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 pubican_n that_o be_v excommunicate_v he_o now_o for_o what_o fault_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_a they_o be_v set_v down_o v_o 15._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o scandalous_a trespass_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a on_o which_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o error_n not_o contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n such_o as_o many_o point_n of_o arminianism_n antinomianism_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o persist_v in_o be_v scandalous_a both_o to_o particular_a christian_n and_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v upon_o other_o error_n than_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o assertion_n three_o neither_o can_v we_o assent_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o of_o what_o be_v present_o say_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v against_o every_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a but_o also_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o error_n follow_v or_o the_o like_a against_o fundamental_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o impostor_n a_o deceiver_n that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o free_a grace_n say_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n such_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v no_o not_o ecclesiastical_o because_o these_o error_n be_v not_o against_o nature_n light_n but_o scripture_n light_v only_o for_o nature_n light_n teach_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o error_n this_o much_o for_o church_n toleration_n but_o as_o say_v be_v concern_v this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a contraversy_n the_o main_a question_n than_o be_v concern_v state_n toleration_n concern_v which_o some_o do_v affirm_v that_o whatever_o the_o church_n may_v do_v in_o inflict_v church_n censure_n on_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o heterodox_n opinion_n yet_o say_v they_o no_o civil_a punishment_n such_o as_o death_n imprisonment_n mulct_n or_o fine_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o any_o error_n or_o blaspheme_n whatsoever_o provide_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o do_v not_o trouble_v the_o state_n or_o do_v evil_a against_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o civil_a thing_n we_o again_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o every_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o suppress_v adultery_n fornication_n sedition_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o suppress_v error_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n now_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n and_o free_v it_o from_o some_o odious_a imputation_n that_o may_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o argument_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v heretic_n at_o the_o first_o step_n pain_n shall_v first_o be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v antecedent_n and_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o convince_v gainsayer_n so_o this_o must_v go_v before_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v find_v obstinate_a before_o the_o magistrate_n meddle_v with_o they_o or_o punish_v they_o civil_o especial_o if_o their_o error_n be_v not_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n light_n in_o such_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v so_o much_o forbearance_n second_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o get_v alike_o punishment_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o guilt_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n murder_n be_v a_o more_o heinous_a fault_n than_o fornication_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o high_o even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o first_o table_n blasphemy_n do_v against_o god_n or_o a_o deny_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o high_a sin_n than_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o severe_o three_o as_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o like_a punishment_n so_o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o maintain_v the_o same_o error_n be_v to_o be_v alike_o punish_v for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v seducer_n or_o drawer_n on_o of_o other_o to_o error_n disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n ringleader_n there_o be_v other_o again_o that_o be_v only_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o to_o error_n and_o these_o last_o although_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v more_o spare_o towards_o they_o so_o second_o there_o be_v some_o root_v in_o error_n confirm_v in_o it_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v instruction_n there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o be_v seek_v light_n who_o way_n evidence_v they_o to_o be_v conscientious_a only_o for_o the_o time_n they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o humility_n seek_v after_o light_n and_o these_o last_o the_o magistrate_n as_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v to_o bear_v much_o with_o according_a to_o rom._n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v say_v to_o clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o argument_n to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o suppress_v and_o punish_v error_n heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o punish_v adultery_n theft_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n the_o first_o argument_n we_o bring_v be_v from_o the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o which_o we_o form_v a_o argument_n thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n than_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n therefore_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n second_o as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n so_o their_o practice_n herein_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o other_o for_o king_n and_o magistrate_n do_v several_a thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o approven_v and_o so_o not_o bind_v unto_o we_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v to_o clear_v be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o abraham_n practice_n genes_n 18._o 19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n second_o with_o jacob_n who_o be_v a_o magistrate_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o employ_v his_o power_n to_o suppress_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o 35_o of_o gen._n vers_fw-la 2._o then_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o household_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v among_o you_o
immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n the_o three_o sermon_n luke_n 7._o 23._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o me._n belove_a in_o the_o lord_n that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n have_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o no_o age_n more_o than_o in_o this_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o way_n of_o work_v both_o with_o church_n and_o particular_a soul_n have_v be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o many_o yea_o more_o and_o more_o be_v stumble_v still_o what_o through_o one_o occasion_n or_o other_o many_o who_o once_o do_v seem_v to_o run_v well_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n have_v either_o already_o take_v up_o or_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o take_v up_o such_o a_o halt_n as_o christ_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o say_v to_o those_o very_a few_o who_o seem_v resolve_v to_o follow_v he_o through_o better_a and_o worse_o as_o once_o he_o say_v joh._n 6._o 67._o unto_o the_o twelve_o when_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o i_o have_v therefore_o choose_v this_o text_n to_o speak_v from_o now_o immediate_o after_o have_v engage_v yourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o christ_n way_n that_o thereby_o you_o may_v guard_v against_o that_o woeful_a common_a evil_n of_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n or_o of_o stumble_v and_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o his_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o for_o blessed_n be_v he_o say_v christ_n whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o the_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n answer_n to_o that_o question_n propound_v to_o he_o by_o two_o of_o john_n disciple_n at_o john_n desire_n verse_n 20._o art_n thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o look_v we_o for_o another_o you_o may_v wonder_v that_o john_n who_o know_v christ_n so_o well_o shall_v have_v move_v such_o a_o question_n but_o the_o answer_n be_v first_o though_o soul_n know_v christ_n never_o so_o well_o they_o will_v desire_v and_o have_v need_n to_o know_v he_o better_o and_o to_o get_v what_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o he_o confirm_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n for_o john_n be_v now_o in_o prison_n and_o two_o they_o will_v desire_v that_o other_o may_v know_v he_o also_o for_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o go_v before_o that_o john_n propound_v this_o question_n for_o his_o disciple_n satisfaction_n and_o to_o satisfy_v their_o doubt_n more_o than_o his_o own_o christ_n answer_n have_v two_o part_n 1._o he_o bid_v they_o show_v john_n what_o they_o see_v he_o do_v verse_n 22._o tell_v john_n say_v he_o what_o thing_n you_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v how_o that_o the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v to_o the_o poor_a the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v if_o you_o ask_v what_o make_v this_o to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o question_n i_o answer_v it_o make_v much_o for_o it_o show_v he_o be_v do_v that_o which_o scripture_n foretell_v the_o messiah_n will_v do_v isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o therefore_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n 2._o in_o their_o word_n he_o answer_v a_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o truth_n take_v from_o christ_n own_o low_a condition_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o follower_n which_o make_v many_o bear_n off_o he_o for_o they_o expect_v a_o glorious_a messiah_n a_o great_a earthly_a monarch_n and_o because_o christ_n be_v but_o obscure_a and_o mean_a therefore_o they_o stumble_v and_o be_v offend_v in_o he_o to_o this_o christ_n answer_v blessed_n be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v in_o i_o the_o word_n render_v here_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o traveller_n who_o have_v dash_v their_o foot_n or_o leg_n at_o some_o stone_n or_o block_n in_o the_o way_n do_v stumble_v or_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n so_o as_o they_o can_v go_v no_o further_o at_o least_o advance_v not_o so_o quick_o in_o the_o way_n as_o they_o do_v and_o second_o while_o he_o say_v offend_v in_o i_o take_v this_o first_o active_o and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o shall_v not_o take_v occasion_n of_o stumble_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o way_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v take_v passive_o so_o as_o to_o point_v out_o the_o way_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v nor_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o for_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o wit_n every_o sinful_a course_n and_o way_n that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o people_n to_o stumble_v in_o and_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o but_o this_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n prescribe_v by_o he_o bless_a be_v he_o say_v christ_n who_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v happy_a be_v that_o man_n who_o take_v not_o occasion_n from_o i_o or_o any_o thing_n in_o my_o way_n to_o stumble_v or_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o i_o and_o that_o course_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n wherein_o i_o have_v command_v he_o to_o walk_v the_o word_n be_v but_o one_o entire_a proposition_n and_o sentence_n i_o need_v not_o therefore_o spend_v time_n in_o divide_v they_o but_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o doctrine_n first_o the_o lord_n apply_v the_o general_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o himself_o in_o particular_a show_v they_o be_v verify_v in_o he_o for_o the_o word_n in_o i_o have_v in_o they_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o question_v propound_v by_o john_n disciple_n and_o show_v the_o messiah_n be_v come_v and_o that_o he_o be_v that_o messiah_n whence_o we_o may_v mark_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n bring_v up_o in_o nazareth_n and_o crucify_a in_o jerusalem_n be_v that_o very_o same_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o promise_v to_o the_o father_n we_o may_v observe_v 2_o that_o before_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n who_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o not_o to_o stumble_v at_o he_o do_v first_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v so_o while_o he_o hid_n john_n disciple_n tell_v their_o master_n he_o be_v do_v such_o miraculous_a work_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v foreshow_v none_o but_o christ_n shall_v do_v whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o all_o question_n and_o debate_n about_o religion_n shall_v be_v determine_v from_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n for_o here_o when_o a_o question_n arise_v among_o john_n disciple_n if_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n neither_o john_n the_o baptist_n than_o who_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a prophet_n among_o these_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n yea_o nor_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v great_a than_o he_o do_v take_v it_o upon_o they_o to_o determine_v in_o it_o but_o john_n send_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o christ_n send_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o solution_n thus_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o lord_n isai._n 8._o 20._o if_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v the_o inlet_a to_o humane_a tradition_n without_o and_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n both_o in_o worship_n and_o government_n in_o the_o antichristian_a church_n and_o if_o this_o rule_n once_o be_v lay_v aside_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o humane_a ceremony_n until_o all_o that_o trash_n which_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v bring_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o man_n can_v make_v way_n for_o one_o it_o may_v also_o make_v way_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o pass_v those_o the_o two_o follow_a doctrine_n be_v these_o that_o i_o intend_v most_o to_o insist_v upon_o and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v employ_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v many_o stumble_a block_n in_o christ_n way_n whereat_z people_z be_v apt_a to_o offend_v take_v up_o a_o halt_n and_o stumble_v and_o yet_o second_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o stumble_v for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o stumble_a block_n christ_n need_v not_o so_o much_o guard_n against_o they_o and_o by_o his_o guard_n against_o they_o he_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 lâ—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 isaâ—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
