quest_n whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o of_o the_o first_o table_n have_v power_n civil_o to_o command_v or_o forbid_v thing_n respect_v the_o outward_a man_n which_o be_v clear_o command_v and_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n and_o to_o inflict_v suitable_a punishment_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o transgression_n against_o the_o same_o and_o all_o this_o with_o reference_n to_o godly_a peace_n answ_n the_o want_n of_o a_o right_n state_v of_o this_o question_n touch_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v occasion_v a_o world_n of_o error_n tend_v to_o infringe_v the_o just_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n we_o shall_v therefore_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o the_o question_n and_o then_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o affirmative_a by_o command_v forbid_v and_o punish_v we_o mean_v the_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o be_v see_v in_o such_o act_n by_o matter_n of_o religion_n command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n respect_v the_o outward_a man_n we_o understand_v indefinite_o whether_o those_o of_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n his_o power_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o such_o matter_n of_o religion_n only_o which_o be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n or_o against_o the_o fundamental_n of_o religion_n all_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o religion_n which_o may_v be_v express_v by_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o not_o only_o these_o therefore_o we_o say_v not_o bare_o thus_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o first_o table_n but_o join_v therewith_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o all_o ambiguity_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v as_o well_o of_o matter_n which_o be_v pure_o evangelicall_n so_o far_o as_o express_v by_o the_o outward_a man_n at_o well_o as_o of_o other_o thing_n and_o we_o say_v command_a or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n mean_v of_o the_o whole_a word_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n exception_n be_v only_o make_v of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v mere_o ceremonial_a or_o otherwise_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a polity_n and_o clear_v to_o be_v abolish_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o which_o limitation_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o thing_n command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n we_o exclude_v any_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n either_o in_o command_v any_o new_a thing_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v beside_o or_o against_o the_o word_n or_o in_o forbid_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n 1_o hence_o he_o be_v not_o to_o mould_v up_o and_o impose_v what_o erastian_n form_n of_o church_n polity_n he_o please_v because_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o form_n command_v now_o of_o god_n he_o can_v therefore_o command_v what_o form_n he_o will_n 2_o hence_o he_o be_v not_o to_o force_v all_o person_n into_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o seal_n because_o he_o be_v not_o thus_o command_v 3_o hence_o he_o be_v not_o to_o limit_v to_o thing_n indifferent_a which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n without_o apparent_a expediency_n or_o inexpediency_n of_o attend_v the_o same_o by_o that_o expression_n clear_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n we_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v clear_a either_o by_o express_a word_n or_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o say_v clear_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n not_o simple_o that_o which_o the_o magistrate_n or_o other_o think_v to_o be_v clear_o command_v or_o forbid_v for_o they_o may_v think_v thing_n command_v to_o be_v forbid_v and_o thing_n forbid_v to_o be_v command_v but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o in_o such_o sort_n clear_a in_o the_o word_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o these_o day_n since_o christ_n ascension_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o command_v and_o forbid_v such_o thing_n so_o clear_v in_o the_o word_n albeit_o the_o facto_fw-la ofttimes_o he_o do_v not_o suitable_o inflict_a punishment_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o transgression_n this_o clause_n need_v not_o much_o explication_n be_v so_o plain_a of_o itself_o some_o thing_n command_v and_o forbid_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v of_o a_o small_a nature_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v true_a which_o be_v often_o say_v that_o de_fw-fr minimis_fw-la non_fw-la curate_n lex_fw-la i._n e._n man_n law_n look_v not_o after_o small_a matter_n but_o other_o thing_n command_v or_o forbid_v in_o god_n law_n be_v momentous_a and_o of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o though_o small_a in_o themselves_o yet_o weighty_a in_o the_o consequence_n or_o circumstance_n and_o in_o this_o case_n if_o he_o inflict_v a_o slight_a paper_n punishment_n when_o the_o offence_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n or_o contrariwise_o when_o he_o inflict_v