by_o way_n of_o result_n and_o then_o objection_n answer_v concern_v this_o main_a difference_n about_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o particular_n before_o name_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o author_n do_v in_o all_o thing_n hold_v forth_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n col._n 3._o 14._o and_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5._o 21._o therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n imprimatur_fw-la theodore_n jennings_n august_n 9_o 1649._o a_o husbandman_n harrow_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o ridge_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o to_o smooth_v a_o little_a the_o independent_a that_o both_o they_o and_o other_o may_v walk_v together_o upon_o plain_a scripture_n ground_n without_o stumble_v on_o the_o ridgeness_n of_o either_o or_o both_o the_o end_n of_o a_o thing_n say_v wise_a solomon_n be_v better_a than_o the_o beginning_n thereof_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o end_n of_o a_o thing_n ought_v chief_o to_o be_v eye_v as_o a_o mark_n to_o shoot_v at_o yea_o as_o the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o endeavour_n and_o mean_n and_o way_n to_o attain_v such_o end_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n paul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v we_o clear_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a 1_o tim._n 1._o 5._o from_o which_o we_o may_v just_o argue_v that_o if_o love_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o if_o the_o end_n be_v better_o than_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o cons_n then_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o that_o shall_v lead_v unto_o or_o acquire_v such_o a_o end_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v plead_v or_o set_v against_o nor_o value_v and_o esteem_v above_o the_o end_n reas_n for_o than_o it_o utter_o frustrate_v and_o make_v the_o mean_n void_a if_o we_o rob_v or_o spoil_v it_o of_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o so_o both_o end_n and_o mean_n be_v utter_o vain_a instan_n as_o for_o instance_n he_o that_o plead_v the_o law_n against_o justice_n or_o legality_n of_o proceed_n in_o matter_n of_o state_n against_o the_o good_a and_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n he_o plead_v against_o both_o the_o law_n and_o justice_n and_o against_o the_o good_a and_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o disparage_v the_o law_n and_o legal_a proceed_n as_o if_o they_o intend_v not_o or_o at_o least_o be_v not_o able_a to_o attain_v their_o end_n but_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o obstruct_v such_o justice_n as_o aught_o to_o be_v their_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v of_o absolute_a perfection_n can_v never_o proper_o be_v so_o plead_v yet_o unjust_o and_o improper_o it_o both_o may_v and_o be_v though_o it_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o law_n of_o man_n be_v not_o absolute_o perfect_a nor_o sufficent_o wise_a to_o attain_v their_o end_n never_o to_o be_v plead_v but_o with_o chief_a reference_n and_o clear_a respect_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o so_o that_o he_o that_o object_n or_o plead_v they_o at_o all_o shall_v hold_v forth_o with_o they_o even_o the_o end_n itself_o and_o shall_v make_v it_o manifest_a how_o the_o law_n he_o plead_v tend_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o acquire_v unto_o or_o bring_v about_o such_o end_n lest_o he_o plead_v the_o law_n against_o justice_n as_o some_o have_v do_v though_o deep_o learn_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n endanger_v thereby_o to_o establish_v arbitrary_a tyrannical_a power_n great_a than_o before_o concern_v which_o there_o be_v enough_o already_o and_o at_o large_a express_v to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n only_o this_o i_o add_v that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n how_o any_o rational_a man_n can_v ever_o desire_v such_o enslave_v power_n or_o delight_v to_o use_v it_o if_o he_o have_v it_o grant_v consider_v 1._o first_o they_o can_v never_o rational_o nor_o just_o expect_v nor_o be_v certain_o assure_v of_o the_o cordial_a affection_n of_o any_o such_o subject_n who_o be_v but_o subject_v by_o arbitrary_a cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a power_n for_o all_o subjection_n that_o be_v but_o mere_o enforce_v be_v evident_o clear_a to_o be_v defective_a in_o love_n 2._o second_o all_o mere_a force_n by_o power_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o far_o short_a of_o provoke_v unto_o love_n or_o any_o cordial_a affection_n or_o honour_n indeed_o as_o that_o it_o dis-ingageth_a and_o repel_v the_o affection_n and_o force_v of_o love_n and_o of_o all_o proper_a unite_n principle_n and_o quite_o divert_v they_o into_o enmity_n and_o hatred_n and_o disesteem_n especial_o in_o case_n when_o the_o honour_n and_o service_n which_o be_v force_v unto_o be_v not_o just_a and_o proper_a but_o undue_a unsuitable_a and_o more_o than_o just_a and_o without_o desert_n 3._o three_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v for_o a_o man_n to_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n be_v not_o glory_n no_o it_o be_v his_o shame_n for_o when_o pride_n come_v then_o come_v shame_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o even_o the_o bind_a duty_n of_o they_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n to_o hate_v evil_a as_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n and_o the_o evil_a way_n and_o even_o the_o mouth_n that_o speak_v proud_a thing_n they_o ought_v to_o hate_v 4._o four_o what_o honour_n be_v it_o or_o what_o glory_n or_o renown_n for_o a_o man_n to_o rule_n and_o have_v the_o command_n yea_o or_o to_o sway_v a_o sceptre_n over_o a_o kingdom_n of_o slave_n be_v it_o not_o his_o shame_n among_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o what_o renown_n can_v he_o possible_o get_v in_o time_n of_o war_n by_o lead_v forth_o his_o slave_n to_o battle_n to_o engage_v they_o in_o service_n against_o army_n of_o man_n will_v they_o not_o cowardly_a desert_n he_o and_o leave_v he_o naked_a rather_o than_o lose_v their_o life_n which_o be_v always_o dear_a unto_o slavish_a man_n they_o be_v always_o so_o ignoble_a and_o of_o such_o timorous_a spirit_n in_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o then_o also_o in_o regard_n they_o be_v not_o engage_v nor_o bind_v cordial_o unto_o he_o through_o personal_a love_n and_o of_o their_o voluntary_a accord_n but_o enslave_v through_o force_n they_o will_v not_o care_n if_o they_o find_v a_o opportunity_n for_o their_o own_o safety_n and_o release_v from_o he_o if_o they_o sell_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o great_a enemy_n or_o lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o his_o person_n