understand_v what_o be_v be_v mean_v by_o a_o settlement_n and_o by_o a_o hasty_a settlement_n and_o by_o that_o which_o be_v call_v fitness_n i_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o settlement_n be_v mean_v here_o a_o authoritative_a determination_n of_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o government_n of_o soul_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v throughout_o the_o church_n of_o this_o kingdom_n so_o that_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n such_o as_o be_v refractory_a against_o that_o determination_n and_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n by_o disorderly_a walk_n shall_v be_v liable_a to_o suffer_v what_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n shall_v inflict_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o hastiness_n of_o this_o settlement_n i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v not_o any_o rash_a or_o unadvised_a speed_n but_o the_o suddenness_n of_o that_o determination_n without_o further_a delay_n proceed_v from_o debatement_n and_o deliberation_n concerning_o the_o same_o and_o by_o the_o fitness_n of_o such_o a_o settlement_n i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v the_o conveniency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o public_a good_a both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o private_a benefit_n of_o soul_n therein_o as_o for_o the_o limitation_n add_v to_o these_o part_n of_o the_o query_n i_o wish_v they_o have_v be_v more_o plain_o set_v down_o for_o i_o doubt_v of_o his_o meaning_n therein_o but_o that_o you_o and_o he_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o i_o i_o will_v declare_v it_o that_o if_o i_o take_v not_o his_o aright_o he_o may_v if_o he_o think_v good_a rectify_v my_o mistake_n i_o conceive_v then_o by_o that_o which_o he_o do_v call_v power_n common_o desire_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n thâ—t_z he_o do_v mean_v the_o way_n of_o judicature_n in_o church-matter_n as_o the_o assembly_n have_v desire_v it_o to_o be_v settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n of_o which_o that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o right_a character_n for_o i_o doubt_v he_o be_v mistake_v and_o not_o right_o inform_v of_o the_o way_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o brief_o that_o it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o in_o the_o person_n and_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n alone_o but_o in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o eldership_n wherein_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o leader_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o this_o eldership_n be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n gift_v and_o free_o choose_v to_o and_o for_o the_o congregation_n by_o the_o brethren_n and_o appoint_v with_o the_o ministâ—r_n over_o all_o matter_n of_o church-concernment_n that_o their_o office_n and_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o it_o be_v not_o otherwise_o desire_v in_o common_a then_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v warrant_v it_o to_o be_v practise_v and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v practicable_a by_o all_o which_o you_o see_v that_o i_o must_v understand_v his_o query_n as_o concerning_o the_o matter_n thereof_o thus_o namely_o that_o the_o thing_n whereof_o he_o do_v speak_v be_v concerning_o the_o order_n and_o direct_v of_o spiritual_a matter_n belong_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o by_o christ_n power_n over_o his_o subject_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o eldership_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o bring_v the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n to_o a_o perpetual_a communion_n with_o god_n which_o be_v their_o happiness_n of_o this_o thing_n he_o do_v make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v fit_a speedy_o to_o settle_v it_o in_o this_o kingdom_n or_o no_o but_o the_o doubt_n be_v not_o absolute_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o for_o who_o will_v call_v that_o in_o question_n but_o of_o the_o fitness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o limitation_n annex_v which_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o state_n it_o have_v be_v worth_a his_o labour_n to_o have_v make_v a_o description_n of_o those_o principle_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o mistake_v he_o in_o the_o main_a matter_n whereby_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o regulate_v our_o thought_n in_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o doubt_n for_o except_o he_o and_o i_o understand_v one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o state_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o square_v out_o the_o conclusion_n of_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n after_o the_o same_o proportion_n for_o if_o he_o measure_v not_o his_o cloth_n by_o the_o same_o ell_n which_o i_o have_v or_o i_o by_o that_o which_o he_o have_v he_o and_o i_o shall_v never_o agree_v in_o the_o length_n and_o breadth_n thereof_o i_o will_v then_o tell_v you_o my_o thought_n which_o if_o he_o reject_v not_o we_o may_v come_v to_o agree_v in_o by_o religion_n i_o understand_v a_o tie_n whereby_o the_o conscience_n be_v bind_v to_o subject_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o his_o true_a worship_n this_o tie_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o threefold_a cord_n which_o can_v be_v break_v or_o untwist_v without_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n the_o first_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n by_o this_o the_o understanding_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v god_n and_o believe_v he_o the_o second_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n by_o this_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v bind_v to_o love_n god_n and_o yield_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o obedience_n the_o three_o be_v the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o both_o the_o former_a before_o man_n by_o this_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o his_o bodily_a service_n be_v make_v a_o live_n and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n rom._n 12.1_o the_o two_o first_o cord_n be_v twist_v together_o in_o one_o by_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o style_v his_o apostleship_n a_o service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o elect_a and_o the_o acknowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n after_o godliness_n tit._n 1.1_o where_o we_o may_v observe_v how_o these_o thing_n lie_v together_o 1._o the_o apostle_n be_v god_n servant_n for_o his_o elect_v sake_n namely_o to_o bring_v they_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o express_v it_o rom._n 1._o 5._o and_o 16.26_o 2_o his_o preach_n do_v this_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d which_o i_o after_o godliness_n and_o this_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v beget_v faith_n 3_o observe_v the_o cennexion_n of_o this_o acknowledgement_n with_o godliness_n to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o inseparable_a from_o it_o but_o that_o the_o truth_n beget_v faith_n be_v measure_v by_o godliness_n and_o commensurable_a to_o it_o so_o that_o as_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v count_v godliness_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n truth_n so_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v count_v a_o truth_n beget_v faith_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n but_o when_o god_n spirit_n do_v twist_v both_o these_o together_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o elect_a than_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v beget_v in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a name_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v inward_o before_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n whereunto_o if_o the_o outward_a profession_n or_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n before_o man_n be_v join_v which_o be_v the_o three_o cord_n of_o this_o tie_n then_o religion_n be_v full_o complete_v in_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o this_o three_o cord_n be_v join_v by_o the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o two_o former_a as_o a_o mean_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o they_o this_o you_o have_v rom._n 10._o 9_o 10_o 11._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v thus_o if_o thou_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o event_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o without_o fail_v salvation_n promise_v shall_v follow_v upon_o it_o and_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v frustrate_a of_o his_o expectation_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o duty_n by_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v operative_a towards_o salvation_n namely_o by_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o if_o he_o do_v deny_v this_o truth_n wherein_o christ_n do_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n then_o christ_n will_v deny_v he_o before_o his_o father_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o