that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o capital_a punishment_n when_o the_o offence_n be_v of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n he_o do_v not_o punish_v suitable_o there_o be_v sundry_a rule_n in_o the_o word_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o sort_n as_o touch_v the_o punishment_n of_o blasphemy_n idolatry_n heresy_n profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o sundry_a other_o like_a matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o which_o magistrate_n of_o old_a have_v hold_v and_o other_o now_o may_v observe_v proportion_n in_o make_v other_o particular_a law_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n with_o sanction_n of_o punishment_n and_o inflict_v the_o same_o they_o inflict_v suitable_a punishment_n only_o let_v it_o be_v here_o remember_v that_o though_o we_o grant_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n his_o power_n thus_o to_o command_v forbid_v and_o punish_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n clear_o reâ—ealed_v in_o the_o word_n yeâ—_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o he_o may_v and_o must_v do_v and_o another_o thing_n when_o and_o how_o he_o must_v exercise_v his_o power_n to_o all_o person_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n for_o some_o such_o person_n may_v not_o be_v at_o all_o acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a god_n or_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o the_o word_n but_o as_o yet_o be_v pagan_n now_o touch_v such_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v take_v care_n that_o the_o best_a mean_n be_v seasonable_o and_o wise_o use_v with_o they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o bring_v they_o first_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o falsehood_n &_o vanity_n of_o their_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v etc._n etc._n and_o afterward_o as_o there_o be_v cause_n to_o put_v forth_o act_n of_o his_o coercive_a power_n towards_o they_o as_o scripture-rule_n and_o example_n will_v allow_v other_o though_o they_o be_v christian_n yet_o such_o as_o be_v not_o clear_o instruct_v or_o enlighten_v in_o matter_n clear_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n in_o this_o case_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v to_o inform_v and_o convince_v and_o not_o to_o proceed_v sudden_o till_o all_o just_a mean_n be_v use_v to_o leave_v he_o convince_v of_o which_o it_o be_v more_o meet_a for_o the_o magistrate_n than_o for_o the_o offend_a person_n to_o judge_v who_o it_o may_v be_v will_v never_o say_v he_o be_v convince_v we_o live_v in_o time_n wherein_o many_o man_n be_v perverse_o carry_v and_o will_v regard_v no_o reason_n but_o go_v full_a against_o the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o of_o common_a sense_n too_o sometime_o rather_o than_o confess_v the_o truth_n when_o convince_v of_o it_o such_o a_o obstinate_a fool_n be_v not_o to_o be_v answer_v according_a to_o his_o folly_n by_o any_o further_o reason_v pro._n 26.4_o a_o whip_n be_v fit_a say_v solomon_n for_o such_o a_o back_n by_o this_o which_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v touch_v the_o act_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o impertinency_n and_o invalidity_n of_o many_o objection_n against_o this_o his_o power_n will_v appear_v as_o 1._o that_o thereby_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v make_v the_o church_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n which_o will_v be_v true_a if_o he_o may_v command_v or_o forbid_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o first_o command_v or_o forbid_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o church_n lawgiver_n which_o we_o say_v he_o may_v not_o 2._o that_o thereby_o he_o be_v make_v to_o have_v dominion_n over_o man_n faith_n when_o he_o do_v no_o more_o by_o our_o position_n but_o press_v they_o to_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o that_o have_v indeed_o dominion_n over_o the_o same_o have_v prescribe_v 3._o that_o thereby_o tyranny_n be_v exercise_v over_o man_n tender_a conscience_n and_o true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v
all_o will_v say_v they_o be_v all_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o bind_v to_o know_v and_o do_v otherwise_o nero_n be_v brand_v for_o a_o beastly_a person_n a_o lion_n in_o that_o he_o abuse_v that_o authority_n of_o he_o which_o of_o right_n shall_v have_v be_v improve_v for_o encouragement_n of_o paul_n in_o his_o ministry_n and_o doctrine_n to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o endeavoure_n to_o destroy_v and_o devour_v he_o 2_o tim._n 4.17_o 2_o a_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o tim._n 2.1,2_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v have_v such_o magistrate_n as_o may_v act_v authoritative_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n as_o well_o as_o of_o righteousness_n and_o honesty_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v put_v forth_o their_o power_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o object_n yea_o but_o some_o have_v say_v if_o you_o now_o allow_v civil_a ruler_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v persecute_v we_o answ_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o answer_v pray_v therefore_o in_o these_o persecute_v time_n of_o romish_a