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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
judgement_n church_n member_n visible_a 2,107 5 9.5140 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41202 A brief refutation of the errors tolleration, erastianism, independency and separation delivered in some sermons from I Job. 4. I, preach'd in the year 1652 : to which are added four sermons preach'd on several occasions / by Mr. James Fergusson ... Fergusson, James, 1621-1667. 1692 (1692) Wing F777; ESTC R21916 200,444 386

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under_o a_o duty_n and_o obligation_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o before_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n also_o to_o discharge_v himself_o in_o namely_o all_o the_o duty_n pertain_v to_o a_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n or_o paroch_n to_o which_o he_o come_v although_o he_o swear_v not_o such_o a_o oath_n we_o say_v second_o he_o may_v also_o swear_v to_o do_v these_o duty_n but_o three_o to_o bind_v this_o on_o all_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v such_o a_o oath_n so_o as_o if_o they_o take_v it_o not_o they_o be_v not_o church_n member_n we_o say_v it_o be_v will_n worship_n not_o command_v by_o god_n either_o by_o practice_n or_o precept_n in_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n we_o may_v easy_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n never_o take_v this_o way_n to_o gather_v a_o visible_a church_n but_o the_o main_a difference_n be_v the_o four_o and_o that_o be_v concern_v those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v or_o receive_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a or_o who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v right_a to_o these_o outward_a privilege_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o they_o hold_v in_o this_o point_n be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v all_o visible_a church_n dissolve_v and_o then_o church_n gather_v out_o of_o these_o wherein_o none_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v or_o admit_v to_o partake_v of_o church_n privilege_n so_o as_o to_o be_v under_o the_o care_n of_o minister_n admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o those_o who_o have_v evident_a positive_a sign_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o not_o only_o evident_a to_o the_o minister_n and_o a_o few_o more_o but_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n so_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o congregation_n must_v be_v convince_v so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v attain_v unto_o that_o he_o have_v grace_n or_o else_o he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o which_o rule_n they_o model_n congregation_n but_o there_o be_v never_o 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somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candelstick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o they_o argue_v thus_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o church_n who_o will_v ruin_v the_o church_n but_o all_o those_o who_o can_v convince_o prove_v their_o regeneration_n will_v ruin_v the_o church_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v we_o answer_v that_o the_o last_o part_n of_o their_o argument_n be_v false_a for_o there_o be_v many_o gracious_a person_n keep_v their_o first_o love_n who_o yet_o can_v neither_o satisfy_v themselves_o nor_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o that_o will_v not_o ruin_v the_o church_n second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o argument_n where_o 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according_a to_o our_o rule_n yet_o i_o love_v no_o further_o strictness_n than_o what_o christ_n command_v let_v we_o stretch_v out_o our_o arm_n to_o invite_v sinner_n to_o give_v outward_a obedience_n and_o then_o when_o they_o be_v in_o let_v we_o hew_v they_o with_o the_o word_n and_o discipline_n this_o be_v christ_n way_n and_o his_o apostle_n way_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v so_o when_o separatist_n say_v to_o you_o that_o there_o be_v such_o sinful_a mixture_n in_o your_o church_n that_o a_o honest_a man_n be_v pollute_v to_o come_v among_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v better_a to_o stay_v in_o your_o chamber_n with_o a_o few_o of_o a_o gracious_a temper_n and_o let_v the_o rest_v run_v to_o the_o devil_n tell_v they_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v no_o such_o separation_n and_o you_o desire_v to_o be_v no_o strict_a than_o they_o be_v only_o this_o be_v not_o to_o plead_v for_o our_o come_n short_a of_o christ_n rule_n in_o our_o practice_n that_o scandal_n be_v too_o easy_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o ignorant_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v our_o sin_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v plead_v for_o this_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o separation_n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o head_n concern_v separation_n from_o true_a church_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n i._o that_o which_o our_o adversary_n hold_v concern_v this_o be_v that_o the_o presence_n of_o wicked_a man_n at_o ordinance_n do_v defile_v the_o ordinance_n to_o the_o godly_a therefore_o say_v they_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n
church-member_n then_o every_o church-member_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o attend_v all_o church_n judicatories_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a question_n but_o what_o inevitable_a confusion_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o how_o long_a time_n will_v it_o take_v to_o inform_v people_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n how_o tedious_a will_v it_o be_v to_o hear_v every_o man_n judgement_n to_o the_o point_n and_o what_o distraction_n will_v it_o be_v to_o people_n calling_n this_o certain_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o so_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o can_v be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n these_o be_v now_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o they_o use_v be_v ground_v on_o coloss._n 4._o 17._o a_o command_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v their_o minister_n and_o so_o have_v church_n authority_n we_o answer_v they_o make_v much_o of_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n for_o they_o build_v their_o power_n to_o censure_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o say_v a_o poor_a reason_n so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o say_v to_o the_o church_n or_o tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v here_o use_v but_o to_o infer_v from_o this_o that_o one_o man_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a sure_o if_o he_o have_v command_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o authority_n he_o will_v have_v say_v command_n and_o charge_n archippus_n with_o all_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n private_a christian_n have_v power_n to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yea_o their_o pastor_n but_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o power_n of_o church-government_n over_o other_o else_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n of_o church-government_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n censure_n and_o ordain_v their_o minister_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v as_o occasion_n offer_v obj._n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o act._n 11._o 1._o when_o peter_n come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n verse_n 3._o the_o people_n challenge_v he_o say_v thou_o wente_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o and_o verse_n 4_o he_o begins_z to_o clear_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o rehearse_v the_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o they_o reason_n thus_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v peter_n to_o a_o account_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_n for_o scandal_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o beside_o the_o people_n there_o be_v apostle_n and_o brethren_n there_o verse_n 1_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o peter_n purge_v himself_o of_o a_o scandal_n unjust_o lay_v upon_o he_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v he_o for_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o to_o another_o christian_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v stumble_v within_o his_o carriage_n yet_o one_o private_a christian_a have_v not_o church_n power_n over_o another_o to_o censure_n so_o peter_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o before_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o it_o but_o that_o that_o one_o can_v not_o be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a have_v power_n to_o inflict_v censure_n on_o peter_n