avoid_v such_o as_o make_v schism_n rom._n 16.17_o or_o bring_v another_o gospel_n 2_o joh._n 9.10_o gal._n 1.8_o 9_o to_o admonish_v and_o warn_v such_o as_o be_v under_o sin_n and_o give_v offence_n levit._n 19.17_o mat._n 18.15_o and_o 1_o thes._n 5.14_o and_o ephe._n 3.14_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o three_o we_o be_v command_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o ruler_n that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n heb._n 13.17_o to_o harken_v unto_o their_o preach_n and_o admonition_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thes._n 5.12_o 13._o and_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o to_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o in_o public_a 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2._o act._n 6.4_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n mat._n 28.19_o and_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 24_o 25_o 26._o these_o be_v the_o fundamental_n of_o our_o public_a profession_n in_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o all_o man_n some_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o belong_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o minister_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o their_o special_a calling_n which_o be_v chief_o these_o 1_o they_o must_v be_v call_v as_o aaron_n be_v and_o not_o take_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o themselves_o heb._n 5.4_o 2._o be_v call_v they_o must_v keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n zach._n 3.7_o and_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o by_o preach_v pray_v and_o oversee_v the_o flock_n and_o judge_v the_o same_o and_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o orderly_o and_o to_o edification_n without_o prefer_v one_o thing_n before_o another_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o act._n 6.4_o and_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o 1_o cor._n 5.12.13_o mat._n 28.18_o 19_o and_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 30._o mat._n 28.19_o 20._o and_o 1_o tim._n 5.21_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n and_o maxim_n the_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o state_n i_o will_v not_o reflect_v upon_o the_o interest_n of_o worldly_a man_n in_o state-matter_n which_o be_v constant_a in_o nothing_o but_o in_o the_o changeableness_n of_o circumstance_n but_o look_v upon_o a_o state_n as_o it_o be_v a_o nation_n unite_z together_o by_o law_n for_o their_o own_o peace_n and_o safety_n the_o main_a interest_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n be_v right_o perform_v now_o i_o take_v the_o ground_n or_o principle_n of_o the_o magistrate_n duâ—y_v and_o authority_n to_o be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n over_o public_a society_n to_o administer_v justice_n and_o see_v good_a order_n settle_v and_o observe_v therein_o that_o peace_n may_v be_v maintain_v and_o confusion_n the_o cause_n of_o strife_n prevent_v as_o for_o the_o subject_n duty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n civil_a ordinance_n and_o to_o assist_v he_o with_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o same_o rom._n 13._o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o nurse_a father_n and_o protector_n thereof_o isai._n 49.23_o thus_o i_o have_v brief_o look_v upon_o this_o query_n so_o far_o as_o it_o seem_v requisite_a to_o discover_v the_o property_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o it_o contain_v that_o from_o thence_o the_o decision_n of_o this_o doubt_n may_v result_v by_o compare_v and_o lay_v matter_n together_o to_o find_v their_o due_a proportion_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v to_o be_v find_v out_o the_o point_n then_o where_o the_o doubt_n lie_v be_v these_o three_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v the_o matter_n 1._o whether_o yea_o or_o no_o the_o right_n order_v and_o guide_n of_o man_n way_n under_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o eldership_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o communion_n with_o god_n shall_v be_v approve_v and_o without_o further_a delay_n authoritative_o set_v up_o and_o determine_v in_o this_o kingdom_n 2._o whether_o such_o a_o determination_n do_v stand_v with_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o save_a truth_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n as_o a_o thing_n convenient_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o church_n 3._o whether_o or_o no_o by_o the_o fundamental_a duty_n and_o ground_n of_o justice_n and_o good_a order_n settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n such_o a_o determination_n be_v not_o profitable_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o peace_n and_o avoid_n of_o confusion_n in_o the_o state_n now_o all_o the_o stress_n do_v lie_v upon_o the_o suddenness_n of_o the_o determination_n whether_o namely_o that_o be_v expedient_a in_o all_o these_o respect_n yea_o or_o no_o where_o again_o we_o must_v call_v to_o mind_n that_o by_o suddenness_n be_v not_o mean_v a_o rash_a hastiness_n without_o deliberation_n but_o only_o a_o suspension_n of_o further_a deliberation_n to_o fall_v orderly_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o which_o be_v already_o determine_v and_o need_v no_o further_a debate_n in_o the_o parliament_n therefore_o to_o come_v to_o the_o comparison_n of_o these_o matter_n with_o this_o point_n of_o doubt_n we_o must_v see_v what_o the_o consistency_n or_o inconsistency_n will_v be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o forename_a particular_n with_o this_o kind_n of_o settlement_n first_o than_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o right_n order_v and_o guide_n of_o man_n way_n under_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o church-government_n and_o do_v not_o this_o deserve_v to_o be_v set_v a_o foot_n as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v be_v there_o no_o danger_n in_o delay_v without_o cause_n a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n do_v not_o this_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n why_o than_o if_o it_o may_v be_v settle_v in_o any_o degree_n as_o in_o some_o degree_n it_o now_o may_v shall_v it_o be_v differ_v be_v it_o no_o dishonour_n to_o christ_n to_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o settle_v his_o ordinance_n if_o then_o the_o right_n order_v and_o guide_n of_o man_n way_n under_o christ_n be_v rather_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o further_a delay_n then_o with_o a_o sudden_a settlement_n i_o may_v refer_v it_o to_o himself_o to_o conclude_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v but_o you_o may_v perhaps_o say_v no_o man_n ever_o doubt_v of_o this_o that_o the_o right_n order_v and_o guide_n of_o soul_n under_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v delay_v but_o rather_o speedy_o settle_v when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v but_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o the_o government_n sue_v for_o be_v the_o right_n order_v and_o guide_n of_o soul_n under_o christ_n therefore_o