emperor_n that_o they_o may_v not_o meddle_v at_o all_o coercive_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v to_o usurp_v power_n not_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o rather_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v use_v this_o power_n which_o they_o have_v aright_o or_o as_o we_o may_v peaceable_o exercise_v act_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o honesty_n nor_o do_v he_o say_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v deal_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n negative_o that_o be_v so_o as_o authoritative_o to_o hinder_v any_o from_o disturb_v any_o christian_n in_o that_o which_o he_o take_v up_o for_o truth_n or_o piety_n or_o in_o any_o opinion_n which_o he_o may_v hold_v and_o yet_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n no_o more_o than_o he_o say_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v deal_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o honesty_n as_o to_o hinder_v any_o from_o disturbance_n in_o any_o suppose_a course_n of_o honesty_n yea_o in_o any_o act_n of_o dishonesty_n which_o may_v be_v incident_a to_o one_o that_o yet_o in_o the_o main_n be_v godly_a for_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o in_o all_o ungodliness_n or_o dishonesty_n nor_o do_v he_o say_v pray_v that_o every_o one_o may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n or_o hold_v out_o any_o opinion_n tenent_n or_o practice_n suit_v with_o his_o conscience_n so_o it_o raze_v not_o the_o foundation_n of_o godliness_n but_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o all_o godliness_n peaceable_o or_o that_o we_o may_v with_o quietness_n and_o encouragement_n so_o carry_v it_o as_o will_v stand_v with_o godliness_n itself_o yea_o with_o godliness_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o all_o godliness_n a_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o isa_n 49.23_o which_o though_o a_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a yet_o respect_v the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o argument_n stand_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o civil_a ruler_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v authoritative_o act_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o be_v to_o the_o church_n as_o milk_n therefore_o it_o be_v his_o mind_n that_o in_o these_o day_n they_o shall_v act_v authoritative_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o say_v to_o act_v authoritative_o because_o to_o act_v as_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o act_v mere_o allure_o as_o some_o say_v or_o in_o a_o general_a way_n of_o countenance_n but_o coercive_o father_n act_n fatherly_a in_o command_v in_o forbid_v and_o in_o punish_v as_o well_o as_o in_o kiss_v and_o give_v good_a word_n in_o take_v the_o rod_n as_o giving_z a_o apple_n nor_o do_v he_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v nurse_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o act_v official_o in_o preach_v or_o in_o administration_n whether_o of_o church_n seal_v or_o of_o church_n censure_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o similitude_n forbid_v it_o nurse-fathers_n can_v give_v milk_n to_o the_o child_n but_o nurse-fathers_n and_o nurse-mothers_n to_o take_v authoritative_a care_n what_o milk_n either_o church-officer_n or_o any_o other_o yield_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o according_o to_o reward_v and_o encourage_v it_o to_o look_v that_o it_o be_v not_o bad_a but_o coercive_o to_o restrain_v it_o at_o least_o from_o be_v milk_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n hurt_n albeit_o if_o keep_v within_o the_o breast_n that_o breed_v it_o it_o be_v out_o of_o their_o cognizance_n nor_o be_v this_o speak_v of_o heathen_a ruler_n as_o pagan_n not_o christian_n but_o of_o such_o which_o though_o as_o civil_a ruler_n they_o command_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o righteousness_n yea_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o obey_v the_o church_n stoop_v to_o its_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n so_o they_o lick_v up_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o church_n foot_n 4_o a_o four_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o zech._n 13.2,3,4,5,6_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o as_o a_o approve_a act_n of_o the_o zealous_a member_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n to_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n a_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o in_o these_o day_n such_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v exercise_v nor_o may_v any_o here_o restrain_v these_o word_n to_o church-censure_n it_o be_v not_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o express_v church-censure_n great_a and_o lesser_a by_o take_v away_o the_o life_n wound_n and_o work_n in_o the_o hand_n but_o rather_o prove_v that_o power_n of_o civil_a authority_n to_o inflict_v death_n in_o some_o case_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o some_o other_o reproachful_a corporal_a punishment_n in_o some_o case_n of_o error_n which_o be_v not_o of_o moment_n as_o the_o other_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o argument_n prove_v the_o position_n we_o shall_v brief_o now_o take_v off_o two_o or_o three_o general_a objection_n