our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v grant_v obj._n 3_o a_o three_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o revel_n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v commend_v they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o exercise_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n to_o wit_n balaam_n jesabel_n and_o the_o nicolattan_n now_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v reprove_v here_o for_o not_o execute_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o that_o all_o be_v reprove_v they_o prove_v from_o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o its_o connection_n with_o the_o 14._o say_v they_o these_o who_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o 13._o be_v rebuke_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v etc._n etc._n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n but_o all_o the_o people_n dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n be_v therefore_o they_o all_o be_v reprove_v answer_v it_o follow_v well_o that_o they_o be_v all_o reprove_v for_o one_o fault_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v the_o ruler_n part_v judicial_o to_o cast_v out_o these_o vile_a heretic_n it_o be_v the_o people_n part_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o it_o now_o because_o these_o be_v neglect_v on_o both_o hand_n both_o have_v their_o own_o guilt_n and_o so_o both_o reprove_v for_o their_o respective_a guilt_n the_o people_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o mourn_v to_o god_n for_o the_o tollerate_v such_o like_a abomination_n and_o their_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o take_v course_n with_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o not_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o judicatory_a and_o inflict_a censure_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o ruler_n fault_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v all_o rebuke_v for_o their_o accession_n to_o that_o guilt_n in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o we_o clear_v it_o thus_o doubtless_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o teach_v against_o these_o vile_a heretic_n now_o there_o be_v woman_n there_o and_o yet_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o rebuke_v for_o not_o preach_v against_o they_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n so_o their_o fault_n as_o of_o all_o other_o church_n member_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o wit_n their_o not_o mourn_v nor_o stir_v up_o the_o officer_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mourn_v stir_v other_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n themselves_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v reprove_v for_o obj._n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o mat_n 18_o 17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n whence_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o so_o it_o be_v church_n officer_n be_v never_o call_v the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v without_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v this_o argument_n will_v make_v more_o against_o they_o than_o we_o and_o that_o because_o they_o grant_v that_o neither_o woman_n nor_o child_n have_v hand_n in_o church_n government_n but_o only_o profess_v man_n now_o they_o shall_v get_v no_o place_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o man_n assemble_v without_o woman_n and_o child_n second_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o spare_o give_v to_o officer_n without_o the_o people_n yet_o we_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v give_v they_o in_o some_o place_n as_o for_o example_n act_v 18._o 22._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o he_o have_v land_v at_o caesarea_n and_o go_v up_o and_o salute_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o church_n here_o certain_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o professor_n which_o do_v amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n as_o shall_v appear_v from_o act_n 21._o 20._o in_o its_o own_o time_n so_o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a man_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o paul_n have_v so_o short_a time_n to_o stay_v he_o see_v they_o but_o at_o the_o by_o can_v
there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o judgement_n when_o there_o be_v no_o considerable_a difference_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o opinion_n when_o all_o think_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v here_o press_v be_v prefect_o join_v in_o one_o judgement_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o heart_n and_o affection_n speak_v of_o act._n 4._o 32._o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n and_o this_o union_n be_v also_o here_o press_v be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n or_o in_o love_n and_o affection_n as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o open_n up_o of_o the_o word_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o practice_n and_o that_o be_v when_o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o judgement_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o open_o proclaim_v public_a contradiction_n and_o eristick_a debate_n be_v eschew_v and_o a_o unanimous_a joint_a practice_n in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v agreement_n be_v follow_v and_o this_o union_n be_v also_o press_v in_o the_o text_n i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v clear_a the_o text_n mean_v all_o these_o three_o sort_n of_o union_n the_o doctrine_n intend_v they_o all_o and_o as_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a other_o scripture_n press_v they_o all_o only_a this_o we_o will_v know_v the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v press_v to_o wit_n so_o as_o every_o breach_n in_o the_o former_a be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o latter_a every_o difference_n in_o judgement_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o heart_n or_o affection_n nor_o though_o a_o rent_n be_v in_o both_o do_v it_o infer_v necessary_o a_o divide_a practice_n at_o least_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v agreement_n and_o for_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a especial_o philipp_n 3._o 15_o 16_o where_o v._n 15_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o philippian_n as_o to_o the_o point_n he_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o and_o subjoin_v for_o matter_n of_o practice_n v_o 16._o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o be_v to_o say_v though_o we_o can_v agree_v in_o all_o thing_n yet_o let_v we_o eschew_v the_o prolaim_n of_o our_o difference_n by_o our_o contrary_a practice_n this_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o wit_n what_o union_n the_o doctrine_n press_v it_o be_v a_o union_n necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n particular_o a_o union_n in_o judgement_n a_o union_n in_o affection_n a_o union_n in_o practice_n a_o union_n all_o these_o way_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o labour_v after_o yet_o so_o as_o if_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o union_n in_o the_o former_a we_o be_v yet_o still_o to_o endeavour_v it_o in_o the_o latter_a for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o may_v cite_v several_a scripture_n 1._o these_o wherein_o this_o union_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o as_o a_o rich_a covenant_n blessing_n such_o as_o jer._n 32._o 39_o i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v i_o for_o ever_o the_o like_a be_v in_o ezek._n 37._o 22._o 2._o these_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o union_n be_v high_o commend_v especial_o ps._n 133._o 1._o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n and_o so_o through_o the_o whole_a 3._o these_o scripture_n which_o hold_v out_o the_o mediator_n prayer_n to_o the_o father_n for_o this_o union_n joh._n 17._o 21._o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o and_o so_o v_o 23._o 4._o those_o scripture_n where_o this_o union_n be_v express_o enjoin_v and_o press_v whereof_o there_o be_v many_o such_o as_o philipp_n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 11._o final_o brethren_n farewell_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o last_o these_o scripture_n where_o division_n contrary_a to_o unity_n be_v condemn_v as_o rom._n 16._o 17._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o but_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n bring_v forward_o some_o reason_n conclude_v the_o equity_n and_o necessity_n of_o seek_v after_o and_o entertain_v of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v also_o serve_v as_o motive_n to_o the_o duty_n reason_n 1._o union_n further_v edification_n so_o eph._n 4._o 3._o union_n be_v press_v and_o one_o fruit_n among_o many_o to_o be_v reap_v hereby_o be_v v._n 12._o the_o edify_a of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o