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
of_o good_n or_o claim_v of_o propriety_n 3._o concern_v fast_n or_o eat_v and_o drink_v 4._o concern_v being_n of_o the_o strict_a sect_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o pharsee_n or_o of_o one_o more_o remiss_a such_o as_o be_v the_o scribe_n but_o it_o will_v be_v demand_v how_o these_o may_v be_v applicable_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n in_o these_o particular_n so_o it_o do_v also_o betwixt_o church_n and_o church_n for_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o every_o respect_n 1._o for_o such_o who_o make_v themselves_o chaste_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sake_n 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 therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v careful_a how_o they_o carry_v themselves_o in_o such_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o such_o to_o marry_v if_o they_o so_o resolve_v and_o know_v they_o have_v power_n over_o their_o own_o will_n as_o have_v beer_n say_v before_o even_o so_o a_o church_n be_v right_o constitute_v and_o have_v divine_a power_n and_o authority_n give_v she_o through_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v present_v as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n only_o unto_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o such_o a_o church_n or_o at_o least_o not_o good_a for_o she_o to_o bind_v herself_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o vote_n or_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o church_n that_o be_v not_o constitute_v as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n only_o unto_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o and_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o be_v as_o chaste_a as_o she_o and_o as_o full_o subject_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n but_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o consociate_v with_o such_o who_o be_v more_o loose_a in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o government_n and_o way_n etc._n etc._n which_o as_o yet_o she_o can_v resolve_v to_o do_v upon_o any_o principle_n she_o have_v yet_o receive_v from_o christ_n her_o head_n and_o there_o be_v a_o resemblance_n unto_o a_o little_a remarkable_a hold_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n betwixt_o the_o husband_n and_o wife_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n ephes_n 5._o 22._o etc._n etc._n both_o of_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v subject_a alike_o though_o yet_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o there_o be_v cause_n of_o jealousy_n that_o some_o woman_n will_v not_o continue_v chaste_a so_o there_o be_v cause_n of_o jealousy_n that_o some_o church_n will_v not_o be_v espouse_v unto_o one_o husband_n that_o they_o may_v be_v present_v as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n but_o their_o mind_n will_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 2_o 3_o 4._o second_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o man_n as_o have_v be_v say_v so_o it_o be_v with_o a_o church_n in_o the_o second_o particular_a for_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v among_o themselves_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o none_o of_o they_o claim_v propriety_n of_o good_n as_o mere_o his_o own_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v distribute_v as_o every_o one_o have_v need_v as_o so_o it_o be_v lawful_a if_o they_o can_v so_o agree_v and_o do_v it_o free_o without_o grudge_v or_o repine_v yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o a_o folly_n and_o madness_n to_o join_v themselves_o so_o in_o community_n of_o good_n to_o such_o in_o who_o they_o can_v not_o expect_v the_o like_a community_n they_o be_v quit_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o heart_n etc._n etc._n like_o ananias_n and_o saphirah_n covetous_a and_o hypocritical_a and_o only_o aim_v at_o carnal_a end_n three_o and_o so_o likewise_o as_o it_o lawful_a for_o a_o particular_a man_n to_o give_v themselves_o much_o unto_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o have_v be_v say_v even_o so_o it_o be_v likewise_o for_o a_o particular_a church_n if_o they_o so_o agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o give_v themselves_o much_o unto_o fast_v and_o payer_n as_o in_o their_o apprehension_n they_o shall_v think_v they_o have_v cause_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n in_o general_a or_o particular_a where_o it_o may_v be_v on_o the_o contrary_a some_o other_o church_n in_o their_o apprehension_n have_v more_o cause_n of_o thankfulness_n find_v for_o the_o present_a that_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o as_o so_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n fast_v not_o whereas_o the_o disciple_n of_o john_n fast_v often_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v church_n of_o different_a judgement_n in_o these_o respect_n be_v bind_v by_o authority_n all_o to_o rejoice_v or_o all_o to_o mourn_v and_o fast_o and_o pray_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o