resolve_v doubt_n the_o four_o section_n have_v this_o argument_n if_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n settle_v no_o gospel-government_n upon_o any_o but_o upon_o such_o as_o first_o be_v bring_v under_o gospel_n obedience_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o and_o spirit_n than_o no_o government_n shall_v hasty_o be_v settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o consequent_a also_o now_o to_o make_v good_a the_o consequence_n of_o the_o antecedent_n he_o say_v if_o thousand_o of_o coâ—gregations_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v not_o yet_o bring_v under_o gospel_n obedience_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n then_o the_o gospel-government_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v settle_v hasty_o in_o this_o kingdom_n but_o thousand_o of_o congregation_n be_v not_o bring_v under_o gospel-obedience_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n here_o observe_v again_o that_o his_o argument_n run_v direct_o against_o gospel-government_n itself_o and_o not_o against_o the_o suppose_a government_n desire_v to_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o argument_n be_v this_o although_o never_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o congregation_n be_v not_o yet_o bring_v under_o gospel-obedience_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v bring_v under_o that_o obedience_n shall_v not_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o magistrate_n to_o have_v that_o government_n settle_v among_o they_o so_o far_o as_o his_o authority_n can_v advance_v it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v but_o give_v way_n to_o the_o minister_n to_o set_v up_o christ_n government_n in_o his_o house_n and_o for_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o proceed_v therein_o do_v behave_v himself_o as_o a_o patron_n of_o the_o work_n then_o he_o do_v all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o he_o but_o it_o seem_v mr._n saltmarsh_n will_v dissuade_v he_o from_o do_v this_o and_o why_o because_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n settle_v not_o gospel-government_n till_o gospel-obedience_n be_v wrought_v indeed_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o minister_n in_o their_o charge_n when_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o people_n which_o do_v not_o yet_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o appliable_a to_o a_o magistrate_n who_o be_v set_v over_o a_o people_n profess_v christianity_n for_o the_o magistrate_n be_v require_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o delay_n to_o further_a the_o government_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v convict_v of_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o do_v not_o you_o think_v that_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o darius_n do_v well_o in_o publish_v their_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o command_v all_o their_o subject_n to_o fear_v and_o reverence_v he_o dan._n 3.29_o and_o 6.25_o although_o their_o subject_n be_v not_o instruct_v to_o know_v he_o and_o do_v not_o artaxerxes_n well_o in_o authorise_v ezra_n to_o settle_v government_n in_o the_o church_n ezra_n 7._o he_o shall_v then_o have_v consider_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a maigistrate_n in_o settle_v church-government_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n then_o that_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o he_o contrary_a to_o his_o ministerial_a duty_n intend_v to_o dissuade_v the_o magistrate_n from_o his_o duty_n do_v allege_v that_o which_o be_v proper_a only_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o involve_v it_o with_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o magistrate_n thus_o a_o spirit_n of_o confusion_n do_v as_o with_o a_o whirlwind_n drive_v all_o his_o thought_n to_o mix_v diâ—orderly_a and_o deceitful_o thing_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n together_o to_o lead_v himself_o and_o other_o by_o some_o appearance_n of_o light_n into_o the_o way_n of_o error_n and_o as_o for_o the_o second_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o congregation_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o bring_v under_o gospel-obedience_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n how_o far_o this_o be_v true_a i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o suspect_v that_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o some_o sort_n herein_o also_o not_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o lessen_v the_o opinion_n of_o great_a want_n of_o knowledge_n in_o many_o congregation_n but_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o gospel-obedience_n something_o which_o true_o i_o do_v not_o condemn_v he_o for_o seekimg_v after_o but_o yet_o can_v think_v it_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o before_o all_o manner_n of_o government_n be_v settle_v any_o way_n it_o must_v be_v have_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o do_v imagine_v and_o till_o that_o be_v so_o have_v all_o that_o otherwise_o know_v christ_n shall_v be_v count_v as_o heathen_n and_o unbeliver_v that_o which_o i_o will_v say_v be_v this_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v go_v before_o the_o settle_n