unity_n further_v edification_n so_o division_n mar_v it_o division_n in_o a_o church_n though_o about_o small_a thing_n yet_o if_o stiff_o maintain_v prove_v a_o great_a stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a they_o be_v put_v to_o doubt_v all_o truth_n because_o man_n gracious_a and_o learned_a doubt_n of_o some_o so_o division_n not_o only_o mar_v progress_n in_o the_o build_n but_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o what_o be_v already_o build_v reas._n 2._o division_n in_o a_o church_n make_v the_o minister_n contemptible_a of_o all_o man_n minister_n suffer_v most_o this_o way_n because_o usual_o they_o be_v most_o active_a in_o beginning_n and_o uphold_v the_o division_n and_o usual_o even_o these_o who_o have_v truth_n for_o they_o suffer_v much_o if_o not_o most_o this_o way_n paul_n though_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o man_n for_o truth_n yet_o he_o lose_v much_o of_o the_o former_a esteem_n he_o have_v among_o the_o corinthian_n though_o once_o they_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n for_o he_o yet_o through_o the_o division_n their_o distemper_n grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o he_o be_v look_v on_o as_o contemptible_a rude_a in_o speech_n yea_o a_o fool_n and_o what_o not_o as_o appear_v from_o 2_o cor_fw-la 10._o 10._o ch._n 11._o 6_o 16._o reas._o 3_o the_o essential_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o many_o thing_n wherein_o a_o church_n agree_v that_o way_n shall_v enforce_v this_o union_n the_o apostle_n paul_n eph._n 4._o draw_v a_o strong_a argument_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n from_o this_o ground_n the_o duty_n be_v propound_v v._n 3._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o v_o 4_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v press_v by_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v on_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o here_o be_v many_a one_o together_o in_o two_o or_o three_o line_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o for_o you_o who_o be_v so_o many_o way_n one_o to_o rend_v in_o piece_n for_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o small_a moment_n reas._n 4._o division_n in_o a_o church_n turn_v away_o every_o man_n eye_n from_o his_o main_a task_n i_o mean_v from_o the_o joint_n oppose_v of_o satan_n main_a design_n to_o be_v wrangle_v one_o with_o another_o it_o be_v satan_n policy_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o bear_v down_o truth_n in_o a_o church_n to_o set_v those_o who_o shall_v oppose_v he_o most_o by_o the_o ear_n about_o small_a thing_n that_o so_o he_o may_v carry_v his_o point_n with_o less_o difficulty_n herein_o make_v use_n of_o matchiavil_n or_o rather_o his_o own_o principle_n divide_v &_o impera_fw-la divide_v and_o carry_v it_o be_v often_o see_v that_o the_o near_a those_o who_o differ_v come_v to_o one_o another_o they_o 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again_o attain_v we_o read_v act._n 15._o 39_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n part_v but_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o their_o meeting_n again_o and_o church_n history_n show_v we_o that_o schism_n in_o a_o church_n for_o almost_o just_a nothing_o have_v continue_v incurable_a for_o some_o generation_n until_o not_o only_o the_o author_n and_o ringleader_n of_o the_o schism_n but_o also_o their_o disciple_n be_v remove_v by_o death_n osiand_n gent._n 4._o reas._n 6._o when_o a_o rent_n be_v make_v in_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v hardly_o curable_a so_o it_o still_o grow_v wide_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v whereabout_o a_o rent_n begin_v than_o whereat_o it_o will_v end_v the_o great_a of_o church_n division_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o have_v have_v but_o small_a beginning_n hence_o be_v that_o common_o receive_v maxim_n omne_fw-la schisma_fw-la desinit_fw-la in_o haresin_n the_o faction_n of_o the_o donatist_n at_o first_o make_v but_o a_o schism_n separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o pretence_n of_o some_o faulty_a officer_n and_o mix_v communion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o long_o until_o they_o fall_v into_o several_a heresy_n the_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o explain_v and_o confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n i_o shall_v now_o apply_v it_o to_o use._n our_o first_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n the_o doctrine_n refute_v at_o least_o lay_v a_o just_a odium_fw-la upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o be_v call_v independent_a or_o congregational_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o principle_n as_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o perpetual_a rent_v of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o principle_n i_o shall_v reckon_v four_n the_o first_o be_v that_o principle_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o to_o be_v true_a church_n a_o most_o divide_v principle_n in_o so_o far_o 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one_o way_n some_o another_o according_a as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o incline_v to_o charity_n yea_o the_o same_o man_n at_o several_a time_n will_v have_v a_o various_a judgement_n of_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o another_o according_a as_o the_o presumption_n and_o probability_n by_o which_o only_o he_o be_v lead_v to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v within_o be_v more_o full_o or_o spare_o represent_a hence_o there_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o breach_n upon_o breach_n but_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o authoritative_n judge_v to_o walk_v by_o such_o uncertain_a rule_n a_o three_o divide_v principle_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n be_v this_o that_o all_o church_n power_n be_v sole_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n hence_o if_o a_o particular_a congregation_n go_v wrong_a though_o but_o make_v up_o of_o seven_o person_n which_o be_v a_o competent_a number_n with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_a in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n to_o reclaim_v they_o this_o must_v needs_o open_v a_o door_n to_o as_o many_o division_n as_o there_o be_v church_n a_o four_o divide_v principle_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n yea_o no_o church_n visible_a but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o another_o principle_n they_o hold_v which_o follow_v upon_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o a_o minister_n can_v exerce_fw-la no_o act_n as_o a_o minister_n to_o any_o but_o those_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n hence_o 1._o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o church_n there_o remain_v only_o a_o communion_n of_o member_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n act_n from_o one_o church_n or_o many_o towards_o another_o the_o result_v and_o determination_n of_o the_o most_o famous_a synod_n make_v up_o of_o never_o so_o many_o church_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o the_o act_n of_o so_o many_o private_a christian_n yea_o 2._o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n among_o member_n of_o several_a congregation_n in_o public_a church_n ordinance_n as_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n joint_o from_o a_o send_v minister_n in_o receive_v the_o seal_n together_o for_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n a_o minister_n can_v authoritative_o preach_v nor_o in_o any_o respect_n administer_v baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o any_o though_o never_o so_o gracious_a except_o to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n no_o not_o though_o they_o be_v occasional_o present_a when_o he_o be_v dispense_n these_o ordinance_n unto_o his_o own_o which_o consequence_n be_v express_o grant_v by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o that_o persuasion_n so_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o destroy_v all_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o member_n and_o therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o union_n several_a such_o like_a principle_n in_o that_o way_n may_v be_v reckon_v out_o concern_v which_o the_o doctrine_n warrand_v we_o to_o say_v this_o much_o if_o unity_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v seek_v after_o than_o such_o divide_v principle_n can_v be_v of_o god_n our_o second_o use_n be_v for_o direction_n if_o unity_n be_v so_o necessary_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v labour_v for_o than_o we_o be_v to_o bewail_v that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v so_o far_o and_o every_o day_n a_o step_n further_o from_o it_o our_o division_n grow_v i_o fear_v all_o the_o three_o way_n and_o in_o all_o rank_n our_o head_n be_v divide_v our_o tongue_n divide_v yea_o and_o our_o heart_n divide_v synod_n