my_o discourse_n and_o i_o be_o still_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n which_o then_o i_o be_v in_o but_o if_o you_o or_o any_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o the_o first_o position_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o i_o raise_v it_o and_o if_o you_o or_o any_o can_v show_v i_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sound_a i_o shall_v quit_v they_o with_o their_o consequence_n i_o conceive_v then_o the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n over_o the_o society_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v a_o civil_a body_n and_o that_o his_o charge_n be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o natural_a constitution_n and_o visible_a face_n of_o that_o society_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o a_o frame_n subordinate_a unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o god_n by_o he_o rule_v in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n he_o than_o be_v bind_v as_o a_o vicegerent_n of_o the_o most_o high_a to_o authorise_v that_o be_v to_o set_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o sovereign_n nothing_o but_o that_o 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mean_n only_o be_v capable_a to_o build_v we_o up_o therein_o thus_o have_v i_o presume_v in_o as_o weak_a as_o cursory_a a_o manner_n to_o weigh_v the_o forego_n passage_n of_o your_o epistolary_a discourse_n in_o the_o unequal_a balance_n like_a enough_o of_o my_o own_o understanding_n but_o proceed_v entire_o from_o a_o desire_n of_o be_v better_o inform_v in_o what_o i_o be_o at_o a_o loss_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o singular_a candidnesse_n of_o mind_n will_v make_v a_o good_a interpretation_n of_o it_o the_o settle_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v of_o such_o eminent_a weight_n and_o consideration_n as_o that_o without_o it_o christian_n will_v never_o in_o any_o comparative_a degree_n be_v bring_v to_o unity_n in_o discipline_n and_o doctrine_n and_o that_o more_o soul_n be_v keep_v from_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o miscarry_v through_o persecute_v one_o another_o for_o cause_n 〈◊〉_d conscience_n then_o by_o reason_n of_o all_o other_o such_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o whether_o for_o discipline_n or_o doctrine_n if_o you_o have_v publish_v any_o of_o your_o other_o thought_n concern_v this_o subject_n beside_o your_o consultatio_fw-la theology_n etc._n etc._n letter_n to_o the_o l._n forbes_n and_o your_o informatiâ—_n ecclesiis_fw-la reformatis_fw-la oblata_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v exceed_o rejoice_v to_o have_v a_o sight_n thereof_o and_o especial_o touch_v the_o demonstrative_a analize_v the_o scripture_n which_o i_o conceive_v will_v be_v a_o great_a jewel_n than_o all_o that_o ever_o solomon_n write_v of_o from_o the_o cedar_n to_o the_o shrub_n wherefore_o i_o most_o humble_o beseech_v you_o for_o the_o public_a good_a that_o you_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o least_o dram_n of_o your_o meditation_n in_o this_o behalf_n any_o long_a to_o lie_v waste_n or_o dormant_a which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o perfect_a and_o complete_a may_v by_o degree_n and_o contemplation_n of_o other_o 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you_o make_v all_o which_o deserve_v respect_n but_o chief_o because_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a love_n even_o towards_o those_o that_o deserve_v it_o not_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o edification_n towards_o they_o for_o it_o do_v make_v the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d thereof_o without_o offence_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v through_o god_n blessing_n with_o profit_n by_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v for_o as_o god_n be_v move_v and_o be_v powerful_a only_o by_o his_o love_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o offer_v himself_o as_o a_o father_n of_o spirit_n to_o his_o child_n which_o be_v our_o soul_n so_o we_o as_o child_n of_o such_o a_o father_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o his_o love_n for_o so_o we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 5._o 1_o 2._o and_o towards_o our_o brethren_n we_o shall_v as_o member_n of_o each_o other_o advance_v that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n in_o love_n only_o and_o not_o otherwise_o for_o what_o we_o do_v with_o any_o other_o affection_n be_v do_v in_o our_o ownestrength_n and_o will_v be_v find_v either_o ineffectual_a or_o hurtful_a to_o edification_n therefore_o as_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o you_o have_v speak_v the_o truth_n from_o your_o heart_n so_o i_o shall_v assure_v you_o that_o i_o shall_v without_o partiality_n lie_v open_a unto_o you_o my_o thought_n and_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v not_o only_o in_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v propose_v but_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n wherein_o i_o shall_v find_v myself_o