themselves_o as_o it_o often_o be_v yea_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n there_o be_v few_o tyrant_n that_o escape_v murder_n or_o just_a execution_n but_o it_o be_v their_o end_n by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o merciful_a god_n who_o love_v mercy_n but_o hate_v cruelty_n wrong_v and_o tyranny_n and_o will_v avenge_v it_o though_o justice_n fail_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n one_o time_n or_o other_o look_v isai_n 14._o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o look_v also_o vers_fw-la 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o for_o the_o same_o measure_n that_o man_n meet_v unto_o other_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v measure_v unto_o they_o again_o but_o why_o shall_v i_o wonder_v to_o see_v we_o all_o prone_a to_o be_v ambitious_a proud_a haughty_a see_v we_o be_v not_o full_o and_o thorough_o rational_a but_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n lead_v with_o sensuality_n but_o be_v we_o thorough_o rational_a how_o can_v we_o be_v proud_a that_o be_v dust_n and_o ash_n and_o know_v ourselves_o such_o and_o that_o we_o be_v but_o mortal_a see_v he_o alone_o who_o be_v the_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n have_v immortality_n and_o dwell_v in_o light_n which_o be_v inaccessible_a which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v to_o who_o alone_o be_v ascribe_v honour_n and_o power_n everlasting_a amen_o amen_n but_o thus_o much_o brief_o by_o way_n of_o introduction_n or_o preambulation_n to_o what_o i_o chief_o intend_v to_o fall_v upon_o as_o of_o all_o point_n most_o meet_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o these_o contentious_a quarrellous_a and_o perilous_a time_n i_o mean_v in_o regard_n of_o that_o great_a dissension_n that_o be_v now_o among_o we_o about_o the_o church_n government_n and_o discipline_n etc._n etc._n concern_v which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o principle_n that_o i_o have_v premise_v
not_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n that_o we_o shall_v study_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o that_o may_v provoke_v unto_o love_n not_o unto_o wrath_n nor_o to_o enmity_n nor_o hatred_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o the_o very_a life_n and_o strength_n of_o all_o community_n and_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n yea_o the_o happiness_n and_o felicity_n of_o all_o kingdom_n yea_o government_n whatsoever_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o the_o subject_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v the_o only_a or_o at_o least_o the_o chief_a sign_n of_o the_o dwell_n of_o god_n either_o in_o or_o among_o we_o if_o we_o love_v one_o another_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o his_o love_n be_v perfect_a in_o we_o for_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 12_o 16_o 20_o 21._o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o his_o blessing_n likewise_o for_o there_o the_o lord_n command_v the_o blessing_n yea_o even_o permanent_a blessing_n and_o that_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o to_o wit_n life_n for_o evermore_o that_o be_v to_o say_v where_o there_o be_v unity_n of_o brethren_n and_o that_o they_o dwell_v so_o together_o psa_n 133._o and_o continue_v in_o their_o love_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o life_n from_o god_n be_v already_o enter_v into_o the_o two_o witness_n and_o they_o be_v creep_v up_o to_o stand_v upon_o their_o foot_n so_o that_o great_a fear_n be_v in_o measure_n fall_v upon_o they_o that_o see_v and_o insult_v over_o they_o as_o rev._n 11._o 10_o 11._o yet_o let_v we_o never_o expect_v the_o approbation_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v call_v up_o to_o heaven_n nor_o to_o ascend_v in_o a_o cloud_n to_o such_o eminent_a respect_n in_o the_o church_n universal_a which_o be_v mean_v by_o heaven_n verse_n 12._o till_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v the_o two_o proper_a and_o essential_a witness_v that_o be_v here_o mean_v be_v inspire_v into_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n from_o god_n and_o shall_v raise_v and_o advance_v we_o who_o be_v but_o the_o subject_n in_o who_o they_o reside_v and_o who_o be_v but_o the_o instrument_n in_o who_o they_o act_n as_o a_o visible_a express_v of_o their_o invisible_a power_n and_o nature_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o terror_n and_o amazement_n of_o all_o his_o adversaty_n for_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n if_o we_o prevail_v with_o god_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o respect_n with_o he_o or_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n as_o heb._n 11._o and_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o see_v 1_o john_n 4._o 7_o 8._o so_o that_o if_o these_o two_o witness_n be_v inspire_v into_o we_o and_o we_o be_v act_v by_o they_o it_o will_v be_v indeed_o to_o the_o terror_n and_o amazement_n of_o all_o our_o enemy_n that_o be_v enemy_n of_o god_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o earthquake_n in_o the_o same_o hour_n as_o shall_v affright_v a_o remnant_n who_o shall_v give_v glory_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o we_o shall_v bear_v a_o part_n in_o that_o triumphant_a song_n verse_n 15._o to_o 18._o and_o therefore_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o end_n and_o chief_a endeavour_n of_o all_o our_o business_n in_o church_n affair_n as_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o as_o i_o hope_v in_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v i_o who_o be_o your_o brother_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ellis_n bradshaw_n the_o content_n contain_v by_o way_n of_o preambulation_n the_o ground_n and_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v hold_v forth_o draw_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n which_o be_v love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a pag._n 1._o 2._o 3._o 1._o first_o show_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n to_o be_v better_o in_o value_n and_o more_o to_o esteem_v then_o the_o mean_n to_o accomplish_v it_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v chies_o eye_v in_o all_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v thereunto_o 2._o second_o the_o illustration_n and_o application_n of_o the_o foresay_a end_n of_o the_o commandment_n prescribe_v as_o four_o rule_n to_o try_v all_o law_n argument_n doctrine_n &_o motive_n by_o â—hether_o they_o lead_v proper_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n yea_o or_o no_o that_o so_o we_o may_v embrace_v or_o avoid_v they_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v pag._n 4._o 5._o 6._o 7._o 3._o three_o four_o ground_n and_o argument_n draw_v from_o scripture_n as_o intend_v and_o