be_v the_o sure_a pillar_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n but_o woe_n to_o and_o will_v be_v to_o that_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v build_v on_o such_o pillar_n and_o if_o scotland_n or_o any_o party_n in_o it_o join_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n our_o woe_n be_v but_o come_v he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o service_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o second_o command_n the_o three_o use_n be_v if_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o put_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o punish_v error_n it_o shall_v make_v you_o scar_n at_o error_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o see_v error_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v and_o so_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v punish_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v neglect_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v if_o they_o can_v live_v a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o the_o lord_n judge_n not_o so_o for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v other_o sin_n punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n so_o he_o will_v have_v these_o punish_v also_o and_o such_o as_o he_o usual_o punish_v himself_o by_o fearful_a plague_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o punish_v other_o sin_n so_o do_v he_o in_o those_o we_o may_v speak_v much_o from_o history_n of_o fearful_a judgement_n send_v immediate_o by_o god_n upon_o heretic_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o close_o sect_n iii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n head_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o also_o in_o some_o other_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o these_o error_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o once_o the_o government_n be_v brangle_v or_o shake_v the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n come_v in_o easy_o and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n main_a design_n have_v be_v against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o blast_v and_o storm_v this_o wall_n on_o all_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v to_o make_v out_o these_o four_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n by_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n enact_v of_o church_n canon_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v by_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o appeal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n three_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o particular_a eldership_n independent_o from_o other_o judicatories_n above_o they_o but_o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o superior_a judicatories_n in_o which_o proposition_n we_o will_v meet_v with_o these_o error_n that_o be_v most_o dangerous_o opposite_a to_o church_n government_n at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o two_o proposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastians_n and_o the_o last_o two_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independent_o as_o they_o be_v common_o design_v first_o we_o shall_v engage_v with_o erastianism_n and_o our_o scope_n in_o this_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n or_o error_n have_v its_o name_n from_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o it_o call_v erastus_n a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n who_o upon_o some_o discontent_n do_v first_o vent_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o minister_n shall_v only_o meddle_v with_o preach_v but_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o meet_v in_o church_n judicatories_n session_n presbytery_n or_o such_o like_a nor_o shall_v they_o punish_v scandalous_a sin_n with_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n but_o that_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o in_o a_o nation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o doctrine_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v vent_v do_v get_v and_o do_v yet_o get_v many_o follower_n chief_o among_o state_n divine_n and_o christian_n that_o know_v more_o of_o worldly_a policy_n than_o christian_a simplicity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n so_o plausible_a and_o please_a it_o be_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v well_o endure_v to_o have_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o psalm_n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o both_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n do_v aggree_v in_o this_o error_n to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n be_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o church_n censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o both_o of_o they_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o this_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o refute_v the_o first_o be_v most_o gross_a whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o to_o erect_v any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o erect_v one_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v that_o government_n which_o suit_v best_a the_o well-being_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v episcopacy_n this_o year_n the_o next_o year_n he_o may_v establish_v presbytry_n and_o the_o three_o year_n he_o may_v cast_v both_o and_o establish_v independency_n and_o if_o he_o like_v he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o government_n different_a from_o any_o of_o these_o and_o establish_v it_o the_o second_o erastian_n error_n be_v this_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v whatever_o government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o ground_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a fountain_n of_o church_n government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o first_o error_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o god_n will_v we_o shall_v make_v good_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v establish_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n which_o to_o alter_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o way_n for_o punish_v scandal_n for_o inflict_a church_n censure_n enact_v church_n canon_n and_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o in_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n to_o set_v down_o any_o government_n they_o please_v in_o prosecute_a which_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v that_o method_n we_o keep_v in_o refute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n 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 to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v answer_v these_o argument_n the_o adversary_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v apply_v all_o to_o use._n i._o and_o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v their_o two_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
