circumstance_n thereof_o we_o have_v also_o the_o word_n of_o man_n as_o infallible_a as_o man_n can_v be_v for_o that_o we_o may_v take_v upon_o good_a trust_n to_o be_v moral_o infallible_a which_o proceed_v from_o man_n who_o neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v now_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o parliament_n have_v so_o full_o declare_v their_o sincerity_n and_o discharge_v their_o trust_n in_o establish_v this_o government_n that_o the_o most_o opposite_a thereunto_o can_v admit_v of_o such_o a_o unworthy_a thought_n as_o if_o they_o intend_v to_o impose_v any_o government_n upon_o the_o people_n which_o in_o conscience_n they_o think_v not_o most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n which_o as_o it_o clear_v they_o from_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o deceive_v so_o it_o be_v also_o manifest_a that_o they_o have_v use_v the_o best_a and_o most_o approve_a mean_n allow_v to_o mortal_a man_n not_o to_o be_v deceive_v for_o in_o this_o weighty_a work_n they_o have_v begin_v with_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n infallible_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o author_n and_o leader_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o have_v assemble_v learned_a and_o religious_a man_n of_o the_o holy_a call_n to_o enter_v into_o free_a deliberation_n and_o debate_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o church-government_n which_o they_o shall_v find_v most_o consonant_a to_o god_n word_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o we_o can_v imagine_v they_o have_v err_v in_o their_o decree_n how_o can_v we_o without_o presumption_n conceive_v the_o judgement_n of_o any_o private_a man_n to_o be_v more_o infallible_a now_o if_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n in_o every_o part_n thereof_o be_v establish_v with_o such_o a_o perpetual_a decree_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v change_v we_o must_v know_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v infallible_o true_a yet_o not_o always_o necessary_a to_o be_v continue_v true_o in_o the_o author_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a in_o the_o mean_n of_o truth_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v lay_v aside_o when_o they_o be_v no_o long_o useful_a for_o edification_n a_o example_n hereof_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o no_o man_n will_v doubt_v but_o it_o be_v infallible_o true_a and_o be_v abolish_v by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o ordain_v it_o no_o man_n need_v doubt_n but_o that_o it_o be_v just_o remove_v infallibility_n do_v not_o always_o infer_v immutability_n thing_n be_v not_o only_o continue_v for_o their_o truth_n but_o also_o for_o their_o goodness_n and_o fitness_n and_o applicableness_n to_o present_a use_n so_o long_o as_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v to_o endure_v it_o be_v of_o divine_a infallibility_n needful_a for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o during_o that_o time_n immutable_a by_o any_o power_n but_o divine_a but_o when_o the_o evangelical_a law_n succeed_v which_o by_o fulfil_n end_v the_o ceremonial_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n become_v more_o spiritual_a leave_v the_o decency_n circumstance_n and_o outward_a manner_n to_o the_o human_a infallibility_n of_o the_o magistrate_n set_v in_o authoriiy_n by_o god_n who_o decree_n in_o such_o matter_n be_v unchangeable_a by_o any_o inferior_a power_n yet_o alterable_a by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o decree_v they_o moreover_o the_o papist_n object_n against_o our_o doctrine_n that_o before_o luther_n it_o be_v not_o know_v in_o thy_o world_n and_o the_o prelate_n object_n against_o our_o discipline_n that_o before_o calvin_n it_o be_v never_o know_v by_o both_o with_o aspersion_n they_o think_v to_o disgrace_v our_o doctrine_n and_o our_o discipline_n put_v upon_o they_o the_o stamp_n of_o novelty_n as_o though_o they_o be_v but_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o as_o our_o doctrine_n have_v be_v sufficient_o assert_v against_o their_o calumny_n to_o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n leave_v and_o record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a that_o this_o government_n of_o god_n church_n by_o the_o presbytery_n be_v know_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n before_o either_o popery_n or_o prelacy_n be_v in_o be_v both_o which_o be_v indeed_o novelty_n and_o the_o very_a spawn_n of_o corrupt_a man_n it_o be_v clear_o demonstrate_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o antiquity_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o all_o city_n and_o place_n where_o they_o collect_v church_n ordain_v a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n call_v the_o presbytery_n with_o equal_a power_n to_o feed_v and_o govern_v the_o same_o this_o form_n of_o government_n continue_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n about_o 1500_o year_n in_o purity_n and_o parity_n afterwards_o by_o pride_n and_o contention_n of_o the_o leader_n bishop_n be_v set_v up_o above_o presbyter_n and_o when_o that_o equality_n be_v once_o break_v there_o be_v no_o stop_n then_o metropolitan_n be_v put_v above_o bishop_n and_o patriarch_n above_o metropolitan_n and_o at_o the_o last_o whereunto_o all_o tend_v they_o bring_v forth_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n or_o son_n of_o perdition_n the_o pope_n who_o perk_v above_o all_o and_o have_v ever_o since_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n maintain_v by_o fraud_n fire_n and_o blood_n a_o prodigious_a tyranny_n and_o oppression_n in_o the_o church_n bâ—t_v there_o be_v one_o testimony_n more_o which_o we_o can_v produce_v as_o a_o clear_a light_n out_o of_o the_o very_a darkness_n and_o dungeon_n of_o popery_n when_o there_o be_v no_o day_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o all_o be_v overspread_v with_o antichristian_a error_n and_o that_o be_v about_o 500_o year_n ago_o when_o god_n move_v waldo_n a_o citizen_n of_o lion_n to_o discover_v the_o imposture_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n who_o draw_v after_o he_o many_o disciple_n be_v persecute_v by_o the_o bloody_a synagogue_n and_o drive_v from_o the_o society_n of_o man_n into_o mountain_n among_o beast_n which_o they_o find_v less_o savage_a than_o their_o own_o kind_n there_o they_o multiply_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o spread_v themselves_o into_o divers_a place_n be_v call_v by_o divers_a name_n then_o they_o find_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a among_o they_o to_o establish_v a_o discipline_n and_o government_n over_o all_o their_o church_n in_o which_o deliberation_n they_o have_v no_o pattern_n to_o follow_v no_o step_n to_o tread_v in_o no_o help_n from_o story_n or_o record_n of_o antiquity_n which_o be_v all_o destroy_v or_o corrupt_v their_o only_a guide_n and_o light_a to_o direct_v they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o world_n be_v never_o able_a to_o extinguish_v and_o by_o his_o divine_a power_n be_v preserve_v among_o they_o there_o they_o seek_v and_o there_o they_o find_v the_o platform_n of_o their_o discipline_n and_o what_o be_v it_o no_o other_o than_o presbyterian_a every_o congregation_n govern_v by_o pastor_n elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o as_o occasion_v require_v by_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o into_o synod_n counsel_n and_o assembly_n now_o if_o this_o way_n be_v practise_v among_o they_o wherein_o they_o be_v only_o lead_v by_o divine_a light_n how_o unjust_o do_v some_o despise_v it_o as_o a_o novelty_n other_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o human_a ordinance_n when_o as_o our_o own_o age_n also_o search_v in_o the_o same_o holy_a monument_n have_v pitch_v upon_o the_o same_o discipline_n as_o in_o they_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o think_v this_o will_v move_v the_o spirit_n of_o meek_a and_o sanctify_a man_n not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o sobriety_n nor_o contest_v against_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o if_o the_o primitive_a apostolical_a time_n the_o middle_a age_n of_o the_o church_n under_o persecution_n and_o now_o the_o last_o generation_n wherein_o we_o live_v have_v all_o by_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n and_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n concur_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o discipline_n why_o shall_v any_o combine_v against_o it_o or_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v persuade_v rather_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o god_n church_n then_o yield_v a_o christian_a conformity_n thereunto_o 3_o but_o against_o this_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n it_o may_v be_v further_o object_v that_o although_o power_n be_v give_v he_o over_o the_o body_n and_o estate_n and_o outward_a adjunct_n of_o man_n yet_o the_o conscience_n be_v the_o peculiar_a court_n of_o god_n wherein_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o by_o intrusion_n when_o the_o body_n lie_v in_o prison_n the_o judge_n by_o a_o habeas_fw-la corpus_fw-la can_v remove_v it_o but_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v under_o bond_n no_o judge_n can_v send_v a_o habeas_fw-la conscientiam_fw-la to_o deliver_v it_o and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o release_v he_o can_v have_v none_o to_o bind_v it_o