tend_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n there_o of_o pa._n 7._o 1._o the_o first_o from_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o chastity_n or_o marriage_n pag._n 8._o 9_o 2._o the_o second_o from_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o community_n of_o good_n among_o such_o who_o can_v so_o agree_v or_o the_o claim_n of_o propriety_n among_o such_o who_o can_v pag._n 9_o 10._o 3._o the_o three_o from_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n or_o of_o eat_v and_o drink_v pag._n 10._o 11._o 4._o and_o the_o four_o from_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o who_o think_v they_o ought_v of_o be_v of_o the_o strict_a sect_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o pharisee_n or_o one_o more_o remiss_a such_o as_o be_v the_o scribe_n pag._n 12._o intend_v chief_o hereby_o to_o clear_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o blame_v anooth_a for_o be_v more_o strict_a and_o conscientious_a than_o he_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d or_o it_o may_v be_v needs_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v his_o call_n of_o god_n not_o engage_v he_o to_o it_o as_o it_o do_v the_o other_o be_v bind_v in_o spirit_n to_o the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o in_o conscience_n both_o pag._n 12._o and_o one_o the_o other_o part_n that_o those_o that_o be_v strict_a ought_v not_o to_o blame_v such_o as_o be_v more_o remiss_a in_o some_o respect_n because_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v they_o be_v so_o engage_v and_o call_v of_o god_n and_o either_o bind_v in_o conscience_n or_o bind_v in_o spirit_n within_o their_o own_o sphere_n pag_n 12._o conseq_fw-la the_o consequence_n where_o of_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o compel_v each_o other_o unto_o conformity_n either_o to_o the_o strictness_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o remissness_n of_o the_o other_o prove_v that_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o tolerate_v or_o suffer_v both_o and_o not_o to_o engage_v they_o one_o against_o the_o other_o pag._n 12._o 4._o four_o the_o application_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a ground_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n to_o wit_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o government_n thereof_o pag._n 13._o 14._o 15._o 5._o five_o first_o the_o application_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a ground_n and_o conclusion_n by_o way_n of_o just_a reproof_n unto_o both_o party_n because_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v and_o live_v and_o love_n and_o carry_v as_o brethren_n pag._n 15._o for_o which_o end_n the_o rule_n of_o charity_n be_v propose_v and_o a_o little_a proscsecuted_a pag._n 16._o 17._o 18._o 2._o the_o punctual_a application_n of_o the_o precedent_a conclusion_n be_v brief_o assert_v first_o to_o the_o one_o and_o second_o to_o the_o other_o and_o a_o general_a consequence_n conclude_v thence_o pag._n 19_o 6._o a_o objection_n propose_v and_o answer_v at_o large_a to_o wit_n that_o see_v presbytery_n plead_v that_o independent_o rule_n and_o way_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o more_o strict_a but_o more_o remiss_a and_o loose_v in_o many_o respect_n give_v way_n for_o liberty_n of_o all_o religious_a without_o control_n by_o the_o civil_a state_n as_o so_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o pag._n 19_o it_o be_v answer_v at_o large_a that_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n according_a to_o which_o they_o engage_v to_o act_v be_v manifest_o strict_a and_o lawful_o too_o in_o divers_a particular_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o several_a assertion_n wherein_o likewise_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o duty_n and_o conscience_n so_o to_o do_v though_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o many_o presbyterian_o be_v engage_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v the_o contrary_a and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v for_o the_o time_n present_a p._n 20._o 1._o it_o be_v assert_v that_o they_o be_v just_o strict_a with_o who_o they_o do_v incorporate_a and_o join_v themselves_o in_o church_n policy_n because_o that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o their_o join_v together_o have_v respect_n
and_o that_o as_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v and_o shall_v cast_v in_o also_o even_o this_o poor_a mite_n into_o the_o church_n treasury_n and_o that_o by_o way_n of_o proposal_n as_o aim_v chief_o at_o the_o proper_a end_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n as_o have_v be_v say_v for_o without_o all_o controversy_n that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n shall_v be_v all_o our_o end_n in_o all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o undertake_n but_o the_o undoubted_a end_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n be_v doubtless_o love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a this_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n i_o shall_v hold_v it_o forth_o in_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o i_o shall_v propose_v from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v carry_v it_o along_o in_o my_o own_o intention_n and_o also_o make_v it_o manifest_a as_o much_o as_o possible_a how_o such_o mean_n proper_o tend_v to_o achieve_v that_o end_n and_o how_o useful_a and_o necessary_a such_o mean_n be_v to_o attain_v there_o unto_o the_o lord_n assist_v who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o to_o make_v it_o clear_a 1._o and_o first_o then_o because_o it_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v against_o love_n to_o god_n above_o all_o and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v reject_v for_o even_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o yea_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v against_o love_n be_v against_o god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n and_o love_n come_v of_o god_n and_o be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o if_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v shed_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o godly_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o those_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o most_o essential_a 1_o joh._n 4._o 7_o 8_o 12_o 13_o 16_o 17._o and_o so_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v essential_o of_o god_n such_o love_n i_o mean_v as_o come_v of_o god_n 2._o and_o second_o if_o it_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v against_o this_o love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n it_o be_v also_o worthy_a to_o be_v reject_v for_o what_o ever_o law_n doctrine_n or_o argument_n shall_v be_v propose_v to_o oblige_v man_n to_o in_o purity_n either_o in_o