and_o then_o come_v to_o a_o close_a of_o this_o question_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a therefore_o no_o such_o use_n now_o to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o such_o carnal_a weapon_n as_o the_o penal_a law_n or_o censure_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o late_a pamphlet_n and_o plea_n for_o liberty_n use_v against_o this_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o some_o case_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o if_o they_o be_v forcible_a they_o conclude_v universal_o even_o against_o that_o coercive_a power_n which_o our_o opposite_n allow_v to_o he_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o far_o also_o of_o the_o first_o as_o in_o thing_n against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o law_n of_o nation_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o taste_n in_o this_o argument_n for_o beside_o the_o mistake_n of_o apply_v this_o as_o if_o mean_v of_o other_o person_n then_o of_o church_n officer_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a scope_n of_o the_o text_n the_o argument_n conclude_v against_o the_o use_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n by_o civil_a ruler_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o first_o because_o spiritual_a weapon_n be_v as_o weighty_a to_o pull_v down_o strong_a hold_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o first_o of_o like_a nature_n be_v that_o objection_n christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n this_o if_o of_o any_o force_n exclude_v whole_o take_v away_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o both_o table_n object_n 2._o the_o church_n have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o reach_v her_o end_n in_o curb_v or_o cure_v offence_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o such_o coercive_a power_n therein_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n answ_n 1._o suppose_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o therefore_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n thereof_o yet_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o a_o civil_a society_n stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o and_o so_o far_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v yield_v or_o what_o if_o the_o church_n have_v no_o need_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o subject_n enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o not_o actual_o of_o the_o church_n as_o person_n not_o yet_o join_v to_o any_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o power_n may_v be_v most_o needful_a else_o they_o may_v vent_v thing_n as_o well_o
his_o own_o work_n and_o teach_v he_o to_o resolve_v in_o his_o judgement_n to_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n 4_o there_o be_v a_o four_o sort_n also_o that_o fall_n far_o short_a of_o christ_n too_o and_o yet_o go_v beyond_o all_o these_o they_o go_v beyond_o work_n and_o beyond_o this_o faith_n also_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o which_o be_v not_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v but_o man_n justify_v themselves_o by_o it_o god_n do_v not_o justify_v they_o now_o this_o four_o sort_n come_v plain_o to_o see_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v shake_v and_o they_o dare_v not_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o he_o it_o be_v true_a many_o a_o heavenly_a spirit_a man_n can_v tell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o tell_v whether_o his_o faith_n be_v sound_a but_o many_o a_o hypocrite_n also_o be_v so_o far_o convince_v that_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o say_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v right_a nor_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o believe_v what_o say_v the_o soul_n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o will_v say_v i_o see_v it_o be_v not_o my_o reformation_n nor_o my_o faith_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o see_v that_o now_o i_o must_v wait_v upon_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v believe_v and_o unto_o he_o i_o must_v seek_v for_o help_v be_v not_o this_o soul_n in_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n true_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n many_o time_n bring_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n unto_o but_o he_o leave_v they_o not_o there_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o do_v they_o good_a for_o i_o will_v examine_v again_o how_o come_v thou_o to_o wait_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n thou_o have_v be_v drive_v out_o of_o conceit_n of_o thy_o former_a faith_n and_o so_o have_v be_v force_v and_o have_v see_v a_o necessity_n to_o wait_v upon_o christ_n for_o faith_n or_o else_o thou_o can_v not_o believe_v force_n of_o argument_n have_v constrain_v thou_o thus_o far_o if_o thou_o have_v take_v up_o a_o course_n of_o wait_v only_o upon_o this_o ground_n here_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o old_a adam_n still_o keep_v alive_a in_o thou_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o seek_v and_o wait_v upon_o christ_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v promise_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v any_o part_n or_o portion_n in_o he_o but_o a_o soul_n will_v say_v have_v not_o