Selected quad for the lemma: conscience_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
conscience_n law_n sin_n transgression_n 2,525 5 10.8527 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34674 The covenant of grace discovering the great work of a sinners reconciliation to God / by John Cotton ... ; whereunto are added Certain queries tending to accommodadation [sic] between the Presbyterian and Congregationall churches ; also a discussion of the civill magistrates power in matters of religion ; by the same author. Cotton, John, 1584-1652.; Allen, Thomas, 1608-1673.; Congregational churches in Massachusetts. Cambridge Synod. 1655 (1655) Wing C6425; ESTC R37665 121,378 336

There are 8 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

not_o therefore_o upon_o every_o lean_v of_o your_o soul_n upon_o conditional_a promise_n for_o so_o you_o may_v build_v upon_o a_o covenant_n make_v upon_o a_o work_n and_o so_o you_o and_o your_o covenant_n may_v fail_v together_o but_o when_o you_o read_v how_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v such_o promise_n to_o such_o and_o such_o qualification_n then_o consider_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v indeed_o requisite_a to_o be_v find_v in_o you_o but_o who_o be_v there_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n that_o can_v work_v they_o in_o you_o there_o be_v none_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o unless_o you_o have_v he_o to_o be_v in_o you_o you_o can_v have_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n wrought_v in_o you_o but_o will_v a_o poor_a soul_n say_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o reach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n therefore_o all_o the_o promise_n do_v fall_v heavy_a upon_o a_o man_n and_o he_o see_v that_o they_o be_v too_o burdensome_a and_o too_o weighty_a for_o he_o he_o do_v not_o say_v here_o be_v the_o qualification_n and_o here_o be_v the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v take_v it_o to_o myself_o but_o one_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n do_v forthwith_o go_v and_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v set_v he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o blessing_n and_o that_o so_o he_o will_v make_v he_o partaker_n of_o they_o he_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o his_o son_n and_o that_o he_o will_v adorn_v he_o with_o his_o grace_n as_o a_o bride_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o while_o the_o soul_n do_v look_v towards_o jesus_n christ_n and_o grace_n in_o he_o the_o lord_n do_v secret_o transform_v he_o into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n by_o work_v such_o qualification_n in_o he_o and_o then_o bear_v witness_n to_o that_o sanctification_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n thereby_o enlarge_a his_o soul_n with_o strong_a consolation_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v be_v accomplish_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o law_n fullfil_v in_o i_o so_o far_o as_o christ_n be_v in_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o come_v unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o make_v good_a those_o promise_n unto_o i_o in_o a_o right_a way_n which_o will_v have_v be_v preposterous_o apply_v before_o christ_n be_v give_v and_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o answer_n to_o the_o 5_o question_n quest_n 6._o we_o come_v now_o unto_o a_o sixth_o question_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v himself_o first_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n this_o may_v then_o be_v a_o doubt_n and_o a_o question_n in_o a_o christian_a soul_n if_o god_n give_v himself_o before_o any_o blessing_n before_o any_o promise_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n though_o he_o give_v himself_o always_o in_o a_o promise_n if_o we_o can_v claim_v any_o blessing_n from_o god_n at_o the_o first_o in_o any_o conditional_a promise_n therefore_o not_o by_o any_o condition_n in_o ourselves_o but_o as_o we_o receive_v all_o thing_n from_o god_n so_o we_o claim_v all_o thing_n from_o he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o do_v first_o seek_v for_o he_o and_o for_o all_o thing_n in_o he_o if_o thus_o to_o what_o use_n then_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o require_v such_o and_o such_o condition_n in_o we_o do_v we_o not_o abrogate_v the_o law_n &_o make_v it_o of_o none_o effect_n and_o root_v it_o out_o from_o have_v any_o power_n over_o christian_n and_o true_o some_o under_o pretence_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v think_v it_o altogether_o bootless_a to_o bind_v christian_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o look_v at_o it_o as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o course_n now_o because_o this_o be_v a_o imputation_n usual_o reflect_v upon_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n let_v we_o confider_v therefore_o and_o inquire_v to_o what_o use_n serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o god_n give_v himself_o first_o unto_o his_o people_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n answ_n though_o the_o lord_n give_v himself_o free_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o his_o son_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o respect_n unto_o any_o work_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o the_o law_n be_v of_o special_a and_o notable_a use_n unto_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n both_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o bring_v home_o unto_o god_n by_o convert_v grace_n and_o also_o to_o those_o that_o be_v regenerate_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v observe_v that_o the_o question_n will_v arise_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n gal._n 3.16,17,18_o for_o if_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n come_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o what_o end_n then_o serve_v the_o law_n which_o come_v 430_o year_n after_o it_o can_v disannul_v grace_n to_o make_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v to_o what_o end_n then_o serve_v it_o some_o say_v it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n other_o say_v that_o it_o be_v of_o such_o use_n that_o they_o have_v rather_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o it_o but_o the_o answer_n be_v it_o be_v of_o especial_a use_n both_o unto_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a man_n first_o unto_o carnal_a man_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o belong_v unto_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n though_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v other_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n but_o will_v in_o the_o end_n final_o perish_v and_o the_o law_n be_v yet_o of_o use_n unto_o both_o sort_n of_o they_o for_o the_o elect_n it_o be_v of_o use_n unto_o they_o to_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o multiply_v it_o unto_o they_o as_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o aggravate_v the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o to_o set_v home_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n unto_o their_o soul_n thereby_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o feel_v their_o great_a need_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v for_o ever_o have_v despise_v thus_o the_o apostle_n answer_v in_o the_o place_n aforenamed_a the_o law_n be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n that_o they_o may_v clear_o appear_v and_o be_v aggravate_v thereby_o that_o a_o man_n may_v plain_o discern_v how_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o liable_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n by_o so_o manifold_a breach_n of_o so_o many_o commandment_n in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o the_o law_n give_v clear_a knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v it_o set_v on_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o conscience_n work_v fear_n in_o the_o heart_n rom._n 8.15_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o gal._n 3.24_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o