heart_n or_o life_n it_o be_v without_o all_o controversy_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o man_n ought_v to_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a mat._n 5._o 8._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o especial_o in_o heart_n for_o thereout_o come_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n 3._o three_o if_o it_o be_v propose_v against_o a_o good_a conscience_n it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v reject_v as_o not_o include_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o all_o law_n doctrine_n or_o argument_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v that_o will_v engage_v we_o against_o a_o good_a conscience_n manifest_o ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n that_o can_v be_v reprove_v we_o ought_v to_o reject_v they_o and_o yield_v no_o obedience_n nor_o approbation_n thereunto_o either_o in_o obedience_n unto_o man_n or_o to_o please_v they_o etc._n etc._n for_o we_o must_v not_o be_v man_n pleaser_n nor_o servant_n of_o man_n but_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o aught_o to_o love_n and_o therefore_o serve_v and_o honour_n and_o please_v he_o rather_o than_o man_n for_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a universe_n can_v by_o any_o mean_n give_v man_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o commit_v sin_n if_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o and_o be_v convince_v from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o as_o rom._n 2._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o but_o their_o conscience_n will_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v they_o also_o and_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o as_o they_o can_v proper_o give_v man_n liberty_n of_o conscience_n no_o more_o than_o save_v and_o exempt_a man_n from_o punishment_n due_a for_o their_o sin_n against_o conscience_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o bind_v or_o engage_v man_n to_o obedience_n unto_o any_o law_n against_o a_o good_a conscience_n right_o ground_v on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o shall_v give_v man_n liberty_n to_o be_v as_o strict_a and_o severe_a and_o as_o careful_a and_o watchful_a and_o as_o inquisitive_a be_v they_o please_v how_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n 4._o four_o if_o any_o law_n or_o argument_n or_o motion_n whatsoever_o shall_v be_v make_v against_o faith_n to_o wit_n unfeigned_a faith_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v or_o trust_v in_o god_n but_o in_o something_o else_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v or_o put_v hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o any_o thing_n else_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v whatsoever_o he_o say_v or_o propose_v to_o we_o in_o his_o sacred_a word_n or_o bid_v we_o believe_v etc._n etc._n we_o ought_v to_o reject_v it_o yea_o though_o all_o the_o man_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v engage_v we_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o assert_v and_o resolve_v upon_o as_o be_v most_o able_a because_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o because_o a_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n to_o determine_v and_o resolve_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o such_o a_o case_n yet_o if_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n affirm_v the_o contrary_a we_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o to_o reject_v their_o resolve_n and_o counsel_n and_o assertion_n be_v they_o what_o they_o will_v and_o must_v not_o conform_v nor_o comply_v with_o they_o nor_o approve_v the_o same_o but_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n or_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v become_v a_o arrian_n shall_v decree_v or_o teach_v we_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n we_o shall_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o so_o also_o for_o any_o other_o doctrine_n then_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v from_o sacred_a scripture_n there_o be_v a_o time_n speak_v of_o zach._n 13._o when_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o zealous_a against_o false_a prophet_n and_o false_a prophesy_v that_o a_o man_n father_n and_o his_o mother_n that_o beget_v he_o shall_v say_v unto_o he_o thou_o shall_v not_o live_v for_o thou_o speak_v lie_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n that_o beget_v he_o shall_v thrust_v he_o through_o when_o he_o prophesy_v zach._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o we_o must_v therefore_o resolve_v to_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n and_o therefore_o rather_o to_o believe_v he_o then_o all_o and_o every_o or_o any_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o also_o we_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n not_o cast_v away_o our_o confidence_n in_o god_n which_o have_v great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n for_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v of_o all_o other_o grace_n love_v except_v the_o most_o chief_a and_o principal_a and_o the_o most_o essential_a for_o it_o be_v say_v of_o faith_n and_o love_n that_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n yea_o though_o now_o in_o heaven_n it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n to_o wit_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v so_o of_o he_o he_o be_v ascend_v already_o into_o heaven_n yea_o and_o though_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n yet_o he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o such_o faith_n may_v well_o be_v call_v a_o precious_a faith_n be_v so_o proper_o essential_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o where_o faith_n dwell_v christ_n also_o dwell_v proper_o and_o essential_o even_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o only_a fruit_n but_o they_o be_v essential_a witness_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n abide_v in_o we_o he_o that_o believe_v say_v the_o apostle_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 10._o and_o so_o he_o that_o love_v it_o be_v also_o a_o witness_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o know_v god_n chap._n 4._o 7._o and_o that_o he_o also_o dwell_v in_o we_o vers_fw-la 12._o and_o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 13._o and_o so_o
