a_o due_a respect_n to_o governor_n be_v a_o consideration_n so_o principal_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o performance_n as_o may_v make_v amends_o for_o any_o mistake_n in_o the_o expediency_n of_o particular_a imposition_n nay_o i_o may_v have_v show_v that_o the_o great_a end_n of_o public_a edification_n may_v on_o these_o supposal_n have_v be_v as_o effectual_o promote_v in_o many_o mistake_a imposition_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o mistake_n at_o all_o and_o where_o the_o mistake_n be_v so_o no_o way_n dangerous_a where_o it_o have_v so_o very_o little_a if_o any_o influence_n on_o that_o which_o alone_o in_o the_o estimation_n of_o equal_a person_n make_v the_o practice_n commendable_a nay_o where_o disobedience_n be_v certain_o a_o great_a evil_n than_o can_v be_v fear_v from_o any_o mistake_n in_o the_o imposition_n itself_o what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v refractory_a §_o xxiv_o beside_o the_o mistake_n if_o any_o be_v belong_v not_o to_o our_o province_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v imputable_a to_o we_o but_o our_o superior_n and_o though_o the_o mistake_n be_v chargeable_a on_o we_o as_o a_o imprudence_n yet_o how_o can_v it_o be_v repute_v as_o a_o sin_n especial_o consider_v that_o it_o neither_o involve_v we_o in_o the_o violation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o divine_a commandment_n nor_o even_o in_o a_o sinful_a violation_n of_o the_o moral_a obligation_n of_o prudence_n itself_o for_o can_v they_o think_v all_o our_o less_o discreet_a action_n to_o be_v formal_a sin_n on_o account_n of_o their_o be_v so_o or_o can_v it_o be_v a_o sinful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o prudence_n itself_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v not_o so_o serviceable_a to_o its_o immediate_a end_n with_o a_o design_n upon_o a_o great_a and_o be_v not_o that_o the_o case_n exact_o here_o be_v not_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n by_o a_o compliance_n with_o less_o prudent_a imposition_n a_o more_o considerable_a end_n than_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a person_n by_o the_o suitableness_n of_o every_o particular_a ceremony_n will_n themselves_o think_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christian_a prudence_n sometime_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o weakness_n nay_o with_o the_o humoursomness_n of_o well-meaning_a brethren_n who_o they_o think_v mistake_v and_o can_v they_o think_v the_o same_o condescension_n sinful_a and_o imprudent_a only_a when_o it_o connive_n at_o the_o equally-pardonable_a mistake_n of_o a_o lawful_a authority_n if_o these_o presumption_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o governor_n to_o exert_v their_o authority_n over_o refractory_a subject_n that_o either_o the_o matter_n themselves_o be_v of_o so_o little_a concernment_n as_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n can_v be_v reasonable_o prejudice_v by_o any_o mistake_v concern_v they_o or_o if_o otherwise_o that_o the_o native_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v all_o inquisitive_a well-meaning_a person_n i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o they_o can_v avoid_v make_v the_o duty_n of_o governor_n intricate_a and_o unpracticable_a which_o certain_o be_v to_o make_v it_o otherwise_o than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o and_o if_o governor_n act_v bona_fw-la fide_fw-la on_o these_o presumption_n must_v necessary_o interfere_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o well-meaning_a and_o inquisitive_a subject_n as_o i_o think_v it_o follow_v unavoidable_o from_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n principle_n this_o methinks_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o they_o for_o certain_o the_o catholic_n peace_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o body_n politic_a be_v fundamental_o ground_v on_o this_o reconcileableness_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o well-meaning_a conscientious_a governor_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o well-meaning_a conscientious_a subject_n and_o therefore_o those_o principle_n which_o hinder_v the_o possibility_n of_o reconcile_a they_o must_v on_o that_o very_a account_n remain_v convict_v of_o be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o vnpeaceable_a §_o xxv_o and_o if_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o allow_v this_o power_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o their_o own_o party_n why_o do_v they_o censure_v or_o separate_v from_o dissenter_n from_o themselves_o if_o they_o do_v how_o can_v they_o excuse_v themselves_o for_o separate_v from_o their_o own_o governor_n at_o first_o and_z giving_z other_o