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scripture_n according_a doctrine_n holy_a 2,747 5 4.2655 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41202 A brief refutation of the errors tolleration, erastianism, independency and separation delivered in some sermons from I Job. 4. I, preach'd in the year 1652 : to which are added four sermons preach'd on several occasions / by Mr. James Fergusson ... Fergusson, James, 1621-1667. 1692 (1692) Wing F777; ESTC R21916 200,444 386

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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 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most_o part_n follow_v upon_o such_o a_o doctrine_n for_o the_o first_o that_o which_o make_v doctrine_n necessary_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n so_o when_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v act_n 17._o the_o rule_n they_o go_v by_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o paul_n doctrine_n be_v the_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v isa●a's_n rule_n chap._n 8._o ver_fw-la 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n he_o will_v have_v all_o doctrine_n try_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n have_v not_o the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n all_o spirit_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o must_v be_v try_v that_o way_n and_o that_o because_o the_o word_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n i_o give_v only_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o clear_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n first_o the_o heavy_a plague_n pronounce_v against_o those_o who_o add_v to_o this_o rule_n the_o word_n be_v so_o perfect_a that_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v and_o pretend_v a_o pure_a rule_n let_v he_o be_v say_v paul_n anathema_n gal._n 1._o 8._o there_o be_v another_o place_n which_o prove_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n according_a to_o this_o point_n in_o hand_n 2_o timoth._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o may_v make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o this_o in_o relation_n
light_n break_v out_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n these_o be_v reason_n why_o heretic_n must_v be_v use_v the_o use_n be_v see_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n begin_v so_o early_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o be_v guide_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n than_o you_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v that_o error_n shall_v trouble_v the_o church_n now_o when_o there_o be_v not_o such_o infallible_a light_n as_o these_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v a_o bold_a dare_v spirit_n it_o will_v dare_v to_o contradict_v god_n himself_o and_o find_v out_o some_o shift_n to_o cast_v at_o that_o which_o god_n himself_o say_v as_o may_v be_v see_v gen_n 3._o the_o lord_n say_v the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o satan_n contradict_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v and_o so_o no_o wonder_n there_o be_v such_o impudence_n see_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n now_o as_o to_o cast_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o god_n servant_n say_v see_v satan_n still_o act_v the_o instrument_n of_o error_n use_v 2_o but_o second_o from_o this_o doctrine_n learn_v not_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n most_o holy_a and_o wise_a providence_n in_o that_o he_o suffer_v so_o many_o error_n to_o be_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o if_o god_n have_v that_o care_n of_o his_o church_n covenant_n and_o cause_n as_o man_n will_v think_v he_o have_v he_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o effront_a spirit_n and_o such_o blasphemous_a heretic_n to_o prevail_v and_o to_o outdare_v his_o truth_n but_o that_o be_v to_o quarrel_v the_o lord_n providence_n and_o without_o a_o ground_n he_o who_o furnace_n be_v in_o zion_n can_v make_v all_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o time_n that_o arise_v from_o error_n to_o contribute_v much_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o truth_n by_o this_o mean_v he_o will_v rouse_v up_o his_o people_n to_o study_v truth_n to_o understand_v it_o better_o to_o search_v out_o ground_n for_o it_o and_o that_o be_v one_o advantage_n only_o you_o will_v know_v also_o that_o these_o time_n will_v be_v discover_v time_n they_o will_v discover_v many_o a_o corrupt_a heart_n many_o unstable_a heart_n and_o light_a head_n many_o proud_a spirit_n and_o many_o that_o have_v lust_n lurk_v within_o they_o so_o that_o many_o will_v choose_v that_o religion_n that_o will_v gratify_v their_o lust_n most_o for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o error_n that_o satan_n hatch_n but_o there_o be_v one_o lust_n or_o other_o within_o people_n that_o speak_v for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ready_a to_o make_v people_n take_v in_o error_n than_o their_o harbour_v of_o unmortified_a lusts._n so_o in_o 2_o timoth_n cap._n 3._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o false_a teacher_n say_v in_o the_o 6._o v_o for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n lead_v away_o with_o diverse_a lust_n unmortified_a lust_n be_v as_o fuel_n to_o make_v the_o fire_n of_o zeal_n for_o error_n to_o burn_v very_o hot_a in_o people_n bosom_n and_o so_o error_n will_v try_v people_n this_o way_n doct_n v._n next_o observe_v he_o say_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v believe_v not_o every_o doctrine_n that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o fair_a pretence_n put_v upon_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n believe_v they_o not_o from_o this_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o foul_a error_n go_v out_o oftentimes_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o be_v back_v with_o most_o specious_a pretence_n what_o foul_a error_n than_o these_o speak_v of_o here_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o what_o fair_a name_n than_o the_o spirit_n what_o fair_a pretence_n than_o that_o they_o be_v doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o will_v find_v this_o of_o all_o error_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n for_o the_o most_o part_n cora●_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n error_n whereby_o they_o rise_v up_o against_o the_o magistracy_n of_o moses_n and_o preist-hood_n of_o aaron_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o it_o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o moses_n and_o aaron_n be_v not_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n holy_a and_o jeroboam'_v error_n his_o idolatry_n in_o set_v up_o the_o calf_n at_o dan_n and_o bethel_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n 1_o king_n 12._o it_o be_v too_o fair_a for_o you_o etc._n etc._n the_o people_n ease_n and_o the_o public_a good_a be_v the_o thing_n he_o