of_o government_n in_o a_o ministerial_a way_n that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o gospel_n may_v out_o of_o conscience_n free_a willing_o submit_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v promise_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n psal._n 110.3_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o congregation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n can_v be_v count_v so_o ignorant_a and_o so_o whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o all_o gospel-government_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o all_o know_v christ_n by_o name_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o saviour_n beside_o he_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o desire_v at_o least_o in_o the_o outward_a profession_n to_o be_v under_o his_o ordinance_n and_o government_n now_o if_o this_o much_o gospel-obedience_n be_v not_o some_o common_a fruit_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o he_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v can_v any_o man_n say_v with_o any_o measure_n of_o conviction_n and_o knowledge_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o and_o how_o be_v the_o spirit_n effectual_a in_o we_o be_v it_o not_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n gal._n 3.2_o and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a degree_n effectual_a to_o work_v this_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n if_o it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n to_o bring_v a_o poor_a soul_n to_o offer_v itself_o unto_o christ_n to_o call_v he_o lord_n dare_v he_o reject_v it_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n government_n belong_v to_o his_o ministry_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o whole_a flock_n of_o such_o soul_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o christ_n government_n although_o they_o know_v not_o distinct_o what_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v shall_v he_o dare_v to_o cast_v they_o off_o true_o i_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o do_v so_o lest_o i_o shall_v offend_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o little_a one_o but_o whole_a flock_n thereof_o what_o do_v i_o say_v then_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v set_v up_o without_o preparation_n shall_v all_o in_o the_o congregation_n be_v promiscuous_o admit_v to_o all_o ordinance_n i_o say_v not_o so_o but_o such_o as_o have_v a_o fundamental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n and_o be_v unblameable_a in_o their_o life_n oblige_v themselves_o profess_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o god_n way_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o such_o i_o say_v offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v instruct_v and_o govern_v may_v not_o be_v despise_v or_o cast_v off_o though_o very_o mean_a in_o judgement_n and_o other_o gift_n chief_o when_o they_o profess_v a_o desire_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o saint_n and_o you_o have_v nothing_o after_o trial_n to_o except_v against_o they_o for_o i_o suppose_v that_o god_n do_v allot_v to_o every_o degree_n of_o gospel-obedience_n a_o proportionable_a degree_n of_o gospel-government_n as_o for_o the_o comparison_n of_o a_o material_a building_n i_o admit_v of_o it_o and_o say_v that_o if_o they_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o i_o have_v say_v they_o shall_v be_v good_a government_n and_o pain_n to_o teach_v and_o catechise_v they_o will_v without_o noise_n of_o the_o axe_n or_o hammer_n whereof_o he_o speak_v fit_v they_o in_o due_a time_n to_o their_o own_o place_n in_o the_o building_n now_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o be_v in_o a_o confuse_a heap_n and_o it_o be_v not_o well_o possible_a that_o matter_n can_v be_v worse_o than_o they_o be_v except_o all_o hope_n and_o endeavour_n of_o advance_v a_o reformation_n be_v take_v away_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o ignorant_a multitude_n that_o cause_v the_o noise_n
also_o mar._n 8_o 38._o luk._n 9_o 26._o mat._n 10.33_o these_o three_o thing_n than_o make_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o except_o all_o three_o be_v take_v together_o the_o tie_n of_o subjection_n unto_o god_n be_v not_o complete_a thus_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o true_a religion_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o principle_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o state_n i_o suppose_v he_o do_v mean_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n position_n and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n upon_o which_o christianity_n be_v ground_v and_o whereupon_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v settle_v now_o what_o these_o principle_n be_v by_o which_o the_o whole_a point_n of_o doubt_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v he_o say_v nothing_o express_o to_o any_o purpose_n but_o only_o insinuate_v the_o matter_n suspicious_o and_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o for_o little_a instruction_n or_o edification_n i_o must_v then_o let_v you_o know_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n must_v needs_o be_v threefold_a according_a to_o the_o three_o tie_n of_o conscience_n