we_o may_v suspend_v the_o settlement_n i_o answer_v if_o this_o be_v the_o exception_n then_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v show_v we_o rather_o wherefore_o he_o make_v this_o doubt_n then_o wherefore_o all_o government_n shall_v whole_o be_v make_v void_a and_o unsettled_a for_o when_o a_o question_n be_v make_v of_o church_n government_n in_o general_n nobody_o will_v otherwise_o conceive_v of_o it_o then_o under_o this_o notion_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o right_n order_v and_o guide_n of_o man_n life_n under_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v grant_v who_o dare_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o such_o a_o government_n shall_v be_v settle_v without_o delay_n among_o those_o that_o sue_v for_o it_o but_o let_v we_o admit_v of_o the_o exception_n as_o it_o may_v come_v under_o the_o limitation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o power_n common_o desire_v etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n let_v the_o question_n be_v thus_o if_o the_o power_n commoly_a desire_v be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n alone_o as_o former_o have_v be_v declare_v but_o in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o eldership_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n then_o query_n whether_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o sudden_a settlement_n yea_o or_o no_o whether_o the_o right_n of_o guide_v and_o oversee_v man_n soul_n be_v commit_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o any_o but_o unto_o the_o eldership_n whether_o in_o nature_n it_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o more_o proper_o then_o unto_o they_o whether_o a_o free_a choose_a eldership_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o charge_n of_o soul_n in_o ordinary_a rather_o than_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v so_o what_o inconsistency_n then_o be_v there_o between_o this_o power_n and_o a_o sudden_a settlement_n where_o be_v the_o danger_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o dangerous_a and_o unjust_a to_o refuse_v it_o by_o a_o needless_a delay_n but_o now_o his_o expression_n run_v under_o the_o general_n term_n of_o power_n common_o desire_v in_o
brethren_n and_o to_o take_v away_o public_a offence_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o perform_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n of_o edification_n without_o a_o agreement_n and_o settlement_n of_o the_o way_n of_o brotherly_a relation_n under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n of_o judgement_n and_o if_o without_o this_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v not_o those_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o offence_n which_o now_o be_v remediless_a in_o the_o churth_n and_o state_n for_o want_n of_o government_n who_o dissuade_v the_o settlement_n thereof_o thus_o we_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o all_o aught_o to_o do_v in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o settlement_n of_o church-government_n but_o contrariwise_o every_o thing_n do_v main_o require_v it_o and_o if_o we_o look_v further_o upon_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v fundamental_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o minister_n in_o their_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o in_o general_a for_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n house_n or_o in_o particular_a for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o flock_n for_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o the_o worship_n by_o labour_v public_o in_o prayer_n and_o administer_n of_o the_o sacrament_n without_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n if_o i_o say_v we_o look_v upon_o these_o duty_n of_o the_o ministerial_a profession_n to_o see_v what_o their_o consistency_n be_v with_o a_o settlement_n of_o government_n without_o delay_n do_v not_o all_o these_o duty_n utter_o lose_v their_o edify_a virtue_n and_o become_v a_o kind_n of_o reproach_n and_o derision_n to_o the_o profane_a world_n for_o want_v of_o this_o settlement_n of_o church-government_n among_o we_o and_o do_v not_o this_o neglect_n of_o god_n house_n bring_v a_o guilt_n upon_o the_o state_n because_o we_o will_v have_v our_o own_o worldly_a end_n before_o we_o give_v christ_n his_o spiritual_a righâ—â—_z over_o we_o therefore_o nothing_o do_v more_o require_v this_o sudden_a settlement_n of_o government_n than_o the_o ministerial_a duty_n of_o the_o public_a profession_n as_o for_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o state_n which_o can_v be_v none_o other_o than_o these_o 1._o that_o justice_n ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o wholesome_a law_n and_o statute_n 2._o that_o good_a order_n ought_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o all_o public_a society_n 3._o that_o confusion_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o strife_n and_o division_n aught_o to_o be_v prevent_v 4._o that_o the_o mean_n of_o peace_n of_o love_n and_o safety_n aught_o to_o be_v procure_v and_o settle_v by_o public_a authority_n i_o say_v in_o respect_n of_o all_o these_o maxim_n if_o a_o needless_a delay_n of_o settle_v church-government_n be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o their_o sense_n and_o purpose_n then_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v good_a policy_n to_o defer_v that_o settlement_n any_o long_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o establish_v it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o impossibility_n now_o for_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o settle_v by_o their_o authority_n the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n power_n among_o their_o subject_n therefore_o it_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o state_n as_o well_o as_o of_o religion_n to_o defer_v any_o long_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o so_o much_o long_v for_o church-government_n i_o love_v not_o to_o play_v the_o statesman_n and_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o interest_n of_o party_n to_o show_v the_o advantage_n which_o each_o may_v reap_v so_o far_o as_o their_o end_n be_v laudable_a from_o this_o settlement_n of_o christ_n power_n among_o we_o nor_o will_v i_o enter_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n which_o the_o long_a discontinuance_n and_o unsettlement_n of_o church-government_n do_v threaten_v the_o state_n withal_o from_o within_o to_o weaken_v it_o and_o from_o without_o to_o betray_v it_o to_o cunning_a adversary_n that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o take_v advantage_n i_o say_v i_o love_v not_o to_o dive_v much_o into_o these_o thing_n although_o the_o last_o might_n to_o good_a purpose_n be_v insist_v upon_o here_o chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o design_n of_o papist_n and_o prelate_n who_o will_v never_o gain_v ground_n upon_o we_o again_o but_o by_o our_o inward_a unsettlement_n but_o one_o thing_n i_o will_v say_v that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o high_a dishonour_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o great_a that_o a_o state_n can_v do_v unto_o christ_n not_o to_o allow_v he_o to_o order_n and_o guide_v his_o own_o house_n by_o his_o own_o law_n within_o their_o territory_n and_o by_o his_o own_o officer_n rule_v his_o own_o subject_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n which_o he_o within_o their_o habitation_n have_v buy_v and_o do_v call_v unto_o himself_o so_o he_o will_v no_o doubt_n severe_o revenge_v such_o a_o injury_n with_o deserve_a judgement_n and_o put_v down_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o in_o this_o world_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o take_v place_n in_o his_o mount_n zion_n 2._o he_o will_v break_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n all_o to_o piece_n therefore_o be_v wise_a now_o o_o you_o king_n and_o be_v you_o instruct_v you_o ruler_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n have_v be_v judge_v a_o true_a maxim_n of_o state_n to_o unite_v and_o settle_v the_o kingdom_n both_o joint_o and_o several_o in_o peace_n