oblige_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n now_o then_o beseech_v he_o again_o to_o direct_v our_o thought_n and_o guide_v our_o spirit_n in_o all_o truth_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n unblamable_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o our_o mutual_a comfort_n i_o shall_v 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reformation_n of_o religion_n to_o tolerate_v by_o way_n of_o approbation_n that_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o authorise_v and_o settle_v for_o a_o time_n a_o public_a profession_n which_o they_o can_v find_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a way_n which_o god_n allow_v this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o my_o assertion_n in_o the_o whole_a first_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n only_o i_o dissuade_v the_o state_n to_o grant_v the_o apologist_n their_o petition_n but_o if_o for_o other_o more_o important_a reason_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v than_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v wisdom_n in_o the_o state_n so_o to_o limitate_v the_o toleration_n which_o they_o shall_v grant_v for_o time_n and_o manner_n that_o thereby_o a_o full_a agreement_n and_o unity_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v between_o the_o apologist_n and_o their_o brethren_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o two_o follow_a head_n of_o
some_z few_o consideration_n propound_v as_o so_o many_o scruple_n by_o mr._n henry_n robinson_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o mr._n john_n dury_n upon_o his_o epistolary_a discourse_n with_o mr._n durye_n answer_v thereunto_o wherein_o be_v observable_a with_o what_o overture_n of_o spirit_n they_o endeavour_v to_o edify_v each_o other_o notwithstanding_o their_o differ_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n about_o the_o independent_a and_o presbyterian_a way_n publish_a by_o a_o well-willer_n to_o peace_n and_o truth_n in_o expectation_n that_o it_o may_v not_o little_o conduce_v either_o to_o the_o reconcile_n of_o such_o controversy_n or_o to_o the_o debate_v they_o with_o less_o noise_n and_o bitterness_n whereunto_o be_v annex_v another_o epistolary_a discourse_n write_v by_o mr._n john_n dury_n to_o a_o worthy_a knight_n concern_v the_o principle_n of_o meditation_n from_o which_o rule_n may_v be_v gather_v to_o direct_v man_n to_o order_v their_o thought_n so_o as_o to_o find_v a_o resolution_n of_o all_o their_o doubt_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 24_o 25._o a_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a in_o meekness_n instruct_v even_o those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o gal._n 6._o 1_o 2._o if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o weeknesse_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v psal_n 50._o v._n 23._o who_o so_o offer_v praise_n glorifi_v i_o and_o to_o he_o that_o order_v his_o conversation_n aright_o will_v i_o show_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n london_n print_v for_o charles_n green_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o ivy_n lane_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o gun_n 1646._o to_o the_o reverend_n and_o much_o honour_v mr._n john_n dury_n reverend_a sir_n according_a to_o that_o small_a talon_n of_o understanding_n which_o it_o please_v the_o eternal_a dispenser_n from_o who_o all_o good_a gift_n proceed_v to_o bestow_v upon_o i_o i_o may_v safe_o say_v and_o that_o with_o great_a joy_n of_o heart_n how_o among_o so_o many_o as_o do_v argue_v and_o debate_v the_o present_a difference_n of_o the_o church_n particular_o about_o the_o independent_a and_o presbyterial_a government_n i_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o who_o ever_o yet_o express_v so_o sweet_a so_o brotherly_a so_o christian_n and_o even_o so_o apostolical_a a_o spirit_n as_o without_o any_o other_o prospective_n i_o clear_o see_v inhabit_v in_o you_o breast_n by_o some_o letter_n which_o come_v forth_o about_o two_o month_n ago_o entitle_v a_o epistolary_a discourse_n etc._n etc._n with_o other_o which_o it_o please_v my_o worthy_a friend_n mr._n hartlib_a to_o favour_v i_o withal_o your_o proceed_n with_o the_o apologist_n therein_o i_o can_v better_o express_v then_o as_o if_o it_o be_v between_o your_o own_o right_a hand_n and_o your_o left_a towards_o which_o any_o other_o than_o a_o equal_a proportion_n of_o liberty_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v both_o unnatural_a and_o unjust_a it_o be_v now_o eight_o month_n since_o i_o be_v bold_a to_o inquire_v after_o you_o in_o hope_v you_o have_v be_v in_o england_n with_o a_o intention_n of_o importune_v you_o which_o since_o i_o perceive_v to_o be_v needless_a through_o your_o own_o forwardness_n to_o engage_v yourself_o towards_o the_o reconcile_n of_o this_o clergy_n war_n but_o understand_v you_o be_v so_o far_o off_o and_o withal_o scarce_o settle_v or_o well_o at_o leisure_n i_o forbear_v purposely_o to_o give_v you_o far_o trouble_v however_o because_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o your_o letter_n to_o mr._n hartlib_n