no_o more_o frequent_o but_o as_o all_o can_v agree_v so_o to_o humble_v themselves_o and_o how_o shall_v it_o choose_v but_o engage_v man_n to_o hypocrisy_n save_v only_o in_o case_n of_o some_o general_a judgement_n of_o which_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o be_v sensible_a and_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o four_a and_o last_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o particular_a man_n to_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 so_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v of_o the_o strict_a way_n in_o respect_n of_o government_n doctrine_n and_o discipline_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v or_o make_v good_a from_o scripture_n as_o lawful_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o enforce_v she_o to_o conform_v unto_o any_o church_n that_o be_v more_o remiss_a and_o loose_a or_o careless_a or_o not_o so_o strict_a or_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o tolerate_v such_o who_o think_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o strict_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o as_o all_o good_a man_n who_o general_a bent_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n can_v attain_v such_o measure_n or_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n as_o of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o of_o zeal_n etc._n etc._n one_o as_o another_o even_o so_o all_o church_n though_o they_o be_v true_a church_n can_v possible_o attain_v to_o be_v so_o right_o constitute_v and_o so_o severe_a and_o strict_a in_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n as_o other_o can_v though_o the_o strict_a the_o better_a in_o some_o respect_n as_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v though_o in_o some_o thing_n to_o be_v over_o strict_a be_v a_o foul_a fault_n the_o one_o conceive_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o other_o of_o certainty_n the_o one_o expect_v but_o faith_n historical_n in_o their_o admission_n but_o the_o other_o search_v for_o faith_n justify_v such_o as_o appear_v by_o work_n in_o all_o such_o who_o they_o do_v approve_v as_o there_o be_v strong_a argument_n that_o may_v easy_o be_v produce_v on_o both_o patty_n even_o from_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o reconcile_v i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o say_v that_o either_o of_o they_o yet_o have_v clear_o demonstrate_v from_o sacred_a scripture_n their_o own_o resolve_n concern_v baptism_n i_o shall_v therefore_o it_o may_v be_v propose_v betwixt_o they_o something_o of_o that_o but_o from_o these_o precedent_a ground_n first_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o these_o conclusion_n will_v just_o reprove_v and_o i_o hope_v convince_v both_o the_o independent_o and_o presbyterian_o in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o labour_v to_o accord_v and_o love_n and_o strive_v to_o live_v and_o carry_v as_o brother_n and_o communicate_v together_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o brother_n ought_v and_o as_o occasion_n serve_v but_o the_o one_o strive_v to_o enforce_v conformity_n to_o their_o way_n and_o rule_n and_o principle_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o in_o conscience_n they_o it_o may_v be_v be_v engage_v and_o the_o other_o blame_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o too_o remiss_a and_o not_o so_o upright_o and_o conscientious_a nor_o walk_v by_o so_o just_a and_o strict_a a_o rule_n in_o constitution_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o as_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o engage_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o seek_v for_o liberty_n so_o to_o do_v by_o this_o mean_n they_o fall_v at_o variance_n and_o fall_v out_o by_o the_o way_n and_o about_o the_o way_n though_o they_o
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
be_v brother_n and_o so_o do_v know_v and_o acknowledge_v each_o other_o and_o first_o then_o let_v they_o both_o consider_v this_o fall_v out_o by_o the_o way_n be_v not_o like_a as_o they_o be_v brother_n for_o by_o this_o say_v christ_n all_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o be_v this_o like_a love_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n as_o be_v before_o propose_v even_o thus_o to_o bite_v and_o devour_v and_o destroy_v one_o another_o and_o all_o because_o that_o both_o party_n but_o see_v in_o part_n and_o know_v in_o part_n and_o understanding_n in_o part_n be_v of_o different_a judgement_n as_o so_o they_o be_v likely_a as_o yet_o to_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o while_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a till_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o what_o then_o will_v they_o never_o agree_v till_o they_o all_o be_v perfect_a will_v they_o never_o love_v till_o in_o every_o particular_a they_o be_v of_o one_o judgement_n but_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o in_o a_o right_a way_n and_o other_o wrong_v and_o hold_v forth_o their_o argument_n from_o clear_a scripture_n ground_n