that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o godly_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o and_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n even_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n though_o yet_o but_o in_o measure_n because_o of_o our_o finite_a capacity_n whereas_o in_o christ_n even_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a or_o rather_o essential_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o what_o ever_o argument_n or_o law_n or_o doctrine_n make_v against_o faith_n or_o that_o but_o tend_v to_o the_o weaken_n thereof_o or_o that_o will_v hinder_v our_o edify_n and_o be_v build_v up_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v utter_o be_v reject_v as_o ungodly_a unjust_a untrue_a opposite_a and_o contradictory_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o sacred_a word_n which_o be_v one_o and_o can_v be_v break_v nor_o allege_v proper_o for_o such_o a_o end_n and_o therefore_o these_o four_o rule_n may_v stand_v as_o caution_n that_o we_o admit_v not_o any_o thing_n contrary_a hereunto_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v urge_v and_o present_v to_o we_o or_o propose_v or_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o as_o be_v ground_v on_o his_o sacred_a word_n for_o it_o it_o cross_v or_o oppose_v or_o will_v deprive_v we_o or_o make_v void_a to_o we_o this_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n to_o wit_n love_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a it_o be_v false_a and_o wicked_a and_o that_o which_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v of_o all_o good_a man_n and_o therefore_o with_o full_a purpose_n to_o keep_v to_o these_o rule_n as_o the_o end_n also_o of_o what_o i_o do_v intend_v i_o shall_v further_o propose_v these_o ensue_a ground_n and_o argument_n both_o as_o intend_v and_o tend_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n and_o full_a agreement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o as_o hereafter_o follow_v 1_o ground_n be_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o and_o the_o bind_a duty_n of_o some_o man_n and_o of_o some_o woman_n to_o be_v more_o abstenious_a from_o thing_n lawful_a in_o themselves_o and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o to_o a_o strict_a discipline_n than_o other_o need_v to_o engage_v themselves_o or_o be_v bind_v unto_o or_o be_v absteniâ—us_a from_o reas_n for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o some_o man_n and_o of_o some_o woman_n to_o make_v themselves_o chaste_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sake_n mat._n 19_o â—â—_o &_o 1_o cor._n 7._o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sake_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o free_a both_o from_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n and_o from_o all_o carnal_a engagement_n or_o disturbance_n or_o distraction_n and_o inducement_n whatsoever_o that_o may_v either_o trouble_n or_o molest_v they_o or_o engage_v their_o mind_n or_o withdraw_v their_o affection_n or_o hinder_v their_o devotion_n both_o of_o body_n and_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n but_o that_o they_o may_v full_o consecrate_v and_o devote_v themselves_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o the_o sacred_a government_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n may_v have_v full_a scope_n and_o dominion_n in_o they_o both_o of_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o that_o they_o may_v more_o free_o attend_v and_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n without_o separation_n or_o without_o disturbance_n or_o cumber_v or_o distraction_n by_o any_o mean_n but_o may_v glorify_v god_n both_o in_o their_o body_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n with_o all_o their_o soul_n with_o all_o their_o mind_n and_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n as_o so_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v they_o shall_v for_o this_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n that_o the_o law_n require_v and_o that_o christ_n exemplify_v and_o command_v likewise_o that_o he_o that_o can_v receive_v this_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o it_o be_v also_o the_o apostle_n paul_n advice_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o better_v for_o such_o who_o can_v abstain_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o marry_v if_o they_o have_v power_n over_o their_o own_o will_n that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v they_o gift_n of_o continency_n as_o matth._n 19_o 10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o and_o this_o also_o the_o apostle_n exemplify_v and_o wish_v that_o all_o man_n be_v even_o as_o he_o himself_o in_o that_o particular_a and_o thus_o therefore_o i_o hope_v that_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v better_o for_o some_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n such_o especial_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o continency_n to_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n and_o make_v themselves_o chaste_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sake_n but_o that_o they_o may_v thus_o do_v it_o be_v good_a for_o such_o not_o to_o touch_v a_o woman_n as_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 1._o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o marriage_n be_v honourable_a among_o all_o man_n and_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n and_o some_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o that_o estate_n and_o do_v in_o that_o estate_n live_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o blameless_a life_n enoch_n walk_v with_o god_n after_o he_o beget_v methuselah_n three_o hundred_o year_n and_o beget_v son_n and_o daughter_n gen._n 22._o 24._o of_o who_o it_o be_v witness_v that_o he_o have_v please_v god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v therefore_o translate_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n hebr._n 11._o 5._o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o peter_n to_o lead_v about_o a_o wife_n a_o sister_n and_o so_o for_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cephas_n and_o zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n be_v both_o righteous_a before_o the_o god_n walk_v in_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a as_o luke_n 1._o 5_o 6._o and_o david_n be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n save_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n and_o yet_o have_v many_o wife_n and_o concubine_n and_o adam_n in_o innocency_n before_o he_o sin_v have_v his_o wife_n and_o be_v command_v to_o be_v fruitful_a and_o multiply_v and_o replenish_v the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o else_o shall_v man_n be_v multiply_v and_o succeed_v etc._n etc._n but_o by_o mean_n of_o procreation_n as_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v and_o call_v man_n as_o doubtless_o he_o have_v some_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o some_o after_o that_o for_o it_o be_v a_o wicked_a antichristian_a doctrine_n to_o forbid_v to_o marry_v or_o to_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 3_o 4_o 5._o but_o such_o who_o be_v so_o call_v and_o incline_v for_o marriage_n be_v not_o very_o suitable_a for_o