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
chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o say_v again_o i_o wonder_n he_o shall_v dare_v to_o do_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o charge_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v he_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n deliver_v unto_o he_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o for_o if_o this_o be_v his_o practice_n to_o alter_v the_o sound_a word_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o in_o so_o do_v he_o do_v make_v his_o first_o word_n of_o his_o title_n page_n to_o be_v find_v fall_v wherein_o he_o do_v pretend_v the_o advancement_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n for_o if_o he_o dare_v presume_v to_o corrupt_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o easy_a introduction_n of_o some_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o what_o truth_n can_v we_o find_v to_o be_v in_o he_o or_o what_o peace_n can_v he_o expect_v from_o any_o that_o perceive_v this_o deceitful_a deal_n and_o how_o will_v he_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n that_o say_v add_v thou_o not_o to_o his_o word_n lest_o he_o reprove_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n prov._n 30.6_o he_o that_o do_v allege_v the_o word_n false_o will_v have_v no_o great_a care_n to_o divide_v it_o right_o and_o apply_v it_o true_o i_o speak_v this_o upon_o a_o supposal_n which_o i_o will_v have_v he_o to_o take_v away_o by_o show_v how_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n come_v to_o be_v change_v for_o i_o rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n as_o charity_n do_v command_v i_o to_o do_v 1_o cor._n 13.6_o now_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o how_o i_o purpose_v to_o proceed_v in_o answer_v his_o query_n if_o god_n permit_v first_o i_o will_v reflect_v upon_o the_o question_n in_o itself_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o serious_a deliberation_n which_o may_v be_v consider_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n second_o i_o intend_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o question_n as_o he_o do_v handle_v it_o to_o observe_v what_o truth_n be_v in_o his_o decision_n and_o how_o far_o the_o way_n which_o he_o do_v suggest_v be_v like_a to_o produce_v peace_n three_o i_o will_v endeavour_v by_o god_n assistance_n to_o sugheâ—_z a_o word_n of_o advice_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n which_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o prevent_v the_o increase_n of_o error_n and_o strife_n the_o first_o part._n the_o query_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a yea_o or_o no_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o state_n to_o settle_v any_o church-government_n over_o a_o kingdom_n hasty_o or_o not_o and_o with_o the_o power_n common_o desire_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n let_v we_o look_v deliberate_o upon_o this_o query_n and_o to_o that_o effect_n let_v we_o take_v it_o into_o piece_n the_o part_n thereof_o be_v three_o first_o the_o thing_n whereof_o the_o question_n be_v make_v second_o the_o question_n which_o be_v make_v of_o that_o thing_n three_o the_o limitation_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o question_n the_o thing_n whereof_o the_o question_n be_v make_v be_v of_o church-government_n over_o the_o kingdom_n the_o question_n make_v hereof_o or_o the_o thing_n seek_v after_o be_v to_o know_v whether_o yea_o or_o no_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o any_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v hasty_o settle_v the_o limitation_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o the_o question_n be_v make_v be_v whether_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o power_n common_o desire_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n the_o limitation_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o that_o settlement_n can_v be_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o state_n if_o now_o any_o will_v enter_v into_o a_o serious_a deliberation_n upon_o the_o matter_n to_o resolve_v himself_o without_o partiality_n in_o this_o question_n he_o must_v go_v orderly_o to_o work_v by_o a_o rule_n and_o not_o let_v his_o mind_n rove_v at_o random_n to_o snatch_v at_o incident_a thought_n therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o must_v needs_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o query_n for_o without_o this_o foundation_n all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a because_o the_o matter_n not_o be_v know_v which_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v unto_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o to_o any_o purpose_n and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o compare_v the_o particular_n understand_v orderly_o one_o with_o another_o if_o need_v be_v but_o chief_o with_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o question_n to_o find_v out_o by_o the_o result_n of_o the_o comparison_n what_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n let_v we_o then_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v these_o way_n first_o i_o conceive_v that_o by_o the_o word_n church_n be_v mean_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o soul_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v saint_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n or_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v the_o company_n of_o soul_n as_o they_o be_v christ_n subject_n in_o the_o world_n i_o reflect_v here_o upon_o man_n as_o soul_n not_o exclude_v their_o body_n because_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n upon_o