schoolmaster_n drive_v his_o scholar_n through_o fear_n unto_o this_o or_o that_o duty_n either_o to_o do_v it_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o can_v to_o get_v other_o to_o do_v it_o for_o he_o so_o the_o law_n of_o god_n drive_v the_o soul_n through_o fear_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n not_o that_o it_o do_v reveal_v christ_n a_o saviour_n of_o freegrace_n but_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o bring_v down_o under_o sense_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n will_v ready_o &_o willing_o hearken_v unto_o the_o news_n of_o christ_n a_o saviour_n for_o be_v once_o make_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o inability_n to_o redeem_v himself_o and_o unworthines_n to_o be_v redeem_v from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n now_o be_v the_o soul_n fit_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o be_v the_o news_n of_o christ_n beautiful_a and_o glad_a tiding_n and_o of_o this_o use_n be_v the_o law_n unto_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n before_o they_o come_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 2._o but_o of_o what_o use_n be_v the_o law_n unto_o other_o man_n first_o the_o disobedience_n of_o it_o be_v of_o use_n second_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o disobedience_n for_o if_o man_n have_v not_o know_v sin_n it_o have_v be_v some_o pretence_n though_o they_o have_v commit_v sin_n but_o when_o man_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o commit_v sin_n willing_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n rom._n 1.21_o compare_v with_o 32._o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o much_o more_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o though_o they_o know_v god_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o wickedness_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n yet_o
not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o only_o do_v such_o wickedness_n but_o bless_v himself_o in_o it_o this_o aggravate_v a_o man_n condemnation_n if_o man_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n joh._n 5.40_o what_o say_v our_o saviour_n in_o such_o a_o case_n see_v vers_fw-la 45._o moses_n will_v judge_v all_o those_o that_o please_v themselves_o in_o wickedness_n and_o will_v not_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n thus_o there_o be_v use_v of_o the_o law_n unto_o disobedient_a person_n their_o disobedience_n will_v leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n when_o they_o sin_n against_o their_o conscience_n &_o against_o the_o mean_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v administer_v unto_o they_o for_o though_o the_o lord_n never_o give_v they_o such_o grace_n as_o do_v accompany_v salvation_n yet_o such_o illumination_n he_o do_v give_v they_o that_o they_o need_v not_o to_o have_v break_v his_o law_n so_o many_o way_n with_o such_o wicked_a hand_n as_o they_o have_v do_v therefore_o when_o they_o have_v be_v enlarge_v to_o perform_v many_o duty_n &_o may_v avoid_v much_o sin_n &_o yet_o will_v sin_v against_o their_o conscience_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n those_o mean_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v then_o most_o righteous_a with_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v 2._o of_o what_o use_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n unto_o such_o who_o god_n soul_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o true_o it_o be_v of_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a use_n unto_o they_o for_o it_o serve_v to_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n though_o that_o be_v but_o a_o accidental_a use_n thereof_o their_o sin_n be_v thereby_o make_v out_o of_o measure_n sinful_a rom_n 7.13_o they_o harden_v their_o heart_n marvellous_o 1._o by_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n 2._o by_o the_o comfort_n they_o find_v in_o that_o obedience_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n paul_n act_v 23.1_o have_v keep_v so_o good_a a_o conscience_n that_o he_o know_v not_o any_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n that_o he_o have_v live_v in_o but_o though_o he_o be_v unrebukeable_a he_o do_v count_v it_o all_o loss_n afterward_o phil._n 3.7,8_o those_o thing_n that_o before_o he_o think_v have_v heen_n his_o gain_n now_o he_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o he_o may_v win_v christ_n when_o a_o man_n attain_v unto_o outward_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n he_o be_v then_o indeed_o ready_a to_o justify_v himself_o and_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o good_a for_o poor_a sinful_a man_n to_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o for_o himself_o he_o hope_v in_o his_o selfe-devotion_n and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v himself_o these_o be_v such_o as_o justify_v themselves_o before_o man_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v luke_n 16.15_o and_o of_o who_o he_o say_v that_o publican_n and_o harlot_n shall_v go_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n before_o they_o mat._n 21.31,32_o for_o many_o time_n you_o shall_v have_v the_o most_o deboist_a and_o profane_a more_o humble_v and_o ready_a to_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n and_o soon_o convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o those_o that_o be_v moral_o righteous_a by_o the_o law_n rom._n 9.30,31,32_o &_o chap._n 10.21_o thus_o the_o law_n become_v a_o snare_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o which_o be_v of_o singular_a and_o wholesome_a use_n unto_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v make_v death_n unto_o they_o and_o as_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n be_v thus_o a_o snare_n unto_o they_o so_o second_o the_o delight_n and_o comfort_n which_o they_o take_v in_o their_o obedience_n be_v a_o great_a snare_n than_o the_o other_o the_o stony_a and_o thorny_a soil_n do_v hear_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o so_o those_o hypocrite_n isai_n 58._o do_v delight_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n but_o what_o follow_v upon_o the_o delight_n which_o they_o take_v in_o god_n and_o in_o holy_a duty_n it_o make_v they_o ready_a to_o expostulate_v with_o god_n why_o he_o do_v not_o answer_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n the_o delight_n which_o they_o find_v do_v so_o fill_v their_o heart_n with_o assurance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o they_o look_v at_o their_o duty_n as_o so_o many_o token_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o soul_n and_o then_o when_o man_n come_v to_o find_v more_o comfort_n in_o their_o obedience_n than_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n it_o make_v they_o ready_a to_o expostulate_v with_o god_n touch_v the_o worth_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n isa_n 57.10_o thou_o have_v find_v the_o life_n of_o thy_o hand_n therefore_o thou_o be_v not_o grieve_v so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n find_v life_n and_o comfort_n in_o his_o own_o performance_n what_o need_n can_v he_o see_v to_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o want_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o at_o the_o best_a if_o he_o do_v grieve_v and_o find_v his_o heart_n comfort_v in_o grieve_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o course_n of_o humiliation_n he_o than_o think_v he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o be_v further_o solicitous_a about_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v of_o marvellous_a use_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o great_a use_n unto_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o god_n to_o break_v their_o heart_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o other_o the_o disobedience_n of_o the_o law_n leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n that_o so_o disobey_v it_o again_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o and_o comfort_n in_o that_o obedience_n do_v harden_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o from_o christ_n 2._o but_o what_o say_v you_o then_o unto_o man_n that_o be_v