and_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v conscionable_o by_o all_o as_o a_o thing_n swear_v unto_o by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o in_o the_o presenâ—e_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v those_o to_o be_v unpunished_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a have_v bind_v themselves_o to_o perform_v it_o then_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o needless_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o mere_a political_a subtle_a and_o cunning_a delay_n of_o settle_v that_o church-government_n which_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n will_v not_o be_v find_v expedient_a but_o very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o whole_a state_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o house_n for_o if_o their_o oath_n have_v make_v this_o endeavour_n of_o settle_v this_o church-government_n when_o it_o can_v be_v do_v a_o necessary_a duty_n unto_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o state_n then_o i_o hope_v that_o they_o will_v understand_v thus_o much_o that_o he_o who_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n will_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o purpose_n and_o aim_v for_o which_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n when_o it_o may_v be_v perform_v be_v defer_v no_o state_n end_n will_v give_v he_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o we_o all_o i_o say_v we_o chief_o that_o be_v remembrancer_n on_o god_n behalf_n to_o man_n of_o their_o duty_n shall_v let_v the_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o other_o know_v what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o case_n namely_o that_o god_n expect_v a_o performance_n of_o vow_n make_v unto_o he_o without_o all_o delay_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o by-end_n in_o a_o business_n to_o which_o the_o conscience_n have_v bind_v itself_o towards_o the_o lord_n therefore_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o ecclesiastes_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n which_o say_v thus_o chap._n 5.4_o when_o thou_o vow_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n pay_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v vow_v in_o a_o word_n then_o to_o persuade_v the_o magistrate_n to_o defer_v the_o payment_n of_o his_o vow_n to_o god_n upon_o state_n consideration_n and_o politic_a intent_n be_v to_o persuade_v he_o to_o play_v the_o fool_n and_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o judgement_n denounce_v in_o that_o woe_n which_o be_v threaten_v they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n isai._n 5.21_o let_v therefore_o no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o if_o we_o be_v christian_n not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o state_n polity_n of_o this_o world_n be_v mere_a foolishness_n with_o god_n because_o it_o be_v write_v that_o he_o will_v take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n 1_o cor._n 3.18_o 19_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n wherein_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o a_o unpartial_a way_n of_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n which_o he_o have_v prepose_v now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o part_n
wherein_o i_o be_o to_o look_v upon_o his_o manner_n of_o proceed_v for_o the_o determination_n thereof_o to_o see_v how_o far_o it_o do_v reach_v the_o aim_n of_o advance_v truth_n and_o peace_n the_o second_o part._n the_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v fit_a according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o state_n to_o settle_v any_o church-government_n over_o the_o kingdom_n hasty_o or_o not_o and_o with_o the_o power_n common_o desire_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n i_o have_v hitherto_o deliver_v my_o sense_n of_o this_o query_n and_o by_o way_n of_o deliberation_n show_v what_o answer_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o it_o now_o i_o purpose_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o answer_n which_o he_o do_v give_v to_o observe_v what_o truth_n be_v in_o it_o and_o how_o far_o the_o way_n which_o he_o do_v suggest_v be_v useful_a for_o peace_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o his_o discourse_n i_o must_v examine_v his_o reason_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n i_o will_v set_v down_o in_o his_o own_o word_n so_o near_o as_o may_v be_v the_o argument_n which_o he_o do_v use_v and_o that_o in_o their_o full_a strength_n to_o make_v good_a his_o conclusion_n and_o then_o i_o will_v compare_v the_o point_n of_o doubt_n with_o that_o wherein_o the_o force_n of_o the_o reason_n do_v lie_v his_o reason_n lie_v in_o several_a aphorism_n or_o section_n without_o method_n or_o coherence_n he_o be_v brief_a and_o dark_a and_o do_v presuppose_v some_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v express_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o matter_n now_o i_o hate_v confusion_n and_o therefore_o without_o do_v he_o wrong_v will_v reduce_v his_o reason_n to_o certain_a head_n under_o which_o all_o shall_v be_v bring_v in_o which_o he_o do_v allege_v in_o such_o order_n as_o his_o matter_n will_v admit_v of_o he_o endeavour_v then_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o any_o church-government_n shall_v be_v settle_v hasty_o in_o this_o kingdom_n from_o four_o head_n of_o argument_n 1._o from_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o parochial_a congregation_n to_o admit_v of_o government_n sect._n 1.2_o 6._o 2._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o fault_n of_o reformer_n in_o latter_a day_n sect._n 3.4_o 5._o 3._o from_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o new_a clergyman_n to_o administer_v church_n government_n sect._n 8.9_o 4._o from_o the_o interest_n of_o state_n and_o of_o the_o dissent_a brethren_n sect._n 7.10.11_o concerning_o the_o first_o in_o the_o first_o head_n i_o find_v two_o pre-supposall_n which_o he_o take_v as_o grant_v the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o which_o a_o people_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o receive_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o suitableness_n be_v not_o hasty_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o the_o second_o be_v that_o which_o a_o people_n ought_v to_o receive_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o uselesseness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o the_o first_o assertion_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o first_o and_o six_o and_o the_o second_o of_o his_o second_o section_n but_o the_o first_o be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v without_o a_o limitation_n for_o ignorance_n and_o want_n of_o suteableness_n in_o a_o people_n except_o it_o be_v find_v altogether_o invincible_a do_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o obedience_n nor_o shall_v good_a law_n and_o government_n whereby_o a_o people_n may_v be_v instruct_v and_o make_v suitable_a to_o perform_v necessary_a duty_n be_v leave_v off_o because_o former_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o teach_v nay_o in_o human_a government_n the_o contrary_a may_v be_v assert_v for_o a_o truth_n namely_o that_o where_o a_o people_n be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o do_v want_v sutableness_n to_o perform_v it_o towards_o superior_n there_o government_n ought_v to_o be_v constitute_v without_o delay_n lest_o their_o unruliness_n and_o unteachableness_n become_v habitual_a for_o the_o want_n of_o government_n do_v make_v a_o people_n wild_a thus_o than_o the_o assertion_n be_v not_o universal_o true_a but_o perhaps_o he_o will_v say_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religious_a subjection_n it_o will_v hold_v true_a because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v bind_v no_o man_n further_o to_o practical_a obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o government_n than_o he_o do_v understand_v the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o government_n to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 14.5_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o vers._n 