consociation_n with_o as_o make_v themselves_o chaste_a nor_o they_o for_o they_o in_o these_o respect_n 2._o and_o second_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o some_o to_o give_v all_o their_o good_n unto_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o give_v their_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v 1_o cor._n 13._o 3._o and_o in_o case_n when_o call_v of_o god_n and_o require_v so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o have_v do_v so_o as_o christ_n advise_v he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o it_o have_v be_v good_a for_o he_o so_o to_o have_v do_v for_o in_o consideration_n thereof_o he_o may_v have_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o have_v follow_v christ_n math._n 19_o 21._o and_o also_o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n when_o christ_n call_v he_o to_o part_v with_o it_o shall_v lose_v it_o but_o whosoever_o shall_v lose_v it_o for_o his_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o math._n 16._o 24_o 25_o 26._o and_o math._n 10._o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37_o 38_o 39_o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o such_o who_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n to_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o not_o to_o title_n or_o claim_v any_o thing_n that_o any_o of_o such_o possess_v as_o his_o own_o act_v 4._o 32._o but_o such_o among_o such_o as_o be_v possessor_n of_o land_n may_v lawful_o sell_v they_o and_o bring_v the_o price_n thereof_o and_o lay_v it_o down_o at_o the_o minister_n foot_n that_o distribution_n may_v be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n among_o they_o according_a as_o he_o have_v need_n as_o vers_n 34._o 35._o 37._o but_o this_o community_n be_v only_o proper_a among_o such_o as_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o especial_o they_o of_o his_o household_n he_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n and_o riches_n be_v give_v to_o some_o as_o great_a blessing_n
each_o of_o other_o or_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o act_v or_o how_o to_o resolve_v full_o so_o as_o all_o may_v assent_v and_o be_v satisfy_v in_o conscience_n from_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o resolve_v in_o such_o and_o such_o case_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v thus_o to_o join_v and_o assemble_v themselves_o and_o be_v engage_v deep_o each_o unto_o other_o that_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v just_o carry_v without_o partiality_n or_o respect_n of_o person_n yea_o at_o least_o in_o private_a if_o authority_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o engage_v in_o public_a if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o within_o convenient_a bound_n as_o may_v in_o any_o possibility_n do_v good_a this_o way_n 5._o they_o be_v strict_a in_o maintain_v the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n and_o supremacy_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o in_o now_o stand_v will_v allow_v or_o suffer_v reas_n for_o though_o they_o do_v allow_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v obedient_a and_o subject_a to_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o same_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n and_o voice_n of_o christ_n as_o joh._n 10._o 4._o and_o do_v make_v it_o manifest_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v from_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n that_o their_o way_n and_o word_n or_o judgement_n and_o censure_n or_o proceed_n be_v right_a as_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n appers_n pag._n 100_o chap._n 5._o yet_o in_o case_n when_o the_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v err_v and_o commit_v a_o offence_n or_o miscarry_v the_o business_n that_o concern_v they_o all_o or_o that_o in_o any_o respect_n concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n they_o make_v bold_a to_o over_o rule_v they_o and_o to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n and_o rescue_v the_o innocent_a or_o condemn_v the_o guilty_a and_o to_o elect_v or_o eject_v receive_v or_o refuse_v yea_o to_o remit_v or_o retain_v as_o they_o find_v cause_n and_o ground_n form_n scripture_n yea_o though_o quite_o contradictory_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o decree_n and_o result_v of_o their_o elder_n and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n even_o to_o proceed_v to_o censure_v and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n if_o their_o sin_n so_o deserve_v and_o this_o democracy_n be_v necessary_o assume_v and_o exercise_v by_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o joint_o with_o they_o in_o admit_v member_n and_o in_o censure_v or_o acquit_v and_o remit_v offender_n and_o that_o to_o preserve_v the_o monarchy_n of_o christ_n from_o antichristian_a usurpation_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o force_v to_o let_v man_n at_o their_o pleasure_n bear_v rule_n over_o they_o and_o become_v as_o man_n pleaser_n and_o servant_n of_o man_n as_o many_o have_v do_v and_o that_o without_o all_o remedy_n or_o hope_v of_o remedy_n while_o their_o officer_n live_v as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o all_o because_o that_o they_o have_v not_o power_n within_o themselves_o to_o censure_n and_o remove_v they_o but_o have_v their_o power_n to_o seek_v form_n other_o church_n or_o from_o without_o their_o own_o can_v never_o find_v it_o to_o remove_v they_o by_o as_o in_o conscience_n they_o ought_v but_o be_v force_v to_o yield_v even_o blind_a obedience_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o ever_o decree_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n truth_n or_o falsehood_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o what_o else_o can_v be_v just_o expect_v form_n the_o presbyterial_a government_n if_o they_o require_v obedience_n to_o what_o ever_o they_o decree_v or_o determine_v by_o vote_n in_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n or_o congregational_a presbytery_n when_o they_o make_v it_o not_o manifest_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v from_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o such_o decree_n be_v just_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v execute_v and_o obey_v etc._n etc._n by_o all_o or_o any_o who_o they_o do_v concern_v that_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o give_v they_o liberty_n for_o the_o absolute_a exercise_n of_o arbitary_a power_n after_o man_n be_v choose_v to_o such_o anoffice_n for_o what_o be_v it_o but_o arbitrary_a power_n in_o spiritual_a respect_n that_o be_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o his_o law_n and_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o such_o be_v account_v arbitrary_a power_n in_o civil_a respect_n that_o