temptation_n let_v he_o be_v conqueror_n or_o conquer_v he_o be_v restless_a he_o may_v go_v away_o for_o a_o season_n till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v out_o his_o chain_n and_o then_o he_o come_v again_o be_v we_o faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n provide_v for_o we_o now_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n 1_o pet._n 5.10_o who_o have_v call_v we_o into_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o christ_n jesus_n after_o you_o have_v suffer_v a_o while_n make_v you_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v settle_v you_o so_o pray_v your_o very_a much_o oblige_v friend_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o gospel_n w._n retchfordâ—_n to_o the_o reader_n if_o either_o author_n or_o matter_n may_v tend_v to_o commend_v any_o treatise_n i_o may_v take_v occasion_n from_o both_o these_o respect_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o high_a commendation_n of_o all_o these_o three_o ensue_a treatise_n the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o who_o commendation_n be_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o all_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o epistle_n of_o commendation_n from_o any_o other_o the_o name_n of_o mr._n john_n cotton_n the_o author_n of_o the_o two_o former_a be_v like_o a_o precious_a ointment_n pour_v forth_o and_o although_o his_o bless_a soul_n be_v now_o amid_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v above_o yet_o his_o holy_a work_n and_o labour_v leave_v
in_o many_o fundamental_n both_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n &_o government_n which_o make_v they_o like_a unto_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o apostasy_n of_o jezabel_n the_o generality_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n but_o a_o remnant_n reserve_v through_o grace_n which_o bow_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n 3._o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n many_o of_o the_o church-member_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n reform_v to_o a_o new_a estate_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o the_o fundamental_a corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v purge_v away_o and_o both_o of_o they_o so_o renew_v as_o that_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v discern_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o the_o government_n though_o it_o give_v not_o be_v but_o well-being_n to_o church_n yet_o it_o have_v also_o be_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o into_o better_a order_n unto_o this_o day_n in_o so_o much_o that_o protestant_a church_n have_v renounce_v fellowship_n with_o antichrist_n and_o his_o church_n and_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n which_o if_o it_o reach_v not_o to_o a_o new-churching_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o renuall_a of_o their_o church_n estate_n and_o a_o new_a mould_v of_o they_o into_o a_o more_o holy_a way_n of_o administration_n of_o church-ordinance_n so_o that_o now_o they_o stand_v as_o church_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o world_n both_o of_o antichristian_o and_o of_o pagan_n the_o israelite_n after_o their_o return_n from_o under_o the_o apostasy_n of_o jezabel_n do_v neither_o solemn_o unchurch_n themselves_o of_o their_o former_a corrupt_a estate_n nor_o inchurch_n themselves_o into_o a_o better_a new_a estate_n but_o be_v call_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v bore_v of_o god_n to_o submit_v themselves_o thereto_o though_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o full_a purification_n yet_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o passeover_n together_o with_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o judah_n 2_o chro._n 30.18,19,20_o the_o 2d._o query_n presuppose_v then_o the_o prerbyterian_a congregation_n to_o be_v true_a church_n whether_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o minister_n call_v by_o they_o be_v otherwise_o man_n of_o ministerial_a gift_n be_v true_a minister_n and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v by_o they_o be_v true_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o 3d._o query_n nevertheless_o whether_o may_v it_o not_o be_v just_o doubt_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o both_o church_n be_v sinful_o defective_a the_o presbyterian_a partly_o in_o their_o material_n in_o case_n the_o member_n diverse_a of_o they_o be_v not_o profess_a saint_n but_o either_o ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a and_o apparent_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a partly_o in_o their_o government_n by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n which_o way_n of_o government_n though_o it_o have_v place_n in_o sundry_a case_n in_o the_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v be_v practise_v for_o a_o time_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v oecumeniall_a governor_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n yet_o the_o same_o be_v never_o delegated_a nor_o commend_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o particular_a congregation_n the_o congregationall_a likewise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v excuse_v in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o such_o as_o do_v admit_v all_o manner_n of_o sect_n into_o their_o covenant_n and_o communion_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o