hereafter_o mention_v namely_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o doctrine_n principle_n of_o practice_n in_o godliness_n and_o last_o principle_n of_o our_o public_a profession_n of_o both_o these_o the_o principle_n that_o be_v fundamental_a in_o doctrine_n be_v all_o such_o truth_n and_o position_n which_o bear_v a_o character_n of_o necessity_n or_o be_v special_o recommend_v to_o our_o faith_n as_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n as_o that_o of_o 1_o tim._n 3.16_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o of_o 2_o tim._n 2.8_o remember_v that_o jesus_n christ_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a according_a to_o my_o gospel_n and_o such_o like_a which_o may_v have_v a_o twofold_a character_n of_o fundamentality_n either_o by_o some_o express_a word_n declare_v their_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o when_o christ_n say_v joh._n 3.5_o very_o very_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o by_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o itself_o though_o without_o any_o intimation_n thereof_o in_o the_o expression_n as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n 1.17_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o innate_a property_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o life_n depend_v upon_o faith_n that_o faith_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o salvation_n although_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o have_v not_o say_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 11.5_o these_o character_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n i_o thus_o brief_o hint_n at_o only_a to_o show_v what_o must_v distinguish_v a_o principle_n from_o another_o truth_n in_o case_n we_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o judge_v of_o some_o position_n whether_o they_o be_v fundamental_a or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v good_a to_o walk_v by_o know_a rule_n for_o otherwise_o we_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o light_n and_o as_o in_o matter_n doctrinal_a so_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n there_o be_v fundamental_a duty_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o luk._n 13.3_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v and_o that_o of_o heb._n 12.14_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o from_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim._n â—_z 5_o concerning_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n may_v easy_o be_v conclude_v that_o charity_n be_v a_o fundamental_a duty_n although_o he_o have_v not_o say_v elsewhere_o if_o i_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.2_o and_o as_o in_o the_o inward_a truth_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n so_o in_o the_o outward_a profession_n there_o be_v fundamental_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o which_o in_o this_o case_n i_o suppose_v will_v be_v most_o considerable_a because_o i_o think_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n so_o far_o as_o these_o relate_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o the_o inward_a frame_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o god_n there_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o dispuâ—e_n among_o we_o but_o in_o the_o outward_a confession_n profession_n and_o exercise_n of_o religious_a duty_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v uphold_v by_o way_n of_o government_n for_o god_n glory_n among_o man_n i_o suppose_v the_o chief_a doubt_n of_o this_o question_n do_v lie_v therefore_o to_o resolve_v the_o same_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v more_o distinct_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n i_o conceive_v that_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o public_a witness-bearing_n and_o open_n of_o ourselves_o to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o god_n towards_o man_n which_o can_v be_v do_v only_o two_o way_n by_o word_n and_o deed_n we_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n two_o way_n first_o when_o we_o worship_v god_n public_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n in_o christ_n the_o lord_n phil._n 2.11_o and_o give_v praise_n unto_o he_o through_o christ_n rom._n 15.9_o 10._o heb._n 13.15_o and_o when_o we_o join_v with_o those_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o say_v amen_n to_o that_o which_o be_v profess_v by_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14_o 16._o second_o when_o we_o give_v a_o account_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o we_o bear_v witneâ—s_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o deed_n in_o three_o sort_n of_o action_n first_o in_o the_o action_n whereby_o we_o show_v that_o we_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n second_o in_o the_o action_n whereby_o we_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o three_o by_o the_o action_n whereby_o we_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o our_o action_n be_v consider_v as_o single_a between_o god_n and_o we_o in_o the_o second_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o coordinate_a to_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o three_o as_o subordinate_a unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n