antinomian_o that_o tend_v to_o profanity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v of_o god_n second_o that_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n tend_v to_o exalt_v christ._n john_n 16._o 15._o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o say_v he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n i_o mean_v their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n three_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n humble_v man_n as_o error_n do_v fill_v man_n with_o pride_n thus_o those_o sectary_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o judas_n be_v call_v lofty_a and_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatever_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n that_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o the_o man_n self_n and_o undervalue_v of_o other_o that_o cleave_v to_o this_o error_n and_o second_o it_o make_v people_n orderly_o in_o stand_v for_o it_o so_o be_v it_o say_v of_o christ_n his_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o street_n now_o these_o mark_n as_o we_o have_v say_v do_v but_o usual_o follow_v for_o because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n even_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n may_v want_v these_o property_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n may_v have_v a_o show_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o mark_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n so_o that_o all_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o whatever_o be_v the_o show_v any_o doctrine_n have_v whether_o of_o holiness_n exalt_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n whatever_o show_v it_o have_v of_o humility_n and_o orderly_a carriage_n in_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o in_o their_o avow_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n doct_n xi_o we_o come_v now_o to_o our_o main_a design_n to_o wit_v the_o refutation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n the_o ground_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v take_v from_o the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o be_v evident_o import_v in_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o while_o he_o bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o evident_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v some_o spirit_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n will_v be_v sound_a faulty_a and_o not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n i_o shall_v god_n willing_a give_v instance_n of_o this_o and_o according_o make_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o most_o take_v dangerous_a and_o most_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o time_n particular_o upon_o those_o follow_v first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n five_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v by_o unsent_a man_n six_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antinomianism_n and_o last_o the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptism_n in_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n make_v it_o appear_v here_o that_o however_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v doctrine_n warrant_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o warrant_v in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v show_v they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v much_o cry_v up_o among_o sectary_n and_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v very_o take_v what_o think_v people_n if_o they_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o need_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o what_o other_o do_v our_o purpose_n be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n though_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o have_v read_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereupon_o we_o be_v to_o ground_v the_o most_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v against_o this_o error_n scripture_n i_o begin_v to_o refute_v this_o error_n of_o toleration_n first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o sectary_n main_a refuge_n it_o be_v their_o holy_a of_o holys_n wherein_o they_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o their_o gross_a error_n what_o say_v they_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n and_o who_o dare_v meddle_v with_o conscience_n but_o the_o god_n of_o conscience_n second_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o begin_v with_o it_o first_o because_o of_o all_o other_o error_n it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a in_o so_o far_o as_o other_o error_n do_v only_o evert_v these_o particular_a truth_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o they_o be_v contrary_a but_o by_o this_o one_o error_n this_o monster_n of_o toleration_n way_n be_v make_v to_o evert_v all_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o set_n up_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o every_o jote_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o take_v order_n with_o it_o in_o prosecute_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v follow_v this_o method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v our_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v they_o from_o the_o adversary_n exception_n three_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o their_o argument_n and_o shall_v refute_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o practical_a use_n first_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n what_o a_o thing_n this_o toleration_n be_v that_o we_o labour_v to_o refute_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a toleration_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o church_n toleration_n and_o a_o state_n toleration_n a_o church_n toleration_n be_v that_o whereby_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o error_n and_o heresy_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v vent_v and_o go_v free_a even_o from_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o excommunication_n there_o be_v but_o few_o sectary_n of_o any_o note_n that_o plead_v for_o toleration_n in_o this_o latitude_n and_o that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a against_o it_o paul_n say_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v therefore_o they_o be_v content_v that_o church-censure_n such_o as_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v on_o heretic_n provide_v first_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o civil_a censure_n second_o that_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v for_o no_o error_n but_o for_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o truth_n or_o as_o some_o