a_o precedent_n by_o they_o unanswerable_a i_o be_o confident_a their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o decree_n be_v not_o in_o many_o case_n capable_a of_o high_a evidence_n than_o we_o as_o little_a clear_a from_o express_a scripture_n or_o any_o obvious_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o judicious_a impartial_a person_n as_o liable_a to_o mistake_v if_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o think_v their_o proof_n sufficient_a to_o ground_v a_o presumption_n of_o their_o ingenuity_n even_o in_o person_n dissent_v from_o they_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o disparity_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o admit_v the_o like_a presumption_n for_o our_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n §_o xxvi_o i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o complaint_n take_v up_o by_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a adversary_n that_o we_o misrepresent_v they_o as_o often_o as_o we_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a nor_o do_v i_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a on_o this_o occasion_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o mistake_n and_o our_o own_o fidelity_n by_o reference_n to_o their_o own_o more_o ancient_a and_o famous_a author_n for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o real_a difference_n betwixt_o even_o they_o and_o their_o predecessor_n but_o only_o in_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o indifferency_n that_o be_v ascribe_v to_o such_o imposition_n of_o their_o superior_n for_o if_o by_o indifferency_n be_v mean_v a_o indifferency_n in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o practice_n after_o they_o be_v impose_v we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v that_o they_o believe_v they_o thus_o indifferent_a as_o that_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o so_o nor_o consequent_o have_v we_o here_o that_o ordinary_a occasion_n of_o such_o mistake_n of_o ascribe_v our_o own_o sentiment_n to_o they_o we_o ourselves_o believe_v they_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v when_o they_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a superior_n as_o they_o believe_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v omit_v the_o indifferency_n therefore_o which_o we_o ourselves_o believe_v to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o wherein_o we_o believe_v our_o brethren_n also_o to_o be_v of_o our_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o antecedent_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a superior_n §_o xxvii_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o indifferent_a in_o this_o sense_n why_o do_v they_o insist_v on_o the_o same_o argument_n with_o their_o predecessor_n concern_v christian_n liberty_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o can_v they_o pretend_v christian_a liberty_n in_o such_o instance_n wherein_o christ_n himself_o have_v impose_v on_o their_o liberty_n or_o do_v they_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o to_o make_v the_o thing_n so_o omit_v unlawful_a to_o be_v impose_v but_o unlawful_a also_o to_o be_v practise_v §_o xxviii_o this_o acknowledge_a indifferency_n therefore_o of_o the_o thing_n antecedent_o to_o the_o interposition_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v the_o thing_n we_o conceive_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o their_o belief_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v thus_o indifferent_a antecedent_o to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o yet_o be_v unlawful_a when_o authority_n have_v interpose_v this_o i_o say_v we_o conceive_v perfect_o destructive_a of_o such_o authority_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v such_o authority_n can_v never_o oblige_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n when_o its_o interposition_n in_o a_o thing_n otherwise_o lawful_a in_o itself_o be_v conceive_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o it_o can_v be_v discern_v what_o be_v do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o no_o other_o reason_n of_o do_v a_o thing_n can_v be_v pretend_v if_o therefore_o nothing_o be_v do_v for_o it_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v any_o obligation_n of_o its_o own_o which_o if_o it_o have_v not_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v own_v as_o a_o authority_n §_o xxix_o as_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o propose_v divine_a law_n obligatory_a antecedent_o to_o their_o proposal_n beside_o that_o when_o it_o come_v to_o practice_n it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v very_o significant_a with_o our_o brethren_n when_o every_o private_a person_n among_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o judge_n so_o free_o for_o himself_o