23._o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n from_o this_o place_n he_o infer_v that_o if_o a_o people_n be_v not_o teach_v the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o government_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o how_o this_o consequence_n do_v follow_v we_o shall_v see_v anon_o when_o we_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o first_o section_n but_o here_o i_o will_v intimate_v only_o that_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v not_o give_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o subjection_n relate_v to_o government_n but_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o freedom_n relate_v to_o discretion_n whereby_o every_o one_o be_v to_o look_v to_o his_o own_o private_a way_n for_o in_o that_o four_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v christian_n rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o moderation_n in_o judge_v one_o another_o for_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n such_o as_o be_v meat_n and_o day_n in_o these_o thing_n he_o forbid_v the_o strong_a to_o despise_v the_o weak_a and_o the_o weak_a to_o judge_v the_o strong_a ver._n 2.3_o 4._o and_o he_o will_v every_o one_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concerning_o that_o which_o he_o do_v that_o he_o may_v not_o do_v it_o either_o with_o offence_n to_o other_o or_o doubting_o within_o himself_o if_o either_o of_o these_o befall_v he_o the_o apostle_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n from_o verse_n 4._o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o chief_o concerning_o the_o man_n that_o doubt_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o say_v that_o if_o he_o eat_v not_o with_o faith_n he_o be_v damn_v because_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v clear_o of_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o every_o one_o be_v to_o govern_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o private_a action_n namely_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o he_o can_v do_v in_o faith_n and_o whereof_o he_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n now_o how_o from_o a_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n a_o consequence_n will_v be_v right_o draw_v to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o any_o church-government_n shall_v be_v hasty_o settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v not_o clear_a to_o i_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n for_o because_o a_o christian_n may_v abstain_v from_o do_v that_o whereof_o he_o be_v in_o doubt_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v lawful_a that_o therefore_o no_o church-government_n shall_v be_v settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n seem_v to_o i_o no_o good_a inference_n for_o if_o the_o roman_n to_o who_o these_o rule_n be_v give_v be_v under_o church-government_n as_o be_v apparent_a they_o be_v by_o ch._n 12.4.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o if_o this_o doubt_n in_o private_a case_n of_o practice_n be_v incident_a unto_o they_o and_o do_v not_o exempt_v they_o from_o that_o obligation_n nor_o do_v make_v church-government_n a_o thing_n unfit_a for_o their_o edification_n in_o godliness_n i_o know_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v exempt_v this_o people_n from_o the_o same_o obligation_n or_o be_v unfit_a for_o their_o public_a edification_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o his_o proof_n of_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o these_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o section_n he_o say_v thus_o that_o no_o church-government_n ought_v to_o be_v settle_v upon_o this_o people_n because_o if_o any_o be_v settle_v it_o will_v bring_v this_o people_n either_o to_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_n against_o god_n or_o of_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n his_o general_a ground_n than_o be_v this_o whatsoever_o may_v occasion_v a_o people_n either_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n or_o to_o become_v miserable_a in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o they_o this_o he_o take_v as_o a_o universal_a truth_n and_o do_v presuppose_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n undeniable_a but_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o false_a ground_n and_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o limitation_n i_o may_v conclude_v from_o it_o in_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v as_o well_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v offer_v to_o a_o people_n as_o that_o no_o
themselves_o without_o the_o politic_a act_n of_o statesman_n who_o have_v always_o some_o worldly_a design_n to_o bias_v their_o resolution_n the_o issue_n of_o the_o unsettlement_n will_v either_o be_v a_o total_a dissolution_n of_o all_o the_o bond_n and_o tie_n of_o church-fellowship_n among_o the_o professor_n or_o the_o open_n of_o a_o door_n to_o all_o adversary_n to_o break_v in_o upon_o their_o society_n and_o to_o all_o licentiousness_n to_o break_v forth_o among_o themselves_o without_o control_v the_o issue_n whereof_o will_v be_v the_o utter_a contempt_n of_o all_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n and_o therewith_o the_o break_n in_o of_o all_o damnable_a heresy_n which_o will_v make_v way_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o profaneness_n of_o idolatry_n of_o popery_n of_o atheism_n and_o of_o all_o blasphemous_a abomination_n now_o if_o no_o agreement_n can_v be_v find_v among_o the_o minister_n themselves_o to_o prevent_v the_o unsettlement_n from_o whence_o these_o evil_n will_v certain_o spring_v up_o which_o be_v the_o only_a advice_n that_o i_o can_v give_v in_o this_o present_a case_n then_o to_o divert_v the_o issue_n which_o these_o evil_n will_v produce_v unto_o the_o nation_n i_o know_v none_o other_o remedy_n but_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v by_o way_n of_o foresight_n establish_v moral_a law_n to_o repress_v gross_a dissoluteness_n of_o life_n by_o corporal_a punishment_n to_o restrain_v open_a profaneness_n in_o violate_v the_o lord_n day_n to_o inhibâ—t_v superstitious_a and_o popish_a rite_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n to_o punish_v the_o author_n and_o publisher_n of_o blasphemous_a and_o atheistical_a tenet_n which_o fret_v as_o a_o gangrene_n and_o lead_v the_o unsettle_a mind_n of_o ignorant_a people_n to_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o impiety_n to_o all_o brutish_a sensuality_n and_o desperate_a course_n in_o wickedness_n which_o in_o the_o end_n will_v bring_v the_o nation_n to_o utter_v ruin_n if_o god_n do_v not_o in_o mercy_n prevent_v the_o current_n of_o these_o evil_n by_o waken_v the_o spirit_n of_o magistrate_n unto_o righteousness_n and_o a_o resolution_n to_o be_v faithful_a unto_o their_o trust_n that_o what_o can_v not_o be_v prevent_v by_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v divert_v by_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o human_a law_n and_o bodily_a punishment_n over_o those_o that_o be_v disobedient_a not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v propagate_v by_o human_a power_n but_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n for_o although_o no_o outward_a constraint_n can_v make_v man_n virtuous_a yet_o a_o outward_a restraint_n may_v keep_v they_o from_o be_v so_o vicious_a as_o to_o destroy_v the_o safety_n and_o well-being_n of_o human_a society_n which_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o procure_v this_o be_v the_o advice_n which_o at_o present_a i_o be_o able_a to_o give_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o shall_v leave_v it_o with_o you_o and_o with_o such_o as_o you_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o impart_v it_o unto_o to_o peruse_v or_o to_o make_v what_o other_o use_n thereof_o as_o you_o shall_v see_v cause_n for_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n you_o know_v that_o you_o have_v power_n to_o dispose_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o public_a good_a of_o mankind_n of_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o your_o faithful_a and_o affectionate_a friend_n in_o