the_o lord_n make_v gracious_a promise_n to_o all_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o he_o have_v he_o not_o say_v that_o all_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o wait_n for_o he_o isa_n 30.18_o and_o be_o not_o i_o wrap_v up_o hereby_o in_o a_o bundle_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n mind_v you_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o life_n make_v to_o those_o that_o wait_v &_o seek_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n who_o be_v drive_v to_o it_o have_v take_v it_o up_o by_o their_o own_o resolution_n though_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o one_o that_o wait_v for_o and_o seek_v the_o lord_n aright_o be_v drive_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n yet_o if_o ever_o the_o lord_n mean_v to_o save_v you_o he_o will_v rend_v as_o it_o be_v the_o caule_v from_o the_o heart_n i_o mean_v he_o will_v pluck_v away_o all_o the_o confidence_n you_o have_v build_v upon_o a_o as_o man_n will_v rend_v the_o entrails_n of_o a_o beast_n from_o he_o so_o the_o lord_n will_v bring_v you_o to_o a_o flat_a denial_n of_o yourselves_o and_o that_o you_o have_v neither_o good_a will_n nor_o deed_n as_o of_o yourselves_o and_o you_o will_v find_v you_o know_v not_o what_o god_n will_v do_v with_o you_o but_o this_o you_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o be_v most_o righteous_a when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v as_o a_o comforter_n he_o will_v in_o this_o manner_n convince_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v heretofore_o hang_v upon_o his_o reformation_n for_o hope_n &_o comfort_n but_o now_o he_o be_v bring_v plain_o to_o see_v and_o flat_o to_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o as_o one_o drop_n of_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o true_a olive_n tree_n in_o he_o when_o he_o most_o trust_v unto_o his_o own_o excellency_n now_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o far_o bring_v on_o do_v not_o only_o deny_v himself_o in_o his_o judgement_n but_o in_o his_o will_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v as_o david_n sometime_o do_v if_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o i_o here_o i_o be_o let_v he_o do_v unto_o i_o as_o seem_v he_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o that_o come_v upon_o i_o this_o only_a the_o soul_n have_v for_o his_o support_n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o lord_n be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o for_o i_o that_o i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o if_o he_o show_v i_o no_o mercy_n he_o be_v just_a if_o he_o be_v gracious_a i_o shall_v live_v to_o praise_v he_o now_o when_o a_o man_n will_n be_v thus_o subdue_v that_o he_o have_v no_o will_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v true_a brokennesse_n of_o heart_n when_o not_o only_o the_o judgement_n but_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n be_v break_v the_o soul_n be_v thus_o convince_v that_o neither_o his_o work_n nor_o believe_v nor_o wait_a nor_o seek_v as_o of_o himself_o will_v do_v he_o any_o good_a there_o be_v no_o mercy_n that_o he_o can_v challenge_v for_o any_o goodness_n sake_n of_o his_o own_o then_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o some_o declaration_n of_o god_n free_a love_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o pant_v after_o jesus_n christ_n and_o nothing_o in_o heaven_n but_o he_o nor_o in_o the_o earth_n beside_o he_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o begin_v to_o put_v forth_o itself_o towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v take_v possession_n before_o help_v our_o infirmity_n rom._n 8.26,27_o he_o alone_o must_v help_v we_o and_o no_o other_o finis_fw-la certain_a query_n tend_v to_o accommodation_n and_o communion_n of_o presbyterian_a &_o congregationall_a church_n by_o mr_n john_n cotton_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n publish_a by_o a_o friend_n to_o who_o the_o author_n himself_o send_v they_o over_o not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n london_n print_v by_o m._n s._n for_o john_n allen_n and_o francis_n eglesfield_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1654._o certain_a query_n tend_v to_o the_o mutual_a accommodation_n &_o communion_n of_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n deliver_v in_o 11_o proposition_n &_o humble_o present_v both_o to_o the_o consideration_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o according_a to_o god_n by_o mr_n john_n cotton_n the_o 1._o query_n whether_o may_v it_o not_o be_v safe_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o congregation_n of_o christian_n subject_n to_o presbyterial_a government_n preach_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o overgrow_v with_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n be_v true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n because_o such_o church_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n at_o least_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o sit_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o for_o the_o form_n they_o do_v agree_v together_o in_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n in_o attend_v due_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o in_o submit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o