wrap_v up_o in_o general_a precept_n it_o behoove_v we_o to_o learn_v from_o his_o deputy_n upon_o earth_n ask_v council_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o his_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n be_v and_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o outward_a rite_n form_n and_o circumstance_n of_o his_o evangelical_a worship_n these_o thing_n fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o be_v rather_o civil_a notion_n then_o divine_a yet_o as_o army_n in_o the_o field_n easy_o fall_v into_o a_o rout_n not_o well_o array_v so_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n and_o church_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n prove_v but_o rude_a and_o tumultuous_a meeting_n if_o they_o be_v not_o decent_o order_v a_o lute_n or_o viol_n be_v see_v play_v upon_o but_o there_o be_v much_o ado_n to_o tune_v many_o instrument_n into_o one_o consort_n private_a christian_n may_v dispose_v of_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o house_n but_o when_o they_o meet_v in_o a_o public_a body_n they_o must_v be_v tune_v by_o the_o public_a magistrate_n the_o world_n will_v never_o have_v stand_v without_o society_n nor_o can_v society_n hold_v without_o government_n neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o government_n where_o some_o rule_n not_o and_o some_o obey_v all_o the_o question_n be_v to_o set_v due_a limit_n and_o bound_n to_o the_o civil_a government_n wherein_o i_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v the_o self_n the_o same_o measure_n betwixt_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o conscience_n for_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o obey_v so_o it_o prescribe_v the_o magistrate_n to_o govern_v otherwise_o if_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n forbid_v the_o apostle_n to_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n so_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o people_n contrary_a to_o divine_a law_n or_o the_o word_n reveal_v the_o case_n be_v plain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n these_o rub_v thus_o remove_v in_o our_o way_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o solve_n of_o such_o objection_n as_o be_v common_o make_v by_o those_o brethren_n that_o challenge_v a_o liberty_n and_o exemption_n from_o this_o lawful_a obedience_n 1._o first_o they_o build_v upon_o our_o own_o ground_n allege_v that_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n be_v so_o free_a and_o voluntary_a in_o itself_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o manifest_a violation_n of_o her_o freedom_n to_o constrain_v she_o by_o law_n or_o penalty_n or_o imposition_n of_o man_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o must_v remember_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o constraint_n and_o the_o restraint_n of_o man_n conscience_n no_o law_n nor_o power_n of_o man_n can_v constrain_v the_o conscience_n in_o her_o voluntary_a act_n to_o go_v against_o she_o own_o light_n or_o approve_v that_o which_o she_o condemn_v or_o say_v to_o herself_o conscience_n i_o lie_v no_o she_o may_v and_o aught_o rather_o to_o suffer_v then_o undergo_v such_o a_o constraint_n but_o the_o law_n of_o man_n may_v so_o far_o restrain_v their_o liberty_n that_o she_o produce_v not_o the_o act_n of_o her_o private_a sense_n and_o freedom_n into_o hurtful_a effect_n such_o as_o may_v endanger_v and_o disturb_v our_o christian_a and_o public_a peace_n it_o have_v be_v always_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a and_o appetition_n for_o error_n to_o beget_v error_n and_o opinion_n to_o spread_v opinion_n as_o for_o one_o kind_n to_o generate_v and_o multiply_v the_o same_o insomuch_o when_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n will_v not_o be_v limit_v nor_o contain_v within_o itself_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v restrain_v and_o inhibit_v from_o infect_v other_o and_o disperse_v the_o contagion_n 2._o second_o it_o may_v be_v again_o object_v that_o although_o it_o be_v grant_v nothing_o can_v bind_v the_o conscience_n but_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o no_o word_n of_o scrirture_n be_v produce_v express_o confirm_v this_o from_o of_o polity_n and_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o obey_v it_o will_v plain_o follow_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v therein_o leave_v unto_o their_o liberty_n to_o give_v a_o full_a answer_n hereunto_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o take_v the_o frame_n of_o this_o government_n in_o piece_n as_o the_o levite_n do_v the_o tabernacle_n when_o they_o remove_v their_o tent_n and_o then_o bring_v it_o piece_n by_o piece_n to_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n to_o see_v what_o be_v thereby_o confirm_v and_o what_o unfirm_v but_o because_o this_o be_v already_o do_v by_o divers_a worthy_a brethren_n of_o the_o holy_a call_n i_o shall_v forbear_v to_o insert_v their_o volume_n into_o these_o few_o sheet_n and_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v either_o express_o or_o by_o good_a consequence_n include_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o not_o repugnant_a to_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o presbytery_n itself_o where_o the_o government_n be_v inherent_a i_o hear_v no_o question_n make_v but_o that_o it_o be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o main_a doubt_n and_o difference_n be_v whither_o it_o be_v independent_a in_o particular_a congregation_n subordinate_a to_o synod_n and_o assembly_n as_o the_o urgency_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n may_v require_v those_o brethren_n that_o maintain_v independency_n of_o single_a congregation_n stand_v upon_o a_o ground_n feeble_a and_o unfirm_a say_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n but_o only_o congregational_a in_o which_o alone_o all_o government_n be_v confine_v this_o assertion_n will_v hold_v no_o further_o true_a then_o in_o such_o church_n as_o be_v gather_v while_o christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n then_o indeed_o we_o may_v conceive_v that_o the_o first_o evangelical_a church_n consist_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o afterwards_o of_o the_o disciple_n but_o when_o christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o earth_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n increase_v so_o much_o in_o several_a city_n as_o one_o congregation_n can_v not_o contain_v they_o their_o manner_n be_v to_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a meeting_n accordinp_v to_o the_o commodity_n of_o their_o habitation_n in_o the_o say_a city_n or_o else_o as_o it_o may_v most_o stand_v with_o their_o safety_n now_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o their_o coadjutor_n the_o evangelist_n and_o other_o founder_n of_o church_n under_o they_o do_v usual_o constitute_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n but_o not_o in_o every_o congregation_n who_o have_v power_n in_o common_a and_o colleâ—gially_o to_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a flock_n though_o several_o congregat_v in_o the_o same_o city_n thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o antiochia_n of_o ephesus_n of_o corinth_n of_o philippi_n and_o many_o mo_z where_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v enlarge_v whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o time_n succeed_v those_o primitive_a church_n be_v city_n church_n consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n and_o not_o congregational_a as_o be_v pretend_v independent_a within_o themselves_o true_a it_o be_v the_o city_n church_n be_v common_o independent_a within_o itself_o but_o thereof_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o city_n in_o their_o civil_a policy_n be_v free_a and_o unsubject_v otherwise_o the_o government_n of_o the_o city_n church_n reach_v as_o far_o as_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o city_n if_o all_o this_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v