pretend_v though_o his_o design_n be_v far_o otherwise_o and_o so_o these_o that_o urge_v justification_n by_o work_n and_o oppose_v the_o way_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n they_o have_v their_o fair_a pretence_n o_o say_v they_o to_o cast_v off_o work_v from_o justification_n will_v make_v people_n secure_a we_o may_v sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v very_o take_v pretence_n all_o of_o they_o and_o as_o take_v as_o any_o that_o error_n be_v now_o cover_v over_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v from_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o the_o tempter_n present_v error_n under_o fair_a colour_n and_o specious_a pretence_n which_o be_v this_o that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o error_n the_o more_o take_v for_o these_o be_v the_o bait_n he_o put_v on_o the_o hook_n that_o he_o may_v deceive_v and_o catch_v the_o simple_a therefore_o for_o use_v of_o this_o doctrine_n you_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v with_o fair_a pretence_n or_o ravishinglike_a expression_n that_o error_n may_v be_v faird_v over_o with_o see_v what_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o thess_n cap._n 2_o v_o 2._o where_o speak_v against_o a_o error_n he_o beseech_v they_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n it_o suppose_v that_o the_o spreader_n of_o that_o error_n have_v all_o these_o three_o pretence_n first●_o they_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n teach_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accompany_v by_o his_o presence_n in_o their_o spirit_n with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a flash_n and_o rapture_n and_o in-bearings_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o second_o that_o they_o have_v the_o word_n or_o scripture_n to_o allege_v for_o it_o and_o three_o they_o pick_v somewhat_o out_o of_o paul_n letter_n for_o they_o so_o will_v they_o say_v in_o speak_v against_o we_o he_o contradict_v himself_o these_o be_v fair_a pretence_n and_o yet_o say_v paul_n be_v not_o shake_v in_o mind_n with_o they_o so_o say_v i_o you_o will_v guard_v yourself_o against_o the_o fair_a pretence_n which_o error_n may_v have_v and_o look_v not_o only_o to_o the_o out_o side_n but_o to_o the_o inside_n of_o they_o and_o then_o you_o will_v find_v most_o bitter_a serpent_n lurk_v under_o fair_a flower_n as_o for_o example_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o error_n toleration_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o it_o viz._n that_o good_a man_n may_v err_v and_o so_o in_o suppress_v error_n you_o may_v suppress_v piety_n a_o fair_a pretence_n but_o it_o have_v afoul_a end_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n blasphemer_n denyer_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n must_v have_v liberty_n to_o vent_v their_o damnable_a error_n if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o can_v but_o pretend_v conscience_n and_o so_o stable_a room_n must_v be_v give_v in_o christ_n church_n to_o every_o unclean_a beast_n that_o ever_o be_v hatch_v in_o hell_n the_o antinomian_a error_n again_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n o_o say_v they_o christ_n have_v become_v sin_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v take_v off_o from_o we_o so_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o repent_v for_o it_o for_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v to_o repent_v be_v to_o take_v the_o burden_n off_o from_o christ_n back_n and_o to_o put_v it_o on_o our_o own_o these_o be_v specious_a word_n without_o solidity_n but_o they_o contradict_v scripture_n truth_n where_o they_o be_v narrow_o look_v to_o peter_n be_v a_o justify_v person_n and_o yet_o when_o christ_n look_v on_o he_o he_o weep_v bitter_o david_n sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o christ_n have_v take_v the_o burden_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o david_n be_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v correct_v for_o it_o and_o so_o the_o lord_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o sword_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n because_o he_o have_v make_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o blaspheme_n and_o yet_o sin_n be_v not_o lay_v upon_o david_n to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o it_o only_o he_o must_v get_v
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 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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 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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 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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
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 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yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v persuade_v of_o truth_n to_o be_v truth_n be_v deceive_v likewise_o there_o be_v a_o man_n who_o in_o his_o dream_n think_v certain_o he_o be_v awake_a and_o speak_v that_o man_n certain_o be_v deceive_v but_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o conclude_v from_o that_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v real_o awake_a can_v know_v if_o he_o be_v so_o but_o must_v always_o suspect_v he_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o in_o a_o dream_n this_o much_o then_o for_o thing_n out_o of_o doubt_n and_o wherein_o a_o man_n upon_o good_a ground_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o the_o great_a question_n of_o all_o be_v concern_v point_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o we_o be_v not_o absolute_o persuade_v without_o some_o scruple_n and_o ground_n of_o doubt_n to_o the_o contrary_a how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v god_n way_n in_o those_o and_o for_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o 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lean_v no_o small_a weight_n on_o this_o mark_v matth._n 7._o 15_o 16_o where_o he_o give_v a_o general_a rule_n whereby_o to_o try_v false_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o their_o doctrine_n have_v upon_o their_o own_o life_n and_o conversation_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o say_v he_o by_o their_o fruit_n do_v man_n gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n and_o verse_n 20._o wherefore_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v such_o undoubted_a truth_n as_o none_o will_v get_v they_o deny_v in_o the_o general_n and_o yet_o such_o as_o through_o god_n blessing_n be_v right_o improven_v may_v give_v people_n light_n in_o the_o former_a question_n to_o know_v which_o be_v christ_n way_n among_o the_o many_o waye●_n on_o foot_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o as_o we_o need_v not_o any_o further_a application_n but_o exhort_v you_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o tim_n 2._o 7._o 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