impli_v a_o real_a and_o visible_a though_o implicit_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n requisite_a to_o church-estate_n object_n the_o parish-church_n in_o england_n be_v antichristian_a if_o not_o in_o their_o first_o institution_n yet_o at_o least_o for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o be_v never_o since_o unchurch_v nor_o new_o mould_v out_o of_o their_o anchristian_a apostasy_n answ_n 1._o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v and_o receive_v in_o england_n ten_o year_n before_o it_o be_v in_o rome_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o gildas_n and_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o baronius_n also_o annal._n anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 35.5_o &_o 45.1_o and_o that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a man_n who_o doubtless_o do_v at_o first_o institute_v church_n not_o after_o the_o pattern_n of_o rome_n which_o then_o be_v not_o a_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o neither_o be_v they_o unchurch_v by_o the_o antichristian_a apostasy_n which_o afterward_o grow_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o leprosy_n but_o be_v only_o corrupt_v and_o pollute_v even_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
in_o many_o fundamental_n both_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n &_o government_n which_o make_v they_o like_a unto_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o apostasy_n of_o jezabel_n the_o generality_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n but_o a_o remnant_n reserve_v through_o grace_n which_o bow_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n 3._o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n many_o of_o the_o church-member_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n reform_v to_o a_o new_a estate_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o the_o fundamental_a corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v purge_v away_o and_o both_o of_o they_o so_o renew_v as_o that_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v discern_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o the_o government_n though_o it_o give_v not_o be_v but_o well-being_n to_o church_n yet_o it_o have_v also_o be_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o into_o better_a order_n unto_o this_o day_n in_o so_o much_o that_o protestant_a church_n have_v renounce_v fellowship_n with_o antichrist_n and_o his_o church_n and_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n which_o if_o it_o reach_v not_o to_o a_o new-churching_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o renuall_a of_o their_o church_n estate_n and_o a_o new_a mould_v of_o they_o into_o a_o more_o holy_a way_n of_o administration_n of_o church-ordinance_n so_o that_o now_o they_o stand_v as_o church_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o world_n both_o of_o antichristian_o and_o of_o pagan_n the_o israelite_n after_o their_o return_n from_o under_o the_o apostasy_n of_o jezabel_n do_v neither_o solemn_o unchurch_n themselves_o of_o their_o former_a corrupt_a estate_n nor_o inchurch_n themselves_o into_o a_o better_a new_a estate_n but_o be_v call_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v bore_v of_o god_n to_o submit_v themselves_o thereto_o though_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o full_a purification_n yet_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o passeover_n together_o with_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o judah_n 2_o chro._n 30.18,19,20_o the_o 2d._o query_n presuppose_v then_o the_o prerbyterian_a congregation_n to_o be_v true_a church_n whether_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o minister_n call_v by_o they_o be_v otherwise_o man_n of_o ministerial_a gift_n be_v true_a minister_n and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v by_o they_o be_v true_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o 3d._o query_n nevertheless_o whether_o may_v it_o not_o be_v just_o doubt_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o both_o church_n be_v sinful_o defective_a the_o presbyterian_a partly_o in_o their_o material_n in_o case_n the_o member_n diverse_a of_o they_o be_v not_o profess_a saint_n but_o either_o ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a and_o apparent_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a partly_o in_o their_o government_n by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n which_o way_n of_o government_n though_o it_o have_v place_n in_o sundry_a case_n in_o the_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v be_v practise_v for_o a_o time_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v oecumeniall_a governor_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n yet_o the_o same_o be_v never_o delegated_a nor_o commend_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o particular_a congregation_n the_o congregationall_a likewise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v excuse_v in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o such_o as_o do_v admit_v all_o manner_n of_o sect_n into_o their_o covenant_n and_o communion_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o seduce_a heretic_n and_o profane_a blasphemer_n the_o 4._o query_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o