as_o also_o in_o the_o other_o to_o mr._n good_a win_v and_o mr._n nye_n you_o seem_v desirous_a of_o a_o further_a correspondency_n with_o the_o apologist_n or_o some_o other_o in_o their_o way_n whereby_o you_o may_v have_v know_v the_o state_n of_o their_o case_n in_o england_n and_o as_o i_o conceive_v will_v glad_o for_o the_o common_a cause_n sake_n that_o some_o punctual_a answer_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o epistolary_a discourse_n which_o i_o be_o fearful_a will_v not_o succeed_v as_o yet_o in_o that_o i_o apprehend_v that_o most_o man_n of_o their_o way_n be_v rather_o total_o possess_v and_o take_v up_o with_o a_o imminent_a danger_n and_o daily_o expect_v some_o sudden_a sentence_n of_o absolute_a silence_n or_o certain_a banishment_n for_o what_o be_v say_v already_o through_o a_o most_o fierce_a persecution_n of_o certain_a unquiet_a presbyterian_a spirit_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o as_o also_o the_o great_a desire_n i_o have_v of_o be_v far_o know_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o high_a esteem_n of_o those_o admirble_n gift_n which_o god_n have_v give_v you_o prevail_v with_o i_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o these_o few_o general_a consideration_n upon_o the_o read_n of_o your_o epistolary_a discourse_n whereby_o you_o will_v perceive_v i_o take_v not_o upon_o i_o neither_o to_o state_n the_o controversy_n so_o much_o above_o my_o slender_a ability_n and_o yet_o not_o as_o one_o altogether_o without_o hope_n through_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v still_o most_o eminent_a when_o most_o rely_v upon_o and_o the_o love_v you_o bear_v to_o truth_n a_o great_a then_o which_o i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v to_o make_v a_o ensample_n unto_o myself_o but_o that_o they_o may_v in_o some_o small_a manner_n and_o by_o degree_n be_v conduce_v unto_o the_o public_a good_a pag._n 20._o briesly_a then_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o your_o book_n you_o please_v to_o say_v the_o apologist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v unless_o they_o can_v show_v their_o way_n of_o non-communion_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o presbyterial_a contrary_a etc._n etc._n but_o i_o shall_v suppose_v it_o sufficient_a if_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o way_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n if_o but_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o their_o way_n since_o they_o profess_v before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o must_v be_v believe_v in_o charity_n that_o they_o can_v comply_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o any_o other_o way_n our_o saviour_n proclamation_n of_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o he_o be_v on_o his_o part_n mark_n 9_o 40._o seem_v to_o make_v not_o a_o little_a to_o this_o purpose_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o they_o may_v be_v tolerate_v whilst_o they_o insist_v not_o so_o much_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n shall_v be_v reject_v by_o the_o state_n as_o that_o their_o own_o way_n be_v bare_o suffer_v among_o themselves_o but_o whilst_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n or_o such_o as_o will_v not_o permit_v a_o civil_a abode_n but_o banish_v or_o expel_v all_o such_o as_o differ_v in_o opinion_n do_v separate_v themselves_o from_o church_n society_n they_o be_v author_n of_o a_o more_o desperate_a separation_n far_o worse_o than_o non-communion_n or_o the_o separatist_n themselves_o in_o whatsoever_o sense_n because_o they_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o regain_n they_o if_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n by_o their_o conversation_n pag._n 21._o the_o less_o the_o cause_n of_o separation_n be_v the_o great_a the_o fault_n be_v in_o those_o that_o make_v it_o the_o cause_n of_o separation_n be_v great_a in_o apprehension_n of_o the_o apologist_n but_o less_o in_o judgement_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o proceed_v only_o as_o these_o usual_o allege_v about_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v the_o rather_o to_o give_v way_n unto_o they_o since_o they_o may_v contrive_v it_o with_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n all_o the_o reason_n they_o give_v unto_o the_o contrary_a be_v the_o goodliness_n of_o uniformity_n in_o the_o outward_a comeliness_n which_o can_v be_v stand_v upon_o as_o necessary_a much_o less_o to_o be_v press_v so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o suffer_v such_o to_o live_v among_o they_o who_o can_v comply_v through_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n godly_a reasonable_a and_o understand_a man_n as_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v shall_v not_o by_o charitable_a man_n be_v deem_v to_o separate_v to_o their_o so_o great_a inconvenience_n if_o their_o conscience_n can_v otherwise_o dispense_v with_o they_o whereas_o the_o presbyterian_o here_o which_o stand_v upon_o their_o pantofle_n enjoy_v all_o accommodation_n may_v easy_o be_v suppose_v to_o keep_v their_o despise_a brethren_n of_o the_o independent_a way_n to_o such_o hard_a task_n and_o measure_n to_o gratify_v their_o private_a interest_n pag._n 23._o let_v we_o remember_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a to_o all_o man_n chief_o unto_o our_o near_a brethren_n if_o the_o apologist_n can_v be_v think_v to_o strive_v it_o be_v only_o in_o a_o defensive_a way_n to_o keep_v their_o conscience_n from_o be_v ravish_v into_o a_o uniformity_n whereof_o they_o find_v themselves_o not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o