there_o be_v certain_a fundamental_a duty_n and_o principle_n of_o walk_v which_o if_o a_o christian_n do_v not_o know_v and_o conscionable_o intend_v he_o do_v sin_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o profession_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o we_o be_v command_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o follower_n of_o he_o as_o be_v call_v to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n 1_o thes._n 2.12_o ephe._n 5_o 1._o mat._n 5.44_o 45_o 46_o 47_o 48._o to_o do_v all_o our_o matter_n without_o murmur_n and_o dispute_n be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a in_o a_o crooked_a generation_n and_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2.14_o 15_o 16._o and_o to_o this_o effect_n all_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n must_v intend_v two_o main_a thing_n first_o as_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v baptise_v into_o his_o death_n to_o serve_v he_o by_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o by_o be_v crucify_v thereby_o unto_o the_o world_n rom._n 6.3_o gal._n 6.14_o mat._n 16.24_o second_o such_o as_o thus_o serve_v and_o follow_v christ_n must_v walk_v open_o in_o the_o light_n before_o man_n and_o not_o close_o and_o in_o darkness_n joh._n 3.20_o 21_o 22_o and_o 1_o joh._n 1.17_o mat._n 5.16_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o second_o we_o be_v command_v to_o serve_v other_o through_o love_n not_o use_v our_o freedom_n to_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 5.13_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o offence_n and_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 ephe._n 4.2_o 3._o and_o to_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n gall_n 6.2_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n to_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v each_o other_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n heb._n 10.24_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o some_o be_v heb._n 10.25_o and_o still_o be_v to_o partake_v in_o the_o assembly_n the_o ordinance_n in_o a_o orderly_a way_n 1_o cor._n 11._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la to_o remember_v the_o poor_a by_o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n gal._n 2.10_o rom._n 12.13_o to_o
understand_v what_o be_v be_v mean_v by_o a_o settlement_n and_o by_o a_o hasty_a settlement_n and_o by_o that_o which_o be_v call_v fitness_n i_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o settlement_n be_v mean_v here_o a_o authoritative_a determination_n of_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o government_n of_o soul_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v throughout_o the_o church_n of_o this_o kingdom_n so_o that_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n such_o as_o be_v refractory_a against_o that_o determination_n and_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n by_o disorderly_a walk_n shall_v be_v liable_a to_o suffer_v what_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n shall_v inflict_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o hastiness_n of_o this_o settlement_n i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v not_o any_o rash_a or_o unadvised_a speed_n but_o the_o suddenness_n of_o that_o determination_n without_o further_a delay_n proceed_v from_o debatement_n and_o deliberation_n concerning_o the_o same_o and_o by_o the_o fitness_n of_o such_o a_o settlement_n i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v the_o conveniency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o public_a good_a both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o private_a benefit_n of_o soul_n therein_o as_o for_o the_o limitation_n add_v to_o these_o part_n of_o the_o query_n i_o wish_v they_o have_v be_v more_o plain_o set_v down_o for_o i_o doubt_v of_o his_o meaning_n therein_o but_o that_o you_o and_o he_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o i_o i_o will_v declare_v it_o that_o if_o i_o take_v not_o his_o aright_o he_o may_v if_o he_o think_v good_a rectify_v my_o mistake_n i_o conceive_v then_o by_o that_o which_o he_o do_v call_v power_n common_o desire_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n thâ—t_z he_o do_v mean_v the_o way_n of_o judicature_n in_o church-matter_n as_o the_o assembly_n have_v desire_v it_o to_o be_v settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n of_o which_o that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o right_a character_n for_o i_o doubt_v he_o be_v mistake_v and_o not_o right_o inform_v of_o the_o way_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o brief_o that_o it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o in_o the_o person_n and_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n alone_o but_o in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o eldership_n wherein_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o leader_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o this_o eldership_n be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n gift_v and_o free_o choose_v to_o and_o for_o the_o congregation_n by_o the_o brethren_n and_o appoint_v with_o the_o ministâ—r_n over_o all_o matter_n of_o church-concernment_n that_o their_o office_n