say_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n upon_o these_o and_o no_o other_o will_v they_o have_v excommunication_n to_o strike_v though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a question_n which_o we_o be_v to_o insist_v upon_o yet_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o assertion_n contrary_a to_o their_o doctrine_n even_o in_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v heretic_n from_o civil_a censure_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v they_o from_o church_n censure_v also_o if_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v be_v free_a from_o the_o one_o what_o reason_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o fear_v of_o civil_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o err_v do_v as_o they_o say_v enforce_v the_o conscience_n and_o make_v people_n hypocrite_n we_o see_v not_o but_o the_o fear_n of_o church_n censure_n may_v do_v the_o same_o or_o if_o notwithstanding_o of_o church_n censure_n the_o conscience_n be_v not_o force_v the_o service_n not_o constrain_v which_o they_o grant_v then_o notwithstanding_o of_o civil_a censure_n it_o be_v not_o force_v or_o the_o service_n constrain_v either_o and_o so_o from_o their_o own_o ground_n this_o vast_a toleration_n of_o error_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n second_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o that_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v for_o any_o error_n but_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o because_o christ_n give_v we_o a_o rule_n upon_o what_o fault_n excommunication_n shall_v strict_a to_o wit_n on_o every_o scandalous_a fault_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n persist_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o
worship_v a_o false_a god_n that_o therefore_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v heretic_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n though_o in_o a_o false_a way_n this_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o exception_n to_o which_o we_o reply_v first_o that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a which_o they_o say_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n do_v extend_v but_o to_o idolater_n and_o those_o that_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o other_o to_o serve_v false_a god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o it_o may_v be_v bind_v to_o magistrate_n now_o to_o punish_v heretic_n worship_v a_o true_a god_n in_o a_o false_a way_n and_o that_o because_o of_o this_o rule_n necessary_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o expound_v of_o scripture_n that_o when_o the_o command_n of_o god_n do_v strict_a against_o any_o one_o sin_n most_o usual_a in_o the_o time_n by_o rule_n of_o proportion_n it_o strike_v against_o all_o sin_n of_o that_o kind_n as_o in_o the_o second_o command_n there_o be_v nothing_o express_o forbid_v but_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o grave_a image_n and_o that_o because_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o image_n be_v the_o sin_n most_o in_o use_n at_o that_o time_n yet_o under_o grave_v be_v forbid_v all_o way_n of_o worship_v of_o god_n invent_v by_o man_n and_o so_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o godly_a king_n do_v strict_a but_o against_o idolatry_n yet_o by_o rule_n of_o proportion_n all_o sin_n of_o that_o kind_n shall_v be_v suppress_v to_o which_o add_v that_o when_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o any_o sin_n by_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o death_n common_a equity_n will_v infer_v that_o lesser_a degree_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o a_o lesser_a punishment_n at_o least_o second_o to_o what_o they_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n do_v only_o punish_v idolatry_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v false_a they_o do_v punish_v other_o error_n also_o and_o such_o as_o will_v be_v think_v light_n of_o now_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v instance_n in_o several_a particular_n first_o they_o punish_v will_v worship_v in_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n and_o this_o we_o see_v by_o compare_v two_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v the_o 2_o king_n 23_o 8_o 9_o speak_v of_o josiah_n and_o he_o bring_v all_o the_o priest_n out_o of_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n and_o defile_v the_o high_a place_n where_o the_o priest_n have_v burn_v incense_n so_o he_o employ_v his_o power_n against_o the_o high_a place_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n the_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o be_v the_o 2_o chrov_fw-mi 33._o 17._o which_o tell_v we_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o high_a place_n nevertheless_o the_o people_n do_v sacrifice_v still_o in_o the_o high_a place_n yet_o unto_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n only_o so_o that_o this_o worship_v on_o the_o high_a place_n be_v not_o that_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n whereby_o a_o false_a god_n be_v worship_v but_o a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o whereby_o they_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o yet_o josiah_n suppress_v even_o this_o kind_n of_o false_a worship_n second_o we_o find_v that_o magistrate_n do_v employ_v their_o power_n for_o suppress_v of_o the_o breaker_n of_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o and_o punish_v those_o that_o marry_v strange_a wife_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o idolater_n and_o apostat_n from_o the_o true_a god_n a_o noble_a example_n whereof_o be_v in_o nehemiah_n 13._o from_o verse_n 15_o to_o 21._o there_o be_v a_o large_a history_n what_o pain_n he_o take_v to_o reform_v the_o people_n to_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n day_n therefore_o in_o the_o 21._o v._n then_o i_o testify_v against_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o why_o lodge_v you_o about_o the_o wall_n if_o you_o do_v so_o again_o i_o will_v lay_v hand_n on_o you_o he_o threaten_v to_o employ_v the_o civil_a power_n for_o suppress_v of_o that_o error_n and_o this_o be_v not_o idolatry_n and_o second_o we_o find_v that_o the_o magistrate_n employ_v their_o power_n general_o for_o suppress_v any_o error_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o any_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o where_o we_o read_v in_o the_o 2_o chron_n 34._o 31_o 32._o and_o the_o king_n stand_v in_o his_o place_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n before_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o cause_v all_o that_o be_v present_a in_o jerusalem_n and_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o it_o and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o only_o against_o those_o who_o be_v seducer_n but_o also_o against_o those_o that_o be_v seduce_v so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o exodus_fw-la 32_o v_o 20._o in_o that_o idolatry_n of_o worship_v the_o golden_a calf_n when_o moses_n come_v down_o from_o the_o mount_n in_o his_o zeal_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n he_o not_o only_o punish_v aaron_n but_o also_o the_o people_n and_o more_o than_o this_o he_o arm_n the_o levit_n as_o the_o avenger_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o proclaim_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v