power_n to_o judge_v in_o she_o these_o thing_n be_v nor_o incompatible_a when_o she_o accuse_v you_o can_v implead_v she_o for_o her_o bill_n be_v good_a in_o law_n when_o she_o witness_v you_o can_v disprove_v she_o for_o she_o be_v present_a at_o the_o fact_n when_o she_o judge_v you_o can_v appeal_v from_o she_o for_o there_o be_v no_o high_a power_n on_o earth_n therefore_o let_v we_o take_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n either_o in_o his_o estate_n corrupt_v or_o regenerate_v we_o see_v all_o human_a power_n be_v below_o and_o consequent_o can_v have_v no_o power_n to_o constrain_v she_o as_o the_o sight_n can_v be_v force_v to_o discern_v that_o cloth_n black_a which_o be_v white_a nor_o the_o taste_n to_o judge_v honey_n bitter_a which_o be_v sweet_a no_o more_o can_v the_o conscience_n be_v any_o way_n compel_v to_o allow_v that_o which_o she_o condemn_v or_o condemn_v that_o which_o she_o allow_v there_o be_v two_o engine_n common_o make_v use_n of_o to_o bâ—tter_n the_o 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and_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o the_o conscience_n still_o triumph_v she_o be_v free_a though_o the_o hand_n be_v bind_v and_o the_o foot_n be_v fetter_v this_o be_v well_o know_v by_o that_o constant_a martyr_n who_o stand_v out_o the_o brunt_n of_o both_o disputare_fw-la non_fw-la possum_fw-la mori_fw-la possum_fw-la dispute_v i_o can_v but_o i_o can_v die_v and_o so_o refute_v both_o your_o argument_n and_o your_o torment_n death_n be_v the_o uttermost_a that_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o man_n can_v do_v and_o no_o man_n but_o he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v as_o well_o die_v with_o a_o free_a conscience_n as_o live_v in_o it_o but_o some_o man_n may_v say_v have_v not_o many_o for_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o disgrace_n renownce_v the_o truth_n against_o their_o conscience_n many_o have_v indeed_o but_o in_o do_v thereof_o they_o have_v rather_o defile_v their_o conscience_n then_o force_v it_o for_o still_o it_o be_v their_o own_o voluntary_a act_n judge_v by_o a_o false_a erroneous_a light_n that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o forsake_v christ_n then_o to_o lose_v their_o estate_n honour_n or_o their_o life_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o own_o act_n appear_v by_o the_o punishment_n which_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n will_v lay_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o not_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o who_o go_v about_o to_o constrain_v they_o 2._o nevertheless_o the_o conscience_n sit_v like_o a_o queen_n iâ—_z the_o soul_n of_o man_n command_v over_o all_o and_o uncontrolled_a by_o any_o human_a power_n yet_o she_o vail_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o high_a power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n by_o which_o she_o stand_v bind_v to_o give_v full_a obedience_n under_o the_o fearful_a penalty_n of_o rebellion_n and_o sin_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_a but_o the_o word_n of_o man_n very_o deceitful_a any_o thing_n propound_v without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v demonstrative_a in_o 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excellent_a moral_a precept_n for_o the_o plant_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o to_o admirable_a law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o society_n and_o statute_n whereof_o many_o of_o they_o in_o both_o kind_n have_v be_v ratify_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n reveal_v which_o plain_o declare_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o beam_n and_o remainder_n of_o that_o divine_a light_n which_o be_v at_o first_o infuse_v into_o our_o nature_n afterwards_o obscure_v by_o disobedience_n and_o again_o restore_v by_o regeneration_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n all_o light_n we_o know_v transmit_v and_o dispute_v itself_o ad_fw-la modum_fw-la recipientis_fw-la to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o receiver_n it_o leave_v stone_n wall_n in_o darkness_n but_o shade_v itself_o through_o glass-window_n now_o transparent_a body_n be_v like_o illuminate_a soul_n where_o jesus_n christ_n the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n enter_v there_o be_v light_a indeed_o there_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v so_o already_o enlighten_v that_o they_o can_v judge_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v judge_v of_o nothing_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o swerve_v not_o from_o the_o touchstone_n of_o judgement_n the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v a_o law_n of_o liberty_n rather_o free_v then_o bind_v we_o up_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v true_o so_o call_v because_o it_o free_v we_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n the_o servitude_n of_o lust_n and_o captivity_n of_o satan_n but_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o release_v we_o from_o sin_n it_o bind_v we_o to_o obedience_n and_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v perfect_a freedom_n there_o be_v a_o friendly_a way_n in_o the_o conversation_n of_o man_n to_o bind_v those_o who_o keep_v a_o loose_a governance_n of_o themselves_o from_o hurtful_a thing_n some_o from_o wine_n some_o from_o fruit_n some_o from_o unwholesome_a food_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o irregular_a appetite_n such_o be_v the_o singular_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o to_o tie_v up_o by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o word_n our_o unruly_a and_o inordinate_a appetite_n from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a thing_n which_o will_v prove_v our_o poison_n and_o perdition_n in_o which_o regard_n we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o rejoice_v in_o these_o bond_n which_o be_v not_o iron_n of_o imprisonment_n but_o bond_n of_o perfection_n retain_v and_o with_o hold_v we_o from_o relapse_v into_o sin_n and_o lead_v of_o we_o into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o these_o bone_n there_o be_v no_o constraint_n for_o god_n himself_o who_o make_v we_o by_o his_o word_n and_o can_v dissolve_v we_o at_o his_o pleasure_n will_v not_o use_v his_o power_n to_o constrain_v we_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o a_o force_a worship_n but_o only_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o willing_a obedience_n by_o set_v of_o we_o free_a 3._o the_o conscience_n therefore_o unconstrained_a in_o itself_o yet_o tie_v up_o by_o the_o word_n stand_v bind_v to_o obey_v these_o law_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o light_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o for_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n speak_v according_a to_o god_n word_n be_v like_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n among_o man_n where_o god_n have_v speak_v clear_o and_o express_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n there_o need_v no_o other_o law_n but_o his_o own_o and_o so_o he_o have_v do_v in_o all_o matter_n that_o concern_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n or_o our_o salvation_n but_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o punctual_o determine_v only_o leave_v they_o