be_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o this_o can_v choose_v but_o at_o least_o sometime_o engage_v or_o enforce_v we_o unto_o blind_a obedience_n if_o we_o submit_v thereto_o and_o that_o unto_o man_n as_o if_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o account_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o err_v and_o therefore_o doubtless_o such_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o either_o claim_n as_o due_a or_o expect_v such_o obedience_n do_v extol_v themselves_o even_o above_o the_o apostle_n and_o expect_v more_o obedience_n and_o honour_n and_o service_n than_o they_o ever_o require_v who_o be_v notwithstanding_o more_o infallible_o guide_v for_o they_o rather_o commend_v than_o blame_v the_o berean_o for_o search_v of_o the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o be_v preach_v by_o they_o and_o what_o may_v this_o prove_v but_o not_o only_o the_o infringement_n of_o the_o church_n liberty_n but_o even_o the_o just_a right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n yea_o and_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n for_o if_o the_o parliament_n be_v bind_v as_o in_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v what_o ever_o a_o synod_n or_o a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n shall_v conclude_v or_o decree_n among_o themselves_o to_o be_v just_a and_o right_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o that_o without_o evidence_n form_n sacred_a scripture_n what_o a_o gross_a slavery_n may_v even_o their_o very_a conscience_n be_v subject_v to_o for_o be_v not_o this_o the_o mean_n of_o introduction_n of_o popery_n and_o all_o superstition_n that_o ever_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o wit_n obedience_n unto_o synod_n as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o err_v and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o dangerous_a now_o lest_o man_n shall_v yet_o err_v and_o mislead_v the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n yea_o and_o all_o the_o church_n be_v we_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v more_o infallible_a then_o in_o former_a age_n doubtless_o i_o say_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o challenge_v nor_o expect_v or_o plead_v for_o any_o such_o obedience_n nor_o that_o they_o either_o do_v or_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n authoritative_o indeed_o but_o what_o they_o make_v good_a and_o manifest_a from_o scripture_n for_o then_o only_o and_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o they_o may_v authoritative_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o for_o even_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o draw_v together_o to_o consult_v and_o consider_v of_o those_o thing_n neither_o do_v they_o decree_v till_o james_n stand_v up_o and_o resolve_v the_o matter_n from_o sacred_a scripture_n by_o conclude_v such_o a_o result_n as_o to_o which_o they_o all_o assent_v it_o be_v not_o carry_v by_o multiplicity_n and_o majority_n of_o vote_n what_o shall_v be_v decree_v but_o by_o the_o best_a scripture_n evidence_n neither_o be_v any_o such_o either_o fit_a or_o worthy_a to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o assembly_n synod_n or_o classis_fw-la or_o congregational_a presbytery_n that_o can_v be_v content_a to_o let_v thing_n pass_v upon_o slender_a debate_n and_o without_o result_n from_o scripture_n ground_n upon_o bare_a vote_n it_o may_v be_v inconsiderate_o gather_v to_o be_v make_v as_o decree_n for_o the_o church_n government_n and_o that_o about_o matter_n in_o controversy_n concern_v faith_n and_o doctrine_n or_o way_n and_o manner_n or_o any_o such_o like_a consider_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o chief_a seer_n in_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o nation_n yea_o in_o the_o whole_a universe_n may_v be_v cover_v and_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n may_v be_v unto_o they_o all_o as_o a_o seal_a book_n yea_o they_o may_v account_v even_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n own_o law_n as_o a_o strange_a thing_n as_o isai_n 29._o verse_n 9_o to_o the_o end_n micah_n 3._o 5_o 6._o 7_o 8._o hosea_n 8._o 12._o and_o yet_o may_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o such_o man_n as_o they_o shall_v either_o be_v or_o be_v account_v blind_a as_o those_o that_o say_v unto_o christ_n be_v we_o blind_v also_o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v the_o magistrate_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n to_o restrain_v and_o limit_v they_o in_o these_o respect_n that_o so_o high_o concern_v even_o the_o life_n
in_o which_o they_o have_v good_a ground_n for_o a_o full_a persuasion_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n lest_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o shall_v wrong_v their_o brethren_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o they_o shall_v sometime_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n and_o break_v also_o the_o bruise_a reed_n and_o sometime_o again_o disparage_v and_o disgrace_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n by_o approve_v such_o as_o do_v but_o deal_v hypocritical_o 3._o and_o three_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o levite_n shall_v all_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o attend_v on_o the_o service_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n from_o their_o very_a childhood_n as_o well_o as_o after_o that_o they_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n for_o the_o case_n be_v just_o parallel_n as_o these_o scripture_n will_v prove_v levit._fw-la 8._o 18_o 19_o 24_o 25._o and_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 5_o 9_o rev._n 1._o 6._o reas_n for_o thus_o i_o compare_v they_o all_z the_o elect_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v lively_a stone_n build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o &_o chap._n 1._o 2._o so_o that_o all_o believer_n be_v account_v as_o priest_n even_o form_n their_o first_o engraft_v into_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o as_o there_o be_v priest_n of_o divers_a order_n so_o also_o ought_v the_o true_a believer_n to_o be_v distinguish_v i_o compare_v therefore_o the_o new_o convert_v to_o the_o levite_n in_o their_o minority_n till_o they_o come_v to_o year_n and_o all_o the_o grow_v christian_n that_o be_v experience_v in_o the_o trade_n and_o practice_v of_o christianity_n to_o the_o levite_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n elect_v by_o the_o church_n i_o compare_v to_o the_o priest_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n and_o so_o the_o minister_n to_o aaron_n himself_o and_o who_o know_v but_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v govern_v his_o church_n after_o these_o example_n parallel_v hereto_o see_v the_o apostle_n peter_n do_v thus_o