make_v most_o evident_a by_o the_o unpartial_a searcher_n of_o antiquity_n we_o may_v herein_o observe_v a_o pattern_n though_o not_o a_o precept_n for_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n for_o if_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n a_o city_n church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n by_o the_o same_o proportion_n according_a to_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n a_o provincial_n church_n may_v consist_v of_o many_o city_n and_o a_o national_a church_n of_o many_o province_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o many_o nation_n the_o low_a step_n be_v lay_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o high_a step_n be_v a_o point_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o from_o the_o low_a to_o the_o high_a there_o be_v no_o passage_n but_o by_o gradation_n which_o be_v the_o scale_n of_o that_o government_n now_o hold_v forth_o by_o parliament_n but_o to_o this_o may_v be_v reply_v all_o this_o that_o you_o say_v be_v but_o conjectural_a and_o that_o have_v no_o power_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n which_o must_v have_v a_o word_n infallible_a to_o rest_n upon_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o government_n we_o have_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n whereof_o neither_o part_n doubt_v for_o the_o frame_n and_o
look_v for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n both_o way_n our_o duty_n to_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o few_o precept_n but_o more_o word_n it_o seem_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v explain_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o cause_n leave_v no_o power_n to_o any_o man_n to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o interpret_v his_o law_n but_o by_o his_o own_o word_n which_o make_v moses_n though_o he_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n in_o israel_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o judge_v the_o gatherer_n of_o stick_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n without_o consultation_n with_o the_o lord_n before_o the_o write_a law_n every_o father_n of_o a_o family_n be_v both_o priest_n and_o magistrate_n to_o look_v to_o both_o and_o the_o great_a the_o family_n or_o society_n be_v so_o much_o high_a be_v the_o magistrate_n and_o reverence_v with_o more_o honour_n as_o be_v the_o common_a parent_n care_v for_o the_o whole_a country_n this_o law_n therefore_o of_o nature_n be_v the_o very_a dictate_n of_o god_n himself_o may_v not_o improper_o be_v term_v a_o divine_a law_n there_o be_v also_o other_o law_n which_o god_n prescribe_v by_o his_o servant_n moses_n to_o the_o people_n of_o jsrael_n politic_a and_o judicial_a law_n for_o preserve_v human_a society_n and_o govern_v the_o commonwealth_n and_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o the_o outward_a manner_n and_o form_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n for_o performance_n whereof_o he_o ordain_v divers_a sacrifice_n and_o sacrificer_n allot_v maintenance_n for_o they_o both_o but_o when_o the_o time_n fore-appoint_v come_v that_o god_n will_v restore_v man_n to_o that_o happiness_n he_o have_v deserve_o lose_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n he_o send_v his_o only_a son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o adam_n in_o the_o flesh_n who_o after_o he_o have_v manifest_v his_o divine_a power_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n do_v by_o his_o last_o word_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o by_o the_o first_o visible_a testimony_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o death_n finish_v and_o consummate_v the_o law_n and_o rend_v from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n the_o veil_n of_o separation_n by_o both_o declare_v the_o necessity_n of_o type_n and_o ceremony_n place_n and_o time_n of_o worship_n difference_n of_o people_n sacrifice_n and_o sacrificer_n fix_v and_o impropriate_v maintenance_n for_o any_o of_o they_o be_v no_o long_a to_o be_v continue_v strict_o in_o the_o letter_n although_o a_o moral_a equity_n shadow_v by_o they_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a neither_o do_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o evangelical_a church_n revive_v any_o of_o they_o nor_o ordain_v any_o set_a form_n of_o worship_n rule_n for_o government_n or_o a_o certain_v and_o special_a maintenance_n for_o his_o minister_n but_o only_o repair_v and_o restore_v man_n to_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n which_o adam_n have_v in_o his_o innocency_n prescribe_v he_o to_o serve_v god_n the_o father_n of_o spirit_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o otherwise_o confine_v he_o to_o time_n place_n gesture_n posture_n or_o other_o circumstance_n which_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v not_o permanent_o confineable_a in_o like_a sort_n the_o bless_a apostle_n who_o christ_n send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n lay_v no_o other_o foundation_n as_o necessary_a thereunto_o than_o jesus_n christ_n and_o what_o he_o have_v lay_v himself_o for_o they_o be_v only_o master_n builder_n on_o that_o corner_n stone_n christ_n jesus_n what_o they_o declare_v to_o any_o people_n convert_v to_o the_o gospel_n concerning_o any_o rule_n of_o order_n about_o the_o outward_a man_n or_o his_o christian_a behaviour_n in_o public_a service_n it_o be_v only_o a_o temporary_a advice_n suitable_a to_o the_o time_n country_n and_o occasion_n wherein_o they_o live_v not_o universal_o bind_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o generation_n to_o come_v in_o their_o day_n there_o be_v neither_o christian_a state_n nor_o christian_a magistrate_n nor_o any_o public_a power_n to_o countenance_n or_o appoint_v the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o default_n whereof_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o make_v such_o order_n and_o constitution_n as_o may_v serve_v for_o those_o present_a time_n nevertheless_o as_o christ_n himself_o take_v upon_o he_o no_o civil_a authority_n so_o give_v he_o none_o to_o his_o apostle_n nor_o they_o to_o the_o minister_n succeed_v for_o when_o christ_n be_v require_v to_o divide_v a_o inheritance_n betwixt_o two_o brother_n he_o ask_v with_o indignation_n who_o have_v make_v he_o a_o judge_n or_o divider_n over_o they_o and_o when_o the_o case_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n fall_v out_o at_o corinth_n st._n paul_n inflict_v no_o temporal_a punishment_n upon_o he_o only_o advise_v the_o brethren_n that_o while_o he_o stand_v obstinate_a against_o all_o reproof_n to_o shun_v his_o company_n and_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o their_o communion_n that_o the_o shame_n thereof_o make_v he_o sensible_a of_o his_o sin_n it_o may_v beget_v repentance_n and_o make_v he_o return_v to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o true_a believer_n i_o very_o think_v that_o if_o all_o the_o direction_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v record_v in_o scripture_n be_v lay_v in_o one_o view_n together_o no_o man_n nor_o multitude_n of_o man_n how_o learned_a soever_o can_v collect_v or_o frame_v out_o of_o they_o all_o a_o exact_a body_n of_o church_n government_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o to_o be_v impose_v as_o a_o divine_a bind_v infallible_a rule_n upon_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o where_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o counsel_n or_o constitution_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n who_o be_v holy_a man_n endue_v with_o more_o immediate_a power_n from_o christ_n with_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o consequent_o with_o a_o great_a certainty_n of_o judgement_n than_o any_o of_o their_o ministerial_a successor_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o they_o and_o make_v they_o our_o pattern_n only_o remember_v the_o distinction_n of_o time_n that_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v in_o infancy_n and_o under_o persecution_n and_o the_o english_a in_o full_a growth_n and_o dominion_n in_o so_o much_o that_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n a_o eye_n and_o regard_n must_v ever_o be_v have_v to_o the_o civil_a government_n which_o always_o aim_v at_o the_o public_a good_a both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v lodge_v the_o minister_n doubtless_o have_v power_n by_o their_o office_n to_o advise_v and_o instruct_v exhort_v and_o rebuke_v out_o of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o brotherly_a way_n but_o it_o be_v as_o doubtless_o that_o the_o power_n be_v in_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n upon_o hear_v their_o advice_n to_o constitute_v