wrap_v up_o in_o general_a precept_n it_o behoove_v we_o to_o learn_v from_o his_o deputy_n upon_o earth_n ask_v council_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o his_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n be_v and_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o outward_a rite_n form_n and_o circumstance_n of_o his_o evangelical_a worship_n these_o thing_n fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o be_v rather_o civil_a notion_n then_o divine_a yet_o as_o army_n in_o the_o field_n easy_o fall_v into_o a_o rout_n not_o well_o array_v so_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n and_o church_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n prove_v but_o rude_a and_o tumultuous_a meeting_n if_o they_o be_v not_o decent_o order_v a_o lute_n or_o viol_n be_v see_v play_v upon_o but_o there_o be_v much_o ado_n to_o tune_v many_o instrument_n into_o one_o consort_n private_a christian_n may_v dispose_v of_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o house_n but_o when_o they_o meet_v in_o a_o public_a body_n they_o must_v be_v tune_v by_o the_o public_a magistrate_n the_o world_n will_v never_o have_v stand_v without_o society_n nor_o can_v society_n hold_v without_o government_n neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o government_n where_o some_o rule_n not_o and_o some_o obey_v all_o the_o question_n be_v to_o set_v due_a limit_n and_o bound_n to_o the_o civil_a government_n wherein_o i_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v the_o self_n the_o same_o measure_n betwixt_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o conscience_n for_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o obey_v so_o it_o prescribe_v the_o magistrate_n to_o govern_v otherwise_o if_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n forbid_v the_o apostle_n to_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n so_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o people_n contrary_a to_o divine_a law_n or_o the_o word_n reveal_v the_o case_n be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n these_o rub_v thus_o remove_v in_o our_o way_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o solve_n of_o such_o objection_n as_o be_v common_o make_v by_o those_o brethren_n that_o challenge_v a_o liberty_n and_o exemption_n from_o this_o lawful_a obedience_n 1._o first_o they_o build_v upon_o our_o own_o ground_n allege_v that_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o free_a and_o voluntary_a in_o itself_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o manifest_a violation_n of_o her_o freedom_n to_o constrain_v she_o by_o law_n or_o penalty_n or_o imposition_n of_o man_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o must_v remember_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o constraint_n and_o the_o restraint_n of_o man_n conscience_n no_o law_n nor_o power_n of_o man_n can_v constrain_v the_o conscience_n in_o her_o voluntary_a act_n to_o go_v against_o she_o own_o light_n or_o approve_v that_o which_o she_o condemn_v or_o say_v to_o herself_o conscience_n i_o lie_v no_o she_o may_v and_o aught_o rather_o to_o suffer_v then_o undergo_v such_o a_o constraint_n but_o the_o law_n of_o man_n may_v so_o far_o restrain_v their_o liberty_n that_o she_o produce_v not_o the_o act_n of_o her_o private_a sense_n and_o freedom_n into_o hurtful_a effect_n such_o as_o may_v endanger_v and_o disturb_v our_o christian_a and_o public_a peace_n it_o have_v be_v always_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a and_o appetition_n for_o error_n to_o beget_v error_n and_o opinion_n to_o spread_v opinion_n as_o for_o one_o kind_n to_o generate_v and_o multiply_v the_o same_o insomuch_o when_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n will_v not_o be_v limit_v nor_o contain_v within_o itself_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v restrain_v and_o inhibit_v from_o infect_v other_o and_o disperse_v the_o contagion_n 2._o second_o it_o may_v be_v again_o object_v that_o although_o it_o be_v grant_v nothing_o can_v bind_v the_o conscience_n but_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o no_o word_n of_o scrirture_n be_v produce_v express_o confirm_v this_o from_o of_o polity_n and_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v it_o will_v plain_o follow_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v therein_o leave_v unto_o their_o liberty_n to_o give_v a_o full_a answer_n hereunto_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o take_v the_o frame_n of_o this_o government_n in_o piece_n as_o the_o levite_n do_v the_o tabernacle_n when_o they_o remove_v their_o tent_n and_o then_o bring_v it_o piece_n by_o piece_n to_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n to_o see_v what_o be_v thereby_o confirm_v and_o what_o unfirm_v but_o because_o this_o be_v already_o do_v by_o divers_a worthy_a brethren_n of_o the_o holy_a call_n i_o shall_v forbear_v to_o insert_v their_o volume_n into_o these_o few_o sheet_n and_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v either_o express_o or_o by_o good_a consequence_n include_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o not_o repugnant_a to_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o presbytery_n itself_o where_o the_o government_n be_v inherent_a i_o hear_v no_o question_n make_v but_o that_o it_o be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o main_a doubt_n and_o difference_n be_v whither_o it_o be_v independent_a in_o particular_a congregation_n subordinate_a to_o synod_n and_o assembly_n as_o the_o urgency_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n may_v require_v those_o brethren_n that_o maintain_v independency_n of_o single_a congregation_n stand_v upon_o a_o ground_n feeble_a and_o unfirm_a say_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n but_o only_o congregational_a in_o which_o alone_o all_o government_n be_v confine_v this_o assertion_n will_v hold_v no_o further_o true_a then_o in_o such_o church_n as_o be_v gather_v while_o christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n then_o indeed_o we_o may_v conceive_v that_o the_o first_o evangelical_a church_n consist_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o afterwards_o of_o the_o disciple_n but_o when_o christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o