that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v themselves_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o other_o be_v obstinate_a and_o that_o they_o see_v and_o will_v not_o see_v nor_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o they_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n out_o of_o charity_n with_o they_o as_o account_v they_o pervert_v and_o man_n that_o sin_n be_v damn_v of_o their_o own_o conscience_n answ_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o can_v know_v for_o certain_a after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n that_o man_n sin_n be_v damn_v of_o their_o own_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o foul_a thing_n such_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v tit._n 3._o 10_o 11._o but_o such_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v heretic_n and_o obstinate_a etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o observe_v the_o nature_n of_o love_n in_o this_o kind_n that_o we_o be_v not_o censorious_a and_o too_o too_o injurious_a in_o judge_v our_o brother_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o charity_n say_v the_o apostle_n suffer_v long_o and_o be_v kind_a charity_n envy_v not_o nor_o vaunt_v not_o itself_o nor_o 〈◊〉_d it_o puff_v up_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a seek_v not_o her_o own_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o truth_n bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 13._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o see_v that_o all_o these_o be_v natural_a property_n of_o that_o love_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n let_v we_o try_v ourselves_o by_o all_o these_o property_n whether_o we_o have_v behave_v and_o carry_v ourselves_o according_o towards_o such_o before_o we_o censure_v and_o let_v our_o heart_n loose_v to_o reject_v and_o oppose_v and_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o enemy_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o hate_v nor_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o enemy_n at_o all_o but_o to_o love_v and_o pity_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o acknowledge_v they_o brethren_n and_o admonish_v they_o as_o brethren_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o word_n even_o of_o god_n himself_o in_o some_o thing_n 2_o thess_n 3._o 14_o 15._o and_o mat._n 5._o 44_o 45_o 46_o 47_o 48._o though_o i_o do_v confess_v that_o if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v even_o in_o execration_n if_o it_o manifest_o appear_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n jud._n 3._o and_o we_o shall_v stand_v fast_o to_o our_o christian_a liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o not_o be_v entangle_v again_o with_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n nor_o suffer_v man_n to_o rule_n over_o we_o at_o their_o pleasure_n according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o arbitrary_a will_n not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o hold_v to_o the_o head_n and_o to_o the_o foundation_n etc._n etc._n coloss_n 1._o 18._o and_o chap._n 2._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n but_o still_o always_o with_o due_a respect_n to_o their_o person_n as_o pity_v their_o ignorance_n weakness_n infirmity_n fail_n and_o imperfection_n that_o we_o discover_v in_o they_o as_o consider_v ourselves_o lest_o we_o also_o be_v tempt_v and_o that_o we_o also_o have_v be_v in_o like_a condition_n in_o one_o particular_a respect_n or_o another_o have_v be_v erroneous_a and_o misapprehensive_a and_o offensive_a unto_o other_o in_o such_o respect_n for_o who_o that_o life_n but_o if_o he_o will_v examine_v he_o may_v remember_v that_o he_o have_v err_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o and_o be_v reduce_v and_o convince_v by_o other_o or_o by_o search_v of_o the_o scripture_n have_v see_v ourselves_o as_o of_o ourselves_o subject_a to_o all_o or_o to_o any_o error_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v of_o grace_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a or_o able_a to_o know_v or_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v high_a mind_a and_o not_o rather_o fear_v lest_o we_o also_o fall_v or_o fail_v etc._n etc._n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v too_o confident_a either_o that_o we_o do_v not_o or_o that_o we_o can_v err_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o man_n shall_v think_v so_o of_o we_o why_o be_v we_o so_o angry_a that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o just_a on_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v we_o nor_o conform_v unto_o we_o just_a in_o our_o way_n do_v it_o not_o imply_v that_o we_o think_v of_o ourselves_o above_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v to_o wit_n that_o we_o can_v err_v and_o expect_v that_o other_o shall_v think_v so_o likewise_o and_o what_o be_v this_o less_o than_o the_o pope_n that_o antichrist_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n challenge_n to_o themselves_o and_o by_o reason_n thereof_o exalt_v themselves_o above_o the_o magistrate_n