and_o establish_v under_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o order_n such_o decree_n as_o upon_o due_a debate_n and_o deliberation_n they_o shall_v find_v most_o wholesome_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o present_a state_n this_o be_v also_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o office_n and_o honour_n to_o minister_n for_o his_o brethren_n in_o thing_n pertain_v unto_o god_n unless_o he_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o christ_n himself_o be_v send_v by_o the_o father_n and_o anoint_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o his_o heavenly_a office_n by_o christ_n the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o immediate_a commission_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n follow_v their_o pattern_n do_v not_o only_o send_v and_o appoint_v pastor_n over_o all_o church_n in_o their_o present_a time_n but_o also_o lest_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o ordain_v all_o other_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v till_o the_o world_n end_n i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o god_n do_v in_o our_o day_n call_v and_o stir_v up_o many_o to_o this_o holy_a office_n by_o particular_a motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n yet_o that_o exempt_v not_o the_o person_n so_o call_v from_o manifest_v and_o approve_v their_o vocation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v leave_v in_o scripture_n where_o we_o be_v command_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n peculiar_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n as_o fit_v to_o be_v try_v and_o examine_v by_o they_o who_o by_o long_a experience_n and_o without_o reproach_n have_v converse_v in_o the_o church_n and_o dispense_v the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n from_o this_o brief_a and_o plain_a deduction_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o position_n as_o ground-line_n of_o the_o discourse_n ensue_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v by_o his_o son_n take_v away_o all_o tie_n of_o necessity_n for_o observe_v any_o part_n or_o
parcel_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n 2._o that_o god_n by_o christ_n have_v restore_v man_n to_o that_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o adam_n have_v in_o time_n of_o his_o innocency_n 3._o that_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v any_o set_v or_o absolute_a form_n of_o government_n in_o his_o church_n bind_v to_o all_o time_n and_o nation_n 4._o that_o whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n write_v concerning_o outward_a government_n it_o be_v not_o in_o nature_n of_o a_o universal_a law_n but_o only_o by_o way_n of_o order_n and_o advice_n answerable_a to_o these_o primitive_a time_n and_o occasion_n 5._o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v minister_n have_v no_o temporal_a power_n judicature_n or_o maintenance_n positive_o and_o particular_o allot_v they_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n but_o only_o in_o the_o general_a that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o plentiful_a that_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v example_n unto_o other_o of_o hospitality_n and_o good_a work_n learn_v the_o manner_n and_o special_a determination_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 6._o that_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v the_o high_a power_n of_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o visible_a company_n not_o only_o of_o minister_n and_o officer_n but_o of_o all_o believer_n and_o be_v entrust_v to_o he_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o not_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o church_n 7._o whosoever_o have_v a_o mission_n to_o undertake_v the_o ministry_n ought_v first_o to_o find_v himself_o inward_o call_v then_o undergo_v a_o lawful_a trial_n and_o receive_v approbation_n with_o the_o prayer_n and_o benediction_n of_o the_o presbytery_n now_o concerning_o this_o great_a controversy_n in_o our_o commonwealth_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v from_o these_o principle_n according_a to_o the_o small_a ability_n god_n have_v give_v i_o unbiased_a by_o any_o opinion_n or_o affection_n to_o any_o kind_n of_o government_n nor_o yet_o for_o any_o covetous_a nor_o ambitious_a desire_n or_o design_n in_o myself_o but_o mere_o aim_v at_o the_o good_a of_o god_n church_n and_o of_o my_o country_n set_v down_o how_o i_o conceive_v our_o supreme_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v such_o a_o church_n government_n as_o may_v preserve_v amity_n among_o brethren_n yet_o not_o oppugn_v any_o rule_n christ_n have_v leave_v behind_o he_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n have_v already_o upon_o ripe_a deliberation_n pass_v a_o ordinance_n for_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n with_o all_o the_o limitation_n thereof_o which_o government_n i_o be_o very_o persuade_v if_o it_o be_v due_o execute_v will_v prove_v the_o best_a moderator_n betwixt_o dissent_v brethren_n for_o it_o be_v such_o a_o government_n as_o take_v away_o the_o ill_a and_o exorbitance_n of_o any_o other_o reserve_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o better_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v like_v because_o it_o dislike_v those_o party_n that_o oppose_v it_o for_o sure_o he_o be_v esteem_v the_o best_a and_o most_o unpartial_a moderator_n who_o in_o reconcile_a party_n in_o such_o indifference_n displease_v they_o all_o yet_o if_o this_o government_n may_v not_o have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o vmpires_n power_n to_o constrain_v obedience_n or_o else_o put_v not_o that_o power_n in_o practice_n than_o it_o will_v be_v vilify_v and_o of_o no_o esteem_n therefore_o that_o it_o may_v not_o prove_v a_o dead_a useless_a letter_n i_o do_v first_o conceive_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v establish_v with_o penalty_n and_o put_v in_o present_a execution_n and_o make_v positive_a without_o allow_v a_o limit_a time_n unto_o it_o for_o approbation_n for_o without_o that_o it_o may_v be_v alter_v in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o maker_n but_o with_o that_o it_o will_v leave_v every_o man_n doubtful_a and_o indifferent_a which_o will_v lessen_v or_o take_v away_o the_o true_a value_n and_o operation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o conceive_v as_o a_o especial_a wheel_n of_o this_o motion_n and_o a_o strong_a fortification_n of_o the_o government_n that_o care_v be_v take_v to_o keep_v and_o encourage_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o a_o perpetual_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o their_o function_n and_o to_o remove_v all_o occasion_n which_o may_v any_o way_n divert_v they_o from_o their_o holy_a call_n howsoever_o it_o come_v about_o i_o know_v not_o but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o â—â—thence_o the_o church_n be_v poison_v with_o a_o temporal_a revenue_n and_o carnal_a estimation_n give_v to_o minister_n for_o their_o master_n sake_n pride_n and_o covetousness_n have_v predominate_v among_o they_o who_o have_v be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v the_o root_n of_o much_o evil_n and_o combustion_n in_o those_o state_n and_o church_n where_o they_o have_v have_v any_o power_n so_o far_a as_o forget_v their_o call_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o secular_a pomp_n and_o greatness_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a hinderer_n of_o reformation_n to_o the_o purity_n and_o humility_n of_o the_o gospel_n know_v it_o must_v first_o begin_v at_o themselves_o therefore_o for_o the_o root_n out_o and_o prevent_a ambition_n among_o they_o it_o may_v be_v good_a to_o take_v away_o those_o title_n of_o separation_n and_o division_n which_o have_v have_v their_o original_n from_o 〈◊〉_d as_o to_o be_v call_v clergy_n as_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o the_o people_n profane_a or_o divine_n as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o heavenly_a and_o 〈◊〉_d form_v of_o the_o same_o earth_n with_o the_o people_n certainâ—y_v they_o can_v have_v 〈◊〉_d high_a title_n then_o to_o be_v call_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n bring_v from_o god_n to_o man_n the_o glad_a tide_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o 〈◊〉_d for_o place_n and_o dignity_n they_o be_v either_o official_a which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d take_v away_o or_o personal_a which_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d discretion_n of_o every_o man_n for_o if_o in_o humility_n they_o strive_v 〈◊〉_d behind_o all_o man_n in_o place_n and_o before_o they_o in_o goodness_n the_o