earth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n increase_v so_o much_o in_o several_a city_n as_o one_o congregation_n can_v not_o contain_v they_o their_o manner_n be_v to_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a meeting_n accordinp_v to_o the_o commodity_n of_o their_o habitation_n in_o the_o say_a city_n or_o else_o as_o it_o may_v most_o stand_v with_o their_o safety_n now_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o their_o coadjutor_n the_o evangelist_n and_o other_o founder_n of_o church_n under_o they_o do_v usual_o constitute_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n but_o not_o in_o every_o congregation_n who_o have_v power_n in_o common_a and_o colleâ—gially_o to_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a flock_n though_o several_o congregat_v in_o the_o same_o city_n thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o antiochia_n of_o ephesus_n of_o corinth_n of_o philippi_n and_o many_o mo_z where_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v enlarge_v whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o time_n succeed_v those_o primitive_a church_n be_v city_n church_n consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n and_o not_o congregational_a as_o be_v pretend_v independent_a within_o themselves_o true_a it_o be_v the_o city_n church_n be_v common_o independent_a within_o itself_o but_o thereof_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o city_n in_o their_o civil_a policy_n be_v free_a and_o unsubject_v otherwise_o the_o government_n of_o the_o city_n church_n reach_v as_o far_o as_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o city_n if_o all_o this_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v make_v most_o evident_a by_o the_o unpartial_a searcher_n of_o antiquity_n we_o may_v herein_o observe_v a_o pattern_n though_o not_o a_o precept_n for_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n for_o if_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n a_o city_n church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n by_o the_o same_o proportion_n according_a to_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n a_o provincial_n church_n may_v consist_v of_o many_o city_n and_o a_o national_a church_n of_o many_o province_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o many_o nation_n the_o low_a step_n be_v lay_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o high_a step_n be_v a_o point_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o from_o the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a there_o be_v no_o passage_n but_o by_o gradation_n which_o be_v the_o scale_n of_o that_o government_n now_o hold_v forth_o by_o parliament_n but_o to_o this_o may_v be_v reply_v all_o this_o that_o you_o say_v be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o that_o have_v no_o power_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n which_o must_v have_v a_o word_n infallible_a to_o rest_n upon_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o government_n we_o have_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n whereof_o neither_o part_n doubt_v for_o the_o frame_n and_o
hereunto_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o magistrate_n pretend_v not_o to_o take_v power_n upon_o himself_o as_o a_o man_n equal_a to_o his_o brethren_n but_o the_o power_n he_o have_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o he_o hold_v by_o commission_n from_o god_n his_o office_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o power_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o rule_v for_o good_a aim_v at_o the_o public_a order_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n we_o read_v that_o of_o necessity_n he_o must_v be_v obey_v a_o double_a necessity_n both_o for_o fear_n of_o bodily_a punishment_n god_n have_v put_v into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n a_o sword_n of_o justice_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v into_o the_o minister_n as_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o fear_v of_o divine_a punishment_n for_o man_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o break_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n shall_v certain_o not_o go_v unpunished_a conscience_n therefore_o yield_v sometime_o in_o lawful_a as_o well_o as_o in_o absolute_a necessary_a thing_n this_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o which_o express_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o we_o nowhere_o find_v that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n in_o such_o thing_n we_o shall_v disobey_v he_o if_o any_o reply_n that_o if_o all_o this_o collect_v and_o speak_v to_o maintain_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v before_o allege_v in_o the_o time_n of_o episcopal_a prelacy_n who_o by_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o magistrate_n to_o their_o cause_n impose_v and_o enjoin_v what_o they_o please_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o they_o argue_v very_o strong_o for_o uphold_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o far_o that_o by_o exalt_v his_o will_n they_o diminish_v his_o power_n but_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o excess_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o their_o government_n have_v be_v as_o good_a as_o their_o argument_n or_o have_v they_o stick_v as_o close_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o frame_v their_o cannon_n and_o injunction_n as_o they_o do_v in_o assert_v the_o lawful_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n no_o man_n can_v have_v just_o be_v grieve_v in_o conscience_n but_o their_o government_n be_v bad_a in_o itself_o can_v not_o be_v better_v by_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o argument_n but_o it_o may_v be_v rejoin_v again_o that_o for_o all_o this_o the_o scripture_n do_v nowhere_o appoint_v or_o confirm_v this_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o and_o establish_v by_o the_o state_n and_o therefore_o just_a it_o be_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v in_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n whether_o they_o will_v conform_v thereunto_o or_o no_o this_o have_v in_o part_n be_v answer_v before_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o compel_v any_o man_n to_o conform_v thereunto_o against_o his_o conscience_n neither_o can_v he_o do_v it_o although_o he_o so_o intend_v and_o therefore_o in_o effect_n that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a feign_a and_o frivolous_a plea_n to_o pretend_v that_o liberty_n against_o the_o magistrate_n which_o no_o magistrate_n can_v constrain_v only_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o faith_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n so_o we_o may_v say_v in_o this_o case_n have_v thou_o liberty_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o