under_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o bring_v unto_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n therein_o of_o what_o use_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n unto_o such_o be_v it_o utter_o antiquate_a or_o be_v there_o any_o more_o to_o be_v do_v about_o it_o answ_n the_o apostle_n answer_v this_o question_n when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o not_o without_o the_o law_n to_o god_n but_o under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 9.21_o so_o that_o mind_n you_o the_o law_n be_v of_o use_n unto_o the_o apostle_n paul_n but_o how_o as_o the_o law_n come_v under_o christ_n so_o paul_n come_v under_o the_o law_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o answer_n but_o that_o will_v be_v further_o explain_v what_o mean_v he_o when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n in_o some_o sense_n a_o christian_n be_v free_v from_o the_o law_n in_o some_o sense_n he_o be_v under_o the_o law_n so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n be_v any_o way_n beside_o or_o out_o of_o christ_n so_o far_o the_o apostle_n be_v without_o the_o law_n so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n be_v under_o christ_n so_o far_o he_o be_v under_o the_o law_n keep_v close_o to_o these_o two_o principle_n and_o you_o shall_v safe_o avoid_v rock_n on_o every_o hand_n thus_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v you_o not_o go_v aside_o to_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n nor_o by_o attendance_n unto_o grace_n shall_v you_o neglect_v the_o law_n how_o far_o be_v the_o law_n under_o christ_n when_o it_o have_v bring_v the_o soul_n near_o unto_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o remote_a manner_n prepare_v he_o the_o law_n be_v in_o christ_n and_o you_o subject_a to_o it_o in_o he_o 1._o as_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n 2._o as_o in_o christ_n help_n be_v give_v to_o perform_v it_o first_o as_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n as_o 1_o thes_n 4.2,3_o and_o many_o other_o commandment_n he_o give_v they_o all_o which_o be_v legal_a commandment_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n give_v they_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o mat._n 5._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n our_o saviour_n will_v not_o have_v we_o think_v that_o he_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o fulfil_v they_o and_o to_o that_o end_n he_o do_v there_o expound_v the_o spiritual_a &_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n that_o whereas_o the_o pharisee_n hold_v forth_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o the_o law_n to_o be_v observe_v only_o as_o think_v that_o unless_o a_o man_n do_v commit_v the_o act_n of_o murder_n he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o sixth_o commandment_n and_o if_o he_o commit_v not_o the_o act_n of_o adultery_n he_o transgress_v not_o the_o seven_o commandment_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n our_o saviour_n christ_n expound_v the_o law_n more_o spiritual_o show_v that_o anger_n against_o a_o man_n brother_n be_v a_o breach_n
the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v ask_v how_o love_n and_o patience_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n do_v work_v the_o holy_a ghost_n stir_v up_o faith_n to_o look_v unto_o christ_n who_o return_v strength_n by_o his_o spirit_n unto_o faith_n &_o so_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o by_o meekness_n and_o by_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n act_v according_a to_o what_o we_o read_v rom._n 8.14_o come_v to_o any_o holy_a duty_n and_o it_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o lead_v you_o along_o and_o act_v in_o you_o so_o ezek._n 36.27_o &_o 2_o pet._n 1_o 2d_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o move_v we_o to_o any_o good_a work_n and_o that_o act_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o we_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n also_o that_o witness_v to_o these_o gift_n and_o show_v what_o gift_n he_o have_v give_v we_o for_o such_o be_v the_o blindness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o see_v that_o general_o christian_n when_o the_o lord_n first_o work_v these_o gift_n in_o they_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o but_o they_o think_v they_o be_v in_o a_o sad_a and_o fearful_a condition_n and_o so_o they_o be_v very_o uncomfortable_a when_o they_o have_v great_a cause_n of_o rejoice_v but_o now_o lest_o that_o we_o shall_v always_o mistake_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o he_o indeed_o take_v his_o own_o time_n to_o discover_v it_o unto_o we_o to_o some_o soon_o to_o some_o late_a but_o this_o be_v his_o intendment_n that_o he_o may_v honour_v his_o grace_n upon_o we_o by_o all_o the_o rich_a and_o gracious_a gift_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o he_o do_v also_o reveal_v unto_o we_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o help_v we_o to_o do_v ●…om_n 9.1_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o wrought_v in_o he_o this_o brotherly_a love_n bear_v he_o witness_v also_o that_o he_o do_v not_o lie_v and_o that_o he_o have_v continual_a sorrow_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o that_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v to_o have_v be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v it_o grieve_v he_o so_o much_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o need_n there_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o to_o keep_v all_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o we_o to_o act_n they_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o gracious_a gift_n the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o what_o duty_n he_o have_v help_v we_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v account_n of_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o bear_v witness_n with_o we_o we_o see_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n both_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a temple_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o fit_a instrument_n for_o he_o to_o work_v by_o there_o be_v need_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o for_o the_o cause_n we_o have_v speak_v unto_o and_o i_o may_v add_v this_o to_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o the_o change_n that_o may_v come_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a scripture_n which_o we_o read_v in_o john_n 15.26_o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o our_o divine_n have_v no_o place_n of_o more_o clear_a evidence_n to_o prove_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n testify_v to_o we_o both_o what_o mighty_a redemption_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o and_o what_o grace_n he_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v testify_v even_o he_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o god_n people_n thus_o we_o see_v both_o these_o point_n open_v to_o we_o quest_n 3._o how_o may_v we_o then_o employ_v and_o improve_v this_o sanctification_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o and_o which_o he_o keep_v and_o act_v in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o whereunto_o he_o bear_v witness_n how_o or_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o employ_v it_o see_v the_o lord_n undertake_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n for_o we_o answ_n if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n give_v we_o these_o gift_n it_o be_v our_o part_n then_o first_o to_o see_v that_o we_o do_v not_o rest_v in_o any_o sanctification_n which_o do_v not_o spring_n from_o christ_n convey_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n convey_v we_o to_o he_o the_o spirit_n knit_v we_o unto_o christ_n &_o christ_n unto_o we_o he_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o to_o receive_v whatsoever_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n work_v all_o our_o holiness_n for_o we_o 1_o cor._n 1.30_o christ_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o see_v he_o the_o principal_a author_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a