which_o defect_n be_v it_o not_o much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o member_n of_o presbyterian_a church_n do_v once_o public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o their_o partake_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o john_n baptist_n disciple_n do_v before_o their_o baptism_n and_o as_o member_n of_o congregationall_a church_n do_v before_o their_o admission_n that_o so_o none_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n till_o they_o be_v due_o approve_v to_o be_v man_n of_o knowledge_n sound_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o blameless_a in_o conversation_n and_o further_a also_o whether_o will_v it_o not_o much_o conduce_v to_o a_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a acceptance_n of_o their_o administration_n if_o their_o elder_n in_o the_o classis_fw-la do_v put_v forth_o no_o authoritative_a act_n touch_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n but_o consultative_a only_o nor_o touch_v their_o own_o but_o upon_o hear_v the_o advice_n of_o fellow_n elder_n in_o difficult_a case_n to_o proceed_v each_o one_o with_o the_o cognizance_n and_o consent_n of_o his_o own_o church_n at_o home_n respective_o the_o 5._o query_n for_o want_v or_o neglect_v hereof_o though_o the_o member_n of_o presbyterian_a church_n shall_v discern_v some_o defect_n in_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o their_o church_n yet_o whether_o may_v they_o sudden_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o defect_n and_o due_o and_o patient_o wait_v for_o their_o reformation_n it_o may_v seem_v no_o for_o if_o we_o must_v take_v a_o more_o delatory_a course_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o a_o private_a brother_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n with_o much_o meekness_n and_o patience_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o so_o to_o walk_v towards_o a_o whole_a church_n the_o 6._o query_n such_o a_o brother_n though_o as_o yet_o remain_v a_o member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a church_n yet_o sensible_a of_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o be_v otherwise_o know_v to_o be_v fit_a why_o may_v he_o not_o lawful_o and_o without_o scruple_n be_v receive_v to_o partake_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o occasion_n serve_v in_o a_o congregationall_a church_n for_o such_o a_o one_o be_v both_o a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o cleanse_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o church_n the_o 7._o query_n yea_o suppose_v a_o godly_a christian_a do_v continue_v presbyterian_a in_o his_o judgement_n and_o yet_o do_v approve_v also_o of_o a_o congregationall_a way_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o a_o congregationall_a church_n whether_o may_v he_o not_o in_o due_a order_n be_v lawful_o admit_v and_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a church_n yea_o further_o notwithstanding_o the_o different_a state_n and_o way_n of_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n and_o the_o defect_n which_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o may_v observe_v or_o surmise_v either_o in_o other_o yet_o even_o while_o they_o so_o stand_v and_o walk_v whether_o may_v not_o the_o member_n of_o either_o without_o just_a offence_n mutual_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o affirmative_a seem_v probable_a for_o as_o error_n in_o judgement_n about_o discipline_n be_v not_o a_o heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v christian_a church_n to_o receive_v the_o christian_a jew_n into_o their_o church-fellowship_n who_o yeâ—_n dissent_v from_o they_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o leviticall_a rite_n which_o be_v as_o much_o discrepant_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o order_n of_o worship_n as_o these_o other_o be_v in_o order_n of_o government_n beside_o god_n accept_v cleanness_n of_o heart_n in_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o their_o approach_n to_o his_o table_n though_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o full_a cleanse_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 2_o chron._n 30.18,19,20_o the_o 8._o query_n if_o a_o godly_a minister_n call_v to_o office_n by_o a_o people_n profess_v godliness_n whether_o under_o episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n and_o afterward_o repent_v of_o any_o know_a sin_n in_o his_o way_n shall_v be_v desirous_a of_o a_o more_o pure_a reformation_n whether_o may_v not_o his_o godly_a people_n acknowledge_v his_o ministerial_a call_v without_o sin_n why_o not_o for_o he_o have_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o lawful_a call_v before_o in_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o his_o godly_a people_n and_o in_o his_o own_o free_a acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o call_n nevertheless_o if_o any_o of_o his_o godly_a people_n shall_v stumble_v at_o his_o former_a call_v whether_o may_v not_o a_o more_o select_a company_n and_o body_n of_o the_o people_n renew_v their_o call_n of_o he_o and_o there_o to_o accept_v the_o concurrence_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o whether_o may_v not_o he_o also_o do_v well_o instead_o of_o stiff_a stand_n upon_o the_o validiy_n of_o his_o former_a call_v to_o condescend_v to_o renew_v his_o