the_o necessary_a and_o useful_a influence_n of_o this_o establishment_n for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n in_o order_n whereunto_o i_o consider_v §_o xii_o 1._o that_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o promise_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o his_o part_n for_o that_o may_v have_v be_v sufficient_o perform_v by_o external_a revelation_n as_o to_o assure_v the_o performance_n of_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n for_o this_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n in_o we_o which_o will_v make_v we_o general_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o actual_a benefit_n of_o promise_n how_o much_o soever_o we_o may_v have_v be_v assure_v of_o performance_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v only_o conditional_a as_o it_o be_v requisite_a they_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n which_o require_v that_o subject_n be_v treat_v in_o a_o moral_a and_o rational_a way_n only_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v a_o thing_n indeed_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n government_n who_o it_o concern_v as_o a_o good_a governor_n to_o take_v care_n that_o too_o great_a multitude_n of_o his_o subject_n shall_v not_o miscarry_v under_o his_o inspection_n for_o this_o indeed_o belong_v to_o the_o reputation_n of_o any_o government_n even_o among_o man_n that_o it_o attain_v its_o end_n with_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o subject_n to_o put_v they_o in_o a_o prosperous_a conditition_n though_o when_o all_o be_v do_v man_n be_v suppose_v as_o weak_a as_o they_o be_v and_o the_o inducement_n to_o obedience_n only_o moral_a it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o some_o will_v fail_v of_o the_o reward_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o punishment_n this_o clear_o answer_v the_o objection_n for_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o need_n of_o these_o solemnity_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o of_o his_o fair_a and_o candid_a deal_n with_o we_o nor_o indeed_o on_o our_o part_n to_o let_v god_n know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o own_o deal_n with_o he_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v inas-much_a as_o our_o sincerity_n for_o perform_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v signify_v to_o other_o and_o this_o signification_n of_o it_o to_o other_o in_o a_o solemn_a way_n may_v lay_v a_o restraint_n on_o we_o for_o its_o more_o punctual_a performance_n and_o this_o restraint_n may_v secure_v our_o actual_a performance_n even_o to_o god_n himself_o when_o we_o believe_v our_o whole_a comfort_n of_o the_o covenant_n not_o capable_a of_o be_v solid_o ground_v otherwise_o than_o on_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o our_o admission_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o §_o xiii_o 2._o therefore_o god_n in_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o we_o do_v accommodate_v himself_o as_o we_o have_v see_v to_o our_o custom_n and_o humour_n that_o so_o he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o obedience_n to_o himself_o who_o be_v invisible_a as_o be_v â—ound_v efficacious_a on_o we_o for_o secure_v performance_n in_o our_o ordinary_a deal_n with_o mankind_n §_o fourteen_o and_o 3._o these_o external_a solemnity_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o god_n design_n in_o make_v it_o and_o very_o effectual_o conducive_a to_o it_o nay_o their_o imposition_n as_o the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o admission_n into_o it_o be_v so_o also_o and_o therefore_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o god_n as_o he_o be_v solicitous_a for_o our_o good_a the_o end_n be_v both_o to_o confederate_n we_o into_o a_o body_n politic_a and_o to_o lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o we_o more_o likely_a to_o prevail_v on_o we_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n than_o any_o private_a promise_n however_o plain_o make_v and_o serious_o intend_v and_o the_o promotion_n of_o both_o of_o these_o be_v both_o very_a proper_a and_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o god_n as_o a_o gracious_a covenanter_n and_o governor_n and_o both_o of_o they_o consider_v the_o influence_n that_o the_o custom_n and_o humour_n of_o mankind_n have_v ordinary_o on_o their_o actual_a performance_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o insist_v on_o these_o solemnity_n as_o the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n than_o they_o will_v be_v otherwise_o §_o xv_o they_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o he_o 1._o the_o confederate_v