be_v divide_v presbytery_n be_v divide_v congregation_n divide_v minister_n divide_v people_n divide_v yea_o and_o in_o some_o place_n family_n divide_v husband_n and_o wife_n father_n and_o son_n mother_n and_o daughter_n master_n and_o servant_n yea_o and_o all_o divide_a we_o be_v as_o madman_n every_o one_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o his_o own_o arm._n manasseh_n ephraim_n and_o ephraim_n manasseh_n and_o they_o together_o against_o judah_n a_o evil_a never_o enough_o lament_v and_o the_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n may_v make_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o present_a division_n as_o our_o sad_a affliction_n and_o great_a weight_n i_o shall_v reckon_v six_o thing_n 1._o the_o many_o particular_a evil_n which_o upon_o a_o exact_a search_n it_o will_v be_v find_v our_o division_n have_v bring_v upon_o peoples_n own_o spirit_n how_o much_o of_o our_o precious_a time_n be_v spend_v in_o vain_a jangle_n by_o which_o our_o heart_n can_v but_o ●e_v make_v worse_a many_o i_o fear_v too_o too_o many_o so_o take_v up_o with_o their_o head_n that_o they_o forget_v their_o heart_n the_o sweetness_n and_o profit_n of_o mutual_a converse_n and_o fellowship_n be_v much_o mar_v our_o mutual_a freedom_n and_o benefit_n that_o way_n much_o impair_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o our_o hot_a debate_n untender_a expression_n and_o bitter_a and_o unnecessary_a reflection_n of_o time_n brangle_v and_o shake_v a_o second_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v we_o look_v on_o our_o present_a division_n as_o our_o great_a weight_n be_v the_o name_n of_o praise_n which_o this_o church_n have_v have_v for_o unity_n in_o time_n bypass_a among_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o as_o a_o rare_a privilege_n of_o this_o church_n beyond_o many_o and_o that_o which_o make_v her_o very_a name_n famous_a among_o church_n abroad_o that_o for_o the_o space_n almost_o of_o sixty_o year_n she_o have_v keep_v unity_n with_o purity_n without_o either_o schism_n or_o heresy_n now_o if_o unity_n have_v be_v former_o this_o church_n praise_n how_o sad_a and_o weighty_a be_v it_o and_o how_o woeful_a man_n be_v we_o that_o
least_o not_o such_o a_o ample_a grant_n as_o it_o be_v matth_n 28._o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n &c_n &c_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o do_v not_o exeem_v they_o indeed_o from_o err_v themselves_o but_o the_o promise_n be_v there_o more_o large_o give_v to_o they_o than_o to_o other_o and_o second_o minister_n as_o call_v watch_n man_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o people_n soul_n god_n have_v charge_v they_o with_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o charge_v other_o with_o there_o be_v not_o a_o charge_n of_o people_n soul_n lay_v on_o private_a man_n by_o way_n of_o office_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v indeed_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n to_o take_v a_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o contrair_a to_o that_o of_o cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n but_o beside_o this_o tie_n of_o charity_n lie_v on_o send_v minister_n there_o be_v a_o tie_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o particular_a charge_n so_o that_o place_n act_n 20._o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o special_a charge_n and_o so_o they_o be_v charge_v in_o a_o special_a way_n with_o people_n soul_n then_o there_o be_v a_o three_o reason_n it_o be_v satan_n method_n to_o bring_v in_o error_n on_o people_n by_o cast_v in_o prejudices_fw-la betwixt_o they_o and_o send_v minister_n which_o we_o have_v clear_v sometime_o from_o scripture_n and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v watch_v against_o lest_o satan_n subtlety_n prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bring_v people_n to_o disrespect_n their_o minister_n for_o if_o that_o be_v once_o gain_v he_o have_v prevail_v very_o much_o doct_n viii_o now_o further_o he_o say_v believe_v no●_n every_o spirit_n but_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o trial_n do_v not_o cast_v at_o all_o but_o try_v the_o spirit_n hence_o take_v this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v not_o god_n way_n that_o people_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o religion_n shall_v therefore_o believe_v no_o religion_n that_o be_v not_o god_n way_n so_o matth_n 16._o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n practice_v christ_n say_v unto_o they_o who_o say_v they_o that_o i_o be_o say_v they_o some_o say_v tha●_n thou_o be_v john_n the_o baptist_n some_o elias_n other_o jeremiah_n or_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n but_o who_o say_v you_o that_o i_o be_o they_o do_v not_o answer_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a say_n about_o thou_o but_o say_v they_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n reas_n so_o people_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v at_o all_o religion_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o it_o and_o that_o because_o first_o that_o be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o devil_n plot_n his_o design_n in_o raise_v up_o error_n about_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v people_n atheist_n so_o as_o not_o to_o care_v for_o any_o religion_n and_o so_o when_o the_o use_n which_o thou_o make_v of_o different_a opinion_n be_v that_o thou_o will_v believe_v none_o thou_o fulfille_v the_o devil_n design_n second_o thou_o make_v use_v of_o god_n providence_n to_o thy_o destruction_n the_o lord_n providence_n in_o raise_v up_o error_n be_v to_o make_v man_n seek_v more_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o when_o thou_o make_v that_o use_n of_o it_o to_o cast_v at_o all_o religion_n thou_o mock_v the_o holy_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o thy_o own_o ruin_n the_o use_v then_o of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o reprove_v those_o of_o this_o stamp_n to_o wit_n profane_v atheistical_a man_n that_o make_v no_o difference_n about_o religion_n but_o this_o let_v churchman_n once_o agree_v among_o themselves_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a until_o then_o the_o back_n of_o our_o hand_n to_o altogether_o that_o be_v a_o woeful_a way_n indeed_o there_o may_v be_v a_o doubt_n propose_v here_o viz._n what_o else_o shall_v poor_a ignorant_a people_n do_v about_o difference_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o care_n of_o all_o when_o they_o see_v every_o party_n have_v their_o own_o reason_n strong_a than_o these_o poor_a people_n can_v answer_v i_o answer_v there_o be_v some_o direction_n ground_v on_o scripture_n which_o if_o we_o walk_v by_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o safe_a shore_n amid_o these_o rock_n of_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o for_o difference_n that_o concern_v not_o people_n practice_n i_o will_v not_o have_v people_n trouble_v themselves_o much_o with_o they_o as_o for_o example_n our_o late_a unhappy_a difference_n about_o the_o public_a resolution_n the_o lord_n have_v take_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o away_o so_o i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o trouble_v themselves_o much_o about_o they_o whatever_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n fall_v in_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n that_o when_o the_o occasion_n of_o such_o practice_n be_v remove_v all_o contention_n about_o they_o shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o second_o as_o to_o the_o difference_n wherein_o peoples_n practice_n be_v concern_v take_v these_o rule_n first_o for_o these_o that_o be_v uncontravert_v truth_n make_v conscience_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o which_o will_v help_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o thing_n this_o rule_n christ_n prescrive_v john_n 7._o 17._o say_v he_o if_o any_o man_n do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v something_o that_o thy_o conscience_n be_v clear_a of_o to_o be_v duty_n and_o although_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n may_v be_v some_o excuse_n to_o make_v thou_o keep_v off_o from_o these_o thing_n about_o which_o there_o be_v difference_n yet_o how_o be_v thou_o excuse_v for_o neglect_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o thou_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v duty_n as_o prayer_n read_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n second_o we_o will_v know_v whatever_o be_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a way_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o one_o way_n may_v be_v attain_v to_o by_o those_o who_o seek_v humble_o after_o it_o at_o least_o if_o thou_o be_v judge_v thyself_o and_o as_o a_o damn_a bankrupt_a or_o d●vour_n by_o nature_n be_v close_v with_o christ_n and_o draw_v grace_n from_o he_o to_o make_v thou_o holy_a thou_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o