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
resolve_v doubt_n the_o four_o section_n have_v this_o argument_n if_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n settle_v no_o gospel-government_n upon_o any_o but_o upon_o such_o as_o first_o be_v bring_v under_o gospel_n obedience_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o and_o spirit_n than_o no_o government_n shall_v hasty_o be_v settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o consequent_a also_o now_o to_o make_v good_a the_o consequence_n of_o the_o antecedent_n he_o say_v if_o thousand_o of_o coâ—gregations_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v not_o yet_o bring_v under_o gospel_n obedience_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n then_o the_o gospel-government_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v settle_v hasty_o in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o thousand_o of_o congregation_n be_v not_o bring_v under_o gospel-obedience_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n here_o observe_v again_o that_o his_o argument_n run_v direct_o against_o gospel-government_n itself_o and_o not_o against_o the_o suppose_a government_n desire_v to_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n be_v this_o although_o never_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o congregation_n be_v not_o yet_o bring_v under_o gospel-obedience_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v bring_v under_o that_o obedience_n shall_v not_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o magistrate_n to_o have_v that_o government_n settle_v among_o they_o so_o far_o as_o his_o authority_n can_v advance_v it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v but_o give_v way_n to_o the_o minister_n to_o set_v up_o christ_n government_n in_o his_o house_n and_o for_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o proceed_v therein_o do_v behave_v himself_o as_o a_o patron_n of_o the_o work_n then_o he_o do_v all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o he_o but_o it_o seem_v mr._n saltmarsh_n will_v dissuade_v he_o from_o do_v this_o and_o why_o because_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n settle_v not_o gospel-government_n till_o gospel-obedience_n be_v wrought_v indeed_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o minister_n in_o their_o charge_n when_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o people_n which_o do_v not_o yet_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o appliable_a to_o a_o magistrate_n who_o be_v set_v over_o a_o people_n profess_v christianity_n for_o the_o magistrate_n be_v require_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o delay_n to_o further_a the_o government_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v convict_v of_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o do_v not_o you_o think_v that_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o darius_n do_v well_o in_o publish_v their_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o command_v all_o their_o subject_n to_o fear_v and_o reverence_v he_o dan._n 3.29_o and_o 6.25_o although_o their_o subject_n be_v not_o instruct_v to_o know_v he_o and_o do_v not_o artaxerxes_n well_o in_o authorise_v ezra_n to_o settle_v government_n in_o the_o church_n ezra_n 7._o he_o shall_v then_o have_v consider_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a maigistrate_n in_o settle_v church-government_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n then_o that_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o he_o contrary_a to_o his_o ministerial_a duty_n intend_v to_o dissuade_v the_o magistrate_n from_o his_o duty_n do_v allege_v that_o which_o be_v proper_a only_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o involve_v it_o with_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o magistrate_n thus_o a_o spirit_n of_o confusion_n do_v as_o with_o a_o whirlwind_n drive_v all_o his_o thought_n to_o mix_v diâ—orderly_a and_o deceitful_o thing_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n together_o to_o lead_v himself_o and_o other_o by_o some_o appearance_n of_o light_n into_o the_o way_n of_o error_n and_o as_o for_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o congregation_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o bring_v under_o gospel-obedience_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n how_o far_o this_o be_v true_a i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o suspect_v that_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o some_o sort_n herein_o also_o not_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o lessen_v the_o opinion_n of_o great_a want_n of_o knowledge_n in_o many_o congregation_n but_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o gospel-obedience_n something_o which_o true_o i_o do_v not_o condemn_v he_o for_o seekimg_v after_o but_o yet_o can_v think_v it_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o before_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n be_v settle_v any_o way_n it_o must_v be_v have_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o do_v imagine_v and_o till_o that_o be_v so_o have_v all_o that_o otherwise_o know_v christ_n shall_v be_v count_v as_o heathen_n and_o unbeliver_v that_o which_o i_o will_v say_v be_v this_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v go_v before_o the_o settle_n of_o government_n in_o a_o ministerial_a way_n that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o gospel_n may_v out_o of_o conscience_n free_a willing_o submit_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v promise_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n psal._n 