we_o into_o a_o body_n politic_a be_v so_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o have_v be_v design_v by_o he_o 1._o as_o a_o covenanter_n for_o covenant_n be_v proper_o to_o be_v transact_v between_o two_o party_n only_o and_o be_v proper_o multiply_v though_o possible_o in_o the_o same_o form_n when_o many_o be_v concern_v now_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o possible_a that_o mankind_n consider_v only_o as_o a_o multitude_n consist_v of_o disunit_a individual_n may_v make_v a_o party_n in_o this_o covenant_n and_o though_o this_o may_v indeed_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v be_v actual_o true_a if_o every_o individual_a have_v be_v only_o oblige_v to_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v only_o by_o himself_o in_o his_o single_a capacity_n such_o as_o the_o moral_a duty_n general_o be_v yet_o even_o so_o there_o will_v be_v requisite_a particular_a solemnity_n for_o admit_v particular_a person_n into_o it_o just_a as_o in_o the_o instance_n now_o mention_v of_o a_o covenant_n with_o many_o the_o bond_n be_v several_o repeat_v according_a as_o new_a person_n be_v admit_v into_o it_o there_o may_v indeed_o be_v indefinite_a and_o yet_o oblige_v promise_v to_o any_o who_o shall_v perform_v the_o annex_v condition_n and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v pleadable_a upon_o such_o performance_n but_o the_o name_n of_o a_o covenant_n especial_o as_o understand_v as_o in_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o legal_a notion_n of_o it_o in_o that_o age_n as_o i_o have_v show_v it_o must_v be_v understand_v be_v not_o so_o proper_o intelligible_a without_o the_o external_a solemnity_n by_o which_o it_o be_v transact_v oblige_v digest_v l._n xlv_o tit._n i._o de_fw-la verbor·_fw-la oblige_v for_o such_o the_o presence_n of_o both_o party_n be_v think_v necessary_a so_o that_o if_o any_o person_n absent_a be_v desirous_a to_o covenant_n he_o must_v do_v it_o by_o his_o servant_n according_a to_o which_o god_n also_o be_v absent_a from_o our_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o order_n to_o deal_n with_o he_o must_v be_v understand_v to_o covenant_n with_o we_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o his_o visible_a minister_n and_o beside_o the_o case_n itself_o be_v plain_o against_o the_o apostle_n who_o account_v the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n holy_a at_o least_o in_o a_o federal_n sense_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o parent_n 14_o 1_o cor._n seven_o 14_o which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o the_o covenant_n of_o parent_n do_v not_o at_o least_o so_o far_o concern_v their_o child_n as_o to_o give_v they_o a_o remote_a title_n of_o admission_n to_o it_o by_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o moral_a condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o intitle_v person_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o they_o be_v so_o also_o as_o they_o may_v make_v the_o person_n such_o immediate_o as_o god_n expect_v he_o shall_v immediate_o be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o immediate_a title_n to_o it_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o child_n can_v no_o more_o have_v any_o actual_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o their_o parent_n account_v than_o they_o can_v be_v make_v actual_o faithful_a and_o penitent_n by_o their_o parent_n faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o then_o especial_o child_n who_o can_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v account_v holy_a on_o their_o parent_n account_v can_v not_o themselves_o be_v repute_v holy_a in_o regard_n of_o this_o holiness_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o performance_n of_o moral_a condition_n but_o i_o may_v elsewhere_o have_v a_o further_a occasion_n of_o clear_v this_o argument_n from_o the_o practice_n and_o sense_n of_o those_o age_n §_o xvi_o but_o further_o though_o the_o duty_n alone_o be_v principal_o design_v by_o god_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o covenant_n yet_o even_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o the_o solemnity_n of_o it_o for_o i_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o oblige_v we_o to_o such_o religious_a duty_n as_o concern_v we_o single_o consider_v but_o also_o to_o public_a and_o solemn_a one_o 25_o heb._n x._o 25_o of_o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o whatever_o worldly_a inconvenience_n may_v follow_v it_o and_o of_o all_o the_o duty_n there_o to_o be_v perform_v such_o as_o be_v