as_o much_o of_o these_o thing_n debate_v as_o will_v take_v thou_o home_o to_o heaven_n a_o three_o direction_n be_v that_o you_o shall_v beware_v of_o call_v in_o question_n any_o of_o these_o truth_n that_o once_o have_v be_v seal_v into_o your_o spirit_n by_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o john_n ver_fw-la 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v wrought_v the_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o people_n have_v get_v thus_o seal_v to_o their_o conscience_n shall_v not_o ready_o be_v call_v in_o question_n a_o four_o direction_n be_v this_o that_o in_o seek_v out_o truth_n under_o difference_n we_o shall_v beware_v of_o loftyness_n of_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32_o it_o be_v say_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v the_o spirit_n of_o private_a person_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n ambassador_n speak_v in_o his_o court_n this_o be_v not_o as_o if_o we_o will_v make_v minister_n saying_n the_o people_n rule_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o this_o much_o will_v follow_v that_o in_o a_o constitute_v church_n where_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v there_o shall_v be_v that_o humility_n in_o people_n that_o wh●n_a doubt_n arise_v concern_v any_o point_n of_o receive_a truth_n within_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v offer_v their_o judgement_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n court_n to_o be_v try_v before_o they_o lie_v down_o any_o new_a opinion_n as_o a_o solid_a truth_n that_o much_o be_v contain_v under_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n if_o it_o mean_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o doct_n ix_o now_o we_o proceed_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o we_o come_v to_o be_v what_o people_n shall_v do_v try_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o trial_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o first_o point_n we_o learn_v be_v that_o how_o fair_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v colour_v with_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n but_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v try_v such_o we_o see_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o b●reans_n and_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n on_o
trust_n act_n 17._o 11._o these_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whither_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n on_o trust_n and_o this_o be_v a_o command_n give_v by_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o thess_n 1_o epistle_n ch_z 5._o v._n 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n after_o he_o have_v say_v despise_v not_o prophecying_n so_o that_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o trial_n whatever_o be_v their_o fair_a pretence_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o foul_a error_n may_v be_v colour_v over_o with_o fair_a pretence_n and_o second_o the_o scripture_n say_v all_o man_n be_v liar_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o man_n may_v err_v and_o therefore_o word_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n for_o faith_n must_v have_v a_o infallible_a ground_n as_o ephes_n 2._o 20._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o word_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v this_o doctrine_n reprove_v first_o the_o papist_n that_o will_v have_v nothing_o try_v that_o come_v from_o the_o church_n but_o all_o take_v upon_o trust_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o many_o swallow_v such_o monster_n of_o absurdity_n as_o the_o error_n of_o transubstantiation_n purgatory_n merit_n male_a and_o such_o like_a for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o their_o church_n say_v so_o but_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v out_o another_o duty_n that_o who_o ever_o hear_v any_o doctrine_n propon_v by_o one_o or_o other_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o pass_v their_o judgement_n on_o it_o try_v the_o spirit_n now_o that_o we_o may_v walk_v betwixt_o extreme_n the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n who_o set_v up_o tyranny_n and_o these_o sectary_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n who_o set_v up_o confusion_n we_o will_v know_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n to_o be_v pass_v on_o doctrine_n public_a judgement_n and_o private_a judgement_n public_a judgement_n again_o be_v either_o peremptory_o absolute_a or_o limit_v a_o public_a peremptory_a judgement_n be_v that_o which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o obey_v simple_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v and_o none_o have_v this_o judgement_n but_o god_n himself_o second_o there_o be_v a_o public_a judgement_n which_o be_v limit_v and_o this_o be_v a_o public_a declare_v and_o hold_v out_o that_o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n which_o do_v not_o bind_v absolute_o but_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n and_o this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o public_a church_n judicatories_n meet_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n they_o be_v like_o the_o lyon-herauld_n set_v forth_o to_o proclaim_v the_o royal_a act_n if_o he_o proclaim_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o principal_a act_n it_o bind_v but_o if_o he_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o it_o bind_v not_o next_o there_o be_v a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o this_o belong_v to_o every_o christian_a every_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n be_v bind_v to_o pass_v sentence_n on_o what_o be_v hold_v out_o to_o he_o by_o other_o that_o if_o it_o be_v right_a he_o may_v embrace_v it_o but_o if_o wrong_a he_o may_v reject_v it_o but_o his_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o other_o now_o this_o private_a judgement_n or_o this_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v necessary_a because_o all_o man_n may_v err_v council_n may_v err_v synod_n etc._n etc._n and_o second_o their_o error_n will_v not_o excuse_v private_a christian_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o error_n say_v christ_n when_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o private_a person_n to_o try_v what_o they_o hear_v and_o this_o much_o for_o guard_v against_o the_o popish_a tyranny_n but_o least_o this_o doctrine_n be_v abuse_v to_o cast_v at_o all_o public_a church_n judicatory_n we_o shall_v next_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o guard_v against_o sectarian_n confusion_n first_o although_o public_a church_n judicatory_n have_v not_o power_n to_o bind_v conscience_n yet_o when_o man_n be_v in_o a_o doubt_n concern_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n their_o judgement_n ought_v to_o have_v more_o weight_n than_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a man_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o there_o be_v more_o gift_n exercise_v together_o but_o main_o because_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n annex_v to_o the_o commission_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o public_a church_n judicatory_n matth._n 18._o 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o loathness_n to_o differ_v from_o public_a church_n judicatory_n a_o man_n ground_n will_v be_v well_o examine_v l●st_v if_o differ_v from_o these_o judicatories_n they_o also_o differ_v from_o truth_n and_o three_o when_o they_o differ_v they_o be_v to_o bear_v they_o at_o reverence_n although_o in_o such_o a_o point_n they_o shall_v err_v yet_o for_o their_o authority_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v this_o much_o be_v grant_v by_o we_o to_o church_n judicatories_n but_o no_o further_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n use_v 2._o it_o reprove_v those_o who_o be_v lazy_a and_o can_v endure_v the_o trouble_n of_o try_v what_o they_o hear_v but_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n and_o have_v no_o more_o but_o such_o a_o man_n authority_n he_o be_v of_o that_o way_n and_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v fire_n and_o flint_n tooth_n and_o nail_n for_o it_o as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o we_o have_v see_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o our_o time_n which_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n to_o speak_v much_o of_o and_o therefore_o we_o proceed_v to_o another_o doctrine_n doct._n x._o the_o next_o thing_n then_o that_o we_o observe_v be_v from_o what_o he_o say_v try_v etc._n etc._n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o trial_n the_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o the_o right_a trial_n of_o doctrine_n be_v to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o this_o point_n put_v we_o to_o give_v mark_n whereby_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v what_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o