account_n neither_o to_o god_n nor_o man_n but_o they_o be_v the_o presbyterian_o which_o may_v be_v say_v both_o proper_o and_o actual_o to_o strive_v and_o that_o with_o carnal_a civil_a weapon_n while_o by_o their_o doctrine_n instigation_n or_o approbation_n their_o poor_a brethren_n which_o can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n comply_v with_o they_o be_v persecute_v by_o discountenance_v turn_v out_o of_o their_o ministry_n and_o livelihood_n imprison_v and_o banish_v through_o grief_n and_o manifold_a inconvenience_n even_o unto_o death_n pag._n 24._o you_o say_v if_o spiritual_a relation_n can_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_a affection_n of_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n within_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o than_o it_o be_v just_a that_o they_o shall_v forfeit_v their_o spiritual_a right_n and_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v so_o i_o will_v glad_o see_v it_o prove_v from_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n or_o good_a reason_n for_o i_o conccive_a that_o as_o christ_n do_v only_o purchase_v for_o we_o our_o christian_a right_n and_o liberty_n so_o no_o state_n or_o government_n no_o body_n but_o himself_o may_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o abridge_v we_o of_o they_o second_o that_o no_o civil_a misdemeanour_n can_v be_v just_a cause_n to_o abridge_v we_o of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n three_o that_o division_n in_o opinion_n about_o a_o churchway_n do_v not_o necessary_o conclude_v division_n in_o a_o state_n and_o last_o such_o as_o do_v actual_o disturb_v the_o civil_a state_n the_o public_a peace_n both_o aught_o and_o may_v be_v punish_v even_o unto_o death_n without_o abridge_n such_o offender_n much_o less_o the_o civil_o innocent_a in_o their_o spiritual_a right_n and_o liberty_n the_o utmost_a extent_n and_o height_n of_o christian_n differ_v in_o opinion_n which_o i_o ever_o hear_v of_o be_v this_o first_o that_o they_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n second_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v they_o and_o so_o reject_v error_n hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n worshp_v god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o require_v with_o confirm_v and_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o all_o piety_n and_o godliness_n for_o discharge_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o man_n may_v not_o worship_n god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o true_a one_o nor_o publish_v error_n in_o stead_n of_o truth_n i_o answer_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v save_v truth_n nor_o any_o kind_n of_o worship_v god_n prove_v acceptable_a from_o any_o man_n which_o be_v not_o hold_v to_o be_v such_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o understanding_n i_o submit_v myself_o to_o hear_v read_v or_o be_v inform_v in_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v require_v of_o i_o and_o it_o may_v on_o strong_a presumption_n be_v conceive_v that_o the_o sundry_a disadvantage_n i_o lie_v under_o in_o dissent_v with_o the_o many_o benefit_n i_o may_v receive_v by_o conform_v do_v make_v i_o no_o little_a willing_a and_o desirous_a that_o my_o very_a judgement_n and_o conscience_n can_v be_v bring_v about_o to_o approve_v and_o agree_v in_o what_o the_o state_n establish_v so_o it_o may_v be_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v profess_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o do_v not_o find_v evidence_n by_o all_o that_o be_v allege_v for_o convince_a of_o my_o conscience_n i_o desire_v to_o see_v clear_a ground_n from_o scripture_n on_o which_o any_o politic_a end_n of_o state_n may_v any_o way_n proceed_v to_o offer_v violence_n or_o any_o degree_n of_o compulsive_a mean_n to_o work_v upon_o my_o conscience_n and_o understanding_n on_o which_o such_o spiritual_a as_o have_v hitherto_o be_v use_v be_v not_o able_a to_o prevail_v since_o such_o only_o we_o find_v warrantable_a and_o sanctify_a in_o scripture_n to_o this_o effect_n pag._n 25._o they_o shall_v be_v so_o tolerate_v as_o may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o that_o church_n whereof_o the_o state_n itself_o be_v profess_o a_o nurse_n mother_n i_o can_v apprehend_v how_o the_o similitude_n can_v hold_v between_o a_o private_a christian_a and_o a_o public_a state_n in_o many_o respect_n i_o will_v urge_v only_o in_o one_o viz._n a_o public_a state_n may_v at_o sometime_o both_o have_v and_o suffer_v thwart_v cross_a or_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o