christ_n john_n dury_n a_o letter_n once_o write_v by_o mr._n dury_n to_o captain_n coysh_a wherein_o he_o open_v himself_o concerning_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n as_o a_o christian_a in_o advance_v church-government_n as_o it_o be_v national_a sir_n i_o rejoice_v great_o to_o see_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o spirit_n so_o answerable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n mr._n hartlib_n have_v acquaint_v i_o with_o the_o real_a effect_n of_o your_o godly_a zeal_n towards_o the_o public_a good_a and_o every_o good_a work_n for_o which_o you_o be_v much_o to_o be_v commend_v and_o on_o your_o behalf_n such_o as_o know_v you_o consider_v how_o few_o there_o be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n now_o adays_o ought_v to_o give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n for_o your_o forwardness_n to_o further_v the_o mean_n which_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o advance_v his_o glory_n among_o other_o good_a effect_n of_o your_o pious_a inclination_n the_o thought_n which_o you_o entertain_v to_o further_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n among_o the_o distract_a church_n of_o this_o land_n be_v not_o the_o least_o commendable_a will_v to_o god_n we_o can_v find_v many_o of_o your_o temper_n who_o have_v some_o interest_n and_o influence_n upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o none_o be_v now_o regard_v but_o such_o as_o follow_v particular_a interest_n and_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o bring_v fuel_n to_o the_o fire_n which_o do_v consume_v we_o by_o matter_n of_o complaint_n or_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o their_o neighbour_n all_o side_n in_o every_o thing_n strive_v for_o victory_n none_o for_o gain_v other_o in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n through_o love_n and_o forbearance_n the_o aim_n which_o you_o have_v in_o the_o discourse_n which_o mr._n hartlib_n have_v send_v i_o be_v exceed_o good_a although_o i_o have_v some_o difficulty_n to_o read_v your_o hand_n yet_o i_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o understand_v your_o meaning_n and_o i_o shall_v willing_o give_v my_o approbation_n to_o your_o proposal_n if_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v the_o effect_n thereof_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o unblamable_a freedom_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o difference_n which_o be_v extrafundamentall_a ground_v upon_o a_o real_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o agreement_n in_o all_o matter_n which_o be_v fundamental_a you_o have_v set_v down_o the_o head_n of_o thing_n which_o you_o judge_v fundamental_a and_o necessary_a for_o salvation_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o overture_n concerning_o duty_n of_o forbearance_n in_o some_o doubtful_a practice_n which_o occasion_n much_o debate_n among_o those_o that_o love_n to_o abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o concerning_o the_o observance_n of_o some_o inquestionable_a berty_n for_o any_o side_n to_o practise_v what_o be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n but_o that_o have_v not_o make_v any_o side_n true_o peaceable_a but_o rather_o increase_v the_o division_n by_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o cross_v oppose_a and_o offend_v other_o in_o their_o different_a way_n whence_o scandal_n be_v multiply_v bitter_a dispute_n complaint_n irritation_n and_o heartburning_n increase_v now_o how_o to_o prevent_v in_o time_n to_o come_v this_o abuse_n of_o liberty_n which_o according_a to_o your_o proposal_n shall_v be_v grant_v will_v be_v the_o main_a and_o most_o difficult_a work_n of_o all_o and_o i_o find_v nothing_o suggest_v in_o your_o paper_n concerning_o this_o and_o without_o some_o remedy_n to_o this_o distemper_n of_o our_o spirit_n i_o can_v perceive_v that_o our_o malady_n can_v be_v cure_v hitherto_o i_o have_v make_v doubt_n and_o show_v you_o what_o i_o apprehend_v as_o a_o impediment_n to_o the_o effect_n of_o your_o desire_n now_o i_o shall_v also_o suggest_v something_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o doubt_n and_o impediment_n of_o this_o work_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o advance_v i_o must_v lay_v this_o as_o a_o ground_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o outward_a and_o public_a concernment_n to_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n the_o magistrate_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v respect_v and_o to_o be_v sue_v unto_o for_o his_o assistance_n but_o in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o conscience_n immediate_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v alone_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o if_o therefore_o man_n in_o their_o outward_a action_n misbehave_v themselves_o and_o do_v thing_n prejudicial_o unto_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o neighbour_n they_o fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n who_o may_v make_v law_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o give_v offence_n unto_o their_o neighbour_n but_o if_o they_o walk_v orderly_o and_o offend_v nobody_o and_o yet_o foment_n pernicious_a error_n and_o spread_v they_o secret_o or_o open_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o man_n conscience_n and_o the_o seduction_n of_o the_o weak_a they_o can_v be_v otherwise_o deal_v withal_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o see_v this_o do_v effectual_o till_o they_o be_v convert_v or_o convict_v to_o be_v incorrigible_a and_o then_o he_o be_v to_o do_v further_o as_o his_o conscience_n shall_v direct_v he_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o right_a to_o oversee_v all_o man_n outward_a action_n and_o may_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o what_o they_o do_v as_o man_n and_o may_v restrain_v they_o from_o do_v that_o which_o he_o do_v think_v prejudicial_a
to_o the_o peace_n of_o other_o subject_n but_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o impose_v upon_o any_o man_n conscâ—â—â—â—e_n any_o thing_n by_o law_n only_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o use_v mean_n to_o convict_v man_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v countenance_v and_o oversee_v the_o regular_a way_n of_o settle_v those_o mean_n a_o work_n for_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o nurse_a father_n to_o his_o child_n therefore_o as_o such_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o insight_n of_o all_o their_o way_n to_o protect_v they_o from_o harm_n and_o to_o advance_v unto_o they_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n now_o the_o life_n of_o god_n child_n as_o such_o be_v the_o freedom_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o serve_v he_o conscionable_o according_a to_o his_o will_n whatsoever_o then_o do_v deprive_v they_o of_o this_o freedom_n he_o may_v not_o impose_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o be_v to_o bring_v their_o spirit_n in_o bongage_v under_o his_o will_n now_o he_o be_v not_o the_o father_n of_o their_o spirit_n that_o be_v god_n alone_a prerogative_n therefore_o he_o may_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o hinder_v but_o aught_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o further_a their_o free_a acccess_n towards_o he_o all_o his_o care_n must_v be_v then_o as_o he_o be_v a_o nurse_a father_n of_o god_n child_n to_o provide_v for_o these_o thing_n 1._o first_o to_o know_v who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o he_o shall_v nurse_v that_o he_o may_v distinguish_v they_o from_o stranger_n 2._o what_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o his_o nurse_n duty_n be_v towards_o they_o that_o be_v to_o say_v what_o his_o aim_n as_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n shall_v be_v above_o which_o he_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o 3._o how_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o perform_v the_o duty_n subordinate_a unto_o his_o aim_n to_o speak_v in_o a_o word_n my_o sense_n that_o if_o you_o please_v you_o may_v confer_v with_o i_o about_o they_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o