people_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v even_o their_o eye_n in_o testimony_n of_o their_o love_n and_o estimation_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v forbear_v in_o this_o place_n to_o set_v down_o particular_o how_o covetousness_n may_v be_v also_o remove_v from_o the_o ministry_n because_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o as_o of_o many_o other_o thing_n conduce_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n how_o religion_n may_v be_v keep_v and_o perpetuate_v in_o truth_n and_o purity_n free_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o relapse_v to_o popery_n how_o the_o minister_n may_v be_v for_o ever_o provide_v with_o a_o plentiful_a maintenance_n over_o all_o the_o kingdom_n how_o their_o widow_n and_o orphan_n if_o there_o be_v need_n may_v be_v relieve_v be_v already_o plain_o and_o large_o lay_v down_o in_o another_o treatise_n by_o a_o wellwisher_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o zion_n which_o wait_v only_o for_o a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o be_v produce_v wherein_o no_o new_a charge_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o people_n but_o only_o part_v of_o the_o pious_a donation_n of_o our_o ancestor_n to_o the_o church_n and_o good_a use_n be_v rectify_v and_o reduce_v this_o be_v do_v it_o may_v then_o seem_v necessary_a so_o to_o hedge_v and_o defend_v this_o government_n hold_v forth_o by_o parliament_n that_o it_o may_v neither_o receive_v damage_n from_o enemy_n without_o not_o be_v uncharitable_o tear_v and_o shatter_v by_o schism_n and_o opinion_n within_o it_o have_v please_v god_n so_o miraculous_o to_o bless_v this_o kingdom_n that_o we_o have_v throw_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o rome_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n can_v bear_v the_o pope_n and_o the_o bishop_n the_o head_n and_o the_o tail_n be_v send_v back_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v the_o gap_n which_o they_o have_v make_v be_v by_o god_n goodness_n and_o care_n of_o this_o parliament_n fill_v up_o with_o a_o moderate_a presbyterial_a government_n sufficient_o arm_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o wild_a boar_n that_o destroy_v our_o vineyard_n and_o that_o common_a implacable_a enemy_n from_o return_v but_o there_o be_v some_o little_a fox_n yet_o among_o we_o that_o earth_n in_o our_o ground_n and_o annoy_v our_o vineyard_n and_o by_o craft_n or_o rudeness_n weakness_n or_o wilfulness_n bring_v scandal_n upon_o our_o holy_a profession_n that_o therefore_o our_o church_n may_v enjoy_v her_o peace_n and_o be_v only_o militant_a against_o sin_n and_o satan_n the_o magistracy_n must_v take_v care_n to_o preserve_v it_o from_o disturbance_n as_o the_o present_a conjuncture_n of_o our_o church_n stand_v they_o who_o seem_v most_o to_o distaste_n or_o oppose_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n be_v
hereunto_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o magistrate_n pretend_v not_o to_o take_v power_n upon_o himself_o as_o a_o man_n equal_a to_o his_o brethren_n but_o the_o power_n he_o have_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o supreme_a power_n which_o he_o hold_v by_o commission_n from_o god_n his_o office_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o power_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o rule_v for_o good_a aim_v at_o the_o public_a order_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n we_o read_v that_o of_o necessity_n he_o must_v be_v obey_v a_o double_a necessity_n both_o for_o fear_n of_o bodily_a punishment_n god_n have_v put_v into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n a_o sword_n of_o justice_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v into_o the_o minister_n as_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o fear_v of_o divine_a punishment_n for_o man_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o break_v the_o precept_n of_o god_n shall_v certain_o not_o go_v unpunished_a conscience_n therefore_o yield_v sometime_o in_o lawful_a as_o well_o as_o in_o absolute_a necessary_a thing_n this_o obedience_n to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o which_o express_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o we_o nowhere_o find_v that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n in_o such_o thing_n we_o shall_v disobey_v he_o if_o any_o reply_n that_o if_o all_o this_o collect_v and_o speak_v to_o maintain_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v before_o allege_v in_o the_o time_n of_o episcopal_a prelacy_n who_o by_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o magistrate_n to_o their_o cause_n impose_v and_o enjoin_v what_o they_o please_v in_o god_n worship_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o they_o argue_v very_o strong_o for_o uphold_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o far_o that_o by_o exalt_v his_o will_n they_o diminish_v his_o power_n but_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o excess_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o their_o government_n have_v be_v as_o good_a as_o their_o argument_n or_o have_v they_o stick_v as_o close_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o frame_v their_o cannon_n and_o injunction_n as_o they_o do_v in_o assert_v the_o lawful_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n no_o man_n can_v have_v just_o be_v grieve_v in_o conscience_n but_o their_o government_n be_v bad_a in_o itself_o can_v not_o be_v better_v by_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o argument_n but_o it_o may_v be_v rejoin_v again_o that_o for_o all_o this_o the_o scripture_n do_v nowhere_o appoint_v or_o confirm_v this_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o and_o establish_v by_o the_o state_n and_o therefore_o just_a it_o be_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v leave_v in_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n whether_o they_o will_v conform_v thereunto_o or_o no_o this_o have_v in_o part_n be_v answer_v before_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o compel_v any_o man_n to_o conform_v thereunto_o against_o his_o conscience_n neither_o can_v he_o do_v it_o although_o he_o so_o intend_v and_o therefore_o in_o effect_n that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a feign_a and_o frivolous_a plea_n to_o pretend_v that_o liberty_n against_o the_o magistrate_n which_o no_o magistrate_n can_v constrain_v only_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o faith_n about_o indifferent_a thing_n have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n so_o we_o may_v say_v in_o this_o case_n have_v thou_o liberty_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o betwixt_o god_n and_o thou_o till_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o a_o further_a light_n and_o a_o liberty_n to_o obey_v as_o well_o as_o to_o disobey_v but_o if_o thou_o content_v not_o thy_o self_n with_o this_o sober_a and_o moderate_a liberty_n but_o whilst_o also_o leap_v over_o the_o hedge_n and_o withdraw_v other_o from_o their_o christian_a obedience_n then_o thou_o run_v upon_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n for_o the_o common_a good_a by_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o restrain_v thy_o inordinate_a and_o offensive_a liberty_n that_o it_o disturb_v not_o the_o public_a peace_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o although_o this_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o every_o part_n and_o parcel_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v be_v not_o express_o command_v in_o scripture_n as_o likewise_o no_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n whatsoever_o yet_o much_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o approbation_n of_o it_o and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o scripture_n first_o government_n by_o a_o presbytery_n be_v express_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n second_o for_o execution_n thereof_o some_o general_a rule_n be_v also_o clear_o express_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n without_o contention_n and_o for_o edification_n three_o to_o who_o can_v we_o imagine_v the_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o edification_n shall_v belong_v but_o only_o to_o the_o magistrate_n assist_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o minister_n wherein_o we_o find_v another_o express_a command_n that_o the_o magistrate_n so_o judge_v for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v obey_v for_o conscience_n sake_n bring_v we_o this_o cause_n to_o a_o pair_n of_o scale_n and_o there_o we_o shall_v see_v it_o decide_v put_v into_o one_o scale_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o magistrate_n into_o the_o