and_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o it_o be_v not_o otherwise_o desire_v in_o common_a then_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v warrant_v it_o to_o be_v practise_v and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v practicable_a by_o all_o which_o you_o see_v that_o i_o must_v understand_v his_o query_n as_o concerning_o the_o matter_n thereof_o thus_o namely_o that_o the_o thing_n whereof_o he_o do_v speak_v be_v concerning_o the_o order_n and_o direct_v of_o spiritual_a matter_n belong_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o by_o christ_n power_n over_o his_o subject_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o eldership_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o bring_v the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n to_o a_o perpetual_a communion_n with_o god_n which_o be_v their_o happiness_n of_o this_o thing_n he_o do_v make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v fit_a speedy_o to_o settle_v it_o in_o this_o kingdom_n or_o no_o but_o the_o doubt_n be_v not_o absolute_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o for_o who_o will_v call_v that_o in_o question_n but_o of_o the_o fitness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o limitation_n annex_v which_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o state_n it_o have_v be_v worth_a his_o labour_n to_o have_v make_v a_o description_n of_o those_o principle_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o mistake_v he_o in_o the_o main_a matter_n whereby_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o regulate_v our_o thought_n in_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o doubt_n for_o except_o he_o and_o i_o understand_v one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o state_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o square_v out_o the_o conclusion_n of_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n after_o the_o same_o proportion_n for_o if_o he_o measure_v not_o his_o cloth_n by_o the_o same_o ell_n which_o i_o have_v or_o i_o by_o that_o which_o he_o have_v he_o and_o i_o shall_v never_o agree_v in_o the_o length_n and_o breadth_n thereof_o i_o will_v then_o tell_v you_o my_o thought_n which_o if_o he_o reject_v not_o we_o may_v come_v to_o agree_v in_o by_o religion_n i_o understand_v a_o tie_n whereby_o the_o conscience_n be_v bind_v to_o subject_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o his_o true_a worship_n this_o tie_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o threefold_a cord_n which_o can_v be_v break_v or_o untwist_v without_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n the_o first_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n by_o this_o the_o understanding_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v god_n and_o believe_v he_o the_o second_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n by_o this_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v bind_v to_o love_n god_n and_o yield_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o obedience_n the_o three_o be_v the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o both_o the_o former_a before_o man_n by_o this_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o his_o bodily_a service_n be_v make_v a_o live_n and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n rom._n 12.1_o the_o two_o first_o cord_n be_v twist_v together_o in_o one_o by_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o style_v his_o apostleship_n a_o service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o elect_a and_o the_o acknowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n after_o godliness_n tit._n 1.1_o where_o we_o may_v observe_v how_o these_o thing_n lie_v together_o 1._o the_o apostle_n be_v god_n servant_n for_o his_o elect_v sake_n namely_o to_o bring_v they_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o express_v it_o rom._n 1._o 5._o and_o 16.26_o 2_o his_o preach_n do_v this_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d which_o i_o after_o godliness_n and_o this_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v beget_v faith_n 3_o observe_v the_o cennexion_n of_o this_o acknowledgement_n with_o godliness_n to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o inseparable_a from_o it_o but_o that_o the_o truth_n beget_v faith_n be_v measure_v by_o godliness_n and_o commensurable_a to_o it_o so_o that_o as_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v count_v godliness_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n truth_n so_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v count_v a_o truth_n beget_v faith_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n but_o when_o god_n spirit_n do_v twist_v both_o these_o together_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o elect_a than_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v beget_v in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a name_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v inward_o before_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n whereunto_o if_o the_o outward_a profession_n or_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n before_o man_n be_v join_v which_o be_v the_o three_o cord_n of_o this_o tie_n then_o religion_n be_v full_o complete_v in_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o