betwixt_o god_n and_o thou_o till_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o a_o further_a light_n and_o a_o liberty_n to_o obey_v as_o well_o as_o to_o disobey_v but_o if_o thou_o content_v not_o thy_o self_n with_o this_o sober_a and_o moderate_a liberty_n but_o whilst_o also_o leap_v over_o the_o hedge_n and_o withdraw_v other_o from_o their_o christian_a obedience_n then_o thou_o run_v upon_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n for_o the_o common_a good_a by_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o restrain_v thy_o inordinate_a and_o offensive_a liberty_n that_o it_o disturb_v not_o the_o public_a peace_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o although_o this_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o every_o part_n and_o parcel_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v be_v not_o express_o command_v in_o scripture_n as_o likewise_o no_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n whatsoever_o yet_o much_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o approbation_n of_o it_o and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o scripture_n first_o government_n by_o a_o presbytery_n be_v express_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n second_o for_o execution_n thereof_o some_o general_a rule_n be_v also_o clear_o express_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n without_o contention_n and_o for_o edification_n three_o to_o who_o can_v we_o imagine_v the_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o edification_n shall_v belong_v but_o only_o to_o the_o magistrate_n assist_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o minister_n wherein_o we_o find_v another_o express_a command_n that_o the_o magistrate_n so_o judge_v for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v obey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n bring_v we_o this_o cause_n to_o a_o pair_n of_o scale_n and_o there_o we_o shall_v see_v it_o decide_v put_v into_o one_o scale_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o magistrate_n into_o the_o other_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a man_n put_v into_o either_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o both_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o judgement_n put_v in_o again_o that_o upon_o search_n therein_o they_o meet_v with_o two_o several_a government_n neither_o of_o they_o direct_o command_v nor_o direct_o forbid_v nor_o yet_o unconsonant_a to_o the_o word_n hitherto_o the_o beam_n go_v even_o betwixt_o they_o search_v again_o what_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o more_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o express_a word_n of_o god_n command_v every_o private_a soul_n to_o obey_v the_o high_a power_n judge_v and_o govern_v for_o good_a and_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n put_v this_o into_o the_o magistrate_n scale_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o preponderate_v till_o we_o can_v find_v any_o other_o word_n that_o bid_v the_o high_a power_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o low_a and_o indeed_o be_v there_o no_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n may_v convince_v we_o for_o if_o we_o allow_v that_o reason_n shall_v rule_v our_o affection_n we_o must_v also_o allow_v the_o magistrate_n to_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o when_o any_o difference_n arise_v between_o they_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o pretend_v to_o judge_v by_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a rule_n reason_n require_v that_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v stand_v and_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n but_o be_v wise_a with_o sobriety_n suffer_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v overruled_a by_o their_o ruler_n who_o office_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o good_a in_o the_o order_n of_o such_o thing_n while_o thing_n be_v debate_v every_o one_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o speak_v their_o conscience_n but_o when_o thing_n be_v determine_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n must_v yield_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n otherwise_o that_o sweet_a harmony_n will_v be_v break_v which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o world_n between_o party_n command_v and_o party_n obey_v wherein_o alone_o consist_v the_o outward_a happiness_n of_o all_o society_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o disclaim_v not_o civil_a obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n hope_v that_o in_o time_n they_o will_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n cease_v to_o contend_v against_o this_o government_n for_o that_o it_o be_v now_o indeed_o or_o intend_v to_o be_v make_v a_o civil_a sanction_n and_o a_o statute_n law_n and_o then_o deny_v subjection_n thereunto_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n may_v aswell_o transport_v they_o to_o claim_v exemption_n from_o many_o other_o civil_a law_n if_o one_o of_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o murder_n and_o know_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v innocent_a and_o have_v besideâ—_z twenty_o witness_n to_o clear_v he_o yet_o if_o one_o single_a witness_n shall_v make_v oath_n against_o he_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o king_n he_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n may_v he_o not_o stand_v upon_o term_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o his_o innocence_n and_o just_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o obey_v this_o law_n and_o suffer_v sentence_n be_v innocent_a suppose_v another_o have_v
live_v many_o year_n separate_v from_o his_o wife_n in_o which_o time_n she_o have_v divers_a child_n by_o another_o man_n by_o the_o law_n he_o shall_v be_v enjoin_v to_o father_n they_o all_o may_v he_o not_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o father_n of_o another_o man_n child_n many_o such_o example_n may_v be_v bring_v wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n seem_v to_o have_v more_o just_a pretence_n to_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n from_o such_o civil_a law_n then_o from_o this_o law_n of_o government_n so_o full_o debate_v and_o â—o_z due_o establish_v beside_o inasmuch_o as_o our_o brethren_n require_v a_o toleration_n of_o their_o own_o government_n they_o do_v tacit_o acknowledge_v a_o power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n to_o gratify_v they_o or_o deny_v they_o and_o consequent_o they_o may_v also_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o power_n be_v either_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a if_o it_o be_v lawful_a they_o be_v with_o we_o bind_v to_o obey_v it_o if_o unlawful_a they_o