which_o christ_n do_v work_n and_o because_o man_n as_o they_o be_v body_n and_o have_v outward_a estate_n be_v proper_o the_o immediate_a subject_n upon_o which_o worldly_a kingdom_n work_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o soul_n be_v also_o in_o some_o kind_n subject_v to_o superior_a power_n rom._n 13.1_o but_o that_o be_v only_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o bodily_a life_n which_o they_o have_v and_o so_o be_v body_n in_o like_o manner_n subject_n unto_o christ_n namely_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n whereby_o they_o be_v act_v through_o their_o soul_n so_o we_o see_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v two_o way_n in_o subjection_n one_o way_n to_o christ_n another_o way_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o if_o the_o distinction_n of_o this_o twofold_a subjection_n be_v right_o understand_v and_o the_o true_a foundation_n thereof_o clear_v many_o doubt_n otherwise_o insoluble_a will_v easy_o be_v decide_v concerning_o the_o limit_n and_o joint_a consistence_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n do_v relate_v the_o body_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n so_o do_v christ_n power_n in_o the_o church_n relate_v to_o the_o subject_n of_o a_o state_n and_o as_o the_o body_n do_v relate_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o outward_a matter_n so_o do_v the_o civil_a power_n relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o man_n as_o they_o be_v his_o subject_n the_o property_n of_o these_o relation_n will_v determine_v the_o sphere_n of_o these_o power_n according_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o their_o virtue_n each_o upon_o other_o and_o according_a to_o the_o subordination_n of_o their_o end_n unto_o the_o happiness_n unto_o the_o whole_a second_o i_o conceive_v by_o that_o which_o be_v call_v government_n in_o general_n that_o be_v mean_v the_o right_a order_n and_o guide_n of_o subject_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n towards_o the_o proper_a end_n thereof_o and_o consequent_o by_o church-government_n in_o particular_a i_o must_v conceive_v the_o right_a order_n and_o guide_n of_o man_n soul_n by_o christ_n power_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o spiritual_a life_n tend_v to_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o perpetual_a communion_n of_o happiness_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o himself_o three_o by_o the_o kingdom_n i_o understand_v the_o society_n of_o english_a man_n as_o they_o be_v unite_v in_o their_o outward_a life_n under_o the_o government_n and_o law_n which_o be_v settle_v for_o their_o peace_n and_o safety_n therein_o now_o when_o the_o question_n be_v of_o a_o church-government_n over_o this_o kingdom_n the_o meaning_n be_v of_o a_o government_n that_o shall_v be_v settle_v in_o and_o throughout_o the_o kingdom_n namely_o in_o all_o the_o church_n thereof_o and_o not_o over_o and_o above_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o proper_o over_o the_o body_n but_o in_o it_o and_o this_o not_o under_o the_o soul_n but_o unite_v to_o it_o and_o both_o be_v in_o the_o same_o person_n so_o we_o may_v conceive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n that_o as_o the_o kingdom_n be_v a_o worldly_a society_n the_o church_n be_v not_o over_o it_o nor_o it_o under_o the_o church_n but_o both_o be_v unite_v together_o in_o one_o christian_a state_n as_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o body_n by_o the_o outward_a sense_n be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n thus_o than_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o question_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scope_n or_o thing_n question_v we_o must_v also_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
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
brethren_n and_o to_o take_v away_o public_a offence_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o perform_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n of_o edification_n without_o a_o agreement_n and_o settlement_n of_o the_o way_n of_o brotherly_a relation_n under_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n of_o judgement_n and_o if_o without_o this_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v not_o those_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o offence_n which_o now_o be_v remediless_a in_o the_o churth_n and_o state_n for_o want_n of_o government_n who_o dissuade_v the_o settlement_n thereof_o thus_o we_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o all_o aught_o to_o do_v in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o settlement_n of_o church-government_n but_o contrariwise_o every_o thing_n do_v main_o require_v it_o and_o if_o we_o look_v further_o upon_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v fundamental_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o minister_n in_o their_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o in_o general_a for_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n house_n or_o in_o particular_a for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o flock_n for_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o the_o worship_n by_o labour_v public_o in_o prayer_n and_o administer_n of_o the_o sacrament_n without_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n if_o i_o say_v we_o look_v upon_o these_o duty_n of_o the_o ministerial_a profession_n to_o see_v what_o their_o consistency_n be_v with_o a_o settlement_n of_o government_n without_o delay_n do_v not_o all_o these_o duty_n utter_o lose_v their_o edify_a virtue_n and_o become_v a_o kind_n of_o reproach_n and_o derision_n to_o the_o