seduce_a heretic_n and_o profane_a blasphemer_n the_o 4._o query_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o which_o defect_n be_v it_o not_o much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o member_n of_o presbyterian_a church_n do_v once_o public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o their_o partake_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o john_n baptist_n disciple_n do_v before_o their_o baptism_n and_o as_o member_n of_o congregationall_a church_n do_v before_o their_o admission_n that_o so_o none_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n till_o they_o be_v due_o approve_v to_o be_v man_n of_o knowledge_n sound_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o blameless_a in_o conversation_n and_o further_a also_o whether_o will_v it_o not_o much_o conduce_v to_o a_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a acceptance_n of_o their_o administration_n if_o their_o elder_n in_o the_o classis_fw-la do_v put_v forth_o no_o authoritative_a act_n touch_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n but_o consultative_a only_o nor_o touch_v their_o own_o but_o upon_o hear_v the_o advice_n of_o fellow_n elder_n in_o difficult_a case_n to_o proceed_v each_o one_o with_o the_o cognizance_n and_o consent_n of_o his_o own_o church_n at_o home_n respective_o the_o 5._o query_n for_o want_v or_o neglect_v hereof_o though_o the_o member_n of_o presbyterian_a church_n shall_v discern_v some_o defect_n in_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o their_o church_n yet_o whether_o may_v they_o sudden_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o defect_n and_o due_o and_o patient_o wait_v for_o their_o reformation_n it_o may_v seem_v no_o for_o if_o we_o must_v take_v a_o more_o delatory_a course_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o a_o private_a brother_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n with_o much_o meekness_n and_o patience_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o so_o to_o walk_v towards_o a_o whole_a church_n the_o 6._o query_n such_o a_o brother_n though_o as_o yet_o remain_v a_o member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a church_n yet_o sensible_a of_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o be_v otherwise_o know_v to_o be_v fit_a why_o may_v he_o not_o lawful_o and_o without_o scruple_n be_v receive_v to_o partake_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o occasion_n serve_v in_o a_o congregationall_a church_n for_o such_o a_o one_o be_v both_o a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o cleanse_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o church_n the_o 7._o query_n yea_o suppose_v a_o godly_a christian_a do_v continue_v presbyterian_a in_o his_o judgement_n and_o yet_o do_v approve_v also_o of_o a_o congregationall_a way_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o a_o congregationall_a church_n whether_o may_v he_o not_o in_o due_a order_n be_v lawful_o admit_v and_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a church_n yea_o further_o notwithstanding_o the_o different_a state_n and_o way_n of_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n and_o the_o defect_n which_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o may_v observe_v or_o surmise_v either_o in_o other_o yet_o even_o while_o they_o so_o stand_v and_o walk_v whether_o may_v not_o the_o member_n of_o either_o without_o just_a offence_n mutual_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o affirmative_a seem_v probable_a for_o as_o error_n in_o judgement_n about_o discipline_n be_v not_o a_o heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v christian_a church_n to_o receive_v the_o christian_a jew_n into_o their_o church-fellowship_n who_o yeâ—_n dissent_v from_o they_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o leviticall_a rite_n which_o be_v as_o much_o discrepant_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o order_n of_o worship_n as_o these_o other_o be_v in_o order_n of_o government_n beside_o god_n accept_v cleanness_n of_o heart_n in_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o their_o approach_n to_o his_o table_n though_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o full_a cleanse_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 2_o chron._n 30.18,19,20_o the_o 8._o query_n if_o a_o godly_a minister_n call_v to_o office_n by_o a_o people_n profess_v godliness_n whether_o under_o episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n and_o afterward_o repent_v of_o any_o know_a sin_n in_o his_o way_n shall_v be_v desirous_a of_o a_o more_o pure_a reformation_n whether_o may_v not_o his_o godly_a people_n acknowledge_v his_o ministerial_a call_v without_o sin_n why_o not_o for_o he_o have_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o lawful_a call_v before_o in_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o his_o godly_a people_n and_o in_o his_o own_o free_a acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o call_n nevertheless_o if_o any_o of_o his_o godly_a people_n shall_v stumble_v at_o his_o former_a call_v whether_o may_v not_o a_o more_o select_a company_n and_o body_n of_o the_o people_n renew_v their_o call_n of_o he_o and_o there_o to_o accept_v the_o concurrence_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o whether_o may_v not_o he_o also_o do_v well_o instead_o of_o stiff_a stand_n upon_o the_o validiy_n of_o his_o former_a call_v to_o condescend_v to_o renew_v his_o