other_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a man_n put_v into_o either_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o both_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o judgement_n put_v in_o again_o that_o upon_o search_n therein_o they_o meet_v with_o two_o several_a government_n neither_o of_o they_o direct_o command_v nor_o direct_o forbid_v nor_o yet_o unconsonant_a to_o the_o word_n hitherto_o the_o beam_n go_v even_o betwixt_o they_o search_v again_o what_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o more_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o express_a word_n of_o god_n command_v every_o private_a soul_n to_o obey_v the_o high_a power_n judge_v and_o govern_v for_o good_a and_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n put_v this_o into_o the_o magistrate_n scale_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o preponderate_v till_o we_o can_v find_v any_o other_o word_n that_o bid_v the_o high_a power_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o low_a and_o indeed_o be_v there_o no_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n may_v convince_v we_o for_o if_o we_o allow_v that_o reason_n shall_v rule_v our_o affection_n we_o must_v also_o allow_v the_o magistrate_n to_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o when_o any_o difference_n arise_v between_o they_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o pretend_v to_o judge_v by_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a rule_n reason_n require_v that_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v stand_v and_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n but_o be_v wise_a with_o sobriety_n suffer_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v overruled_a by_o their_o ruler_n who_o office_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o good_a in_o the_o order_n of_o such_o thing_n while_o thing_n be_v debate_v every_o one_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o speak_v their_o conscience_n but_o when_o thing_n be_v determine_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n must_v yield_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n otherwise_o that_o sweet_a harmony_n will_v be_v break_v which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o world_n between_o party_n command_v and_o party_n obey_v wherein_o alone_o consist_v the_o outward_a happiness_n of_o all_o society_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o disclaim_v not_o civil_a obedience_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n hope_v that_o in_o time_n they_o will_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n cease_v to_o contend_v against_o this_o government_n for_o that_o it_o be_v now_o indeed_o or_o intend_v to_o be_v make_v a_o civil_a sanction_n and_o a_o statute_n law_n and_o then_o deny_v subjection_n thereunto_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n may_v aswell_o transport_v they_o to_o claim_v exemption_n from_o many_o other_o civil_a law_n if_o one_o of_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o murder_n and_o know_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v innocent_a and_o have_v besideâ—_z twenty_o witness_n to_o clear_v he_o yet_o if_o one_o single_a witness_n shall_v make_v oath_n against_o he_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o king_n he_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o the_o law_n may_v he_o not_o stand_v upon_o term_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o his_o innocence_n and_o just_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o obey_v this_o law_n and_o suffer_v sentence_n be_v innocent_a suppose_v another_o have_v
his_o back_n the_o sin_n of_o they_o all_o whereby_o they_o be_v set_v free_a and_o deliver_v from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o deliverance_n he_o promise_v wherewithal_o they_o ought_v to_o rest_v content_v thereupon_o the_o town_n be_v take_v the_o delude_a people_n disabuse_v the_o king_n impostor_n execute_v to_o death_n and_o hang_v up_o in_o chain_n upon_o the_o high_a steeple_n thus_o end_v this_o tragedy_n and_o ever_o tragical_a be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o folly_n the_o apostle_n note_v that_o faction_n and_o division_n be_v sign_n of_o carnality_n first_o man_n separate_v from_o other_o as_o unclean_a than_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o government_n the_o next_o step_n be_v to_o blind_v the_o people_n with_o revelation_n from_o thence_o they_o fall_v into_o snare_n of_o the_o flesh_n at_o last_o they_o stir_v up_o sedition_n and_o last_o of_o all_o their_o end_n be_v destruction_n hitherto_o i_o have_v labour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o magistrate_n by_o his_o office_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v do_v first_o by_o enact_v just_a law_n and_o wholesome_a order_n consonant_a to_o wisdom_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o second_o by_o use_v his_o power_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o vigour_n and_o execution_n as_o also_o to_o show_v that_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v willing_a obedience_n to_o such_o law_n and_o order_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o restrain_v the_o disobedient_a and_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n nevertheless_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o power_n wherewithal_o god_n have_v invest_v the_o magistrate_n be_v always_o to_o be_v use_v for_o public_a good_a and_o requisite_a it_o be_v that_o a_o due_a distinction_n be_v make_v in_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n between_o such_o as_o err_v out_o of_o mistake_n or_o ignorance_n and_o those_o that_o resist_v out_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o contempt_n i_o shall_v in_o all_o humbleness_n propound_v some_o few_o expedient_n how_o far_o the_o magistrate_n may_v please_v to_o slacken_v his_o power_n and_o so_o temper_v the_o law_n and_o penalty_n thereof_o as_o they_o may_v serve_v both_o way_n as_o lenitive_n for_o the_o simple_a and_o corrosive_n for_o the_o stubborn_a who_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v reform_v 1._o i_o conceive_v that_o as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v so_o it_o will_v be_v dangerous_a to_o grant_v any_o toleration_n of_o religion_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n will_v breed_v a_o freedom_n of_o will_n and_o freedom_n of_o will_n will_v beget_v liberty_n of_o life_n which_o will_v breed_v a_o fearful_a independency_n when_o every_o one_o may_v do_v what_o they_o list_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n and_o one_o truth_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v obsiquity_n and_o error_n therefore_o when_o the_o truth_n have_v be_v try_v by_o the_o word_n and_o ratify_v by_o the_o magistrate_n he_o can_v suffer_v any_o falsehood_n without_o be_v accessary_a thereunto_o yet_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n for_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o weak_a brethren_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o confession_n of_o faith_n but_o dissent_v in_o outward_a form_n out_o of_o tenderness_n or_o ignorance_n to_o such_o a_o toleration_n or_o connivance_n or_o suspension_n of_o law_n may_v be_v harmless_a and_o charitable_a till_o they_o be_v further_o satisfy_v and_o instruct_v 2._o that_o whosoever_o live_v under_o the_o subjection_n of_o this_o state_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o destitute_a of_o grace_n as_o to_o renounce_v christ_n or_o speak_v blasphemous_o of_o he_o or_o any_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n he_o shall_v upon_o conviction_n be_v inform_v of_o the_o truth_n with_o a_o brotherly_a admonition_n not_o to_o divulge_v his_o error_n to_o the_o corruption_n or_o scandal_n of_o other_o or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a peace_n for_o the_o second_o offence_n he_o shall_v endure_v a_o year_n imprisonment_n be_v disable_v in_o his_o testimony_n put_v out_o of_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o wear_v some_o public_a mark_n note_v he_o for_o a_o blasphemer_n for_o the_o three_o offence_n he_o shall_v suffer_v banishment_n or_o close_o and_o perpetual_a imprisonment_n and_o if_o banish_v it_o shall_v be_v capital_a for_o he_o to_o return_v without_o licence_n of_o the_o state_n for_o if_o he_o by_o our_o law_n deserve_v death_n that_o seduce_v any_o subject_a from_o the_o allegiance_n of_o his_o natural_a prince_n what_o deserve_v he_o that_o seek_v to_o alienate_v the_o soul_n of_o any_o christian_n from_o the_o dependence_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o devil_n 3._o if_o any_o one_o out_o of_o a_o evil_a heart_n shall_v break_v forth_o into_o open_a revile_v scorn_v disgraceful_a word_n against_o