this_o three_o cord_n be_v join_v by_o the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o two_o former_a as_o a_o mean_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o they_o this_o you_o have_v rom._n 10._o 9_o 10_o 11._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v thus_o if_o thou_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o event_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o without_o fail_v salvation_n promise_v shall_v follow_v upon_o it_o and_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v frustrate_a of_o his_o expectation_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o duty_n by_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v operative_a towards_o salvation_n namely_o by_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o if_o he_o do_v deny_v this_o truth_n wherein_o christ_n do_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n then_o christ_n will_v deny_v he_o before_o his_o father_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o
themselves_o without_o the_o politic_a act_n of_o statesman_n who_o have_v always_o some_o worldly_a design_n to_o bias_v their_o resolution_n the_o issue_n of_o the_o unsettlement_n will_v either_o be_v a_o total_a dissolution_n of_o all_o the_o bond_n and_o tie_n of_o church-fellowship_n among_o the_o professor_n or_o the_o open_n of_o a_o door_n to_o all_o adversary_n to_o break_v in_o upon_o their_o society_n and_o to_o all_o licentiousness_n to_o break_v forth_o among_o themselves_o without_o control_v the_o issue_n whereof_o will_v be_v the_o utter_a contempt_n of_o all_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n and_o therewith_o the_o break_n in_o of_o all_o damnable_a heresy_n which_o will_v make_v way_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o profaneness_n of_o idolatry_n of_o popery_n of_o atheism_n and_o of_o all_o blasphemous_a abomination_n now_o if_o no_o agreement_n can_v be_v find_v among_o the_o minister_n themselves_o to_o prevent_v the_o unsettlement_n from_o whence_o these_o evil_n will_v certain_o spring_v up_o which_o be_v the_o only_a advice_n that_o i_o can_v give_v in_o this_o present_a case_n then_o to_o divert_v the_o issue_n which_o these_o evil_n will_v produce_v unto_o the_o nation_n i_o know_v none_o other_o remedy_n but_o that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v by_o way_n of_o foresight_n establish_v moral_a law_n to_o repress_v gross_a dissoluteness_n of_o life_n by_o corporal_a punishment_n to_o restrain_v open_a profaneness_n in_o violate_v the_o lord_n day_n to_o inhibâ—t_v superstitious_a and_o popish_a rite_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n to_o punish_v the_o author_n and_o publisher_n of_o blasphemous_a and_o atheistical_a tenet_n which_o fret_v as_o a_o gangrene_n and_o lead_v the_o unsettle_a mind_n of_o ignorant_a people_n to_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o impiety_n to_o all_o brutish_a sensuality_n and_o desperate_a course_n in_o wickedness_n which_o in_o the_o end_n will_v bring_v the_o nation_n to_o utter_v ruin_n if_o god_n do_v not_o in_o mercy_n prevent_v the_o current_n of_o these_o evil_n by_o waken_v the_o spirit_n of_o magistrate_n unto_o righteousness_n and_o a_o resolution_n to_o be_v faithful_a unto_o their_o trust_n that_o what_o can_v not_o be_v prevent_v by_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v divert_v by_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o human_a law_n and_o bodily_a punishment_n over_o those_o that_o be_v disobedient_a not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v propagate_v by_o human_a power_n but_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n for_o although_o no_o outward_a constraint_n can_v make_v man_n virtuous_a yet_o a_o outward_a restraint_n may_v keep_v they_o from_o be_v so_o vicious_a as_o to_o destroy_v the_o safety_n and_o well-being_n of_o human_a society_n which_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o procure_v this_o be_v the_o advice_n which_o at_o present_a i_o be_o able_a to_o give_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o shall_v leave_v it_o with_o you_o and_o with_o such_o as_o you_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o impart_v it_o unto_o to_o peruse_v or_o to_o make_v what_o other_o use_n thereof_o as_o you_o shall_v see_v cause_n for_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n you_o know_v that_o you_o have_v power_n to_o dispose_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o public_a good_a of_o mankind_n of_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o your_o faithful_a and_o affectionate_a friend_n in_o christ_n john_n dury_n a_o letter_n once_o write_v by_o mr._n dury_n to_o captain_n coysh_a wherein_o he_o open_v himself_o concerning_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n as_o a_o christian_a in_o advance_v church-government_n as_o it_o be_v national_a sir_n i_o rejoice_v great_o to_o see_v the_o frame_n of_o your_o spirit_n so_o answerable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n mr._n hartlib_n have_v acquaint_v i_o with_o the_o real_a effect_n of_o your_o godly_a zeal_n towards_o the_o public_a good_a and_o every_o good_a work_n for_o which_o you_o be_v much_o to_o be_v commend_v and_o on_o your_o behalf_n such_o as_o know_v you_o consider_v how_o