yet_o subsist_v though_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v not_o so_o peaceable_o not_o so_o secute_o as_o be_v object_v but_o a_o private_a christian_n can_v possible_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n believe_v two_o diametrical_o opposite_a opinion_n to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o self_n same_o respect_n i_o wish_v you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o state_n the_o course_n and_o orderly_a conference_n you_o speak_v of_o p._n 26._o which_o doubtless_o all_o independent_o will_v with_o you_o approve_v of_o i_o do_v not_o find_v it_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o set_v up_o a_o outward_a visible_a worship_n under_o the_o gospel_n or_o that_o they_o can_v any_o way_n be_v further_a of_o it_o except_o by_o give_v good_a example_n unto_o other_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o protect_v the_o saint_n while_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o since_o the_o magistrate_n weapon_n be_v coercive_a teriall_a camall_a if_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o vindication_n of_o spiritual_a neglect_n or_o defect_n each_o state_n set_v up_o its_o own_o a_o different_a worship_n man_n must_v from_o time_n to_o time_n take_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o subject_a their_o conscience_n to_o that_o which_o have_v the_o sharp_a sword_n to_o fight_v for_o it_o still_o change_v religion_n according_a to_o the_o event_n of_o war_n with_o the_o sundry_a alteration_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n and_o though_o i_o be_o not_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o expression_n you_o use_v concern_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o state_n i_o suppose_v you_o will_v sufficient_o apprehend_v i_o if_o i_o query_n whether_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o state_n can_v be_v accountable_a and_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n excuse_v all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v cast_v away_o through_o false_a worship_n which_o they_o set_v up_o in_o relation_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n respective_o compel_v the_o people_n to_o submit_v thereto_o if_o not_o i_o query_n again_o if_o it_o be_v not_o be_v argument_n of_o great_a indiscretion_n for_o reasonable_a man_n and_o woman_n to_o resign_v up_o their_o own_o understanding_n unto_o such_o as_o can_v bear_v they_o harmless_a for_o so_o do_v and_o of_o great_a presumption_n and_o tyranny_n in_o those_o who_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o spiritual_a dominion_n over_o other_o who_o they_o can_v neither_o give_v a_o spiritual_a assurance_n to_o at_o present_a nor_o provide_v for_o they_o if_o need_v be_v a_o spiritual_a deliverance_n hereafter_o pag._n 28._o you_o say_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o meddle_v with_o what_o be_v spiritual_a nor_o the_o spiritual_a office_n bearer_n with_o what_o be_v civil_a which_o i_o grant_v and_o yet_o p._n 29._o you_o say_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n must_v have_v the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o just_a and_o orderly_a behaviour_n of_o those_o which_o do_v administer_v spiritual_a ordinance_n wherein_o i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o direct_a way_n of_o set_v the_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a office_n bearer_n at_o odds_o among_o themselves_o as_o put_v the_o case_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n tell_v the_o spiritual_a that_o he_o have_v not_o well_o &_o orderly_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n admonish_v he_o to_o reform_v and_o upon_o resusall_n proceed_v to_o punish_v he_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o spiritual_a magistrate_n justify_v himself_o fly_v to_o his_o spiritual_a weapon_n in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o if_o they_o prevail_v not_o in_o likelihood_n endeavour_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n against_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o how_o you_o can_v avoid_v this_o great_a disturbance_n upon_o these_o ground_n i_o can_v possible_o imagine_v but_o much_o desire_n to_o be_v inform_v thereof_o if_o your_o leisure_n may_v permit_v and_o that_o upon_o further_a thought_n you_o continue_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n you_o make_v it_o likewise_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o keep_v people_n from_o choose_v teacher_n according_a to_o their_o own_o humour_n their_o own_o understanding_n and_o teacher_n from_o draw_v people_n after_o they_o how_o be_v this_o i_o beseech_v you_o consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n nay_o the_o charge_n which_o be_v impose_v upon_o christian_n for_o try_v of_o