compare_v they_o as_o resemble_v the_o priesthood_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5_o 9_o &_o chap._n 1._o 2._o as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o 4._o and_o four_a this_o double_a reception_n be_v clear_a also_o in_o my_o apprehension_n from_o the_o apostle_n own_o word_n they_o that_o be_v weak_a say_v he_o receive_v but_o not_o unto_o doubtful_a disputation_n and_o therefore_o by_o consequence_n not_o to_o act_v or_o vote_n or_o exercise_v power_n in_o doubtful_a election_n and_o intricate_a business_n which_o for_o want_v of_o understanding_n they_o be_v not_o able_a for_o till_o their_o wit_n be_v exercise_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o admit_v they_o or_o approve_v they_o as_o joint_a member_n of_o such_o body_n politic_a till_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n satisfy_v both_o of_o their_o ability_n suitable_a and_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o intention_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o same_o but_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n that_o these_o be_v no_o novel_a distinction_n or_o division_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o ancient_a use_n in_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n consider_v the_o word_n of_o origen_n allege_v against_o the_o remonstrant_a who_o recite_v the_o word_n of_o origen_n to_o be_v these_o to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o christian_a teacher_n first_o to_o examine_v such_o as_o desire_v to_o hear_v they_o of_o who_o there_o be_v two_o order_n the_o first_o be_v catechumeni_fw-la or_o beginner_n the_o other_o be_v of_o such_o as_o be_v more_o perfect_a among_o who_o there_o be_v some_o or_o dain_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v banish_v such_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n that_o perpetrate_v scandalous_a act_n i_o say_v let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o time_n be_v not_o just_o parallel_v to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o also_o suitable_a to_o the_o policy_n of_o some_o civil_a corporation_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v follow_v in_o all_o wise_a policy_n that_o may_v tend_v for_o good_a of_o a_o body_n spiritual_a as_o have_v be_v say_v consider_v therefore_o whether_o those_o 〈◊〉_d or_o beginner_n of_o which_o origen_n speak_v be_v not_o like_o apprenâ—ioâ—â—_n that_o have_v not_o serve_v out_o their_o time_n in_o a_o city_n or_o corporation_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o voice_n in_o election_n of_o officer_n as_o major_n and_o alderman_n and_o those_o of_o the_o common_a counce_n and_o second_o whether_o those_o who_o he_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v more_o perfect_a be_v not_o like_a freeman_n of_o a_o city_n who_o have_v a_o vote_n in_o election_n of_o officer_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o a_o common-councel_n etc._n etc._n and_o three_o whether_o those_o that_o be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v out_o of_o that_o order_n which_o they_o account_v more_o perfect_a who_o office_n to_o which_o they_o be_v ordain_v be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o banish_v etc._n etc._n be_v not_o like_o the_o alderman_n and_o common-councel_n of_o a_o city_n to_o who_o all_o be_v commit_v and_o four_a whether_o the_o christian_a teacher_n of_o those_o time_n be_v not_o over_o all_o as_o major_n of_o city_n who_o be_v choose_v by_o vote_n of_o all_o the_o freeman_n and_o of_o none_o but_o freeman_n for_o apprentice_n have_v no_o vote_n till_o their_o freedom_n be_v examine_v and_o approve_v likewise_o and_o the_o child_n of_o light_a aught_o to_o be_v as_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n as_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o city_n or_o corporation_n so_o that_o the_o parallel_n in_o every_o particular_a do_v hold_v correspondency_n both_o with_o the_o levitical_a priesthood_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n compare_v the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v origen_n relate_v they_o and_o to_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o body_n corporate_v and_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o end_n of_o all_o policy_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a to_o wit_n the_o good_a and_o benefit_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a 1._o as_o first_o those_o that_o upon_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o or_o a_o resolution_n to_o amend_v their_o life_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v just_o parallel_v to_o all_o the_o levite_n that_o during_o their_o minority_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o service_n of_o the_o tubernacte_n and_o they_o be_v just_o parallel_v to_o those_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v call_v cateemement_n or_o beginner_n and_o they_o be_v just_o parallel_v to_o apprentice_n in_o a_o city_n that_o have_v not_o serve_v out_o their_o time_n and_o they_o hold_v correspondency_n with_o the_o reason_n and_o end_v of_o all_o government_n and_o policy_n which_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a for_o as_o the_o heir_n so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v a_o child_n differ_v nothing_o from_o a_o servant_n though_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o but_o be_v under_o tusors_n and_o governor_n till_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o the_o fat_a she_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o a_o case_n not_o unsuitable_a so_o for_o the_o veny_n same_o reason_n there_o be_v a_o childhood_n and_o minority_n in_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o nature_n reason_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a nor_o good_a nor_o safe_a nor_o likely_a to_o tend_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o body_n that_o power_n of_o government_n or_o vote_n in_o election_n shall_v be_v commit_v unto_o such_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o business_n or_o be_v doubt_v of_o whether_o they_o do_v intend_v the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a no_o more_o than_o woman_n be_v to_o have_v vote_n among_o they_o nor_o any_o specify_v in_o these_o parallel_n instance_a in_o 2._o and_o second_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v not_o only_o to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o be_v incorporate_v as_o joint_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n upon_o such_o trial_n and_o approbation_n as_o have_v heerv_v say_v and_o just_o parallel_v to_o all_o the_o levite_n that_o be_v come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o gravity_n be_v admit_v to_o attend_v on_o the_o service_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n if_o without_o blemish_n and_o they_o be_v just_o