the_o present_a church-government_n now_o establish_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v connive_v at_o as_o a_o man_n of_o tender_a conscience_n for_o as_o he_o give_v himself_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o disjoin_v from_o it_o so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o his_o power_n not_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o but_o do_v it_o by_o choice_n and_o deliberation_n he_o can_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o weakness_n for_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o give_v offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o all_o his_o godly_a brethren_n live_v in_o peaceable_a obedience_n can_v imagine_v that_o his_o private_a fancy_n though_o cover_v with_o weakness_n shall_v be_v more_o tender_v than_o the_o public_a conscience_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n such_o a_o one_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v as_o a_o contemner_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n first_o by_o reproof_n and_o exhortation_n not_o to_o disquiet_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o land_n second_o by_o a_o pecuniary_a mulct_n for_o some_o public_a use_n with_o disability_n of_o his_o credit_n three_o if_o he_o still_o persist_v with_o close_a imprisonment_n till_o he_o give_v public_a satisfaction_n of_o his_o repentance_n 4._o forasmuch_o as_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o undertake_v the_o office_n and_o function_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n ministry_n without_o he_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o inward_a call_n thereunto_o neither_o can_v such_o man_n conceive_v themselves_o awhit_o the_o worse_a or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n to_o have_v a_o outward_a approbation_n by_o lay_v on_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o pray_v for_o divine_a blessing_n upon_o their_o person_n and_o give_v they_o a_o orderly_a mission_n into_o god_n harvest_n therefore_o whosoever_o shall_v take_v unto_o himself_o the_o holy_a call_n presume_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n not_o be_v admit_v nor_o ordain_v thereunto_o by_o lawful_a authority_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v as_o the_o former_a be_v that_o contemn_v the_o civil_a power_n or_o rather_o more_o severe_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v find_v in_o their_o public_a preach_n to_o sow_v sedition_n among_o the_o people_n provide_v that_o such_o person_n master_n of_o family_n or_o other_o meet_v in_o their_o own_o house_n or_o in_o their_o neighbour_n to_o repeat_v what_o they_o hear_v or_o learn_v out_o of_o sermon_n preach_v by_o authority_n and_o upon_o that_o or_o the_o like_a occasion_n worship_n god_n by_o pray_v or_o sing_v of_o psalm_n confer_v or_o argue_v upon_o any_o part_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v as_o also_o such_o who_o be_v require_v by_o any_o friend_n or_o neighbour_n when_o the_o advice_n of_o minister_n can_v be_v have_v to_o open_v or_o expound_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n or_o deliver_v his_o judgement_n upon_o any_o case_n of_o conscience_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o party_n be_v not_o comprehend_v under_o this_o article_n or_o any_o penalty_n thereof_o because_o we_o be_v command_v to_o exercise_v the_o gift_n and_o talent_n god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o a_o sober_a and_o orderly_a way_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o one_o another_o 5._o whereas_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n many_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o manifest_v nor_o clear_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n blow_v where_o he_o list_v and_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o time_n place_n nor_o person_n but_o inspire_v who_o he_o please_v if_o therefore_o any_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o have_v a_o new_a opinion_n or_o new_a light_n reveal_v unto_o he_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n fit_v it_o be_v he_o shall_v bring_v his_o knowledge_n to_o some_o godly_a minister_n approve_v of_o or_o to_o the_o next_o classiâ—_z where_o he_o live_v
there_o to_o be_v try_v and_o examine_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n judge_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o perchance_o they_o neither_o approve_v of_o his_o opinion_n nor_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v he_o then_o to_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o next_o national_a council_n to_o which_o he_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o he_o publish_v his_o opinion_n under_o hand_n to_o the_o breach_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n in_o the_o church_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v as_o a_o disturber_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o penalty_n mention_v in_o the_o three_o article_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a mean_n the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v be_v preserve_v from_o contempt_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o weak_a brethren_n from_o constraint_n till_o they_o shall_v pluck_v off_o their_o mask_n and_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v obstinate_a and_o unsufferable_a clamour_v for_o toleration_n under_o pretence_n of_o weakness_n but_o indeed_o make_v a_o breach_n and_o separation_n in_o confidence_n of_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o perfection_n disdain_v with_o supercilious_a eye_n the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o brethren_n by_o which_o fallacy_n they_o think_v to_o blear_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o make_v the_o weak_a to_o overthrow_v the_o strong_a to_o such_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n whether_o they_o be_v papist_n heretic_n schismatic_n or_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v for_o a_o weak_a conscience_n be_v nowadays_o become_v a_o cloak_n for_o all_o shoulder_n my_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o any_o indulgence_n or_o connivance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v extend_v to_o they_o who_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o be_v employ_v in_o malicious_a design_n work_v underground_o the_o division_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o state_n therefore_o to_o conclude_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n as_o i_o begin_v which_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o unity_n peace_n and_o love_n in_o the_o fear_n and_o before_o the_o face_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o by_o the_o bowel_n of_o that_o love_n wherewith_o christ_n jesus_n love_v we_o all_o i_o do_v beseech_v the_o brethren_n whether_o they_o be_v leader_n or_o follower_n that_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n but_o dissent_v in_o government_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o examine_v what_o they_o will_v be_v at_o be_v it_o at_o the_o advancement_n of_o truth_n the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n the_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n let_v they_o consider_v whether_o all_o these_o may_v not_o be_v have_v as_o they_o be_v all_o intend_a under_o the_o present_a government_n be_v it_o at_o spiritual_a perfection_n while_o they_o be_v present_a in_o the_o flesh_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a consist_v in_o humility_n love_n peace_n meekness_n sobriety_n and_o uprightness_n which_o be_v true_o spiritual_a and_o none_o of_o they_o exclude_v by_o this_o government_n be_v it_o at_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o he_o may_v reign_v as_o lord_n omnipotent_a upon_o earth_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n he_o prescribe_v no_o form_n nor_o model_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o he_o find_v they_o so_o he_o leave_v they_o where_o he_o be_v receive_v he_o sublime_v and_o refine_v they_o where_o he_o be_v not_o receive_v he_o do_v not_o destroy_v they_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o this_o present_a governmet_a do_v no_o way_n eclipse_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o whither_o it_o be_v place_v in_o a_o single_a congregation_n or_o in_o a_o general_a assembly_n or_o in_o the_o last_o resort_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n all_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n jesus_n who_o rule_v among_o they_o by_o his_o word_n whereunto_o they_o conform_v their_o government_n be_v it_o at_o the_o set_n up_o of_o any_o other_o government_n which_o they_o think_v be_v only_o divine_a and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o