the_o first_o that_o he_o must_v know_v and_o discern_v the_o child_n of_o god_n from_o stranger_n by_o this_o infallible_a token_n whosoever_o do_v acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o do_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o do_v submit_v himself_o to_o be_v guide_v in_o his_o profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o their_o direction_n and_o do_v wear_v in_o all_o his_o walk_v christ_n livery_n which_o be_v love_n holiness_n and_o meekness_n he_o be_v to_o be_v count_v a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o this_o he_o be_v to_o be_v count_v a_o stranger_n to_o it_o and_o this_o badge_n of_o religious_a profession_n may_v make_v a_o national_a church_n as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o a_o church_n can_v be_v count_v otherwise_o national_a but_o in_o reference_n to_o he_o nor_o ought_v he_o to_o discern_v professor_n by_o any_o other_o token_n but_o by_o this_o this_o than_o be_v the_o character_n of_o a_o national_a church_n to_o i_o namely_o if_o a_o whole_a nation_n do_v make_v this_o profession_n and_o if_o he_o that_o be_v the_o magistrate_n of_o that_o nation_n do_v make_v the_o same_o profession_n he_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o himself_o in_o his_o charge_n as_o a_o nurse_a father_n to_o they_o all_o alike_o for_o whatsoever_o their_o particular_a difference_n otherwise_o may_v be_v among_o themselves_o which_o destroy_v not_o this_o foundation_n they_o be_v to_o he_o no_o more_o but_o as_o the_o several_a stature_n or_o feature_n or_o lineament_n of_o those_o child_n body_n and_o face_n which_o in_o his_o nurse_n care_n must_v make_v no_o material_a difference_n as_o concerning_o the_o second_o which_o be_v his_o aim_n above_o which_o he_o may_v not_o presume_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o nurse_n duty_n i_o conceive_v it_o shall_v be_v to_o oversee_v their_o way_n in_o the_o visible_a profession_n that_o the_o freedom_n due_a to_o all_o may_v be_v maintain_v in_o every_o one_o and_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o brethren_n child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n may_v be_v uphold_v without_o disturbance_n in_o all_o above_o this_o i_o suppose_v he_o may_v not_o presume_v nor_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o prescribe_v any_o thing_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o worship_n authoritative_o or_o to_o restrain_v authoritative_o the_o exercise_n which_o may_v be_v serviceable_a thereunto_o for_o he_o be_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o child_n faith_n and_o of_o their_o respect_n unto_o their_o father_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o they_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n by_o which_o man_n soul_n act_n towards_o god_n be_v not_o commit_v to_o his_o nurse_n care_n christ_n be_v their_o tutor_n in_o this_o thing_n but_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o outward_a profession_n in_o the_o body_n be_v commit_v and_o recommend_v to_o he_o as_o for_o the_o question_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v with_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n and_o what_o his_o relation_n be_v unto_o they_o how_o far_o he_o be_v to_o look_v unto_o their_o profession_n and_o to_o what_o end_n i_o will_v not_o mention_v it_o now_o for_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v our_o present_a purpose_n the_o three_o thing_n belong_v to_o his_o nurse_n care_n be_v to_o know_v how_o the_o duty_n shall_v be_v perform_v which_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o this_o aim_n the_o duty_n be_v main_o two_o first_o to_o take_v away_o the_o let_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a freedom_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o obedience_n due_a to_o his_o ordinance_n second_o to_o supply_v all_o comfort_n all_o help_n and_o encouragement_n which_o may_v further_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o professor_n in_o knowledge_n unity_n and_o love_v one_o towards_o another_o and_o the_o way_n to_o endeavour_v these_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v nurse-like_a with_o much_o tenderness_n of_o affection_n without_o harshness_n or_o imperiousness_n to_o over-awe_v their_o spirit_n and_o without_o worldly_a and_o politic_a aim_n to_o put_v a_o snare_n upon_o they_o or_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o profession_n for_o human_a advantage_n and_o worldly_a design_n i_o have_v enlarge_v myself_o upon_o this_o discourse_n to_o lay_v it_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o what_o i_o be_o to_o advise_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o our_o distraction_n and_o the_o prosecution_n of_o your_o aim_n in_o the_o discourse_n which_o be_v send_v i_o i_o conceive_v then_o that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v petition_v by_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o edification_n in_o the_o use_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o not_o offensive_a unto_o any_o unto_o this_o petition_n the_o magistrate_n shall_v give_v his_o approbation_n and_o promise_v his_o protection_n to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v show_v he_o that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v without_o blame_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o word_n and_o upon_o this_o declaration_n he_o shall_v invite_v all_o those_o that_o make_v the_o word_n their_o rule_n to_o offer_v unto_o he_o from_o the_o word_n the_o substance_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o of_o their_o practice_n positive_o 3.15_o by_o this_o invitation_n every_o one_o will_v be_v bind_v to_o lay_v himself_o open_a for_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v of_o they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o here_o observe_v that_o i_o will_v not_o have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o impose_v upon_o any_o that_o which_o he_o do_v think_v fundamental_a in_o faith_n or_o practice_n for_o that_o belong_v unto_o he_o no_o more_o then_o to_o a_o nurse_n to_o shape_v the_o face_n of_o a_o child_n commit_v to_o her_o care_n otherwise_o their_o god_n have_v make_v it_o but_o he_o be_v only_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o which_o other_o think_v to_o themselves_o in_o their_o way_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v fundamental_a here_o then_o your_o discourse_n may_v be_v present_v to_o he_o for_o yourself_o and_o other_o that_o shall_v resolve_v to_o make_v it_o the_o platform_n of_o their_o profession_n but_o for_o he_o to_o propose_v it_o unto_o all_o or_o to_o discountenance_v all_o that_o shall_v not_o resolve_v to_o follow_v it_o that_o will_v be_v somewhat_o beyond_o his_o commission_n as_o i_o conceive_v now_o when_o all_o the_o party_n shall_v have_v give_v up_o the_o positive_a declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o conceive_v agreeable_a to_o the_o
the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n do_v infuse_v a_o prejudice_n and_o misinform_v people_n of_o the_o minister_n desire_v whereby_o he_o do_v maintain_v a_o jealousy_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o simple_a against_o his_o brethren_n and_o if_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o disrespect_n be_v cast_v upon_o the_o ministry_n itself_o and_o if_o he_o in_o so_o do_v do_v strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o a_o profane_a and_o dissolute_a generation_n which_o seek_v nothing_o more_o then_o to_o reject_v whole_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v without_o control_v in_o all_o disorderly_a way_n if_o i_o say_v by_o this_o manner_n of_o deal_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o do_v all_o this_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o serious_a disquiry_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n whether_o or_o no_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o repent_v and_o use_v mean_n to_o redress_v these_o evil_n whereunto_o he_o give_v occasion_n as_o for_o the_o fundamental_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n be_v it_o any_o way_n inconsistent_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o