avenge_v the_o lord_n upon_o his_o very_a brother_n thus_o we_o have_v make_v out_o in_o the_o first_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n and_o have_v vindicate_v it_o by_o scripture_n from_o their_o exception_n bring_v against_o it_o the_o second_o argument_n shall_v yet_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o many_o command_n and_o precept_n that_o be_v give_v in_o scripture_n to_o godly_a king_n and_o magistrate_n and_o other_o to_o punish_v blasphemer_n false_a prophet_n and_o idolater_n heretic_n sabbath_n breaker_n and_o seducer_n from_o whence_o we_o form_n this_o argument_n that_o whatever_o be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v by_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n this_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v oblige_v to_o as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n also_o but_o magistrate_n be_v command_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v idolatry_n blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o do_v as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o magistrate_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a the_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o prove_v be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o command_n give_v to_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o magistrate_n and_o for_o this_o look_n over_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n exod._n 22._o 20._o he_o that_o sacrifice_v unto_o any_o god_n save_v unto_o the_o lord_n only_o he_o shall_v be_v utter_o destroy_v there_o be_v a_o command_n give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o in_o levit_fw-la 24_o 15._o and_o thou_o shall_v speak_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v whosoever_o curse_v his_o god_n shall_v bear_v his_o sin_n v_o 16._o and_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o shall_v sure_o be_v put_v to_o death_n so_o in_o the_o 13._o of_o deut_n 1._o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n etc._n etc._n through_o the_o whole_a chapter_n there_o be_v command_v give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v false_a worship_n we_o shall_v only_o add_v another_o and_o that_o be_v take_v from_o the_o four_o command_n where_o a_o charge_n be_v lay_v on_o the_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n for_o keep_v of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o to_o see_v to_o the_o keep_n of_o it_o by_o other_o also_o thou_o shall_v do_v no_o manner_n of_o work_n thou_o nor_o they_o son_n nor_o they_o daughter_n this_o command_n be_v give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n as_o appear_v from_o those_o thing_n first_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n nehemiah_n the_o magistrate_n of_o god_n people_n do_v make_v use_n of_o his_o power_n to_o punish_v sabbath_n breaker_n in_o that_o place_n we_o cite_v in_o nehemiah_n 13._o 21._o second_o it_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o the_o gate_n speak_v of_o their_o nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n be_v a_o term_n which_o aggrege_v not_o to_o a_o single_a family_n but_o a_o whole_a city_n even_o to_o the_o circuit_n of_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o the_o word_n gates_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n geneâ—_n 22._o 17_o and_o thy_o seed_n shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o his_o enemy_n it_o follow_v as_o in_o that_o respect_n therefore_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o magistrate_n no_o master_n of_o a_o family_n have_v such_o large_a power_n and_o three_o the_o power_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v
find_v in_o act_n 15._o 4._o and_o act_n 21._o 15_o 18._o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n etc._n etc._n now_o they_o be_v not_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a flock_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o do_v meet_v in_o one_o common_a judicatory_a the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n can_v be_v speak_v against_o by_o our_o opposite_n who_o prove_v their_o particular_a eldership_n from_o the_o same_o ground_n as_o in_o act_n 20._o 28._o mention_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n from_o whence_o they_o reason_v thus_o ephesus_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n we_o read_v there_o be_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o eldership_n who_o meet_v together_o for_o govern_v that_o church_n in_o common_a they_o must_v give_v we_o liberty_n to_o reason_n that_o same_o way_n thus_o we_o find_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o church_n make_v up_o of_o many_o particular_a church_n we_o find_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o eldership_n who_o meet_v together_o for_o govern_v of_o this_o church_n or_o these_o church_n in_o common_a but_o three_o to_o make_v this_o argument_n yet_o strong_a not_o only_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o this_o church_n but_o we_o find_v they_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o common_a for_o proof_n of_o this_o see_v act_n 11_o 30._o the_o contribution_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o supply_v of_o the_o saint_n be_v send_v to_o the_o elder_n now_o what_o the_o elder_n shall_v do_v with_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o a_o place_n like_o it_o act_n 4._o 35._o 37._o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o price_n at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o distribution_n be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_v so_o doubtless_o the_o contribution_n be_v give_v to_o the_o elder_n for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v have_v distribute_v the_o same_o to_o the_o poor_a in_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n further_o we_o find_v this_o more_o clear_a act_n 21._o 18._o they_o meet_v together_o and_o judicial_o set_v down_o a_o way_n to_o paul_n for_o remove_v of_o a_o church_n scandal_n by_o satisfy_v the_o offend_a and_o purify_n himself_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o five_o 23._o do_v therefore_o this_o etc._n etc._n so_o we_o see_v their_o elderships_n meeting_n together_o for_o remove_v a_o scandal_n we_o find_v a_o three_o place_n to_o confirm_v this_o act._n 15._o 2._o 4_o we_o shall_v afterward_o make_v use_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o synod_n only_o this_o much_o at_o present_a to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n we_o find_v the_o elder_n meet_v and_o make_v bind_v act_n to_o the_o church_n under_o they_o so_o we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o first_o point_n that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n the_o main_a thing_n our_o opposite_n flee_v to_o at_o the_o last_o be_v this_o that_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n in_o act_n 8._o and_o that_o they_o have_v one_o government_n above_o they_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o infer_v a_o government_n by_o presbytry_n for_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o apostle_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o elder_n in_o that_o church_n before_o the_o dispersion_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o so_o few_o a_o number_n that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v one_o common_a