be_v bind_v to_o disprove_v it_o which_o when_o they_o go_v â—bout_o godly_a pen_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o endeavour_v to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n 4._o moreover_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v impose_v by_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n not_o direct_o specify_v in_o his_o word_n fall_v under_o the_o condemnation_n of_o will-worship_n human_a tradition_n or_o invention_n of_o man_n this_o be_v too_o large_a a_o assertion_n to_o be_v ever_o well_o prove_v for_o it_o be_v true_a neither_o way_n neither_o whatsoever_o be_v omit_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v reject_v as_o will-worship_n nor_o whatsoever_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v retain_v of_o perpetual_a necessity_n we_o read_v that_o the_o first_o administration_n of_o baptism_n use_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o open_a river_n which_o with_o we_o will_v be_v think_v rude_a and_o dangerous_a the_o saint_n have_v a_o custom_n in_o the_o close_a of_o their_o holy_a meeting_n to_o salute_v one_o another_o with_o a_o holy_a kiss_n which_o in_o our_o congregation_n may_v be_v think_v carnal_a and_o lascivious_a they_o also_o be_v wont_a after_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o bless_a eucharist_n to_o bring_v their_o provision_n together_o and_o make_v love-feast_n which_o among_o we_o will_v be_v esteem_v loose_a and_o luxurious_a when_o a_o brother_n or_o sister_n be_v sick_a the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v send_v for_o to_o pray_v over_o they_o and_o anoint_v they_o with_o oil_n which_o in_o our_o visitation_n may_v be_v hold_v superstitious_a or_o perhaps_o fit_a for_o a_o physician_n than_o a_o minister_n all_o these_o custom_n and_o many_o other_o pass_v with_o edification_n in_o the_o innocency_n and_o infancy_n of_o these_o first_o time_n which_o not_o consort_a with_o we_o be_v universal_o disuse_v on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o seat_n and_o gesture_n of_o the_o worshipper_n the_o manner_n of_o public_a pray_v and_o preach_v of_o sing_v of_o psalm_n of_o collect_v alm_n of_o assemble_v and_o dismiss_v the_o people_n the_o form_n of_o administration_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n concerning_o the_o outward_a public_a communion_n of_o saint_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n undeclare_v in_o scripture_n yet_o in_o full_a use_n and_o practise_v among_o we_o without_o offence_n that_o therefore_o must_v be_v understand_v for_o a_o will-worship_n and_o human_a invention_n which_o be_v set_v up_o for_o some_o human_a and_o carnal_a end_n repugnant_a to_o god_n word_n and_o to_o his_o glory_n 5._o there_o be_v yet_o remain_v two_o more_o objection_n arise_v from_o two_o contrary_a ground_n one_o from_o pretence_n of_o weakness_n the_o other_a from_o presumption_n of_o strength_n those_o that_o lay_v forth_o the_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n forget_v not_o to_o produce_v those_o heavenly_a exhortation_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o bruise_v the_o break_a reed_n nor_o offend_v the_o least_o of_o the_o little_a one_o nor_o cast_v stumble_v block_n before_o our_o brethren_n nor_o use_v our_o liberty_n to_o the_o destroy_n of_o the_o weak_a but_o rather_o spread_v the_o cover_n of_o love_n over_o our_o brethren_n infirmity_n to_o raise_v up_o one_o another_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o please_v one_o another_o for_o good_a edification_n yea_o rather_o to_o abstain_v from_o matter_n which_o we_o think_v lawful_a then_o to_o compel_v other_o to_o thing_n they_o judge_v unlawful_a this_o they_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o pattern_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o practise_v among_o the_o faithful_a which_o because_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o deny_v i_o shall_v only_o examine_v how_o fit_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o controversy_n in_o hand_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o force_n to_o absolve_v weak_a brethren_n from_o their_o due_a obedience_n to_o god_n magistrate_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o those_o excellent_a rule_n set_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n for_o tender_v of_o weak_a conscience_n receive_v a_o double_a limitation_n first_o they_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o time_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o their_o carriage_n one_o towards_o another_o for_o in_o the_o apostle_n age_n nor_o long_o after_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n neither_o christian_n kingdom_n commonwealth_n nor_o magistrate_n whereby_o these_o ruler_n be_v neither_o give_v to_o they_o who_o be_v not_o then_o in_o be_v nor_o for_o aught_o we_o find_v intend_v so_o for_o they_o when_o god_n shall_v raise_v they_o up_o in_o his_o church_n the_o contrary_a rather_o appear_v for_o christ_n himself_o come_v to_o set_v up_o a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o his_o church_n intend_v only_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n but_o not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n those_o he_o leave_v stand_v not_o refuse_v to_o pay_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n tribute_n to_o caesar_n nor_o yet_o to_o answer_v before_o the_o court_n and_o tribunal_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o christ_n example_n the_o apostle_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o instruct_v the_o faithful_a that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o circumspexion_n without_o blame_n or_o reproach_n lest_o if_o they_o shall_v transgress_v the_o law_n or_o commit_v scandal_n or_o fall_v into_o division_n among_o themselves_o they_o shall_v make_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o holy_a profession_n which_o they_o have_v undertake_v to_o be_v blaspheme_v among_o the_o heathen_a ordain_v they_o moreover_o to_o make_v prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o all_o in_o authority_n and_o to_o give_v they_o obedience_n for_o conscience_n sake_n indeed_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v a_o law_n of_o liberty_n because_o through_o christ_n it_o free_v we_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n the_o slavery_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n not_o because_o it_o discharge_v we_o of_o our_o christian_a duty_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o which_o case_n it_o give_v no_o liberty_n nor_o exemption_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n subject_v the_o believer_n of_o those_o time_n both_o by_o their_o precept_n and_o practice_n to_o unbeâ—ieving_v power_n it_o be_v never_o their_o meaning_n to_o exempt_v the_o faithful_a of_o our_o time_n from_o their_o due_a