above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o that_o be_v worship_v etc._n etc._n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a part_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n have_v err_v iexcee_o be_v it_o not_o once_o say_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v become_v a_o arrian_n nay_o be_v not_o all_o the_o opposer_n of_o the_o arrian_n heresy_n in_o a_o error_n likewise_o both_o one_o and_o another_o to_o wit_n those_o that_o maintain_v that_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n be_v one_o substance_n for_o though_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o essence_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o one_o substance_n for_o the_o bless_a deity_n be_v all_o essence_n as_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a exod._n 3._o 14._o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o to_o wit_n that_o he_o be_v be_v all_o essence_n but_o no_o proof_n can_v be_v make_v from_o scripture_n ground_n that_o the_o invisible_a god_n be_v any_o substance_n at_o all_o but_o a_o infinite_a essence_n and_o not_o local_o circumscriptible_a as_o all_o substance_n be_v but_o unlimitable_o existent_a fill_v both_o all_o place_n and_o every_o substance_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o infinite_o beyond_o they_o on_o every_o side_n circumvent_a all_o thing_n and_o fill_v all_o thing_n even_o from_o the_o very_a top_n of_o the_o high_a heaven_n to_o the_o middle_n and_o bowel_n or_o centre_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o yet_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o cirumvent_v with_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o no_o not_o with_o place_n itself_o in_o which_o as_o philosopher_n speak_v all_o thing_n stand_v but_o be_v infinite_a and_o unlimitable_a without_o circumference_n and_o without_o centre_n the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v he_o but_o he_o fill_v all_o thing_n as_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a and_o as_o may_v evident_o and_o convince_o also_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n by_o reason_n and_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o motion_n and_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o constant_a course_n and_o subsistence_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o water_n and_o all_o visible_a creature_n for_o who_o else_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v and_o subsistence_n and_o of_o their_o motion_n etc._n etc._n look_v rom._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o and_o psalm_n 19_o 1_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o
convenient_a bond_n or_o at_o least_o none_o that_o be_v willing_a they_o allow_v they_o power_n within_o themselves_o both_o for_o constitution_n and_o dissolution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o see_v occasion_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n health_n and_o therefore_o see_v all_o power_n both_o for_o government_n and_o discipline_n be_v necessary_o allow_v they_o in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o they_o be_v not_o against_o the_o consociation_n of_o true_a christian_a church_n for_o the_o mutual_a advice_n and_o edification_n and_o help_v and_o comfort_n of_o one_o another_o or_o in_o case_n of_o admonition_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o utter_o deny_v to_o submit_v themselves_o as_o under_o the_o jurisdictive_a authority_n of_o any_o such_o church_n save_v only_o in_o case_n of_o advice_n or_o council_n or_o admonition_n or_o at_o most_o as_o sister_n church_n in_o every_o respect_n and_o as_o they_o shall_v convince_v they_o from_o scripture_n ground_n that_o their_o decree_n or_o result_v be_v according_a to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o law_n and_o testimony_n concern_v they_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o government_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o bind_v themselves_o to_o be_v order_v or_o govern_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o such_o in_o any_o respect_n till_o they_o first_o know_v what_o their_o vote_n be_v that_o they_o submit_v unto_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v enslave_v to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n against_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v only_o bind_v by_o scriptural_a decree_n or_o loose_v either_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o man_n not_o infallible_o guide_v though_o never_o so_o numerous_a or_o wise_a and_o learned_a who_o all_o may_v err_v and_o often_o do_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o challenge_v any_o bind_a authority_n or_o power_n whatsoever_o or_o lose_v either_o but_o only_o in_o case_n and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o can_v and_o do_v even_o convince_v the_o conscience_n from_o scripture_n evidence_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o their_o decree_n be_v just_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a as_o well_o for_o a_o church_n as_o a_o particular_a man_n to_o go_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v