the_o thing_n but_o alas_o how_o unable_a be_v they_o to_o fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o god_n design_n how_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o intrigue_n of_o providence_n how_o little_a with_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o other_o world_n how_o little_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n nay_o how_o little_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n these_o be_v all_o necessary_a for_o judge_v right_o in_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o no_o doubt_n if_o we_o have_v know_v they_o very_o many_o thing_n will_v appear_v very_o rational_a which_o we_o now_o think_v arbitrary_a only_o because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o yet_o concern_v these_o thing_n though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o thing_n we_o do_v at_o least_o know_v our_o own_o ignorance_n but_o how_o many_o thing_n more_o be_v there_o which_o may_v be_v account_v for_o by_o god_n in_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n concern_v which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v so_o much_o as_o our_o ignorance_n and_o how_o can_v any_o than_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o know_v all_o god_n design_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o this_o mere_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n certain_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o rational_a to_o presume_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a because_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o continue_v they_o under_o such_o a_o dispensation_n as_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o presume_v they_o arbitrary_a for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o they_o and_o much_o more_o rational_a to_o presume_v that_o something_o more_o be_v design_v in_o they_o than_o bare_a representation_n because_o they_o be_v impose_v in_o a_o dispensation_n so_o spiritual_a and_o which_o have_v teach_v we_o so_o little_a to_o esteem_v sensible_a representation_n than_o to_o conclude_v their_o unobligingness_n to_o any_o because_o their_o principal_a design_n be_v only_o sensible_a representation_n §_o ix_o but_o though_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v the_o mere_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o sacrament_n how_o come_v they_o further_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v that_o they_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_n of_o his_o design_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n allow_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o pay_v their_o obedience_n at_o their_o own_o discretion_n how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o he_o may_v value_v their_o obedience_n more_o than_o he_o do_v the_o moment_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o as_o the_o instance_n of_o it_o how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o the_o precedent_n of_o neglect_v their_o duty_n on_o pretence_n of_o comply_v with_o the_o design_n of_o it_o may_v be_v of_o worse_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a than_o their_o reach_v the_o end_n may_v be_v a_o service_n to_o the_o public_a it_o be_v certain_a the_o wise_a and_o most_o public_a spirit_a politician_n have_v think_v so_o in_o many_o case_n even_o concern_v the_o observation_n of_o their_o most_o arbitrary_a command_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o victory_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o general_n of_o army_n yet_o manlius_n put_v his_o own_o son_n to_o death_n for_o desert_v his_o station_n though_o he_o prove_v victorious_a by_o it_o 34._o liv._o l._n viii_o 7_o plut._n in_o parall_a liv._o viii_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o and_o fabius_n very_o hardly_o escape_v the_o like_a punishment_n from_o papyrius_n cursor_n though_o his_o success_n be_v so_o great_a as_o can_v have_v be_v desire_v or_o expect_v from_o the_o most_o punctual_a observation_n of_o military_a discipline_n all_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o army_n and_o even_o of_o the_o senate_n too_o be_v little_a enough_o to_o procure_v his_o pardon_n and_o that_o from_o a_o person_n who_o have_v no_o other_o quarrel_n with_o he_o but_o be_v concern_v the_o public_a interest_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o his_o precedent_n and_o even_o among_o person_n who_o proceed_v not_o with_o that_o extreme_a vigour_n and_o punctuality_n in_o observe_v the_o strict_a measure_n of_o justice_n though_o governor_n have_v so_o well_o approve_v of_o the_o design_n of_o person_n who_o have_v do_v thus_o as_o that_o they_o have_v reward_v they_o for_o it_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v not_o punish_v at_o least_o they_o have_v formal_o pardon_v they_o the_o transgression_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o pardon_n imply_v the_o same_o guilt_n as_o punishment_n do_v so_o