obedience_n to_o chrsitian_n and_o believe_a magistrate_n second_o these_o evangelical_a rule_n for_o the_o ease_n of_o tender_a conscience_n respect_v especial_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n consist_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o convert_v jew_n and_o convert_v gentile_n the_o jew_n train_v up_o in_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o they_o know_v be_v appoint_v by_o god_n make_v a_o conscience_n of_o meat_n and_o day_n and_o other_o rite_n and_o rudiment_n of_o the_o time_n as_o yet_o not_o convince_v that_o they_o be_v abolish_v by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n these_o be_v then_o the_o weak_a christian_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o gentile_n be_v full_o instruct_v in_o their_o liberty_n that_o they_o may_v use_v they_o or_o not_o use_v they_o as_o they_o please_v they_o be_v then_o the_o strong_a christian_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o charity_n aright_o and_o preserve_v these_o dissent_v brethren_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o bond_n of_o peace_n give_v these_o rule_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o the_o strong_a shall_v not_o despise_v the_o weak_a nor_o the_o weak_a censure_v the_o strong_a because_o whether_o they_o eat_v or_o eat_v not_o they_o do_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v of_o he_o accept_v and_o be_v both_o accept_v of_o the_o lord_n they_o
ought_v not_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o one_o another_o in_o this_o case_n therefore_o thing_n by_o nature_n indifferent_a shall_v make_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o brethren_n but_o so_o to_o be_v use_v or_o not_o use_v that_o now_o and_o then_o for_o charity_n sake_n the_o expediency_n of_o they_o shall_v suspend_v their_o lawfulness_n this_o be_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n instruct_v private_a christian_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o though_o they_o reach_v not_o the_o magistrate_n in_o his_o office_n yet_o they_o do_v in_o his_o profession_n have_v give_v up_o his_o name_n to_o christ_n and_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a society_n and_o have_v our_o religious_a magistrate_n transgress_v these_o rule_n let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o tender_a conscience_n many_o grievance_n be_v complain_v of_o in_o the_o episcopal_a time_n which_o the_o parliament_n have_v remove_v they_o have_v take_v away_o consecration_n of_o day_n and_o place_n the_o superstition_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n image_n and_o altar_n cross_n and_o surplice_n the_o usurpation_n of_o spiritual_a court_n and_o temporal_a bishop_n which_o be_v all_o abuse_v with_o a_o danger_n to_o introduce_v popery_n and_o idolatry_n will_v not_o these_o thing_n satisfy_v weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n unless_o they_o take_v away_o government_n also_o which_o be_v command_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n therefore_o we_o must_v know_v that_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o public_a assembly_n be_v no_o indifferent_a thing_n nor_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o their_o number_n god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n comeliness_n and_o peace_n and_o when_o the_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o be_v right_o order_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n deduct_v from_o the_o general_n rule_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n and_o settle_v by_o just_a and_o lawful_a authority_n it_o be_v no_o long_o leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o any_o man_n subject_a to_o the_o same_o authority_n to_o conform_v or_o not_o conform_v thereunto_o as_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a much_o less_o to_o pretend_v that_o because_o their_o conscience_n can_v approve_v thereof_o it_o shall_v be_v permit_v to_o they_o to_o set_v up_o another_o government_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a demand_n that_o while_o they_o deny_v obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n law_n they_o shall_v nevertheless_o seek_v for_o liberty_n and_o power_n from_o they_o to_o overthrow_v their_o own_o order_n and_o make_v they_o cross_a shinn_n with_o their_o own_o authority_n the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o liberty_n purchase_v by_o christ_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o support_v one_o another_o for_o they_o be_v both_o truth_n avow_v in_o the_o word_n and_o no_o truth_n can_v overthrow_v another_o and_o if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o a_o weak_a conscience_n though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o error_n yet_o till_o it_o be_v convince_v shall_v sin_v in_o obey_v the_o truth_n it_o may_v be_v reply_v a_o fortiorâ—_n that_o the_o magistrate_n determine_v the_o truth_n can_v tolerate_v any_o error_n without_o sin_v against_o his_o conscience_n and_o partake_v of_o those_o error_n he_o condemn_v 6._o but_o the_o other_o objection_n proceed_v from_o a_o conceit_n of_o strength_n march_v with_o more_o assurance_n for_o some_o imagine_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o grace_n and_o free_v from_o sin_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v consequent_o in_o a_o state_n of_o peâ—ection_n able_a to_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o deliver_v from_o all_o law_n of_o man_n for_o lex_fw-la non_fw-la ponitur_fw-la justo_fw-la they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o repentance_n be_v secure_v from_o fall_v nor_o much_o of_o faith_n be_v already_o in_o fruition_n they_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o under_o no_o magistrate_n above_o all_o penalty_n as_o if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o flesh_n have_v shake_v off_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n and_o climb_v up_o to_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o sin_n nor_o sorrow_n this_o be_v a_o sweet_a fancy_n to_o they_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o all_o will_v hardâ—y_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v remove_v by_o force_n of_o argumentation_n otherwise_o we_o may_v say_v that_o never_o any_o man_n be_v without_o sin_n but_o christ_n alone_o who_o be_v like_o to_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n sin_v except_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n feel_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n which_o make_v he_o do_v that_o he_o will_v not_o and_o will_v that_o he_o do_v not_o he_o bid_v we_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a not_o with_o surquedry_n and_o presumption_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a and_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o perfect_a