comfort_n of_o all_o gift_n christ_n give_v in_o they_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o our_o safety_n and_o so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o these_o lie_v in_o our_o sanctification_n we_o ought_v to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v sanctification_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o than_o it_o be_v so_o when_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o to_o look_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o it_o and_o to_o it_o in_o he_o and_o as_o we_o look_v for_o our_o holiness_n to_o be_v perfect_a in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o we_o look_v for_o continual_a supply_n of_o it_o from_o he_o and_o this_o it_o be_v to_o make_v christ_n our_o sanctification_n when_o as_o whatsoever_o gift_n the_o lord_n give_v we_o we_o go_v not_o forth_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o may_v be_v a_o change_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o may_v spring_v from_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o may_v captivate_v our_o conscience_n unto_o the_o law_n that_o may_v restrain_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o constrain_v we_o unto_o duty_n but_o such_o holiness_n spring_v not_o always_o from_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o conscience_n of_o duty_n without_o sense_n of_o our_o need_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n at_o mount_n sinai_n deut._n 5.27,28,29_o go_v thou_o near_o say_v they_o to_o moses_n and_o hear_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v say_v and_o speak_v thou_o unto_o we_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o they_o have_v well_o say_v all_o that_o they_o have_v speak_v say_v the_o lord_n o_o that_o there_o be_v a_o heart_n in_o they_o that_o they_o will_v fear_v i_o etc._n etc._n this_o i_o say_v therefore_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v attend_v unto_o as_o ever_o you_o will_v make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o your_o holiness_n see_v that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o heart_n awe_v with_o the_o law_n but_o wait_v upon_o christ_n to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o we_o and_o to_o we_o so_o shall_v we_o neither_o neglect_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o we_o nor_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n but_o shall_v give_v due_a honour_n unto_o all_o of_o they_o together_o 2_o this_o may_v also_o teach_v all_o christian_n not_o to_o trust_v upon_o the_o gift_n of_o their_o holiness_n though_o they_o do_v spring_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o though_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v unchangeable_a though_o they_o spring_v from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o knit_v our_o soul_n in_o union_n with_o he_o yet_o trust_v not_o in_o the_o gift_n themselves_o the_o lord_n lay_v it_o down_o as_o the_o apostasy_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 16.14,15_o trust_v not_o therefore_o in_o any_o of_o these_o but_o let_v all_o our_o confidence_n be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n not_o in_o any_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o little_a further_o open_v of_o it_o 1_o trust_v not_o in_o any_o gift_n that_o you_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o strong_a christian_a that_o be_v able_a to_o put_v forth_o a_o good_a thought_n 2_o cor._n 3.5_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v
doctrine_n a_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o god_n appointment_n jer._n 29.21_o with_o 23._o and_o hence_o by_o god_n appointment_n be_v this_o execution_n of_o god_n vengeance_n on_o they_o make_v a_o proverbial_a curse_n vers_fw-la 22._o argum_fw-la 2_o a_o second_o argument_n be_v in_o that_o it_o be_v record_v as_o a_o most_o desperate_a and_o accurse_a estate_n of_o old_a that_o they_o have_v no_o king_n or_o chief_a ruler_n in_o israel_n to_o restrain_v as_o adultery_n and_o murder_n sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n judge_n 19.1_o with_o chap._n 20._o so_o idolatry_n a_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n chap._n 17.1_o &_o 18.1_o compare_v but_o every_o man_n have_v his_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n argum_fw-la 3_o the_o three_o argument_n be_v in_o that_o it_o be_v record_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o special_a guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o ezra_n inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o special_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n that_o artaxerxes_n a_o heathen_a king_n have_v a_o heart_n to_o put_v forth_o his_o coercive_a power_n enjoin_v thing_n command_v of_o god_n and_o forbid_v with_o sanction_n of_o suitable_a punishment_n the_o evil_n whether_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n or_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n whether_o concern_v religion_n or_o righteousness_n whence_o we_o argue_v that_o this_o use_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v of_o god_n of_o old_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o be_v as_o well_o of_o god_n now_o artaxerxes_n be_v indeed_o a_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o therefore_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v this_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o mere_a jewish_a judicial_a law_n because_o injoin_v punishment_n moral_a offence_n be_v punishable_a and_o yet_o not_o therefore_o of_o a_o mere_a judicial_a nature_n or_o mere_o against_o a_o judicial_a law_n beside_o this_o act_n of_o artaxerxes_n respect_v civil_a matter_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n which_o none_o will_v challenge_v as_o not_o imitable_a as_o well_o as_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o some_o object_n that_o he_o do_v this_o for_o fear_n of_o wrath_n rather_o confirm_v the_o morality_n of_o the_o use_n of_o such_o power_n than_o otherwise_o for_o what_o ground_n of_o fear_n in_o not_o put_v forth_o such_o coercive_a power_n if_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a yea_o if_o the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n as_o our_o opposite_n say_v he_o may_v rather_o more_v ground_o have_v fear_a god_n wrath_n for_o such_o a_o high_a offence_n as_o usurpation_n of_o a_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n dislike_v and_o forbid_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o head_n of_o argument_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o from_o the_o new_a follow_v and_o they_o be_v four_o from_o the_o new_a testament_n argum_fw-la 1_o the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o rom._n 13._o if_o god_n will_v have_v every_o soul_n in_o and_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o be_v power_n ordain_v of_o god_n v._o 1._o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n v._o 2._o a_o terror_n not_o to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o evil_a v._o 3._o the_o ministry_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a v._o 4._o and_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n v._o 5._o then_o magistrate_n be_v to_o put_v forth_o coercive_a power_n in_o such_o matter_n of_o religion_n respect_v the_o outward_a man_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o latter_a object_n all_o this_o may_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o verify_v only_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o be_v extend_v to_o matter_n of_o the_o first_o yet_o only_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o no_o proof_n of_o that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v urge_v he_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o be_v so_o to_o all_o evil_a work_n answ_n 1_o if_o all_o this_o be_v restrain_v according_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o objection_n then_o be_v none_o to_o have_v praise_n approbation_n encouragement_n from_o civil_a authority_n by_o reason_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o religion_n but_o for_o matter_n of_o righteousness_n only_o or_o if_o for_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o only_o for_o