that_o they_o seem_v by_o no_o mean_n willing_a to_o endure_v that_o either_o many_o shall_v take_v this_o liberty_n or_o that_o even_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v do_v it_o frequent_o nay_o they_o never_o allow_v it_o but_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v extreme_o considerable_a nor_o even_o in_o such_o case_n do_v they_o think_v it_o allowable_a when_o the_o party_n concern_v presume_v on_o a_o design_n which_o the_o prince_n have_v not_o be_v please_v to_o discover_v to_o he_o in_o this_o case_n his_o precedent_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n as_o well_o for_o the_o presumption_n in_o pry_v into_o what_o his_o prince_n be_v not_o willing_a he_o shall_v have_v know_v and_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o miss_v the_o design_n itself_o as_o for_o his_o practice_n of_o disobedience_n and_o certain_o no_o earthly_a prince_n can_v be_v suppose_v more_o concern_v for_o the_o public_a or_o more_o punctual_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n than_o god_n be_v 25_o gen._n xviii_o 25_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n will_v undoubted_o do_v righteousness_n this_o consideration_n may_v suffice_v to_o show_v at_o least_o how_o dangerous_a this_o practice_n be_v as_o our_o adversary_n be_v concern_v for_o it_o to_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n on_o pretence_n of_o reach_v the_o end_n of_o sacrament_n by_o their_o closet-devotion_n this_o be_v yet_o incomparable_o less_o excusable_a than_o any_o of_o the_o instance_n now_o mention_v but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n thus_o to_o implead_v their_o ignorance_n for_o §_o x_o 5._o i_o have_v already_o endeavour_v to_o let_v they_o understand_v another_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o these_o sacrament_n that_o be_v the_o confederate_v a_o body_n politic_a and_o the_o oblige_a subject_n in_o it_o to_o a_o dependence_n on_o their_o governor_n and_o if_o this_o design_n hold_v true_a all_o sort_n of_o person_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v in_o they_o notwithstanding_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o god_n as_o a_o governor_n and_o as_o a_o covenanter_n be_v concern_v to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o church_n be_v erect_v into_o a_o body_n politic_a it_o will_v also_o as_o much_o concern_v he_o to_o take_v care_n when_o he_o have_v do_v so_o that_o its_o rule_n and_o constitution_n be_v punctual_o observe_v and_o its_o government_n revere_v without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o body_n politic_a to_o subsist_v and_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o convenient_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o plead_v exemption_n from_o these_o establishment_n upon_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v perfect_a for_o if_o this_o pretence_n be_v once_o allow_v the_o least_o perfect_a will_v be_v find_v most_o forward_o in_o their_o pretence_n to_o perfection_n especial_o if_o themselves_o be_v also_o allow_v to_o be_v judge_n in_o their_o own_o case_n and_o then_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v and_o from_o who_o can_v this_o be_v expect_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o modesty_n and_o humility_n be_v the_o principal_a ingredient_n of_o true_a perfection_n and_o they_o who_o be_v endue_v real_o with_o those_o virtue_n though_o god_n shall_v excuse_v they_o from_o these_o external_a observance_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o they_o will_v be_v too_o conscious_a of_o their_o own_o frailty_n to_o think_v themselves_o not_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o provision_n as_o have_v be_v fit_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o such_o frailty_n as_o he_o suppose_v incident_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o professor_n even_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o who_o be_v serious_o of_o st._n paul_n temper_n in_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o 8_o the_o eph._n iii_o 8_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n and_o the_o 15_o the_o 1_o tim._n i._n 15_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n can_v not_o pretend_v that_o they_o need_v not_o those_o relief_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o many_o who_o they_o will_v on_o these_o term_n believe_v to_o be_v great_a saint_n and_o for_o many_o who_o they_o will_v be_v lief_o to_o be_v less_o criminal_a than_o themselves_o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n be_v design_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o he_o have_v therefore_o