110.3_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o congregation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n can_v be_v count_v so_o ignorant_a and_o so_o whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o all_o gospel-government_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o all_o know_v christ_n by_o name_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o saviour_n beside_o he_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o desire_v at_o least_o in_o the_o outward_a profession_n to_o be_v under_o his_o ordinance_n and_o government_n now_o if_o this_o much_o gospel-obedience_n be_v not_o some_o common_a fruit_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o he_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v can_v any_o man_n say_v with_o any_o measure_n of_o conviction_n and_o knowledge_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o and_o how_o be_v the_o spirit_n effectual_a in_o we_o be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n gal._n 3.2_o and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a degree_n effectual_a to_o work_v this_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n if_o it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n to_o bring_v a_o poor_a soul_n to_o offer_v itself_o unto_o christ_n to_o call_v he_o lord_n dare_v he_o reject_v it_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n government_n belong_v to_o his_o ministry_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o whole_a flock_n of_o such_o soul_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o christ_n government_n although_o they_o know_v not_o distinct_o what_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v shall_v he_o dare_v to_o cast_v they_o off_o true_o i_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o do_v so_o lest_o i_o shall_v offend_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o little_a one_o but_o whole_a flock_n thereof_o what_o do_v i_o say_v then_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v set_v up_o without_o preparation_n shall_v all_o in_o the_o congregation_n be_v promiscuous_o admit_v to_o all_o ordinance_n i_o say_v not_o so_o but_o such_o as_o have_v a_o fundamental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o be_v unblameable_a in_o their_o life_n oblige_v themselves_o profess_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o god_n way_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o such_o i_o say_v offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v instruct_v and_o govern_v may_v not_o be_v despise_v or_o cast_v off_o though_o very_o mean_a in_o judgement_n and_o other_o gift_n chief_o when_o they_o profess_v a_o desire_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o saint_n and_o you_o have_v nothing_o after_o trial_n to_o except_v against_o they_o for_o i_o suppose_v that_o god_n do_v allot_v to_o every_o degree_n of_o gospel-obedience_n a_o proportionable_a degree_n of_o gospel-government_n as_o for_o the_o comparison_n of_o a_o material_a building_n i_o admit_v of_o it_o and_o say_v that_o if_o they_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o i_o have_v say_v they_o shall_v be_v good_a government_n and_o pain_n to_o teach_v and_o catechise_v they_o will_v without_o noise_n of_o the_o axe_n or_o hammer_n whereof_o he_o speak_v fit_v they_o in_o due_a time_n to_o their_o own_o place_n in_o the_o building_n now_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o be_v in_o a_o confuse_a heap_n and_o it_o be_v not_o well_o possible_a that_o matter_n can_v be_v worse_o than_o they_o be_v except_o all_o hope_n and_o endeavour_n of_o advance_v a_o reformation_n be_v take_v away_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o ignorant_a multitude_n that_o cause_v the_o noise_n
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
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
word_n and_o when_o he_o have_v satisfy_v his_o own_o judgement_n therein_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o destructive_a unto_o godliness_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n he_o ought_v to_o give_v they_o a_o strict_a charge_n not_o to_o be_v injurious_a and_o offensive_a one_o unto_o another_o but_o to_o seek_v peace_n and_o follow_v after_o it_o threaten_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o other_o with_o just_a correction_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n by_o this_o mean_n he_o will_v discharge_v the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o liberty_n of_o god_n child_n in_o the_o service_n due_a unto_o he_o by_o protect_v they_o from_o injury_n in_o their_o several_a way_n but_o if_o he_o do_v think_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o endeavour_v also_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o supply_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o help_n and_o comfort_n which_o may_v fuâ—ther_v their_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n unity_n and_o love_n which_o i_o conceive_v the_o parliament_n of_o england_n more_o solemn_o oblige_v to_o endeavour_v than_o ever_o any_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o this_o world_n have_v be_v if_o i_o say_v our_o magistrate_n do_v think_v himself_o bind_v to_o this_o not_o only_o by_o the_o property_n of_o his_o call_v but_o by_o special_a covenant_n towards_o god_n and_o with_o their_o neighbour_n then_o i_o will_v advise_v he_o to_o take_v this_o course_n 1._o first_o to_o allow_v of_o regular_a meeting_n between_o party_n for_o public_a or_o private_a conference_n wherein_o all_o offensiveness_n of_o speech_n or_o behaviour_n shall_v be_v strict_o prohibit_v under_o severe_a penalty_n as_o for_o the_o way_n how_o to_o