such_o as_o stand_v with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o the_o three_o verse_n must_v be_v expound_v for_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n whereof_o the_o magistrate_n be_v minister_n to_o distribute_v reward_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o walk_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o respect_v godly_a peace_n in_o way_n of_o encouragement_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o act_n of_o like_a justice_n to_o distribute_v punishment_n to_o the_o contrary_n the_o magistrate_n be_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n distribution_n a_o minister_n of_o god_n as_o well_o when_o he_o encourage_v good_a as_o when_o he_o repress_v and_o punish_v evil_a 2_o the_o objection_n will_v make_v only_a offence_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o second_o table_n or_o at_o most_o those_o that_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n which_o come_v under_o the_o view_n of_o the_o magistrate_n as_o a_o public_a minister_n of_o god_n to_o be_v evil_a work_n and_o not_o other_o sin_n of_o like_a public_a cognizance_n &_o concernment_n respect_v other_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o both_o sort_n of_o offence_n be_v evil_a he_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n indefinite_o which_o come_v to_o his_o public_a cognizance_n he_o be_v a_o terror_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la to_o both_o and_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o say_v he_o say_v evil_a work_n not_o all_o evil_a work_n for_o so_o he_o say_v he_o be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o say_v not_o to_o all_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o if_o that_o indefinite_a good_a work_n be_v not_o equivalent_a to_o that_o general_a all_o good_a work_n he_o may_v then_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o some_o good_a work_n which_o come_v under_o his_o public_a cognizance_n 3_o we_o be_v yet_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o limitation_n where_o the_o new_a testament_n allow_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o righteousness_n so_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o far_o namely_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o law_n of_o nation_n extend_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n which_o come_v to_o his_o public_a view_n but_o restrain_v he_o from_o meddle_v further_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n of_o like_a public_a cognizance_n and_o concernment_n that_o scripture_n ground_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o restriction_n will_v be_v produce_v object_n ay_o when_o paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n their_o ruler_n be_v pagan_n and_o what_o coercive_a power_n be_v it_o likely_a they_o will_v put_v forth_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n unless_o against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o undermine_v their_o paganism_n cry_v down_o the_o same_o as_o worship_v of_o devil_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o cast_v off_o their_o heathen_a god_n as_o no_o god_n they_o do_v not_o look_v at_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o supreme_a lord_n but_o as_o a_o new_a upstart_n god_n in_o comparison_n of_o their_o roman_a god_n and_o to_o make_v penal_a law_n against_o false_a doctrine_n or_o religion_n have_v be_v to_o make_v law_n against_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o to_o make_v law_n against_o the_o present_a light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n answ_n this_o no_o way_n weaken_v but_o strengthen_v what_o we_o have_v say_v for_o if_o even_o those_o pagan_a ruler_n in_o paul_n time_n be_v by_o their_o office_n minister_n of_o god_n then_o bind_v to_o improve_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o ratify_n and_o establish_v of_o his_o law_n and_o for_o those_o of_o the_o first_o as_o well_o as_o second_o table_n and_o then_o bind_v by_o their_o office_n as_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o rule_v for_o he_o and_o the_o exact_v of_o his_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o their_o subject_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v and_o do_v thus_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n many_o of_o they_o think_v plurality_n of_o wife_n fornication_n rash_a divorce_n incestuous_a marriage_n usury_n etc._n etc._n no_o sin_n and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v if_o they_o have_v make_v law_n against_o these_o they_o have_v make_v law_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o think_v in_o their_o seduce_a blind_a conscience_n that_o these_o be_v lawful_a yet_o
of_o the_o sixth_o commandment_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v look_v on_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o already_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o break_v the_o seven_o commandment_n thus_o christ_n have_v as_o it_o be_v revive_v moses_n but_o as_o the_o law_n give_v by_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o a_o commandment_n of_o well-doing_n and_o he_o have_v give_v it_o we_o take_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o be_v subject_a unto_o it_o the_o apostle_n also_o press_v the_o moral_a law_n upon_o several_a relation_n of_o man_n eph._n 6.1,2,3_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o honour_n to_o christ_n that_o his_o servant_n shall_v be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a it_o be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o he_o require_v it_o the_o apostle_n james_n press_v it_o chap._n 2.8_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n if_o you_o fulfil_v the_o royal_a law_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o you_o do_v well_o and_o again_o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n put_v it_o upon_o christian_n to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n himself_o bear_v witness_v to_o the_o law_n for_o god_n will_v never_o justify_v sin_n to_o be_v no_o sin_n though_o he_o will_v justify_v the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n now_o as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v the_o law_n and_o as_o it_o be_v renu_v it_o so_o he_o do_v also_o give_v his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o servant_n enable_v they_o to_o keep_v it_o jer._n 31.33_o and_o ezek._n 36.27_o now_o this_o law_n will_v he_o not_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n nor_o give_v unto_o they_o his_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v they_o to_o keep_v it_o be_v it_o not_o his_o will_n in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n unto_o his_o people_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o for_o if_o christ_n have_v give_v the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n and_o if_o he_o have_v ratify_v it_o by_o give_v they_o his_o spirit_n to_o teach_v and_o strengthen_v they_o to_o keep_v it_o though_o not_o perfect_o yet_o sincere_o than_o they_o take_v themselves_o bind_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n though_o they_o be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o do_v we_o make_v void_a the_o law_n through_o faith_n god_n forbid_v yea_o we_o establish_v the_o law_n for_o what_o need_n have_v christian_n of_o free_a justification_n by_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n therefore_o the_o free_a justification_n of_o man_n under_o a_o free_a covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v establish_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n otherwise_o what_o need_v they_o run_v to_o christ_n to_o save_v they_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n why_o do_v we_o still_o run_v to_o christ_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o justification_n but_o that_o we_o find_v ourselves_o ungodly_a creature_n against_o the_o righteous_a and_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n therefore_o if_o god_n have_v give_v man_n the_o law_n &_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o strengthen_v they_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o and_o his_o grace_n to_o save_v