law_n which_o be_v the_o only_a precedent_n our_o adversary_n can_v make_v use_n of_o yet_o still_o they_o give_v they_o very_o sufficient_a legal_a credential_n or_o where_o these_o be_v want_v they_o be_v not_o offend_v if_o their_o private_a command_n be_v control_v by_o their_o public_a notorious_a rule_n and_o till_o these_o appear_v and_o appear_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o governor_n who_o by_o those_o stand_a rule_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o authority_n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o yield_v to_o they_o §_o xi_o and_o indeed_o the_o verification_n or_o authentic_a publication_n even_o of_o these_o credential_n be_v they_o from_o whence_o they_o derive_v their_o oblige_a virtue_n and_o be_v proper_o the_o office_n of_o the_o subordinate_a governor_n but_o this_o be_v more_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o assume_v of_o a_o constant_a office_n than_o in_o execute_v a_o temporary_a command_n if_o a_o whole_a office_n may_v be_v undertake_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o visible_a governor_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o understand_v how_o that_o dependence_n can_v be_v maintain_v which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n of_o society_n for_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o a_o office_n independent_o on_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o who_o do_v also_o justify_v a_o independent_a exercise_n of_o that_o office_n must_v make_v as_o constant_a a_o practice_n of_o act_v independent_o on_o their_o superior_n as_o they_o do_v of_o perform_v their_o office_n and_o of_o approve_v themselves_o faithful_a to_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o if_o single_a act_n relate_v to_o the_o public_a may_v prove_v of_o so_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a when_o practise_v independent_o on_o the_o supreme_a visible_a government_n of_o any_o society_n how_o much_o more_o dangerous_a must_v it_o be_v to_o persist_v in_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o such_o act_n what_o security_n can_v there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v maintain_v a_o correspondence_n with_o their_o superior_n for_o drive_v on_o the_o same_o end_n when_o they_o who_o be_v intent_n on_o those_o end_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o and_o in_o case_n of_o difference_n how_o can_v the_o public_a peace_n be_v preserve_v whilst_o these_o pretender_n to_o extraordinary_a mission_n make_v a_o constant_a practice_n of_o resist_v their_o ordinary_a superior_n especial_o if_o their_o power_n be_v think_v great_a because_o more_o immediate_o derive_v from_o god_n than_o that_o of_o their_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o if_o withal_o as_o many_o be_v allow_v to_o assume_v these_o office_n as_o shall_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o do_v so_o where_o notorious_a credential_n be_v not_o insist_v on_o for_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o pretence_n at_o least_o this_o be_v extreme_o dissonant_n to_o the_o politic_n of_o all_o government_n and_o worldly_a governor_n who_o never_o give_v office_n to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o inferior_a jurisdiction_n without_o notorious_a way_n of_o approbation_n nor_o without_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o subordinate_a officer_n within_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v to_o execute_v their_o office_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o claim_n of_o our_o adversary_n who_o challenge_v a_o office_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n never_o receive_v from_o those_o superior_n who_o they_o find_v possess_v of_o the_o supreme_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o first_o begin_v their_o separation_n §_o xii_o but_o 6._o this_o course_n of_o approve_v the_o authority_n of_o extraordinary_a call_n be_v then_o more_o rigorous_o and_o punctual_o insist_v on_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a proceed_n when_o the_o access_n to_o the_o supreme_a prince_n be_v more_o difficult_a indeed_o where_o the_o prince_n be_v near_o and_o may_v be_v easy_o consult_v neither_o can_v the_o danger_n be_v so_o great_a which_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o false_a pretender_n when_o they_o be_v so_o likely_a to_o be_v discover_v before_o they_o can_v have_v time_n to_o compass_v any_o great_a design_n nor_o be_v there_o that_o fear_n that_o pretender_n will_v venture_v where_o they_o be_v in_o so_o imminent_a danger_n of_o be_v discover_v and_o of_o be_v sudden_o and_o severe_o punish_v upon_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o presume_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o he_o who_o pretend_v the_o prince_n name_n for_o a_o design_n which_o can_v sudden_o be_v dispatch_v do_v pretend_v