present_a settlement_n of_o eldership_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v without_o power_n to_o deal_v by_o scriptural_a way_n and_o lawful_a mean_n with_o such_o person_n as_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v heretical_a scandalous_a and_o disorderly_a do_v not_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v timothy_n in_o the_o very_a first_o place_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o that_o teach_v other_o doctrine_n to_o charge_v they_o not_o to_o do_v so_o that_o be_v with_o authority_n to_o repress_v they_o 1_o tim._n 1.3_o be_v there_o not_o a_o woe_n denounce_v to_o those_o that_o give_v scandal_n mat._n 18.7_o and_o be_v there_o no_o cause_n to_o grieve_v for_o the_o abomination_n commit_v without_o control_v within_o the_o church_n ezek._n 9.4_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v grieve_v for_o they_o shall_v not_o mean_n also_o be_v use_v which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o hinder_v a_o settlement_n of_o those_o mean_n be_v there_o any_o danger_n in_o a_o speedy_a course_n to_o repress_v profaneness_n to_o rectify_v disorderliness_n and_o to_o cure_v ignorance_n and_o what_o benefit_n can_v redound_v to_o godliness_n by_o defer_v the_o discipline_n and_o order_n by_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v uphold_v true_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o thence_o that_o even_o a_o great_a and_o doleful_a disadvantage_n do_v come_v thereby_o to_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o weak_a in_o faith_n and_o simple_a one_o and_o to_o all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n who_o be_v make_v sad_a by_o these_o distraction_n and_o that_o any_o who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n shall_v help_v to_o increase_v their_o sorrow_n by_o obstruct_v the_o remedy_n and_o dissolve_v all_o way_n of_o government_n be_v a_o double_a grief_n to_o godly_a soul_n and_o if_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v find_v inconsistent_a with_o this_o settlement_n but_o all_o do_v call_v for_o the_o hasten_n of_o it_o what_o shall_v we_o conceive_v of_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o the_o religious_a profession_n of_o christianity_n shall_v afford_v any_o thing_n whereby_o a_o settlement_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v dissuade_v be_v not_o god_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n nay_o do_v not_o every_o part_n of_o that_o profession_n call_v aloud_o for_o a_o settlement_n of_o government_n with_o all_o possible_a speed_n first_o look_v upon_o christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n be_v he_o not_o upon_o his_o throne_n and_o in_o his_o kingdom_n to_o order_n it_o 3.1_o and_o to_o establish_v it_o with_o judgement_n and_o with_o justice_n isai._n 9.7_o have_v he_o hitherto_o show_v no_o judgement_n to_o the_o gentile_n mat._n 12.18_o and_o if_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v he_o the_o king_n of_o soul_n and_o our_o king_n to_o who_o we_o have_v give_v up_o our_o conscience_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o with_o respect_n hereunto_o in_o a_o national_a covenant_n one_o with_o another_o and_o if_o we_o make_v this_o our_o great_a glory_n to_o be_v count_v his_o disciple_n and_o to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o his_o discipline_n shall_v we_o deliberate_v yea_o or_o no_o whether_o we_o shall_v suffer_v his_o way_n of_o judgement_n to_o take_v place_n among_o we_o will_v he_o not_o be_v angry_a if_o we_o demur_v upon_o the_o matter_n and_o shall_v we_o escape_v perdition_n if_o we_o lie_v under_o wrath_n psal._n 2.12_o true_o there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n so_o pregnant_a to_o kindle_v his_o anger_n against_o a_o nation_n as_o be_v this_o very_a neglect_n of_o give_v he_o his_o due_a over_o man_n soul_n as_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o profession_n whether_o requisite_a in_o the_o member_n or_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o they_o all_o high_o oblige_v we_o to_o further_a a_o speedy_a settlement_n of_o government_n be_v they_o not_o all_o either_o whole_o interrupt_v in_o some_o place_n for_o want_n of_o it_o or_o everywhere_o under_o contempt_n and_o in_o disorder_n because_o no_o government_n be_v nowhere_o settle_v for_o if_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v christ_n profess_o even_o under_o the_o cross_n be_v they_o not_o then_o also_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n even_o though_o they_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o it_o to_o further_v the_o settlement_n of_o that_o power_n wherein_o christ_n may_v rule_v over_o they_o by_o his_o ordinance_n and_o if_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v open_o and_o orderly_o in_o the_o public_a light_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v do_v in_o a_o society_n of_o saint_n without_o a_o agreement_n and_o some_o settlement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n public_a ordinance_n wherein_o every_o one_o that_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n and_o do_v glory_n in_o his_o service_n may_v find_v direction_n how_o to_o approve_v himself_o without_o blame_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a nation_n 2.15_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o desire_v this_o agreement_n of_o saint_n in_o government_n and_o the_o settlement_n of_o their_o way_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n without_o delay_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a therefore_o also_o the_o second_o and_o if_o we_o be_v also_o command_v to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n without_o delay_n and_o this_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v effectual_o without_o a_o agreement_n for_o settle_v of_o church-government_n then_o certain_o we_o be_v all_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o seek_v this_o agreement_n without_o delay_n but_o we_o be_v all_o command_v to_o endeavour_v the_o first_o without_o delay_n and_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o the_o second_o therefore_o we_o be_v also_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o seek_v for_o the_o second_o without_o delay_n again_o if_o christian_n in_o their_o public_a profession_n be_v bind_v to_o consider_v one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n to_o provoke_v daily_o each_o other_o to_o love_v and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o settlement_n of_o their_o comembership_n under_o christ_n in_o his_o government_n then_o the_o settlement_n of_o this_o comembership_n under_o this_o government_n be_v to_o be_v intend_v without_o delay_n but_o that_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v daily_o and_o can_v be_v do_v without_o this_o therefore_o this_o government_n ought_v to_o be_v settle_v without_o delay_n if_o christian_n shall_v come_v orderly_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o renew_v the_o memorial_n thereof_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o often_o as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o mutual_a edification_n in_o love_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v comfortable_o without_o the_o advancement_n of_o church-government_n to_o a_o settleman_n then_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v settle_v without_o delay_n but_o the_o former_a of_o these_o duty_n be_v requisite_a and_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o latter_a therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n without_o delay_n furthermore_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o to_o avoid_v such_o as_o give_v occasion_n thereunto_o but_o without_o the_o settlement_n of_o some_o waâ—es_n and_o agreement_n in_o government_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o do_v this_o effectual_o or_o to_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n of_o division_n therefore_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o way_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v intend_v without_o delay_n and_o concerning_o the_o duty_n of_o mutual_a admonition_n to_o rectify_v the_o unruliness_n of_o