we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n many_o such_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o convince_v this_o opinion_n but_o it_o refute_v itself_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o condition_n of_o humanity_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n work_v against_o his_o will_n his_o will_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v militant_a in_o this_o life_n wherefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v triumphant_a till_o the_o war_n be_v do_v his_o will_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v grow_v to_o our_o full_a stature_n by_o degree_n and_o scale_v the_o ladder_n of_o heaven_n not_o be_v take_v up_o in_o a_o whirlwind_n his_o will_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v tempt_v and_o buffet_v and_o fall_v and_o rise_v that_o see_v our_o frailty_n and_o our_o misery_n we_o shall_v seek_v for_o the_o renew_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o every_o day_n beg_v our_o daily_a pardon_n more_o due_o than_o our_o daily_a bread_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o strength_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v abstain_v awhile_o from_o food_n but_o by_o corruption_n of_o nature_n we_o can_v abstain_v awhit_o from_o sin_n this_o error_n puff_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o unstable_a man_n have_v heretofore_o bring_v forth_o furious_a and_o pernicious_a effect_n the_o story_n of_o john_n a_o leyden_n and_o knipperdolling_n and_o of_o their_o frenzy_n at_o munster_n be_v not_o yet_o forget_v i_o pray_v god_n our_o time_n be_v not_o pregnant_a of_o some_o such_o monster_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o so_o many_o in_o our_o day_n separate_a from_o their_o brethren_n as_o if_o all_o other_o be_v profane_a why_o do_v they_o gather_v in_o heap_n together_o like_o bile_n and_o ulcer_n draw_v the_o corruption_n with_o they_o and_o yet_o say_v the_o body_n be_v unclean_a in_o such_o manner_n begin_v they_o of_o munster_n they_o take_v upon_o they_o a_o garb_n of_o simplicity_n they_o seem_v grave_a and_o deject_v fervent_a in_o long_a prayer_n full_a of_o revelation_n lament_v the_o fashion_n and_o profaneness_n of_o the_o time_n contemn_v honour_n despise_v money_n and_o neglect_v matrimony_n wish_v and_o weep_v for_o reformation_n by_o such_o hypocrisy_n they_o captivate_v weak_a and_o wander_a soul_n who_o take_v they_o only_o to_o be_v the_o little_a flock_n of_o heaven_n that_o live_v among_o wolf_n and_o be_v persecute_v on_o earth_n till_o have_v make_v up_o their_o muster_n and_o assemble_v their_o troop_n they_o set_v up_o a_o standard_n call_v the_o multitude_n into_o their_o snare_n under_o the_o promise_n and_o proclamation_n of_o liberty_n now_o the_o bless_a time_n be_v come_v that_o the_o meek_a shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n that_o the_o king_n and_o potentate_n and_o adonibezeck_n of_o this_o world_n who_o have_v do_v despite_n and_o violence_n to_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v break_v with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o dash_v in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n thence_o they_o fall_v into_o revelation_n and_o find_v it_o write_v in_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o john_n a_o leyden_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v king_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o rule_v the_o nation_n in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o power_n after_o this_o the_o king_n be_v inspire_v to_o set_v up_o sundry_a queen_n and_o to_o take_v to_o himself_o many_o wife_n at_o once_o to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v the_o holy_a seed_n upon_o earth_n but_o this_o imaginary_a kingdom_n be_v of_o short_a durance_n for_o the_o neighbour_n prince_n find_v their_o design_n join_v against_o they_o as_o against_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n and_o after_o they_o have_v endure_v a_o long_a siege_n their_o king_n by_o revelation_n assure_v they_o that_o before_o easter_n they_o shall_v have_v deliverance_n but_o when_o none_o appear_v he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v be_v in_o a_o trance_n six_o day_n in_o which_o time_n he_o have_v ride_v on_o a_o blind_a ass_n and_o that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v lay_v upon_o
his_o back_n the_o sin_n of_o they_o all_o whereby_o they_o be_v set_v free_a and_o deliver_v from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o deliverance_n he_o promise_v wherewithal_o they_o ought_v to_o rest_v content_v thereupon_o the_o town_n be_v take_v the_o delude_a people_n disabuse_v the_o king_n impostor_n execute_v to_o death_n and_o hang_v up_o in_o chain_n upon_o the_o high_a steeple_n thus_o end_v this_o tragedy_n and_o ever_o tragical_a be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o folly_n the_o apostle_n note_v that_o faction_n and_o division_n be_v sign_n of_o carnality_n first_o man_n separate_v from_o other_o as_o unclean_a than_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o government_n the_o next_o step_n be_v to_o blind_v the_o people_n with_o revelation_n from_o thence_o they_o fall_v into_o snare_n of_o the_o flesh_n at_o last_o they_o stir_v up_o sedition_n and_o last_o of_o all_o their_o end_n be_v destruction_n hitherto_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o magistrate_n by_o his_o office_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v do_v first_o by_o enact_v just_a law_n and_o wholesome_a order_n consonant_a to_o wisdom_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o second_o by_o use_v his_o power_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o vigour_n and_o execution_n as_o also_o to_o show_v that_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v willing_a obedience_n to_o such_o law_n and_o order_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o restrain_v the_o disobedient_a and_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n nevertheless_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o power_n wherewithal_o god_n have_v invest_v the_o magistrate_n be_v always_o to_o be_v use_v for_o public_a good_a and_o requisite_a it_o be_v that_o a_o due_a distinction_n be_v make_v in_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n between_o such_o as_o err_v out_o of_o mistake_n or_o ignorance_n and_o those_o that_o resist_v out_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o contempt_n i_o shall_v in_o all_o humbleness_n propound_v some_o few_o expedient_n how_o far_o the_o magistrate_n may_v please_v to_o slacken_v his_o power_n and_o so_o temper_v the_o law_n and_o penalty_n thereof_o as_o they_o may_v serve_v both_o way_n as_o lenitive_n for_o the_o simple_a and_o corrosive_n for_o the_o stubborn_a who_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v reform_v 