government_n then_o by_o elder_n it_o infer_v not_o a_o presbytry_n but_o a_o congregational_a eldership_n only_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o this_o for_o answer_v they_o grant_v to_o we_o that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v a_o common_a eldership_n over_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o second_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n than_o one_o there_o even_o after_o the_o dispersion_n and_o we_o have_v also_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v elder_n over_o they_o in_o common_a so_o that_o whatever_o be_v before_o the_o dispersion_n yet_o even_o from_o their_o own_o concession_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o dispersion_n second_o we_o answer_v they_o can_v hardly_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o dispersion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v not_o of_o elder_n until_o act._n 11._o but_o when_o they_o be_v first_o institute_v we_o read_v not_o three_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o elder_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o common_a yet_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v they_o in_o common_a for_o they_o be_v also_o elder_n so_o they_o call_v themselves_o 2_o john_n ver_fw-la 1._o 1_o peter_n 5._o 1._o but_o second_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o what_o they_o do_v in_o these_o act_n of_o government_n they_o do_v it_o as_o elder_n for_o what_o they_o do_v as_o apostles_n be_v not_o imitable_a now_o but_o what_o they_o do_v in_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v imitable_a such_o as_o ordain_v of_o officer_n distribute_v of_o alms._n again_o what_o they_o do_v as_o apostle_n one_o of_o they_o may_v do_v it_o alone_o but_o here_o they_o do_v it_o in_o collegio_fw-la act._n 6._o and_o reserve_v the_o people_n part_n of_o election_n to_o they_o now_o they_o never_o meet_v together_o to_o write_v scripture_n nor_o seek_v the_o people_n concurrence_n for_o any_o act_n mere_o apostolic_a so_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o so_o the_o church_n even_o then_o be_v under_o one_o common_a eldership_n and_o this_o now_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n ¶_o ii_o there_o be_v a_o platform_n of_o government_n by_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a presbytery_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n the_o second_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n so_o also_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n by_o which_o we_o mean_v church_n judicatories_n above_o presbytery_n as_o they_o be_v above_o session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n i._o for_o understand_v the_o question_n these_o synod_n or_o great_a meeting_n of_o church_n officer_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n some_o make_v up_o of_o several_a presbytery_n and_o these_o be_v provincial_a synod_n such_o as_o common_o we_o have_v twice_o a_o year_n or_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a synod_n within_o a_o nation_n and_o these_o be_v general_a assembly_n or_o three_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a church_n of_o several_a nation_n or_o commissioner_n from_o they_o and_o these_o be_v call_v universal_a council_n or_o general_a synod_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n now_o all_o these_o differ_v from_o presbytery_n not_o only_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v more_o ample_a but_o also_o in_o this_o that_o the_o government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v the_o common_a ordinary_a way_n of_o government_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n but_o synod_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v more_o rare_a and_o upon_o particular_a emergent_a as_o act._n 15._o that_o synod_n be_v call_v upon_o a_o occasion_n of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o trouble_v other_o church_n about_o second_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o great_a synod_n the_o provincial_a synod_n and_o the_o synod_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o the_o universal_a council_n do_v not_o differ_v in_o nature_n and_o kind_n but_o only_o in_o less_o and_o more_o wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o we_o hold_v out_o every_o one_o of_o they_o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o hold_v out_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n in_o the_o general_n which_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o every_o kind_n in_o particular_a for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o scripture_n in_o other_o thing_n particular_n be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o in_o thing_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_a general_n rule_n be_v sufficient_a or_o a_o rule_n for_o one_o particular_a which_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o other_o particular_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n as_o matth_n 18._o christ_n set_v down_o the_o way_n of_o walk_v in_o private_a scandal_n speak_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 drive_v on_o their_o point_n against_o other_o with_o the_o great_a animosity_n and_o eagerness_n the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n be_v at_o great_a variance_n than_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o the_o less_o the_o difference_n be_v they_o have_v the_o more_o hope_n to_o bring_v other_o to_o their_o mind_n hence_o their_o mutual_a on-setts_a be_v more_o furious_a and_o their_o disappointment_n the_o more_o bitter_a the_o high_a they_o be_v in_o their_o hope_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o they_o mind_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o bear_v down_o one_o another_o satan_n come_v good_a speed_n in_o bear_v down_o of_o truth_n and_o they_o and_o all._n reas._n 5._o union_n when_o once_o lose_v in_o a_o church_n be_v hardly_o ever_o
but_o now_o last_o i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a here_o condescend_v on_o as_o a_o necessary_a ingredient_n for_o make_v our_o performance_n acceptable_a and_o savoury_a viz._n the_o grace_n of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o it_o give_v we_o this_o doctrine_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v abosolute_o necessary_a for_o make_v our_o duty_n acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v even_o very_o little_a where_o it_o be_v when_o he_o i_o reject_v much_o where_o it_o be_v want_v we_o will_v see_v both_o these_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o scripture_n verdict_n of_o two_o king_n of_o judah_n the_o first_o be_v asa_n he_o be_v guilty_a in_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v very_o visible_a defect_n in_o he_o as_o sufficient_a that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o god_n forbid_v to_o follow_v exod._n 23._o 2._o thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a etc._n etc._n and_o broad_o be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o go_v therein_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o many_o follow_v both_o as_o the_o matter_n what_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o do_v it_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o though_o they_o want_v not_o their_o own_o conviction_n and_o challenge_n for_o several_a thing_n they_o themselves_o