the_o spirit_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a if_o they_o may_v not_o hear_v such_o as_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v send_v from_o christ_n and_o embrace_v such_o doctrine_n as_o they_o take_v to_o be_v save_v truth_n and_o necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n according_a to_o that_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n pag._n 36._o if_o those_o you_o call_v common_a principle_n whilst_o you_o say_v the_o apologist_n insist_v on_o generality_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o trial_n be_v demonstrative_a as_o you_o allege_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v demonstrative_o analize_v p._n 4._o i_o shall_v think_v it_o the_o work_n of_o some_o angel_n to_o have_v it_o once_o effect_v and_o as_o well_o the_o apologist_n as_o all_o other_o who_o now_o differ_v in_o opinion_n will_v quick_o grow_v together_o into_o a_o unity_n of_o faith_n but_o till_o then_o i_o shall_v expect_v that_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n there_o will_v be_v heresy_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n conceive_v that_o nothing_o except_o this_o demonstrative_a analize_a sacred_a truth_n will_v soon_o vanquish_v they_o than_o the_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v with_o all_o possible_a freedom_n examine_v and_o debate_v which_o must_v necessary_o infer_v the_o most_o acknowledge_a truth_n themselves_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o proceed_n in_o that_o what_o one_o man_n church_n or_o nation_n take_v to_o be_v truth_n another_o perhaps_o account_v no_o less_o than_o heresy_n and_o if_o paul_n tell_v the_o galathian_o that_o if_o a_o good_a angel_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o they_o then_o what_o the_o apostle_n have_v do_v before_o he_o shall_v be_v accurse_v i_o conceive_v we_o may_v much_o more_o try_v the_o spirit_n of_o mortal_a man_n of_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n with_o ourselves_o consequent_o hold_v fast_o what_o we_o find_v sound_a and_o reject_v what_o appear_v to_o be_v erroneous_a by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o holy_a writ_n according_a to_o our_o own_o reason_n understanding_n and_o faith_n since_o we_o neither_o may_v or_o can_v judge_v true_o of_o they_o no_o more_o than_o see_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o man_n by_o the_o reason_n understanding_n and_o faith_n of_o other_o neither_o can_v i_o apprehend_v a_o three_o or_o any_o mean_a betwixt_o these_o two_o condition_n to_o pag._n 30._o i_o confess_v a_o dissolve_a government_n may_v often_o time_n prove_v dangerous_a and_o fatail_a to_o any_o state_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a and_o yet_o not_o so_o dangerous_a not_o fatal_a as_o a_o dominier_n over_o rigid_a tyrannical_a government_n especial_o in_o the_o spiritual_a state_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v regulate_v according_a to_o their_o bound_n and_o rule_n if_o church_n discipline_n and_o censure_n will_v not_o prevail_v on_o church_n member_n i_o find_v no_o warrant_n to_o fly_v to_o civil_a but_o conceive_v it_o high_o condemn_v even_o by_o that_o place_n of_o paul_n where_o he_o blame_v the_o corinthian_n for_o go_v to_o law_n with_o one_o another_o and_o that_o before_o unbeliever_n beside_o all_o civil_a state_n account_v themselves_o in_o a_o manner_n perfect_a for_o their_o civil_a condition_n and_o constitution_n as_o first_o they_o be_v complete_a in_o law_n they_o have_v as_o many_o as_o they_o will_v themselves_o they_o pretend_v to_o understand_v they_o full_o even_o to_o the_o least_o jot_n and_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v they_o exact_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o letter_n but_o for_o spiritual_a matter_n we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o reach_v forth_o to_o what_o be_v want_v not_o refuse_v to_o lend_v a_o ear_n unto_o it_o though_o tender_v by_o a_o stammer_n illiterate_a tongue_n of_o some_o otherwise_o despise_a soul_n as_o all_o truth_n for_o the_o most_o part_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v be_v discountenance_v and_o reject_v upon_o the_o first_o discovery_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o in_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n however_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a in_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n the_o apostle_n find_v they_o yet_o have_v they_o such_o among_o they_o in_o both_o respect_n as_o far_o exceed_v all_o other_o ever_o since_o neither_o have_v we_o such_o infallible_a teacher_n like_o they_o to_o confirm_v unto_o we_o what_o we_o have_v for_o truth_n or_o add_v unto_o we_o what_o be_v want_v to_o pag._n 31._o i_o must_v needs_o confess_v the_o opinion_n of_o a_o great_a light_n be_v no_o little_a deceitful_a but_o do_v not_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v according_a to_o such_o appear_a light_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a i_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o it_o as_o it_o appear_v unto_o myself_o and_o how_o can_v god_n be_v angry_a with_o i_o for_o serve_v he_o to_o my_o power_n or_o how_o can_v man_n condemn_v i_o for_o differ_v from_o he_o when_o i_o have_v use_v all_o such_o rational_a common_a principle_n which_o he_o can_v prescribe_v to_o bring_v i_o to_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n