true_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v how_o present_a a_o danger_n it_o be_v to_o pretend_v false_o and_o that_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v countervail_v by_o success_n in_o any_o design_n and_o more_o imminent_a than_o to_o allow_v time_n for_o a_o design_n which_o require_v a_o considerable_a time_n before_o it_o can_v be_v compass_v and_o as_o the_o subject_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v need_v not_o fear_v any_o very_a considerable_a ill_a consequence_n that_o may_v ordinary_o befall_v they_o at_o least_o not_o so_o ordinary_o as_o they_o may_v receive_v advantage_n by_o sudden_a and_o sometime_o secret_a prudential_a provision_n of_o their_o prince_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o prince_n themselves_o apprehend_v the_o damage_n that_o may_v follow_v on_o such_o false_a pretence_n for_o so_o short_a a_o time_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o continue_v undiscovered_a of_o that_o consequence_n as_o to_o countervail_v the_o benefit_n they_o may_v expect_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o provisional_a command_n though_o sometime_o transact_v with_o great_a suddenness_n and_o secrecy_n and_o therefore_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a altogether_o to_o forbear_v the_o advantage_n of_o these_o provisional_a command_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o false_a pretender_n §_o xiii_o but_o where_o the_o distance_n be_v great_a or_o the_o access_n be_v very_o difficult_a or_o any_o other_o cause_n occur_v that_o may_v delay_v the_o discovery_n or_o give_v opportunity_n for_o complete_n ill_a design_n before_o the_o discovery_n can_v be_v make_v there_o all_o wise_a governor_n have_v think_v it_o more_o prudent_a and_o safe_a to_o lose_v the_o advantage_n of_o have_v their_o secret_a command_n without_o credential_n fulfil_v than_o to_o hazard_v the_o mischief_n that_o may_v follow_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o command_n which_o may_v be_v pretend_v without_o control_n when_o bold_a man_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o liberty_n of_o pretend_v to_o they_o without_o notorious_a credential_n or_o when_o any_o other_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o notoriety_n of_o those_o credential_n beside_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n according_o in_o province_n far_o distant_a from_o the_o court_n not_o only_o the_o disposal_n of_o office_n but_o even_o particular_a provisional_a command_n at_o least_o such_o command_n as_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v public_o must_v first_o pass_v the_o office_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o those_o province_n respective_o before_o those_o province_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v they_o for_o the_o true_a act_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o they_o which_o be_v not_o thus_o verify_v be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n presume_v suspicious_a of_o be_v false_a and_o till_o they_o pass_v this_o course_n of_o trial_n it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o act_v upon_o they_o as_o if_o indeed_o they_o have_v be_v so_o and_o what_o be_v so_o do_v be_v count_v as_o mere_a a_o nullity_n in_o law_n as_o if_o the_o power_n have_v never_o be_v grant_v they_o but_o if_o prince_n depart_v into_o country_n far_o distant_a from_o their_o own_o where_o they_o can_v be_v consult_v they_o do_v not_o then_o think_v fit_a to_o lay_v restraint_n on_o their_o ordinary_a governor_n by_o commission_n unknown_a to_o they_o nor_o do_v the_o constitution_n of_o any_o politic_n oblige_v such_o governor_n to_o own_o any_o such_o §_o fourteen_o and_o this_o be_v exact_o the_o case_n here_o in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n god_n can_v be_v consult_v in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a politic_n be_v observe_v here_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o his_o pleasure_n but_o what_o be_v propose_v for_o such_o by_o the_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n i_o mean_v nothing_o relate_v to_o prudential_a practice_n or_o authority_n at_o lest_o no_o officer_n can_v be_v presume_v in_o this_o age_n to_o have_v authority_n who_o can_v prove_v their_o title_n either_o receive_v from_o or_o verify_v by_o our_o present_a ecclesiastical_a governor_n and_o it_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n on_o whether_o of_o the_o two_o regard_n they_o depend_v we_o shall_v have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o presume_v all_o their_o proceed_n null_a for_o want_v of_o power_n till_o that_o power_n be_v verify_v as_o we_o shall_v have_v to_o believe_v they_o null_a when_o we_o think_v ourselves_o assure_v that_o they_o