they_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o than_o christian_n be_v to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n they_o lie_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o dare_v not_o pluck_v their_o neck_n from_o under_o that_o yoke_n now_o there_o be_v divers_a effect_n spring_v from_o the_o subjection_n of_o god_n people_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n 1_o as_o they_o take_v themselves_o bind_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o so_o they_o believe_v and_o many_o time_n feel_v the_o fatherly_a displeasure_n of_o god_n when_o they_o transgress_v it_o now_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n can_v not_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n unless_o they_o be_v bind_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n this_o displeasure_n david_n be_v sensible_a of_o psal_n 38.1,2,3_o etc._n etc._n where_o he_o make_v many_o complaint_n which_o do_v all_o of_o they_o spring_n from_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o disobedience_n of_o the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v frame_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n whereby_o they_o reflect_v upon_o their_o sin_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o distemper_n which_o lie_v upon_o their_o body_n or_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o god_n people_n to_o his_o law_n they_o lie_v under_o the_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o disobedience_n of_o it_o 2_o they_o be_v under_o the_o faith_n and_o sense_n also_o of_o god_n gracious_a acceptance_n of_o their_o way_n when_o they_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o bless_a direction_n of_o his_o word_n not_o that_o they_o can_v raise_v therefrom_o their_o justify_v estate_n but_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v help_v to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n they_o do_v see_v the_o lord_n gracious_a approbation_n of_o they_o in_o their_o poor_a and_o weak_a endeavour_n for_o the_o lord_n know_v the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a that_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o approve_v it_o psal_n 1.6_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o spirit_n bow_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n unto_o obedience_n than_o he_o know_v and_o accept_v their_o obedience_n gen._n 22.12_o thus_o the_o lord_n bear_v witness_v unto_o his_o servant_n that_o he_o do_v accept_v their_o work_n so_o that_o they_o sensible_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v acknowledge_v their_o poor_a and_o weak_a endeavour_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v carry_v forth_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o word_n this_o the_o prophet_n david_n confirm_v psal_n 18.20_o to_o 26._o where_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o righteous_a deal_n with_o saul_n and_o whereas_o his_o enemy_n lay_v it_o to_o his_o charge_n that_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o saul_n the_o lord_n bear_v he_o witness_v that_o he_o have_v walk_v towards_o saul_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n now_o the_o lord_n have_v lead_v he_o a_o end_n to_o deal_v just_o and_o righteous_o and_o pure_o with_o saul_n have_v keep_v he_o from_o all_o the_o malice_n and_o outrage_n of_o saul_n and_o maintain_v his_o cause_n against_o he_o and_o deliver_v he_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v now_o reject_v herein_o the_o prophet_n see_v the_o lord_n accept_v he_o when_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o be_v help_v to_o attend_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n this_o be_v commfortable_a unto_o a_o christian_a spirit_n when_o the_o lord_n bear_v witness_v unto_o his_o soul_n that_o he_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o all_o this_o argue_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n have_v look_v at_o themselves_o as_o bind_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n and_o as_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o christ_n who_o have_v give_v the_o law_n and_o power_n unto_o his_o servant_n sincere_o to_o keep_v it_o both_o by_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o law_n of_o obedience_n and_o by_o put_v his_o holy_a spirit_n within_o they_o for_o if_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v not_o sensible_a of_o their_o bind_a duty_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n they_o will_v neither_o have_v faith_n nor_o sense_n of_o god_n fatherly_a displeasure_n when_o they_o negligent_o break_v these_o law_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v sensible_a of_o god_n acceptance_n of_o their_o conformity_n thereunto_o but_o we_o know_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o cor._n 1.12_o for_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n and_o true_o the_o lord_n do_v often_o bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o servant_n against_o the_o opposition_n of_o man_n so_o he_o do_v to_o abraham_n to_o david_n to_o paul_n and_o to_o sundry_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o build_v their_o safe_a estate_n thereupon_o yet_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n acceptance_n of_o their_o way_n and_o obedience_n they_o do_v discern_v etc._n etc._n yet_o in_o their_o best_a obedience_n which_o they_o do_v perform_v they_o see_v the_o need_n they_o have_v to_o go_v unto_o god_n for_o justify_v grace_n because_o if_o they_o have_v fail_v in_o
infringe_v when_o as_o he_o de_fw-mi jure_fw-la command_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o if_o man_n have_v any_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o submit_v thereto_o and_o in_o faithful_a submit_v to_o which_o be_v true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n conscience_n be_v never_o in_o a_o ●…er_n or_o better_a estate_n of_o liberty_n here_o on_o earth_n than_o when_o most_o engage_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o god_n commandment_n 4._o that_o thereby_o christian_n become_v servant_n of_o man_n when_o the_o magistrate_n only_o be_v to_o enjoin_v what_o his_o master_n and_o they_o have_v command_v or_o to_o forbid_v the_o contrary_a and_o consequent_o in_o submit_v thereto_o be_v but_o servant_n to_o christ_n in_o man_n 5._o that_o thereby_o man_n be_v make_v hypocrite_n and_o time-servers_a as_o if_o to_o command_v man_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o to_o forbid_v the_o contrary_a be_v to_o make_v man_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n as_o be_v time-servers_a and_o hypocrite_n 6._o that_o thereby_o a_o sluice_n be_v open_v to_o let_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o corrupt_a opinion_n into_o the_o church_n suppose_v the_o magistrate_n be_v of_o any_o false_a religion_n or_o corrupt_v in_o his_o judgement_n yea_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o set_v up_o a_o pope_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n for_o religion_n must_v turn_v as_o he_o turn_v when_o as_o the_o question_n be_v touch_v the_o magistrate_n power_n of_o command_v or_o forbid_v not_o what_o he_o in_o a_o popelike_a way_n shall_v please_v or_o what_o his_o own_o spirit_n shall_v like_o best_a but_o what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n and_o the_o position_n subject_v he_o to_o the_o word_n as_o to_o the_o supreme_a law_n and_o do_v not_o set_v he_o up_o popelike_a above_o the_o scripture_n or_o allow_v he_o to_o make_v his_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o to_o make_v humane_a traditional_a cannon_n to_o be_v as_o much_o of_o force_n as_o scripture_n to_o bind_v man_n conscience_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o position_n rather_o condemn_v any_o such_o power_n as_o gular_a usurp_a &_o not_o approve_v of_o god_n which_o swerve_v from_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n namely_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o that_o object_v will_v rather_o follow_v that_o if_o there_o must_v be_v no_o king_n or_o civil_a power_n among_o god_n profess_a israel_n coercive_o to_o restrain_v forbid_v evil_n in_o religion_n than_o every_o man_n will_v hold_v and_o do_v as_o