without_o prevail_v upon_o my_o conscience_n you_o say_v well_o with_o the_o apostle_n that_o if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 2._o and_o yet_o a_o man_n must_v be_v rule_v by_o that_o which_o he_o thus_o but_o think_v to_o know_v so_o much_o less_o ground_n have_v any_o man_n to_o impose_v what_o he_o know_v not_o for_o even_o his_o knowledge_n neither_o be_v no_o better_a upon_o another_o who_o know_v nothing_o yet_o know_v as_o much_o as_o himself_o nay_o a_o synod_n council_n or_o state_n have_v so_o little_a preemimence_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o respect_n of_o person_n unless_o we_o will_v justify_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o their_o implicit_a faith_n pag._n 32._o you_o approve_v the_o cast_n off_o subjection_n and_o absolute_a obedience_n unto_o episcopacy_n but_o will_v not_o have_v dissolve_v the_o brotherly_a corresponcie_n in_o a_o presbytery_n and_o certain_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v but_o it_o must_v then_o continue_v brotherly_a we_o must_v run_v hand_n in_o hand_n like_o brother_n so_o long_o as_o we_o can_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o if_o afterward_o upon_o just_a ground_n in_o our_o opinion_n for_o some_o respect_n we_o be_v force_v to_o separate_v from_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v yet_o desirous_a to_o rest_v among_o they_o that_o if_o possible_o they_o may_v be_v win_v by_o a_o godly_a conversation_n but_o if_o like_o a_o curse_a father_n or_o imperious_a master_n they_o endeavour_v with_o rod_n and_o staff_n to_o drive_v we_o from_o our_o father_n and_o master_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n or_o from_o our_o native_a country_n friend_n and_o livelihood_n they_o do_v not_o only_o cease_v to_o be_v brotherly_a but_o cast_v away_o all_o hope_n or_o possibility_n of_o reclaim_v we_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o error_n pap._n 34._o you_o make_v duty_n of_o practice_n no_o less_o fundamental_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o necessary_a truth_n according_a unto_o which_o principle_n i_o suppose_v the_o apologist_n ought_v to_o be_v permit_v both_o to_o practice_v such_o duty_n as_o they_o apprehend_v requisite_a and_o not_o to_o join_v with_o such_o as_o they_o esteem_v superfluous_a erroneous_a since_o both_o may_v be_v no_o less_o of_o faith_n then_o for_o one_o that_o eat_v and_o another_o that_o eat_v not_o while_o both_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n as_o paul_n say_v of_o they_o rom._n 14._o 6._o to_o pag._n 37._o as_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o their_o own_o pastor_n that_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o much_o less_o when_o what_o he_o require_v of_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o approbation_n of_o a_o presbytery_n other_o church_n or_o brethren_n but_o this_o must_v be_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o may_v yield_v unto_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o in_o case_n they_o find_v reason_n for_o dissent_v they_o be_v liable_a only_o to_o be_v censure_v by_o their_o own_o church_n which_o have_v power_n over_o they_o not_o by_o any_o other_o who_o have_v no_o jurisdiction_n much_o less_o authoritative_a oâ—_n compulsative_a synod_n and_o assembly_n may_v well_o be_v convocate_v and_o take_v counsel_n debate_n and_o seek_v to_o vanquish_v such_o difficulty_n as_o arise_v without_o a_o majesteriall_a jurisdiction_n which_o neither_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v ever_o make_v use_n of_o or_o give_v command_n to_o other_o to_o practice_v it_o in_o after_o age_n christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n his_o body_n be_v mystical_a and_o such_o
deceive_v see_v he_o have_v show_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v settle_v together_o in_o one_o body_n under_o their_o only_a head_n and_o be_v fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v in_o one_o society_n that_o by_o the_o spiritual_a joint_n and_o ligature_n which_o his_o spirit_n through_o love_n in_o the_o mutual_a care_n of_o each_o other_o do_v frame_v among_o they_o they_o may_v make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v unto_o the_o edify_n of_o themselves_o in_o their_o duty_n of_o love_n see_v i_o say_v again_o all_o this_o be_v thus_o by_o god_n declare_v therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o not_o only_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o nation_n may_v by_o a_o right_n from_o god_n compact_v themselves_o together_o by_o their_o joint_n and_o ligature_n for_o their_o mutual_a strengthen_n in_o spiritual_a duty_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o one_o man_n in_o christ_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o depend_v in_o this_o relation_n only_o from_o christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o act_n towards_o each_o other_o only_o by_o the_o ability_n which_o he_o give_v and_o christ_n vicegerent_n on_o earth_n appoint_v for_o the_o inspection_n of_o civil_a and_o outward_a matter_n must_v not_o presume_v