profane_a world_n for_o want_v of_o this_o settlement_n of_o church-government_n among_o we_o and_o do_v not_o this_o neglect_n of_o god_n house_n bring_v a_o guilt_n upon_o the_o state_n because_o we_o will_v have_v our_o own_o worldly_a end_n before_o we_o give_v christ_n his_o spiritual_a righâ—â—_z over_o we_o therefore_o nothing_o do_v more_o require_v this_o sudden_a settlement_n of_o government_n than_o the_o ministerial_a duty_n of_o the_o public_a profession_n as_o for_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o state_n which_o can_v be_v none_o other_o than_o these_o 1._o that_o justice_n ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o wholesome_a law_n and_o statute_n 2._o that_o good_a order_n ought_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o all_o public_a society_n 3._o that_o confusion_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o strife_n and_o division_n aught_o to_o be_v prevent_v 4._o that_o the_o mean_n of_o peace_n of_o love_n and_o safety_n aught_o to_o be_v procure_v and_o settle_v by_o public_a authority_n i_o say_v in_o respect_n of_o all_o these_o maxim_n if_o a_o needless_a delay_n of_o settle_v church-government_n be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o their_o sense_n and_o purpose_n then_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v good_a policy_n to_o defer_v that_o settlement_n any_o long_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o establish_v it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o impossibility_n now_o for_o the_o state_n of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o settle_v by_o their_o authority_n the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n power_n among_o their_o subject_n therefore_o it_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o state_n as_o well_o as_o of_o religion_n to_o defer_v any_o long_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o so_o much_o long_v for_o church-government_n i_o love_v not_o to_o play_v the_o statesman_n and_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o interest_n of_o party_n to_o show_v the_o advantage_n which_o each_o may_v reap_v so_o far_o as_o their_o end_n be_v laudable_a from_o this_o settlement_n of_o christ_n power_n among_o we_o nor_o will_v i_o enter_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n which_o the_o long_a discontinuance_n and_o unsettlement_n of_o church-government_n do_v threaten_v the_o state_n withal_o from_o within_o to_o weaken_v it_o and_o from_o without_o to_o betray_v it_o to_o cunning_a adversary_n that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o take_v advantage_n i_o say_v i_o love_v not_o to_o dive_v much_o into_o these_o thing_n although_o the_o last_o might_n to_o good_a purpose_n be_v insist_v upon_o here_o chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o design_n of_o papist_n and_o prelate_n who_o will_v never_o gain_v ground_n upon_o we_o again_o but_o by_o our_o inward_a unsettlement_n but_o one_o thing_n i_o will_v say_v that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o high_a dishonour_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o great_a that_o a_o state_n can_v do_v unto_o christ_n not_o to_o allow_v he_o to_o order_n and_o guide_v his_o own_o house_n by_o his_o own_o law_n within_o their_o territory_n and_o by_o his_o own_o officer_n rule_v his_o own_o subject_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n which_o he_o within_o their_o habitation_n have_v buy_v and_o do_v call_v unto_o himself_o so_o he_o will_v no_o doubt_n severe_o revenge_v such_o a_o injury_n with_o deserve_a judgement_n and_o put_v down_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o in_o this_o world_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o take_v place_n in_o his_o mount_n zion_n 2._o he_o will_v break_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n all_o to_o piece_n therefore_o be_v wise_a now_o o_o you_o king_n and_o be_v you_o instruct_v you_o ruler_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n have_v be_v judge_v a_o true_a maxim_n of_o state_n to_o unite_v and_o settle_v the_o kingdom_n both_o joint_o and_o several_o in_o peace_n and_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v conscionable_o by_o all_o as_o a_o thing_n swear_v unto_o by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o in_o the_o presenâ—e_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v those_o to_o be_v unpunished_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a have_v bind_v themselves_o to_o perform_v it_o then_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o needless_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o mere_a political_a subtle_a and_o cunning_a delay_n of_o settle_v that_o church-government_n which_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n will_v not_o be_v find_v expedient_a but_o very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o whole_a state_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o house_n for_o if_o their_o oath_n have_v make_v this_o endeavour_n of_o settle_v this_o church-government_n when_o it_o can_v be_v do_v a_o necessary_a duty_n unto_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o state_n then_o i_o hope_v that_o they_o will_v understand_v thus_o much_o that_o he_o who_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n will_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o purpose_n and_o aim_v for_o which_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n when_o it_o may_v be_v perform_v be_v defer_v no_o state_n end_n will_v give_v he_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o we_o all_o i_o say_v we_o chief_o that_o be_v remembrancer_n on_o god_n behalf_n to_o man_n of_o their_o duty_n