he_o listen_v as_o if_o every_o one_o be_v a_o pope_n and_o than_o micah_n idolatry_n and_o any_o other_o abomination_n may_v be_v set_v up_o 7._o that_o thereby_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v put_v upon_o many_o intricate_a perplexity_n &_o hazard_n of_o conscience_n how_o to_o judge_v in_o and_o of_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o magistrate_n from_o that_o use_n of_o his_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o first_o table_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v hinder_v he_o from_o the_o like_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n none_o be_v ignorant_a what_o perplex_v intricacy_n there_o be_v in_o these_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o former_a as_o conscientious_a magistrate_n find_v by_o daily_a experience_n yet_o such_o as_o object_v this_o will_v not_o deny_v this_o power_n in_o the_o latter_a and_o why_o then_o in_o the_o former_a the_o objection_n prove_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o know_v of_o god_n mind_n in_o his_o place_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v object_v against_o church-officer_n power_n in_o church_n or_o the_o power_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n in_o their_o family_n it_o will_v have_v prove_v the_o same_o but_o it_o follow_v not_o its_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n in_o authority_n to_o know_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o duty_n in_o his_o place_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n in_o his_o place_n they_o which_o inaugurate_v joash_n to_o be_v king_n 2_o chron._n 23.11_o they_o put_v upon_o he_o the_o testimony_n as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n use_v to_o be_v expound_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n as_o a_o king_n not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o testimony_n or_o book_n of_o god_n law_n but_o authoritative_o to_o establish_v what_o be_v write_v in_o it_o 8._o that_o thereby_o person_n be_v put_v upon_o act_v with_o doubt_v conscience_n the_o magistrate_n injunction_n be_v ofttimes_o not_o clear_a to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v thereby_o compel_v to_o sin_n when_o the_o position_n affirm_v this_o power_n in_o matter_n clear_v in_o the_o word_n which_o if_o not_o clear_v to_o this_o or_o that_o subject_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n that_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n by_o his_o own_o ignorance_n of_o matter_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v to_o bring_v any_o such_o snare_n upon_o his_o conscience_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o may_v desire_v the_o magistrate_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o clear_v up_o the_o matter_n enjoin_v or_o forbid_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o hinder_a but_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o command_v or_o forbid_v that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v even_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v shall_v not_o then_o be_v urge_v upon_o man_n conscience_n by_o church-officer_n or_o church-censure_n be_v execute_v against_o obstinate_a gainsayers_a because_o through_o error_n in_o judgement_n and_o corruption_n in_o conscience_n man_n will_v say_v th●…nd_v after_o all_o mean_v use_v for_o convict●…_n they_o may_v still_o affirm_v that_o they_o think_v otherwise_o or_o at_o best_o that_o they_o still_o doubt_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n yea_o albeit_o the_o matter_n be_v fundamental_a 9_o that_o hereby_o christian_n be_v discourage_v from_o seek_v more_o light_a or_o hinder_v from_o embrace_v or_o follow_v such_o new_a light_n as_o the_o saint_n expect_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n when_o as_o its_o evident_a that_o the_o command_a and_o forbid_v thing_n clear_v in_o the_o word_n to_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n do_v neither_o express_v what_o light_a man_n have_v from_o the_o word_n nor_o discourage_v from_o more_o light_n in_o &_o from_o the_o same_o as_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n so_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o 10._o that_o thereby_o conscientious_a man_n especial_o will_v come_v to_o suffer_v because_o magistrate_n may_v think_v thing_n command_v or_o forbid_v of_o god_n and_o according_o ratify_v they_o by_o their_o authority_n which_o god_n do_v never_o command_v or_o forbid_v when_o as_o the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v magistrate_n enjoin_v what_o they_o think_v but_o what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v the_o press_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n command_v what_o he_o requi_v and_o forbid_v the_o contrary_a be_v any_o just_a or_o proper_a cause_n of_o suffer_v to_o man_n true_o conscientious_a the_o magistrate_n may_v indeed_o through_o mistake_n command_n or_o forbid_v thing_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o first_o but_o the_o second_o table_n but_o this_o do_v not_o deprive_v civil_a magistracy_n therefore_o of_o coercive_a power_n as_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o so_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o table_n but_o in_o this_o case_n christian_n must_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v in_o either_o albeit_o withal_o the_o magistrate_n do_v break_v his_o rule_n 11._o that_o thereby_o we_o shall_v encourage_v and_o harden_v papist_n and_o turk_n in_o their_o cruel_a persecution_n of_o the_o saint_n whereas_o for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o command_v or_o forbid_v according_a to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v not_o persecution_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o of_o itself_o tend_v to_o persecution_n power_n to_o press_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n do_v not_o give_v warrant_n to_o suppress_v or_o oppress_v the_o same_o the_o time_n be_v evil_a indeed_o when_o the_o press_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n shall_v be_v count_v persecution_n 12._o that_o thence_o be_v cause_v all_o the_o war_n in_o christendom_n at_o this_o day_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o press_a man_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n either_o of_o the_o second_o or_o fi●st_a table_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o any_o cause_n of_o war_n but_o the_o lust_n rather_o of_o such_o as_o abuse_v their_o power_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n by_o this_o already_o speak_v we_o have_v see_v the_o ruin_n of_o twelve_o of_o our_o opposite_n castle_n in_o the_o air_n imaginarily_o frame_v to_o withstand_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o
against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o law_n of_o nation_n or_o deny_v thing_n obstinate_o which_o be_v fundamental_a albeit_o not_o against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o for_o example_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o redeemer_n and_o only_a mediator_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n shall_v yet_o not_o be_v restrain_v yea_o that_o be_v to_o suppose_v some_o under_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o gospel_n leave_v of_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o lawless_a condition_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o authority_n to_o restrain_v they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o civil_a power_n may_v not_o meddle_v with_o they_o and_o ecclesiastical_a can_v as_o not_o be_v actual_o of_o the_o church_n 2_o the_o church_n have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o reach_v her_o end_n in_o curb_v and_o cure_v offence_n of_o the_o second_o table_n yet_o none_o will_v thence_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o no_o need_n to_o the_o church_n therein_o of_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n 3_o the_o church_n aim_v at_o restraint_n from_o infection_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o amend_v the_o party_n themselves_o now_o suppose_v the_o church_n cast_v out_o a_o person_n for_o obstinate_a hold_v of_o heretical_a tenant_n yet_o