order_v these_o meeting_n for_o edification_n that_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o at_o another_o time_n 2_o to_o employ_v some_o fit_a person_n from_o among_o themselves_o to_o persuade_v the_o rest_n or_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o consider_v of_o way_n how_o their_o difference_n may_v be_v compose_v and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n more_o clear_o manifest_v and_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n more_o firm_o establish_v among_o they_o then_o by_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o a_o civil_a sanction_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o christian_n who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v member_n of_o one_o another_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o untie_v they_o but_o the_o restraint_n of_o power_n keep_v they_o from_o mutual_a injury_n 3._o three_o i_o will_v advise_v he_o to_o require_v of_o every_o party_n that_o they_o shall_v declare_v that_o wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o other_o in_o doctrine_n and_o in_o practice_n and_o to_o make_v knownn_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o desire_v to_o walk_v towards_o those_o with_o who_o they_o agree_v in_o fundamental_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n that_o the_o communion_n and_o uniformity_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o god_n child_n in_o the_o service_n of_o one_o master_n may_v not_o be_v neglect_v so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v entertain_v 4._o four_o when_o these_o declaration_n be_v give_v in_o to_o he_o he_o shall_v set_v some_o of_o the_o choice_a man_n of_o each_o party_n one_o or_o two_o a_o work_n to_o gather_v out_o of_o all_o these_o declaration_n the_o tenor_n of_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o party_n so_o near_o as_o can_v be_v in_o their_o own_o word_n or_o full_o in_o their_o own_o word_n by_o way_n of_o harmony_n and_o to_o consult_v about_o the_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n remain_v how_o it_o may_v be_v take_v away_o or_o to_o give_v reason_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n why_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v a_o breach_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o affection_n of_o professor_n and_o when_o this_o harmony_n these_o consultation_n and_o reason_n shall_v be_v perfect_v they_o may_v be_v discreet_o impart_v unto_o the_o several_a church_n to_o be_v consider_v for_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v make_v here_o again_o you_o see_v that_o i_o will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v very_o active_a and_o zealous_a but_o yet_o still_o within_o his_o own_o sphere_n and_o line_n as_o a_o nurse_n and_o not_o as_o a_o commander_n and_o master_n of_o any_o man_n faith_n and_o religion_n as_o one_o that_o lead_v they_o and_o encourage_v they_o all_o alike_o unto_o the_o observation_n of_o clear_a duty_n which_o they_o themselves_o shall_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v observable_a and_o not_o as_o one_o that_o impose_v his_o own_o will_n and_o statute_n upon_o they_o as_o a_o yoke_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o engagement_n which_o be_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o national_a covenant_n to_o procure_v one_o confession_n of_o faith_n liturgy_n catechism_n form_n of_o worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n may_v be_v without_o difficulty_n discharge_v and_o the_o thing_n already_o do_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n may_v stand_v in_o their_o own_o place_n and_o be_v of_o force_n for_o the_o use_n of_o such_o as_o will_v own_v they_o and_o other_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o constraint_n and_o at_o a_o due_a liberty_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o light_n only_o with_o this_o proviso_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o molest_v any_o no_o more_o than_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v molest_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v declare_v their_o fundamental_a agreement_n with_o their_o brethren_n and_o their_o resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o they_o therein_o which_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o discharge_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o parliament_n also_o in_o 〈…〉_z the_o second_o article_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n by_o this_o method_n and_o way_n of_o proceed_v i_o suppose_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o do_v mention_v may_v be_v avoid_v only_o this_o will_n for_o the_o present_a remain_v to_o be_v think_v upon_o how_o to_o waken_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o resent_v these_o duty_n and_o how_o to_o insinuate_v these_o suggestion_n so_o unto_o he_o as_o that_o they_o may_v come_v without_o prejudice_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o faithful_a agent_n bring_v to_o some_o effectual_a result_n now_o the_o god_n of_o all_o peace_n and_o comfort_n lead_v the_o child_n of_o peace_n in_o his_o truth_n to_o be_v unblamable_a until_o the_o day_n of_o his_o appear_v and_o make_v we_o serviceable_a unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n with_o all_o our_o talent_n in_o our_o generation_n i_o rest_v in_o he_o your_o servant_n john_n dury_n finis_fw-la rom._n 1.17_o heb._n 11.5_o heb._n 3.1_o phil._n 2.15_o psal._n 2._o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o ezek._n 34.16_o isai._n 2â—_z 18_o verse_n 24._o isai._n 32.1.2_o verse_n 4._o phil._n 3.16_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o