and_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o be_v decree_v or_o teach_v we_o or_o that_o be_v preach_v unto_o we_o yea_o though_o by_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o if_o we_o find_v they_o teach_v we_o another_o gospel_n then_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v we_o must_v let_v they_o be_v accurse_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n resolve_v of_o nothing_o till_o it_o be_v clear_v from_o scripture_n that_o all_o assent_v and_o agree_v to_o it_o even_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o act_n 15._o 22_o 25._o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o either_o a_o particular_a man_n or_o particualar_a church_n have_v scriptural_a ground_n may_v say_v as_o they_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n for_o what_o the_o scripture_n decree_n the_o holy_a ghost_n decree_v and_o therefore_o all_o assembly_n congregational_a presbyterial_a classical_a synodical_a national_a or_o ecumenical_a shall_v only_o be_v as_o this_o in_o the_o act_n to_o consider_v of_o such_o matter_n as_o vers_n 6._o and_o to_o resolve_v they_o from_o scripture_n that_o all_o be_v assure_v from_o scripture_n ground_n may_v with_o one_o accord_n pass_v sentence_n with_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o they_o what_o ever_o be_v resolve_v or_o decree_v or_o do_v in_o his_o sacred_a name_n else_o they_o be_v presumptuous_a and_o self-willed_a and_o do_v usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o do_v not_o make_v it_o manifest_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v from_o scripture_n evidence_n that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o they_o coloss_n 4._o 4._o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o we_o and_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o follow_v their_o faith_n as_o hebr._n 13._o 7_o 17._o yet_o it_o must_v be_v in_o case_n when_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n and_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o for_o they_o that_o preach_v unto_o we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v changeable_a lest_o they_o carry_v we_o about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n as_o vers_n 8._o 9_o which_o we_o must_v not_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o faith_n nor_o in_o obedience_n unto_o they_o that_o turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n as_o 2_o tim_n 4._o 3_o 4._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 3._o 4._o 5._o &_o 2_o tim_n 3._o 2_o 3_o 4._o 2_o thes_n 3._o 6._o 7_o 8._o and_o if_o any_o come_v unto_o we_o and_o bring_v not_o the_o true_a doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o receive_v he_o to_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n as_o 2_o joh._n 10._o how_o much_o less_o may_v such_o be_v receive_v as_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o maintain_v either_o by_o tithe_n or_o other_o maintenance_n and_o how_o unlawful_a be_v it_o therefore_o either_o for_o magistrate_n or_o other_o to_o force_v maintenance_n of_o any_o such_o or_o to_o limit_v man_n by_o parochial_a bound_n that_o in_o case_n a_o parish_n shall_v heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o heart_n have_v itch_a ear_n that_o turn_v from_o the_o truth_n yet_o man_n must_v be_v enforce_v to_o maintain_v such_o teacher_n and_o to_o hear_v they_o likewise_o and_o must_v not_o withdraw_v themselves_o as_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v we_o nor_o go_v elsewhere_o unless_o we_o can_v remove_v our_o habitation_n also_o which_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v sometime_o inconvenient_a and_o to_o our_o utter_a overthrow_n in_o worldly_a respect_n all_o which_o bondage_n be_v a_o great_a infringement_n to_o our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o they_o that_o do_v it_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v approve_v nor_o assent_v to_o by_o any_o that_o desire_n 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 reas_n for_o how_o many_o thousand_o parish_n both_o have_v be_v and_o be_v not_o only_o here_o but_o in_o other_o kingdom_n by_o this_o mean_n keep_v utter_o destitute_a of_o any_o spiritual_a food_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o that_o sometime_o even_o for_o a_o whole_a age_n together_o during_o the_o parson_n or_o vicar_n life_n who_o once_o install_v can_v never_o be_v remove_v if_o he_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o government_n on_o foot_n and_o can_v please_v the_o great_a or_o most_o of_o the_o parish_n yea_o and_o though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o carnal_a if_o he_o have_v but_o learning_n and_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n in_o respect_n of_o religion_n like_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o congregation_n though_o he_o utter_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n yet_o all_o his_o parishioner_n though_o never_o so_o godly_a and_o conscientious_a must_v hold_v they_o content_v during_o such_o a_o man_n life_n for_o they_o must_v allow_v he_o his_o tithe_n or_o