shall_v let_v the_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o other_o know_v what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o case_n namely_o that_o god_n expect_v a_o performance_n of_o vow_n make_v unto_o he_o without_o all_o delay_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o by-end_n in_o a_o business_n to_o which_o the_o conscience_n have_v bind_v itself_o towards_o the_o lord_n therefore_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o ecclesiastes_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n which_o say_v thus_o chap._n 5.4_o when_o thou_o vow_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n pay_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v vow_v in_o a_o word_n then_o to_o persuade_v the_o magistrate_n to_o defer_v the_o payment_n of_o his_o vow_n to_o god_n upon_o state_n consideration_n and_o politic_a intent_n be_v to_o persuade_v he_o to_o play_v the_o fool_n and_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o judgement_n denounce_v in_o that_o woe_n which_o be_v threaten_v they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n isai._n 5.21_o let_v therefore_o no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o if_o we_o be_v christian_n not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o state_n polity_n of_o this_o world_n be_v mere_a foolishness_n with_o god_n because_o it_o be_v write_v that_o he_o will_v take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n 1_o cor._n 3.18_o 19_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n wherein_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o a_o unpartial_a way_n of_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n which_o he_o have_v prepose_v now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o part_n
they_o mind_v their_o own_o interest_n to_o make_v themselves_o fat_a with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n people_n rather_o than_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o god_n unto_o their_o trust_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o be_v threaten_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o their_o charge_n and_o become_v contemptible_a because_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v determine_v that_o such_o as_o honour_v he_o god_n will_v honour_v and_o such_o as_o despise_v he_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v ibid._n vers._n 30._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v infallible_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n of_o this_o nation_n mind_n themselves_o and_o their_o own_o worldly_a interest_n more_o than_o the_o trust_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o god_n in_o their_o place_n that_o they_o shall_v certain_o be_v punish_v as_o eli_n and_o his_o house_n be_v and_o i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n that_o as_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o judgement_n upon_o the_o house_n of_o eli_n he_o suffer_v his_o ark_n the_o glory_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o philistine_n so_o the_o spiritual_a philistine_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n may_v not_o have_v the_o same_o advantage_n against_o we_o to_o triumph_v over_o our_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o visible_a uphold_n of_o his_o gospell-ordinance_n in_o the_o purity_n thereof_o this_o prognostic_n than_o be_v very_o certain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v make_v by_o any_o that_o lay_v god_n way_n to_o heart_n as_o for_o the_o other_o ground_n of_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o prognostic_n relate_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o people_n under_o such_o governor_n it_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o view_n of_o all_o rational_a man_n that_o can_v look_v upon_o a_o people_n without_o a_o magistracy_n and_o a_o ministry_n what_o their_o state_n can_v be_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o civil_a and_o church-government_n be_v remove_v they_o will_v either_o remain_v without_o all_o government_n in_o a_o anarchical_a state_n wherein_o every_o one_o will_v be_v give_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o neighbour_n to_o be_v oppress_v and_o devour_v as_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n devour_z one_o another_o or_o else_o which_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o mercy_n they_o will_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o arbitrary_a power_n of_o some_o party_n that_o will_v be_v most_o potent_a and_o able_a to_o over-rule_v all_o the_o rest_n by_o who_o mean_n god_n if_o he_o have_v any_o favour_n in_o store_n towards_o the_o nation_n happy_o may_v produce_v some_o settlement_n which_o will_v free_v we_o from_o the_o confusion_n of_o a_o anarchy_n till_o his_o judgement_n in_o some_o other_o way_n be_v execute_v upon_o we_o thus_o you_o have_v my_o prognostic_n and_o the_o ground_n thereof_o in_o case_n mr._n saltmarsh_n suggestion_n take_v place_n which_o be_v not_o unlikely_a they_o may_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o wild_a frame_n whereinto_o god_n suffer_v man_n spirit_n to_o run_v now_o adays_o and_o in_o respect_n that_o the_o reins_o of_o government_n begin_v to_o be_v loosen_v everywhere_o and_o because_o i_o believe_v that_o mr._n satlmarsh_n have_v not_o shoot_v these_o arrow_n against_o all_o settlement_n of_o government_n so_o much_o out_o of_o his_o own_o private_a quiver_n as_o out_o of_o the_o sense_n and_o counsel_n of_o a_o party_n which_o do_v strong_o act_n by_o those_o principle_n wherewith_o they_o have_v prompt_v he_o and_o to_o vent_v which_o they_o make_v use_v only_o of_o his_o pen_n towards_o our_o utter_a