1._o i_o conceive_v that_o as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v so_o it_o will_v be_v dangerous_a to_o grant_v any_o toleration_n of_o religion_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n will_v breed_v a_o freedom_n of_o will_n and_o freedom_n of_o will_n will_v beget_v liberty_n of_o life_n which_o will_v breed_v a_o fearful_a independency_n when_o every_o one_o may_v do_v what_o they_o list_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n and_o one_o truth_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v obsiquity_n and_o error_n therefore_o when_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v try_v by_o the_o word_n and_o ratify_v by_o the_o magistrate_n he_o can_v suffer_v any_o falsehood_n without_o be_v accessary_a thereunto_o yet_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n for_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o weak_a brethren_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o dissent_v in_o outward_a form_n out_o of_o tenderness_n or_o ignorance_n to_o such_o a_o toleration_n or_o connivance_n or_o suspension_n of_o law_n may_v be_v harmless_a and_o charitable_a till_o they_o be_v further_o satisfy_v and_o instruct_v 2._o that_o whosoever_o live_v under_o the_o subjection_n of_o this_o state_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o destitute_a of_o grace_n as_o to_o renounce_v christ_n or_o speak_v blasphemous_o of_o he_o or_o any_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n he_o shall_v upon_o conviction_n be_v inform_v of_o the_o truth_n with_o a_o brotherly_a admonition_n not_o to_o divulge_v his_o error_n to_o the_o corruption_n or_o scandal_n of_o other_o or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a peace_n for_o the_o second_o offence_n he_o shall_v endure_v a_o year_n imprisonment_n be_v disable_v in_o his_o testimony_n put_v out_o of_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o wear_v some_o public_a mark_n note_v he_o for_o a_o blasphemer_n for_o the_o three_o offence_n he_o shall_v suffer_v banishment_n or_o close_o and_o perpetual_a imprisonment_n and_o if_o banish_v it_o shall_v be_v capital_a for_o he_o to_o return_v without_o licence_n of_o the_o state_n for_o if_o he_o by_o our_o law_n deserve_v death_n that_o seduce_v any_o subject_a from_o the_o allegiance_n of_o his_o natural_a prince_n what_o deserve_v he_o that_o seek_v to_o alienate_v the_o soul_n of_o any_o christian_n from_o the_o dependence_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o devil_n 3._o if_o any_o one_o out_o of_o a_o evil_a heart_n shall_v break_v forth_o into_o open_a revile_v scorn_v disgraceful_a word_n against_o the_o present_a church-government_n now_o establish_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v connive_v at_o as_o a_o man_n of_o tender_a conscience_n for_o as_o he_o give_v himself_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o disjoin_v from_o it_o so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o his_o power_n not_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o but_o do_v it_o by_o choice_n and_o deliberation_n he_o can_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o weakness_n for_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o all_o his_o godly_a brethren_n live_v in_o peaceable_a obedience_n can_v imagine_v that_o his_o private_a fancy_n though_o cover_v with_o weakness_n shall_v be_v more_o tender_v than_o the_o public_a conscience_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n such_o a_o one_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v as_o a_o contemner_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n first_o by_o reproof_n and_o exhortation_n not_o to_o disquiet_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o land_n second_o by_o a_o pecuniary_a mulct_n for_o some_o public_a use_n with_o disability_n of_o his_o credit_n three_o if_o he_o still_o persist_v with_o close_a imprisonment_n till_o he_o give_v public_a satisfaction_n of_o his_o repentance_n 4._o forasmuch_o as_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o undertake_v the_o office_n and_o function_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n ministry_n without_o he_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o inward_a call_n thereunto_o neither_o can_v such_o man_n conceive_v themselves_o awhit_o the_o worse_a or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n to_o have_v a_o outward_a approbation_n by_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o pray_v for_o divine_a blessing_n upon_o their_o person_n and_o give_v they_o a_o orderly_a mission_n into_o god_n harvest_n therefore_o whosoever_o shall_v take_v unto_o himself_o the_o holy_a call_n presume_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n not_o be_v admit_v nor_o ordain_v thereunto_o by_o lawful_a authority_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v as_o the_o former_a be_v that_o contemn_v the_o civil_a power_n or_o rather_o more_o severe_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v find_v in_o their_o public_a preach_n to_o sow_v sedition_n among_o the_o people_n provide_v that_o such_o person_n master_n of_o family_n or_o other_o meet_v in_o their_o own_o house_n or_o in_o their_o neighbour_n to_o repeat_v what_o they_o hear_v or_o learn_v out_o of_o sermon_n preach_v by_o authority_n and_o upon_o that_o or_o the_o like_a occasion_n worship_n god_n by_o pray_v or_o sing_v of_o psalm_n confer_v or_o argue_v upon_o any_o part_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v as_o also_o such_o who_o be_v require_v by_o any_o friend_n or_o neighbour_n when_o the_o advice_n of_o minister_n can_v be_v have_v to_o open_v or_o expound_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n or_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n upon_o any_o case_n of_o conscience_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o party_n be_v not_o comprehend_v under_o this_o article_n or_o any_o penalty_n thereof_o because_o we_o be_v command_v to_o exercise_v the_o gift_n and_o talent_n god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o a_o sober_a and_o orderly_a way_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o one_o another_o 5._o whereas_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n many_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o manifest_v nor_o clear_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n blow_v where_o he_o list_v and_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o time_n place_n nor_o person_n but_o inspire_v who_o he_o please_v if_o therefore_o any_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o have_v a_o new_a opinion_n or_o new_a light_n reveal_v unto_o he_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n fit_v it_o be_v he_o shall_v bring_v his_o knowledge_n to_o some_o godly_a minister_n approve_v of_o or_o to_o the_o next_o classiâ—_z where_o he_o live_v