by_o such_o assertion_n they_o do_v not_o only_o blast_v all_o reform_a church_n at_o this_o day_n and_o leave_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o condemnation_n live_v under_o another_o government_n but_o also_o condemn_v multitude_n of_o soul_n depart_v which_o under_o other_o government_n live_v saint_n upon_o earth_n die_v martyr_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v now_o triumphant_n in_o heaven_n or_o else_o be_v it_o at_o no_o government_n at_o all_o till_o they_o receive_v on_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n let_v they_o consider_v whether_o any_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v we_o in_o scripture_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v this_o we_o find_v that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n order_n and_o government_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o all_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o last_o be_v it_o to_o set_v up_o a_o infallibility_n of_o private_a judgement_n take_v themselves_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v all_o above_o they_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o deceit_n aâ—â—_z that_o to_o strive_v and_o contend_v to_o make_v rent_n and_o separation_n for_o these_o thing_n to_o despise_v the_o power_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n rank_n and_o carnal_a but_o if_o it_o be_v as_o i_o will_v hope_v it_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o sincere_a weakness_n of_o conscience_n arise_v from_o a_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n not_o yet_o see_v the_o clearness_n of_o that_o light_n which_o have_v in_o lighten_v the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n and_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n let_v they_o be_v entreat_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o further_a illumination_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o suspend_v their_o opinion_n and_o forbear_v contention_n by_o christian_a modesty_n and_o moderation_n become_v the_o saint_n to_o maintain_v christian_a charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n and_o make_v it_o manifest_a unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n that_o they_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n strife_n and_o vainglory_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o lowliness_n patience_n and_o meekness_n mind_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o improve_n the_o gift_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n whereunto_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v and_o in_o other_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n concerning_o the_o form_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o the_o outward_a face_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n whereunto_o perhaps_o not_o have_v yet_o attain_v they_o may_v be_v otherwise_o mind_v therein_o to_o wait_v god_n time_n with_o quiet_a and_o patience_n who_o have_v promise_v to_o reveal_v even_o that_o also_o unto_o they_o that_o one_o may_v not_o be_v perfect_a without_o another_o it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v think_v themselves_o unkind_o deal_v withal_o and_o very_o ill_o requite_v that_o have_v so_o frank_o adventure_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n and_o do_v so_o valiant_o against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o land_n they_o shall_v after_o all_o this_o be_v deny_v any_o request_n especial_o that_o which_o so_o near_o touch_v their_o freedom_n of_o conscience_n and_o inward_a peace_n true_o it_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n confess_v and_o no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v seek_v to_o cast_v a_o veil_n over_o their_o worth_n or_o suppress_v their_o achievement_n god_n have_v do_v wonderful_a thing_n by_o many_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o less_o honour_n they_o take_v to_o themselves_o the_o more_o will_v be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o band_n who_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o register_n of_o fame_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n but_o what_o will_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n say_v if_o jesuit_n and_o malignent_n converse_v among_o they_o in_o sheeps-clothing_n if_o transform_v into_o angel_n of_o light_n they_o carry_v on_o these_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o by_o secret_a suggestion_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o serpent_n make_v they_o blow_v this_o coal_n and_o widen_v this_o breach_n against_o their_o own_o intention_n it_o be_v not_o for_o nought_o that_o there_o be_v so_o maâ—y_o popish_a spy_n and_o agent_n among_o we_o who_o employment_n be_v to_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n by_o sow_v faction_n and_o disobedience_n among_o the_o people_n they_o feel_v their_o blow_n and_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o their_o form_n be_v break_v they_o be_v upon_o their_o last_o gasp_n and_o their_o last_o refuge_n be_v this_o to_o compass_v that_o by_o treachery_n and_o mischief_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v by_o force_n in_o the_o field_n if_o they_o can_v divide_v the_o civil_a and_o military_a power_n and_o fling_v fire-ball_n of_o division_n into_o the_o tent_n of_o brethren_n they_o have_v yet_o a_o faint_a hope_n to_o recover_v strength_n and_o destroy_v they_o both_o let_v not_o our_o brethren_n think_v this_o to_o be_v a_o eary_a or_o empty_a admonition_n for_o there_o be_v man_n so_o fine_o spirit_v and_o rarify_v to_o the_o invisibility_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o will_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a and_o weave_v their_o hypocritical_a web_n with_o liberty_n that_o common_o the_o simple_a and_o many_o time_n the_o circumspect_a be_v involve_v and_o take_v happy_a it_o be_v that_o by_o some_o mark_n they_o may_v be_v know_v for_o than_o they_o be_v easy_o avoid_v but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o strike_v up_o division_n and_o separate_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o brethren_n the_o safe_a remedy_n be_v to_o stop_v our_o ear_n as_o against_o enchanter_n and_o negotiator_n for_o the_o devil_n return_v then_o o_o shulamite_n return_n return_v be_v not_o entrap_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o division_n but_o return_v to_o the_o tent_n of_o peace_n what_o will_v you_o see_v in_o the_o shulamites_n we_o shall_v see_v when_o he_o return_v and_o join_v his_o body_n to_o the_o state_n and_o his_o conscience_n to_o the_o church_n that_o his_o countenance_n be_v fair_a as_o the_o moon_n clear_a as_o the_o sun_n terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n and_o that_o his_o company_n unite_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v like_o the_o association_n of_o two_o army_n link_v together_o by_o one_o heart_n invincible_a and_o undissolvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o of_o antichrist_n thus_o have_v i_o deliver_v my_o poor_a judgement_n and_o discharge_v my_o duty_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o the_o public_a peace_n i_o pretend_v not_o to_o revelation_n nor_o a_o unerring_a spirit_n but_o be_v privy_a to_o the_o evenness_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o unbiased_a intention_n my_o conscience_n be_v my_o testimony_n that_o i_o have_v not_o err_v to_o cause_v any_o other_o man_n to_o err_v in_o regard_n whereof_o i_o may_v hope_v that_o all_o man_n who_o be_v spiritual_a and_o disinteress_v in_o their_o end_n will_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n so_o farforth_o at_o least_o as_o it_o aim_v and_o tend_v to_o piety_n and_o peace_n nevertheless_o if_o any_o will_v be_v still_o contention_n and_o dissent_n neither_o i_o nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v any_o such_o custom_n nor_o do_v i_o intend_v for_o this_o difference_n of_o judgement_n to_o break_v charity_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o i_o rather_o beseech_v they_o for_o a_o close_a of_o all_o to_o put_v on_o mild_a and_o gentle_a affection_n and_o while_o they_o approve_v of_o our_o faith_n not_o to_o disapprove_v our_o work_n by_o excommunicate_v of_o we_o or_o separate_v from_o we_o till_o our_o work_n go_v before_o we_o and_o condemn_v ourselves_o leave_v they_o in_o this_o assurance_n that_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v come_v the_o judge_n and_o master_n of_o we_o all_o to_o who_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v it_o will_v be_v better_o for_o they_o and_o for_o we_o in_o that_o day_n that_o he_o find_v our_o heart_n establish_v in_o grace_n than_o ourselves_o at_o variance_n about_o church-government_n finis_fw-la