here_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o necessary_o infer_v a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o second_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o other_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o infer_v necessary_o a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n follow_v upon_o such_o a_o doctrine_n for_o the_o first_o that_o which_o make_v doctrine_n necessary_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n so_o when_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v act_n 17._o the_o rule_n they_o go_v by_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o paul_n doctrine_n be_v the_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v isa●a's_n rule_n chap._n 8._o ver_fw-la 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n he_o will_v have_v all_o doctrine_n try_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n have_v not_o the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n all_o spirit_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o must_v be_v try_v that_o way_n and_o that_o because_o the_o word_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n i_o give_v only_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o clear_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n first_o the_o heavy_a plague_n pronounce_v against_o those_o who_o add_v to_o this_o rule_n the_o word_n be_v so_o perfect_a that_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v and_o pretend_v a_o pure_a rule_n let_v he_o be_v say_v paul_n anathema_n gal._n 1._o 8._o there_o be_v another_o place_n which_o prove_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n according_a to_o this_o point_n in_o hand_n 2_o timoth._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o may_v make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o this_o in_o relation_n
it_o follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v error_n no_o more_o than_o because_o that_o a_o godless_a magistrate_n as_o nero_n be_v may_v abuse_v his_o power_n to_o oppress_v murder_v honest_a citizen_n and_o do_v other_o act_n of_o injustice_n against_o the_o second_o table_n that_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v thief_n robber_n murderer_n because_o either_o through_o mistake_n or_o wickedness_n he_o may_v abuse_v it_o to_o punish_v innocent_a man_n whatever_o remedy_n be_v leave_v for_o the_o magistrate_n abuse_v of_o his_o power_n under_o the_o one_o the_o same_o be_v leave_v under_o the_o other_o as_o insome_a case_n suffer_v in_o other_o resist_v there_o be_v a_o eight_o objection_n they_o have_v against_o this_o truth_n say_v they_o we_o make_v the_o mean_a unproportionate_a to_o the_o end_n no_o outward_a force_n can_v convert_v a_o man_n and_o br●ng_v he_o to_o christ_n it_o make_v man_n but_o hypocrite_n the_o blast_n of_o the_o king_n horn_n or_o outlawry_n can_v make_v no_o man_n a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o must_v be_v do_v willing_o not_o by_o compulsion_n and_o this_o be_v to_o cudgel_v people_n out_o of_o their_o opinion_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o our_o doctrine_n do_v not_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v any_o mean_a to_o convert_v soul_n only_o this_o it_o do_v hold_v forth_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o mean_a to_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v sinful_a act_n against_o christ_n as_o asa_n make_v use_v of_o his_o civil_a power_n to_o keep_v down_o idolatry_n it_o put_v people_n indeed_o on_o the_o profession_n of_o outward_a obedience_n and_o to_o this_o it_o be_v very_o proportion_v and_o therefore_o second_o though_o the_o blast_n of_o the_o king_n horn_n can_v make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n invisible_a body_n by_o work_a grace_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_a in_o its_o own_o kind_a for_o make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a by_o withhold_a from_o sinful_a act_n and_o put_v they_o on_o act_n of_o outward_a obedience_n a_o three_o answer_n we_o give_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o make_v man_n hypocrite_n of_o itself_o but_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n heart_n who_o make_v himself_o a_o hypocrite_n the_o end_n of_o this_o ordinance_n what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o be_v set_v down_o in_o deut_n 13._o 11._o and_o all_o israel_n shall_v hear_v and_o fear_v and_o shall_v do_v no_o more_o any_o such_o wickedness_n as_o this_o be_v among_o you_o that_o be_v the_o end_n that_o they_o be_v move_v by_o their_o example_n shall_v abstain_v from_o such_o like_a work_n but_o that_o they_o do_v this_o hypocritical_o be_v from_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n who_o fear_v he_o more_o who_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n than_o he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v the_o body_n can_v cast_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o hell_n we_o answer_v last_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n why_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n to_o punish_v for_o false_a doctrine_n because_o throw_v occasion_n thereof_o many_o turn_n hypocrite_n then_o say_v we_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n to_o punish_v incest_n adultery_n murder_n theft_n &c._n &c._n because_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o many_o hypocrite_n who_o abstain_v more_o from_o such_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n than_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n yea_o according_o to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v unlawful_a because_o through_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o many_o turn_v hypocrite_n under_o it_o there_o be_v a_o nine_o objection_n they_o have_v against_o this_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o say_v they_o by_o this_o power_n we_o give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n we_o give_v he_o the_o power_n of_o church_n judicatories_n to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n error_n and_o heresy_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o full_o in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n only_o for_o the_o present_a this_o give_v power_n to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n give_v he_o not_o a_o public_a judgement_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v error_n and_o what_o not_o as_o a_o judge_n in_o church_n matter_n but_o only_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o act_n as_o for_o example_n when_o the_o lord_n give_v power_n to_o master_n of_o family_n not_o to_o let_v heretic_n come_v into_o their_o house_n it_o be_v not_o a_o put_v the_o power_n of_o church_n judicatory_n in_o their_o hand_n iv._o the_o last_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o speak_v to_o you_o of_o be_v to_o give_v you_o some_o use_n of_o this_o and_o the_o first_o be_v to_o reprove_v those_o who_o think_v opinion_n be_v free_a and_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o such_o we_o grant_v as_o we_o say_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o difference_n among_o error_n some_o more_o damnable_a some_o less_o and_o so_o to_o be_v less_o punish_v and_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v among_o person_n some_o be_v seduce_v some_o who_o conscience_n be_v sear_v some_o vent_v their_o darkness_n some_o seek_v light_n in_o such_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o difference_n observe_v again_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o deal_v one_o way_n with_o a_o community_n another_o way_n with_o some_o person_n before_o it_o come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n and_o last_o he_o be_v to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o error_n that_o can_v be_v mantain_v without_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o those_o that_o break_v not_o love_n nor_o strike_v not_o at_o any_o material_a point_n of_o truth_n the_o last_o happy_o may_v be_v tolerate_v if_o the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o do_v not_o evidence_n contempt_n but_o not_o so_o the_o first_o these_o and_o such_o like_a distinction_n may_v be_v to_o qualify_v this_o power_n but_o to_o deny_v it_o altogether_o be_v the_o most_o damnable_a doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v vent_v the_o devil_n can_v take_v a_o short_a course_n to_o undo_v religion_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o heart_n zealous_a for_o god_n but_o he_o must_v loathe_v it_o and_o therefore_o look_v so_o on_o it_o think_v not_o what_o be_v that_o to_o you_o what_o other_o do_v if_o you_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n yourself_o be_v that_o all_o your_o zeal_n for_o god_n that_o if_o you_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v he_o you_o care_v not_o that_o all_o beside_o you_o spit_v on_o his_o face_n and_o serve_v the_o devil_n use_v 2._o hence_o see_v what_o a_o account_v those_o magistrate_n have_v to_o make_v who_o make_v no_o use_n