unsettlement_n by_o a_o method_n of_o deceitfulness_n which_o upon_o the_o whimsical_a humour_n of_o this_o age_n may_v become_v prevalent_a to_o disturb_v all_o other_o resolution_n and_o attempt_n of_o all_o orderly_a course_n and_o establishment_n now_o to_o suggest_v a_o matter_n of_o advice_n either_o to_o prevent_v the_o increase_n or_o to_o divert_v the_o small_a issue_n of_o these_o evil_n i_o shall_v do_v it_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v because_o i_o dare_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o go_v beyond_o my_o line_n to_o prevent_v the_o increase_n of_o present_a unsettlement_n in_o church-government_n the_o way_n be_v not_o for_o the_o ministry_n to_o get_v power_n from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o press_v all_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n without_o any_o abatement_n upon_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o nation_n so_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o have_v any_o religious_a liberty_n of_o profess_v the_o gospel_n in_o public_a that_o come_v not_o under_o this_o rule_n by_o way_n of_o conformity_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o clear_a design_n of_o our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n and_o of_o that_o party_n which_o in_o the_o house_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n do_v go_v along_o with_o they_o i_o say_v that_o this_o be_v not_o and_o will_v not_o be_v the_o way_n of_o settlement_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o gospel-way_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v to_o which_o only_o he_o have_v promise_v a_o blessing_n and_o because_o the_o forwardness_n of_o this_o party_n to_o settle_v thing_n in_o this_o way_n come_v not_o from_o a_o pure_a zeal_n to_o religion_n but_o involve_v a_o state-interest_n which_o those_o of_o the_o house_n intend_v to_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o which_o a_o opposite_a party_n have_v discover_v and_o will_v oppose_v to_o the_o uttermost_a though_o all_o shall_v be_v unsettled_a and_o go_v to_o rack_n by_o this_o mean_n and_o who_o know_v whether_o mr._n saltmarsh_n query_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o resolution_n which_o be_v take_v among_o they_o to_o cross_v the_o design_n of_o that_o other_o party_n therefore_o the_o prosecution_n of_o a_o settlement_n in_o that_o way_n will_v produce_v rather_o strife_n and_o opposition_n than_o any_o other_o effect_n nor_o will_v the_o way_n of_o settlement_n in_o church-government_n be_v that_o which_o some_o other_o seem_v to_o press_v with_o no_o less_o earnestness_n namely_o to_o give_v all_o the_o power_n of_o church_n affair_n up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n qua_fw-la magistrate_n that_o he_o may_v order_n the_o spiritual_a concernment_n of_o god_n house_n authoritative_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v good_a and_o that_o no_o way_n of_o church-discipline_n shall_v be_v administer_v by_o any_o nor_o mean_n of_o edification_n set_v a_o work_n but_o in_o his_o name_n i_o say_v this_o will_v no_o more_o than_o the_o other_o produce_v a_o settlement_n in_o church-government_n because_o all_o party_n that_o be_v most_o intelligent_a in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o zealous_a for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v joint_o oppose_v such_o a_o absolute_a power_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n over_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o none_o in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n but_o by_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o a_o free_a willing_a account_n that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v without_o constraint_n give_v themselves_o up_o thereunto_o according_a to_o that_o of_o psal._n 110.3_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n they_o shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n what_o way_n then_o soever_o be_v take_v which_o do_v not_o work_v the_o professor_n to_o a_o willingness_n to_o come_v under_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n be_v not_o that_o which_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o bring_v about_o a_o settlement_n so_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o by_o the_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n nor_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o will_v do_v the_o work_n but_o it_o must_v be_v by_o a_o clear_a and_o gentle_a lead_n of_o man_n spirit_n to_o come_v willing_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o except_o the_o godly_a minister_n can_v agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o profession_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o word_n evident_o set_v forth_o and_o leave_v of_o contest_v about_o the_o outward_a circumstantial_n and_o prudential_a way_n of_o act_v to_o permit_v a_o latitude_n to_o each_o other_o and_o consent_n to_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n therein_o and_o so_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o charity_n make_v up_o the_o difference_n and_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o joint_o desire_v the_o countenance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n by_o way_n of_o his_o approbation_n only_o and_o not_o by_o way_n of_o delegate_n power_n to_o constrain_v other_o unto_o their_o way_n except_o i_o say_v the_o godly_a minister_n among_o themselves_o can_v thus_o accommodate_v their_o matter_n the_o unsettlement_n of_o the_o government_n will_v never_o be_v prevent_v and_o if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o agreement_n of_o this_o nature_n procure_v among_o the_o minister_n