few_o there_o be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n now_o adays_o ought_v to_o give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n for_o your_o forwardness_n to_o further_v the_o mean_n which_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o advance_v his_o glory_n among_o other_o good_a effect_n of_o your_o pious_a inclination_n the_o thought_n which_o you_o entertain_v to_o further_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n among_o the_o distract_a church_n of_o this_o land_n be_v not_o the_o least_o commendable_a will_v to_o god_n we_o can_v find_v many_o of_o your_o temper_n who_o have_v some_o interest_n and_o influence_n upon_o the_o church_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o none_o be_v now_o regard_v but_o such_o as_o follow_v particular_a interest_n and_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o bring_v fuel_n to_o the_o fire_n which_o do_v consume_v we_o by_o matter_n of_o complaint_n or_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o their_o neighbour_n all_o side_n in_o every_o thing_n strive_v for_o victory_n none_o for_o gain_v other_o in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n through_o love_n and_o forbearance_n the_o aim_n which_o you_o have_v in_o the_o discourse_n which_o mr._n hartlib_n have_v send_v i_o be_v exceed_o good_a although_o i_o have_v some_o difficulty_n to_o read_v your_o hand_n yet_o i_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o understand_v your_o meaning_n and_o i_o shall_v willing_o give_v my_o approbation_n to_o your_o proposal_n if_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o way_n to_o obtain_v the_o effect_n thereof_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o unblamable_a freedom_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o difference_n which_o be_v extrafundamentall_a ground_v upon_o a_o real_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o agreement_n in_o all_o matter_n which_o be_v fundamental_a you_o have_v set_v down_o the_o head_n of_o thing_n which_o you_o judge_v fundamental_a and_o necessary_a for_o salvation_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o overture_n concerning_o duty_n of_o forbearance_n in_o some_o doubtful_a practice_n which_o occasion_n much_o debate_n among_o those_o that_o love_n to_o abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o concerning_o the_o observance_n of_o some_o inquestionable_a berty_n for_o any_o side_n to_o practise_v what_o be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n but_o that_o have_v not_o make_v any_o side_n true_o peaceable_a but_o rather_o increase_v the_o division_n by_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o cross_v oppose_a and_o offend_v other_o in_o their_o different_a way_n whence_o scandal_n be_v multiply_v bitter_a dispute_n complaint_n irritation_n and_o heartburning_n increase_v now_o how_o to_o prevent_v in_o time_n to_o come_v this_o abuse_n of_o liberty_n which_o according_a to_o your_o proposal_n shall_v be_v grant_v will_v be_v the_o main_a and_o most_o difficult_a work_n of_o all_o and_o i_o find_v nothing_o suggest_v in_o your_o paper_n concerning_o this_o and_o without_o some_o remedy_n to_o this_o distemper_n of_o our_o spirit_n i_o can_v perceive_v that_o our_o malady_n can_v be_v cure_v hitherto_o i_o have_v make_v doubt_n and_o show_v you_o what_o i_o apprehend_v as_o a_o impediment_n to_o the_o effect_n of_o your_o desire_n now_o i_o shall_v also_o suggest_v something_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o doubt_n and_o impediment_n of_o this_o work_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o advance_v i_o must_v lay_v this_o as_o a_o ground_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o outward_a and_o public_a concernment_n to_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n the_o magistrate_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v respect_v and_o to_o be_v sue_v unto_o for_o his_o assistance_n but_o in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o conscience_n immediate_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v alone_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o if_o therefore_o man_n in_o their_o outward_a action_n misbehave_v themselves_o and_o do_v thing_n prejudicial_o unto_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o neighbour_n they_o fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n who_o may_v make_v law_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o give_v offence_n unto_o their_o neighbour_n but_o if_o they_o walk_v orderly_o and_o offend_v nobody_o and_o yet_o foment_n pernicious_a error_n and_o spread_v they_o secret_o or_o open_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o man_n conscience_n and_o the_o seduction_n of_o the_o weak_a they_o can_v be_v otherwise_o deal_v withal_o but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o see_v this_o do_v effectual_o till_o they_o be_v convert_v or_o convict_v to_o be_v incorrigible_a and_o then_o he_o be_v to_o do_v further_o as_o his_o conscience_n shall_v direct_v he_o the_o magistrate_n have_v a_o right_a to_o oversee_v all_o man_n outward_a action_n and_o may_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o what_o they_o do_v as_o man_n and_o may_v restrain_v they_o from_o do_v that_o which_o he_o do_v think_v prejudicial_a