the_o church_n can_v now_o restrain_v he_o any_o further_a in_o any_o ecclesiastical_a way_n but_o that_o he_o may_v now_o do_v more_o mischief_n in_o spread_v his_o tenent_n then_o ever_o unless_o the_o magistrate_n also_o exercise_v his_o coercive_a power_n 4_o the_o church_n may_v in_o case_n by_o clamorous_a noise_n make_v in_o the_o assembly_n or_o otherwise_o by_o faction_n be_v hinder_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n to_o cencure_v and_o so_o although_o it_o have_v power_n enough_o to_o act_v yet_o it_o will_v need_v the_o magistrate_n help_v to_o exercise_v that_o power_n unless_o we_o dare_v plead_v as_o some_o it_o seem_v do_v that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o elder_n may_v act_v by_o corporal_a force_n to_o redress_v it_o as_o phineas_n the_o priest_n do_v in_o kill_v zimri_n and_o cozbi_fw-la disturb_v the_o congregation_n on_o then_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n but_o we_o say_v that_o be_v extraordinary_a as_o be_v the_o act_n of_o samuel_n in_o cut_v agag_n in_o piece_n of_o elijah_n in_o put_v baal_n priest_n to_o death_n and_o peter_n act_n against_o the_o life_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n nor_o will_v we_o plead_v the_o priest_n example_n 2_o chron._n 26._o in_o thrust_v out_o vzziah_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n or_o such_o like_a argument_n suppose_v that_o the_o priest_n of_o old_a and_o the_o levite_n might_n by_o a_o dispensation_n peculiar_a to_o those_o time_n be_v allow_v more_o liberty_n of_o act_v in_o matter_n of_o a_o civil_a nature_n both_o in_o the_o great_a synedrian_n and_o other_o where_o than_o any_o of_o we_o dare_v say_v be_v imitable_a by_o or_o allowable_a to_o church_n or_o church_n officer_n now_o object_n three_o and_o last_o the_o tare_n be_v command_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o mat._n 13.29,30_o therefore_o what_o authority_n have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o restrain_v or_o punish_v man_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o rather_o to_o leave_v christian_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n answ_n this_o be_v a_o parable_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o scope_n and_o substance_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o as_o peter_n martyr_n note_v in_o this_o case_n now_o the_o scope_n of_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o direction_n unto_o we_o what_o we_o shall_v do_v in_o point_n of_o exercise_n of_o any_o power_n with_o we_o but_o contain_v simple_o a_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n what_o god_n will_v order_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o show_v that_o christ_n intend_v not_o any_o rule_n of_o precept_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o sentence_n of_o the_o parable_n vers_fw-la 29_o 30._o nay_o let_v both_o grow_v together_o he_o do_v not_o in_o his_o after_o exposition_n of_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o the_o parable_n insist_v at_o all_o on_o the_o branch_n mention_v to_o give_v any_o explication_n thereof_o and_o if_o it_o be_v any_o direction_n it_o must_v either_o look_v to_o civil_a or_o church_n power_n if_o to_o civil_a power_n then_o since_o the_o tare_n be_v express_o interpret_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o such_o as_o offend_v and_o do_v iniquity_n and_o be_v as_o reprobate_n to_o be_v burn_v or_o damn_v vers_fw-la 38._o then_o the_o worst_a wretch_n that_o live_v murderer_n bugger_n traitor_n etc._n etc._n must_v be_v all_o let_v alone_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o only_o leave_v to_o christ_n judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o our_o opposite_n have_v least_o reason_n to_o stretch_v this_o parable_n as_o respect_v any_o restraint_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n when_o the_o very_a scope_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o tell_v we_o touch_v the_o state_n of_o the_o civil_a kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n but_o rather_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o the_o ecclesiastical_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o it_o look_v at_o any_o restraint_n of_o the_o use_n of_o power_n it_o strike_v rather_o at_o the_o use_n of_o church_n power_n but_o if_o it_o look_v at_o church_n power_n than_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o censure_v heretic_n no_o not_o though_o obstinate_a contrary_a to_o titus_n 3_o no_o incestuous_a adulterous_a covetous_a church-member_n contrary_a to_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o that_o the_o parable_n never_o intend_v any_o abridgement_n of_o either_o power_n in_o the_o just_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v evident_a in_o that_o it_o speak_v 1_o of_o such_o a_o extirpation_n of_o offender_n as_o be_v only_o possible_a to_o angel_n arm_v with_o christ_n power_n and_o 2_o of_o a_o universal_a extirpation_n of_o all_o and_o every_o reprobate_n from_o among_o the_o company_n of_o the_o elect_n neither_o of_o which_o hinder_v but_o that_o 1_o to_o such_o particular_a offender_n as_o may_v be_v root_v up_o by_o civil_a and_o church_n power_n without_o danger_n and_o hurt_n to_o godly_a one_o as_o be_v obstinate_a seducer_n heretic_n and_o they_o may_v and_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v 2_o such_o particular_a offender_n which_o by_o their_o continuance_n among_o god_n people_n do_v overrun_v and_o overtop_n they_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o they_o be_v hurt_v and_o endanger_v by_o they_o and_o they_o can_v grow_v and_o thrive_v spiritual_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o they_o may_v &_o aught_o to_o be_v root_v out_o by_o both_o power_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o the_o parable_n in_o this_o way_n it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o tare_n be_v to_o be_v suffer_v in_o reference_n not_o to_o the_o hurt_n but_o to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o wheat_n so_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o corrupt_a blast_a and_o destruction_n of_o the_o wheat_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v remove_v because_o hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a to_o the_o wheat_n so_o that_o our_o opposite_n will_v gain_v nothing_o to_o their_o cause_n by_o press_v this_o parable_n as_o directory_n that_o way_n to_o we_o but_o we_o rather_o upon_o the_o reason_n before_o go_v conceive_v it_o to_o be_v set_v down_o not_o as_o a_o direction_n or_o any_o command_n of_o christ_n enjoin_v we_o thus_o or_o thus_o to_o do_v but_o as_o a_o doctrinal_a instruction_n that_o god_n may_v and_o will_v in_o his_o providence_n suffer_v for_o a_o time_n mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a together_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a in_o his_o visible_a church_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o fret_v or_o be_v discontent_v at_o his_o providence_n in_o it_o or_o to_o think_v that_o by_o any_o course_n we_o can_v take_v it_o will_v be_v otherwise_o whilst_o and_o where_o ever_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n like_v to_o that_o speech_n of_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 5_o 10._o now_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v who_o doctrine_n do_v most_o infringe_v true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n those_o which_o will_v have_v every_o christian_n leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o at_o least_o be_v not_o against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n law_n of_o nation_n or_o those_o that_o maintain_v the_o forenamed_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n for_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o christian_n he_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o conscience_n too_o as_o well_o as_o other_o now_o if_o leave_v to_o the_o lesbian_a warp_a rule_n what_o if_o he_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n through_o temptation_n and_o error_n be_v in_o most_o thing_n a_o papist_n which_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o law_n
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