of_o their_o power_n this_o way_n for_o god_n if_o they_o get_v their_o own_o house_n build_v care_v not_o for_o his_o if_o rebellion_n against_o themselves_o be_v curb_v care_v not_o for_o the_o curb_v of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n though_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o the_o most_o high_a god_n that_o they_o will_v suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n they_o never_o employ_v their_o power_n that_o way_n and_o that_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o for_o anger_v of_o their_o army_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v suffer_v their_o army_n to_o overturn_v they_o and_o set_v themselves_o and_o who_o they_o please_v in_o their_o place_n and_o now_o they_o by_o their_o practice_n give_v toleration_n to_o all_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o strengthen_v they_o i_o say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o they_o repent_v not_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o way_n to_o ruin_v they_o a_o people_n swear_v in_o their_o low_a condition_n to_o root_v out_o heresy_n etc._n etc._n and_o god_n bless_v they_o from_o that_o day_n and_o within_o a_o few_o year_n carry_v themselves_o as_o if_o they_o have_v swear_v to_o do_v the_o contrary_a to_o suffer_v all_o encourage_v all_o invite_v all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n to_o vent_v what_o blasphemy_n they_o please_v and_o for_o their_o encouragement_n to_o give_v they_o surety_n that_o no_o power_n in_o britain_n shall_v hinder_v they_o be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o affront_n do_v to_o god_n think_v you_o that_o he_o will_v sit_v with_o it_o no_o if_o he_o shall_v make_v the_o one_o half_a avenger_n of_o a_o break_a covenant_n against_o the_o other_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v note_v of_o asa_n 2_o chron._n 14._o 5._o god_n way_n to_o keep_v magistrate_n sure_a and_o their_o kingdom_n quiet_a be_v to_o be_v zealous_a against_o false_a worship_n no_o but_o say_v they_o the_o way_n be_v not_o to_o anger_v heretic_n they_o
his_o depute_n so_o that_o they_o be_v to_o act_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o commission_n from_o he_o and_o meddle_v only_o with_o these_o thing_n that_o he_o give_v they_o warrant_n for_o and_o so_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o as_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o appeal_n to_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o church_n matter_n we_o contrary_a to_o all_o these_o shall_v make_v out_o this_o follow_a assertion_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n either_o to_o preach_v or_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n nor_o yet_o to_o make_v church_n law_n or_o inflict_v church_n censure_n either_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o as_o his_o depute_n but_o all_o this_o power_n do_v belong_v whole_o to_o church_n officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n which_o power_n they_o be_v to_o execute_v without_o dependency_n on_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o appeal_n to_o his_o court_n neither_o have_v he_o power_n to_o rescind_v the_o sentence_n pronounce_v by_o they_o in_o follow_v out_o of_o this_o point_n we_o shall_v go_v on_o as_o in_o the_o former_a we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v bring_v their_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o refute_v they_o four_o we_o shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use_n 1._o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v this_o assertion_n that_o however_o we_o do_v not_o give_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n of_o church_n discipline_n or_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n yet_o we_o give_v he_o much_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n our_o divine_n follow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n a_o threefold_a power_n about_o church_n matter_n 1._o a_o defensive_a protect_a power_n 2_o a_o roll_a power_n and_o 3._o a_o punish_a power_n first_o they_o give_v he_o a_o defend_v power_n and_o that_o be_v ground_v on_o that_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o church_n in_o isa._n 49._o 23._o and_o king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o power_n the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v to_o do_v three_o thing_n 1._o by_o his_o power_n he_o be_v to_o encourage_v countenance_n and_o advance_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o example_n the_o public_a exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o so_o defend_v the_o church_n in_o her_o liberty_n that_o be_v give_v to_o she_o by_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o godly_a king_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o do_v asa_n 2_o chron._n 15._o to_o verse_n ●8_o and_o jehoshaphat_n 2_o chron._n 1._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o other_o godly_a king_n they_o encourage_v other_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n they_o countenance_v they_o and_o by_o their_o authority_n and_o example_n allure_v other_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n which_o i_o ower_n christian_n magistrate_n have_v yet_o 2._o by_o this_o power_n they_o be_v to_o provide_v the_o church_n with_o all_o external_a necessary_n as_o public_a convenient_a place_n of_o meeting_n for_o god_n worship_n and_o public_a mantainance_n for_o the_o church_n officer_n &c_n &c_n this_o we_o see_v be_v hezekiah_n practice_n 2_o chron._n 31._o 4._o moreover_o he_o command_v the_o people_n that_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n to_o give_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v jo●●ah's_n practice_n 2_o chron._n 34._o he_o repair_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o public_a place_n of_o god_n worship_n 3._o by_o this_o defend_n power_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n he_o be_v to_o remove_v all_o outward_a impediment_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n worship_n such_o as_o profanity_n idolatry_n heresy_n and_o blaspemy_n as_o we_o do_v prove_v at_o length_n in_o the_o former_a controversy_n second_o we_o give_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n a_o rule_v power_n about_o church_n matter_n by_o this_o power_n 1_o he_o may_v convocate_v church_n judicatories_n command_v they_o to_o meet_v and_o to_o enact_v canon_n and_o to_o make_v rule_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n although_o he_o can_v make_v church_n law_n himself_o so_o pious_a magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v call_v synod_n as_o david_n 1_o chron._n 23_o 2._o and_o he_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n with_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n 2._o by_o this_o power_n the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v to_o confirm_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n judicatories_n and_o to_o give_v the_o force_n of_o a_o civil_a law_n only_o herein_o we_o differ_v from_o the_o papist_n they_o say_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v do_v this_o blind_o he_o be_v only_o say_v they_o the_o church_n echo_n to_o ●ay_n amen_o to_o what_o they_o conclude_v but_o we_o say_v the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o do_v this_o blind_o we_o allow_v to_o he_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o try_v whether_o what_o they_o conclude_v be_v right_a or_o not_o and_o according_o he_o be_v to_o add_v his_o authority_n or_o not_o and_o yet_o this_o make_v he_o not_o a_o judge_n in_o church_n matter_n but_o only_o a_o judge_n of_o his_o own_o action_n 3._o by_o this_o power_n the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o take_v inspection_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o church_n judicatories_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v right_o manage_v by_o they_o so_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v conclude_v a_o point_n of_o injustice_n though_o he_o may_v not_o rescind_v their_o act_n himself_o yet_o he_o may_v command_v they_o to_o resume_v the_o the_o matter_n take_v it_o to_o their_o second_o thought_n give_v reason_n to_o the_o contrair_a exhort_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n from_o time_n to_o time_n until_o the_o matter_n be_v right_o conclude_v only_o it_o be_v still_o the_o church_n judicatory_a that_o must_v rescind_v their_o own_o act._n by_o this_o roll_a power_n the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v much_o when_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_a he_o may_v reform_v it_o that_o be_v when_o church_n judicatories_n be_v all_o wrong_n that_o they_o will_v do_v nothing_o for_o his_o upstirring_a in_o this_o case_n the_o magistrate_n may_v lay_v the_o church_n judicatory_a aside_o and_o do_v that_o himself_o which_o they_o shall_v do_v his_o power_n in_o this_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a he_o may_v reform_v by_o his_o own_o power_n as_o godly_a josiah_n do_v 2_o