maintenance_n and_o they_o must_v not_o obey_v the_o apostle_n direction_n to_o wit_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o but_o they_o must_v keep_v to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o own_o minister_n unless_o they_o can_v remove_v out_o of_o such_o a_o parish_n and_o so_o in_o all_o likelihood_n famish_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o whole_a family_n if_o god_n be_v not_o merciful_a in_o stretch_v forth_o his_o immediate_a hand_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a unexpected_a way_n for_o the_o ordinary_a way_n is_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v as_o so_o the_o world_n account_v iâ—_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v and_o therefore_o let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o keep_v such_o man_n out_o for_o intrude_a themselves_o and_o be_v intrude_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o let_v all_o that_o be_v godly_a and_o conscientious_a have_v free_a liberty_n to_o approve_v and_o receive_v or_o admic_a and_o in_o stall_n who_o
this_o he_o only_o mean_v that_o they_o be_v outward_o to_o be_v account_v unclean_a for_o he_o do_v not_o so_o judge_v as_o if_o all_o be_v reprobate_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o such_o parent_n but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o outward_a privilege_n till_o their_o heart_n be_v purify_v through_o faith_n in_o god_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n and_o therefore_o this_o doctrine_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n i_o answer_v brief_o that_o i_o list_v not_o to_o be_v contentious_a in_o this_o matter_n for_o in_o this_o case_n as_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o bring_v his_o child_n unto_o christian_a baptism_n so_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v compel_v to_o baptise_v any_o but_o to_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n as_o their_o charitable_a judgement_n shall_v engage_v they_o in_o conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o their_o christian_a neighbour_n and_o to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n for_o there_o be_v strong_a argument_n on_o both_o side_n the_o quintessence_n whereof_o i_o shall_v brief_o propose_v on_o both_o party_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o conscience_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o either_o as_o they_o think_v best_a and_o first_o then_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o precedent_a objection_n i_o do_v confess_v that_o this_o argument_n be_v unanswerable_a if_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v it_o of_o such_o believer_n as_o have_v true_a visible_a save_v and_o justify_v faith_n and_o that_o such_o as_o they_o can_v likewise_o demonstrate_v for_o satisfy_v of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v such_o believer_n but_o if_o the_o apostle_n only_o mean_v it_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o upon_o profession_n whereof_o the_o ennuch_n be_v admit_v to_o wit_n a_o believe_a that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n by_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v but_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ._n if_o such_o as_o these_o i_o say_v be_v the_o believer_n intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n than_o we_o remain_v still_o in_o the_o same_o dubitation_n as_o we_o be_v before_o and_o so_o all_o that_o profess_v yea_o or_o do_v but_o confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v be_v account_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n as_o bear_v of_o god_n because_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v never_o have_v reveal_v so_o much_o unto_o they_o as_o 1_o john_n 4._o 2._o as_o christ_n say_v unto_o peter_n provide_v always_o that_o such_o their_o profession_n be_v serious_a and_o cordial_a at_o the_o least_o outward_o object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o abraham_n receive_v the_o sign_n of_o circumcision_n a_o seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v uncircumcised_a rom._n 4._o 11._o conseq_fw-la therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o their_o seal_n of_o the_o now_o covenart_n to_o wit_n baptism_n shall_v not_o be_v administer_v unto_o any_o but_o such_o or_o to_o their_o seed_n that_o have_v faith_n before_o as_o abraham_n have_v to_o set_v this_o seal_n to_o answ_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o argument_n may_v likewise_o hold_v the_o better_a if_o the_o faith_n here_o speak_v off_o vers_n 3._o be_v believe_v in_o god_n to_o justification_n but_o it_o be_v but_o as_o the_o other_o before_o speak_v off_o it_o be_v but_o say_v abraham_n believe_v god_n and_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n now_o believe_v god_n that_o what_o ever_o he_o promise_v shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o believe_v in_o god_n unto_o justification_n be_v far_o different_a for_o the_o devil_n have_v the_o first_o but_o only_o the_o elect_n do_v attain_v to_o the_o second_o for_o even_o abraham_n himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v justify_v declarative_o by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o namely_o when_o he_o have_v offer_v his_o son_n upon_o the_o altar_n james_n 2._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o conseq_fw-la therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o faith_n also_o though_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o shall_v also_o be_v impute_v to_o all_o that_o so_o believe_v god_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o but_o a_o bare_a historical_a and_o only_o a_o outward_a historical_a profession_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o such_o as_o the_o devil_n have_v and_o therefore_o tremble_v but_o it_o be_v not_o save_v and_o justify_v faith_n till_o man_n can_v apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n peculiar_o to_o themselves_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v there_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v their_o saviour_n which_o many_o of_o the_o elect_n can_v hardly_o attain_v to_o till_o their_o death_n bed_n their_o faith_n be_v so_o weak_a but_o we_o must_v not_o destroy_v their_o weak_a faith_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v we_o must_v not_o quench_v any_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v asunder_o the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o turn_v aside_o that_o which_o yet_o halt_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o it_o shall_v rather_o be_v heal_v or_o bind_v up_o or_o blow_v and_o kindle_v by_o all_o such_o ordinance_n as_o may_v encourage_v they_o to_o hold_v on_o or_o that_o may_v strengthen_v their_o faith_n for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o child_n by_o such_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n as_o be_v account_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n more_o than_o of_o strong_a meat_n and_o what_o be_v baptism_n but_o one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n as_o heb._n 5._o 12_o 13_o 14._o &_o chap._n 6._o 1_o 2._o yea_o baptism_n be_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n assert_v plain_o that_o he_o be_v not_o send_v to_o baptize_v but_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n account_v baptism_n a_o more_o inferior_a ordinance_n then_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n though_o they_o sometime_o minister_v it_o for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o more_o spiritual_a ordiance_n and_o ministration_n for_o it_o be_v not_o baptism_n that_o now_o save_v we_o to_o wit_n not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v but_o the_o outward_a sign_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v purify_v through_o faith_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o word_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o they_o do_v attend_v more_o constant_o on_o the_o word_n and_o command_v other_o to_o administer_v baptism_n that_o be_v of_o less_o esteem_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v hinder_v neither_o by_o that_o nor_o by_o serve_v of_o table_n from_o that_o spiritual_a ordinance_n for_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o john_n the_o baptist_n confession_n that_o even_o his_o baptism_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o christ_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o it_o be_v plain_o say_v that_o there_o go_v out_o unto_o he_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n confess_v their_o sin_n yea_o such_o who_o he_o account_v generation_n of_o vipen_v be_v likewise_o baptize_v of_o he_o for_o by_o a_o continue_a discourse_n by_o way_n of_o admonition_n he_o speak_v even_o to_o they_o say_v verse_n 11._o indeed_o baptize_v you_v with_o water_n to_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n ay_o mat._n 3._o 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o even_o john_n the_o baptist_n prophesy_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o shall_v baptize_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n and_o so_o he_o also_o do_v within_o a_o few_o day_n after_o his_o ascension_n and_o that_o his_o fan_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o he_o will_v thorough_o purge_v his_o floor_n and_o gather_v his_o wheat_n into_o his_o garner_n but_o will_v burn_v up_o the_o chaff_n with_o unquenchable_a fire_n as_o verse_n 12._o and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o john_n admit_v all_o that_o come_v in_o a_o promiscuous_a manner_n yet_o christ_n will_v purge_v more_o thorough_o and_o blow_v away_o the_o chaff_n when_o he_o have_v gather_v his_o wheat_n and_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v his_o mind_n that_o his_o floor_n shall_v be_v thorough_o purge_v and_o all_o his_o wheat_n garner_v i_o answer_v true_a but_o heed_n must_v be_v take_v that_o none_o of_o the_o wheat_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v better_a to_o retain_v the_o chaff_n and_o all_o then_o lose_v any_o wheat_n and_o there_o be_v sometime_o wheat_n so_o clothe_v with_o the_o chaff_n that_o it_o can_v be_v unclothe_v by_o the_o thresh_a instrument_n