be_v conscious_a of_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o evil_n with_o themselves_o they_o force_v themselves_o to_o take_v peace_n and_o hold_v on_o because_o there_o be_v many_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n alas_o that_o be_v but_o a_o very_a poor_a ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o go_v to_o hell_n with_o company_n and_o speak_v but_o very_o little_a zeal_n for_o god_n honour_n else_o the_o more_o thou_o see_v it_o trample_v on_o by_o other_o thou_o will_v be_v the_o more_o tender_a of_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o more_o common_a any_o sin_n be_v thou_o shall_v hate_v it_o the_o more_o because_o god_n get_v the_o more_o dishonour_n by_o it_o this_o be_v david_n way_n river_n of_o tear_n say_v he_o run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o of_o the_o wicked_a who_o transgress_v thy_o law_n 3._o those_o walk_v not_o by_o this_o rule_n who_o walk_v only_o by_o that_o which_o their_o own_o carnal_a wit_n and_o natural_a reason_n approve_v how_o many_o be_v they_o who_o though_o they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o god_n in_o his_o word_n require_v more_o exactness_n in_o their_o walk_n yet_o they_o rest_v on_o that_o which_o they_o think_v their_o own_o carnal_a wit_n think_v may_v suffice_v they_o will_v do_v what_o they_o can_v in_o religious_a duty_n which_o indeed_o be_v but_o to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v but_o for_o further_a god_n must_v forgive_v they_o thus_o they_o will_v meddle_v with_o what_o be_v easy_a pleasant_a and_o profitable_a in_o religion_n but_o for_o what_o be_v hurtful_a burden_n some_o or_o may_v bring_v loss_n they_o will_v never_o own_v that_o because_o their_o carnal_a reason_n suggest_v unto_o they_o that_o less_o than_o that_o may_v serve_v the_o turn_n religion_n be_v good_a but_o people_n ought_v not_o to_o impoverish_v or_o destroy_v themselves_o for_o it_o thus_o many_o do_v easy_o dispense_v with_o themselves_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o all_o painful_a hazard_n and_o expensive_a duty_n such_o as_o to_o deal_v their_o bread_n to_o the_o hungry_a to_o choose_v affliction_n rather_o than_o to_o sin_n not_o to_o recompense_v evil_a with_o evil_n but_o evil_a with_o good_a to_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n and_o truth_n when_o the_o wind_n of_o trial_n and_o persecution_n blow_v hard_o in_o their_o face_n these_o and_o such_o like_a duty_n be_v not_o much_o stand_v on_o by_o the_o man_n that_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n of_o carnal_a reason_n as_o also_o the_o duty_n of_o mortify_v your_o predominant_a cut_v off_o of_o the_o right_a hand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o that_o painful_a duty_n of_o heart-searching_a and_o self-judging_a as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o chief_o when_o you_o be_v come_v to_o a_o communion_n carnal_a wit_n will_v suggest_v to_o you_o that_o such_o precise_a strictness_n be_v not_o needful_a now_o this_o rule_n be_v flat_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v here_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n approbation_n for_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n to_o god_n and_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 4._o those_o walk_v not_o by_o this_o rule_n who_o great_a endeavour_n be_v to_o conform_v themselves_o not_o so_o much_o to_o what_o god_n desire_v as_o to_o what_o they_o themselves_o find_v peace_n in_o and_o who_o if_o they_o get_v not_o troublesome_a challenge_n from_o conscience_n for_o their_o way_n do_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o way_n be_v good_a enough_o and_o do_v never_o set_v themselves_o to_o inquire_v further_o about_o it_o now_o this_o be_v a_o unsure_a rule_n for_o 1._o many_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o that_o which_o be_v just_o opposite_a to_o what_o god_n require_v and_o desire_v ye'l_o see_v deut._n 29._o 19_o how_o the_o profane_a ruffian_n cry_v peace_n he_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o he_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n as_o it_o be_v in_o despite_n of_o god_n but_o 2._o though_o thy_o conscience_n be_v not_o thus_o fear_v yet_o it_o may_v be_v sleep_v because_o thou_o take_v no_o pain_n to_o get_v it_o awaken_v and_o if_o thou_o will_v but_o rouse_v it_o up_o and_o make_v it_o pass_v impartial_a sentence_n upon_o thy_o way_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n thy_o conscience_n will_v give_v thou_o little_a rest_n in_o for_o which_o now_o thou_o find_v no_o check_n or_o challenge_v 3._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o conscience_n now_o and_o then_o do_v not_o give_v you_o some_o gentle_a check_n for_o many_o thing_n though_o it_o wound_v not_o sore_o because_o you_o do_v quick_o command_v it_o to_o silence_n so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o purpose_n be_v overawe_v so_o that_o it_o dare_v not_o speak_v in_o either_o of_o which_o case_n peace_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o a_o safe_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o for_o you_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o that_o which_o god_n approve_v not_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n here_o express_v for_o clear_v what_o that_o be_v that_o make_v our_o performance_n accept_v of_o by_o god_n it_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o inward_a part_n not_o so_o much_o that_o which_o be_v external_n and_o obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o internal_a and_o only_o know_v to_o god_n even_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v true_a the_o man_n who_o will_v walk_v acceptable_o must_v also_o look_v to_o that_o which_o be_v external_n to_o wit_n that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v according_a to_o philip._n 4._o 8._o final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n so_o he_o be_v not_o to_o over_o look_v all_o thing_n external_n or_o look_v on_o they_o as_o thing_n indifferent_a if_o they_o be_v honest_a pure_a of_o a_o good_a report_n and_o any_o virtue_n in_o they_o he_o must_v set_v about_o they_o only_o the_o great_a work_n of_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v lie_v most_o about_o his_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n how_o to_o get_v it_o bring_v up_o to_o duty_n and_o keep_v at_o duty_n for_o john_n 4._o 24._o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n he_o must_v worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v main_o seek_v my_o son_n say_v solomon_n prov_n 23._o 26._o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n and_o he_o do_v so_o seek_v it_o that_o if_o he_o get_v it_o not_o he_o care_v not_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n isai._n 29._o 13._o this_o people_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o etc._n etc._n i_o may_v here_o run_v out_o in_o a_o sad_a complaint_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o time_n be_v almost_o all_o out-side-work_n at_o least_o in_o very_a many_o who_o the_o long_o they_o live_v make_v the_o less_o ado_n about_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o if_o when_o you_o neglect_v the_o external_a part_n of_o duty_n you_o get_v a_o challenge_n but_o if_o that_o be_v discharge_v you_o have_v peace_n though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o