king_n 23._o and_o as_o asa_n and_o jehoshaphat_n at_o such_o a_o time_n magistrate_n may_v do_v much_o this_o way_n but_o extraordinary_a case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v ordinary_a rule_n three_o we_o give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n a_o coactive_a punish_a power_n about_o church-matter_n and_o by_o this_o power_n we_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o person_n of_o churchman_n and_o their_o good_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n civil_a according_a to_o that_o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n contrary_a to_o what_o the_o papist_n teach_v so_o that_o if_o a_o churchman_n shall_v commit_v a_o civil_a crime_n the_o magistrate_n by_o his_o own_o power_n may_v punish_v he_o as_o solomon_n do_v abiathar_n 2._o by_o this_o coactive_a punish_a power_n he_o may_v see_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o divine_a and_o church_n law_n and_o punish_v those_o that_o be_v contemner_n of_o they_o by_o civil_a punishment_n there_o be_v several_a example_n of_o this_o as_o that_o of_o josiah_n he_o make_v all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n now_o by_o all_o that_o be_v say_v you_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o we_o give_v to_o caesar_n that_o which_o be_v caesar_n although_o we_o give_v he_o not_o what_o be_v god_n we_o give_v he_o much_o power_n about_o the_o church_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n we_o shall_v clear_v this_o by_o a_o simile_n how_o the_o magistrate_n may_v have_v much_o power_n about_o church-matter_n although_o not_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n you_o know_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o church_n session_n have_v much_o power_n about_o matter_n belong_v to_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n so_o as_o to_o censure_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o unnatural_a carriage_n towards_o each_o other_o and_o to_o see_v every_o one_o do_v duty_n to_o another_o and_o yet_o neither_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n nor_o church_n session_n have_v marital_a or_o husbandly_a power_n over_o the_o wife_n or_o parental_a power_n over_o the_o child_n so_o as_o they_o may_v challenge_v the_o same_o duty_n from_o they_o to_o be_v do_v to_o themselves_o which_o the_o wife_n owe_v to_o her_o husband_n or_o the_o child_n to_o the_o parent_n the_o husband_n and_o parent_n only_o have_v that_o power_n so_o it_o be_v here_o
the_o communion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o quit_v that_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n of_o their_o own_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o that_o doctrine_n that_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o therein_o we_o shall_v follow_v our_o usual_a order_n first_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o answer_v those_o they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use._n i._n first_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n you_o will_v know_v what_o church_n it_o be_v concern_v which_o the_o controversy_n be_v first_o it_o be_v not_o that_o place_n where_o god_n people_n meet_v to_o go_v about_o god_n public_a worship_n such_o as_o this_o house_n we_o now_o be_v in_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o a_o figure_n improper_o but_o it_o be_v the_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o it_o which_o people_n be_v real_o and_o proper_o the_o church_n although_o the_o house_n be_v so_o call_v because_o it_o contain_v they_o by_o a_o usual_a figure_n the_o church_n that_o we_o be_v to_o dispute_v of_o be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v build_v of_o timber_n and_o stone_n second_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v the_o invisible_a church_n that_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a those_o who_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_v be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n be_v live_a member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o draw_v spiritual_a influence_n from_o he_o concern_v the_o church_n take_v in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n but_o that_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n be_v only_o make_v up_o of_o believer_n be_v all_o gracious_a because_o this_o church_n be_v christ_n mystical_a body_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n the_o lamb_n wife_n all_o fair_a undefiled_a etc._n etc._n three_o the_o question_n then_o be_v concern_v the_o church_n visible_a which_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o have_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n a_o outward_a ecclesiastical_a which_o be_v in_o its_o kind_n a_o real_a right_o to_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o church_n about_o which_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n be_v we_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a to_o clear_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o first_o the_o church_n be_v call_v visible_a not_o because_o the_o member_n of_o it_o may_v be_v see_v for_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o church_n invisible_a the_o church_n of_o believer_n may_v be_v call_v visible_a for_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v believe_a man_n and_o woman_n may_v be_v see_v also_o but_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o church_n in_o those_o two_o sense_n be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o make_v one_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o one_o church_n as_o it_o differ_v from_o that_o which_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o other_o that_o which_o make_v one_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v true_a grace_n sincere_a faith_n inward_a mark_n thereof_o now_o grace_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v see_v by_o another_o certain_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v outward_a effect_n of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v such_o that_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v the_o counterfeit_n of_o they_o so_o as_o the_o one_o can_v be_v discern_v from_o the_o other_o by_o a_o beholder_n the_o nature_n of_o grace_n be_v only_o know_v infallible_o and_o certain_o to_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o church_n be_v call_v invisible_a again_o that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v something_o that_o may_v be_v see_v something_o that_o may_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o those_o who_o have_v power_n to_o receive_v member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o from_o it_o second_o we_o say_v that_o this_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n or_o society_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n to_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o understanding_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o enjoy_v of_o outward_a privilege_n we_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v outward_a privilege_n and_o inward_a privilege_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n inward_a privilege_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o a_o right_n to_o he_o a_o save_v right_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n eternal_a these_o be_v the_o inward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o only_a believer_n have_v right_a to_o those_o paint_a hypocrite_n have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o but_o second_o there_o be_v outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n such_o as_o these_o to_o be_v ordinary_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o be_v take_v a_o care_n of_o by_o 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that_o through_o occasion_n of_o the_o schism_n they_o be_v put_v all_o out_o of_o joint_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dislocate_v and_o therefore_o unfit_a so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o that_o case_n for_o do_v of_o any_o good_a office_n to_o the_o body_n 2._o it_o import_v that_o their_o follow_v of_o his_o advice_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o schism_n will_v set_v every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n in_o its_o own_o place_n and_o so_o enable_v the_o body_n for_o go_v about_o action_n profitable_a unto_o itself_o which_o now_o the_o whole_a member_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n it_o can_v not_o do_v this_o this_o much_o for_o open_v up_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n divers_a point_n of_o truth_n arise_v from_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o the_o text_n may_v here_o be_v handle_v but_o i_o intend_v to_o insist_v upon_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o scope_n which_o will_v comprehend_v the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v this_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n 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