either_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n of_o their_o spiritual_a growth_n unto_o the_o stature_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n within_o themselves_o or_o enjoin_v they_o to_o act_v only_o as_o from_o and_o under_o his_o authority_n that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n for_o this_o cause_n we_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n sanction_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n of_o edification_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o duty_n and_o compact_n of_o the_o body_n be_v but_o de_fw-fr bene_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o cumulatiuè_fw-fr requisite_a for_o outward_a protection_n and_o not_o at_o all_o necessary_a for_o to_o give_v a_o be_v unto_o the_o work_n itself_o nor_o be_v it_o from_o his_o civil_a sanction_n that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o nation_n be_v make_v one_o but_o they_o be_v bind_v for_o their_o own_o growth_n and_o preservation_n to_o make_v themselves_o one_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n nor_o may_v the_o vicegerent_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n if_o he_o will_v not_o incur_v the_o high_a displeasure_n of_o his_o sovereign_n abstruct_v this_o growth_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a body_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o further_o it_o by_o all_o the_o assistance_n that_o he_o can_v contribute_v thereunto_o and_o aught_o to_o take_v away_o the_o let_n which_o may_v hinder_v it_o whereof_o this_o will_v be_v a_o main_a one_o to_o authorise_v several_a way_n and_o allow_v they_o as_o way_n of_o god_n to_o constitute_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o worship_n when_o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o do_v this_o as_o touch_v the_o place_n mark_n 9_o 20._o which_o you_o allege_v he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o we_o be_v on_o our_o part_n do_v infer_v to_o i_o thus_o much_o only_o that_o private_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v prohibit_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n not_o opposite_a to_o christ_n although_o they_o join_v not_o themselves_o to_o follow_v christ_n with_o his_o true_a disciple_n for_o the_o question_n be_v there_o of_o hinder_v some_o who_o follow_v not_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o name_n to_o do_v miracle_n christ_n forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o hinder_v such_o from_o do_v what_o they_o do_v by_o a_o rule_n of_o prudencie_n that_o such_o can_v not_o light_o speak_v evil_a of_o he_o this_o case_n do_v hold_v well_o among_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o way_n of_o mutual_a edification_n but_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o point_n which_o i_o insist_v upon_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o state_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_v not_o hinder_v particular_a man_n practice_n which_o hurt_v not_o their_o way_n in_o christianity_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o a_o toleration_n by_o a_o magistrate_n to_o a_o assembly_n or_o many_o assembly_n of_o man_n to_o practice_n public_o in_o the_o state_n that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o find_v to_o be_v the_o true_a way_n of_o god_n this_o difference_n be_v great_a many_o way_n but_o particular_o in_o this_o that_o such_o a_o grant_n of_o a_o toleration_n be_v a_o act_n of_o public_a approbation_n which_o to_o declare_v be_v not_o always_o wisdom_n in_o a_o private_a christian_a far_o less_o in_o a_o state_n therefore_o not_o to_o hinder_v in_o that_o case_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o give_v a_o toleration_n in_o this_o be_v quite_o another_o matter_n as_o for_o the_o charge_n lay_v upon_o the_o presbyterial_a brethren_n in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o paragraphe_n that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o civil_a abode_n to_o any_o that_o differ_v in_o opinion_n separate_v from_o church_n society_n from_o they_o i_o know_v not_o how_o you_o can_v make_v it_o good_a nor_o will_v i_o believe_v it_o without_o sufficient_a proof_n nor_o ought_v you_o to_o allege_v it_o without_o a_o sure_a and_o undoubted_a warrant_n therefore_o as_o a_o thing_n speak_v in_o haste_n and_o out_o of_o too_o much_o jealousy_n i_o will_v leave_v it_o till_o god_n let_v you_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o their_o unblameable_a way_n of_o conversation_n to_o gain_v all_o man_n by_o love_a forbearance_n with_o all_o long_a suffering_n and_o doctrine_n 2._o pag._n 21._o upon_o the_o word_n the_o less_o the_o cause_n of_o separation_n be_v the_o great_a the_o fault_n be_v in_o those_o that_o make_v it_o you_o make_v no_o exception_n but_o you_o apply_v the_o assertion_n against_o the_o presbyterian_a brethren_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o apologist_n contrary_a to_o the_o application_n that_o i_o make_v thereof_o the_o ground_n that_o i_o have_v to_o apply_v the_o assertion_n to_o the_o apologist_n be_v take_v from_o their_o own_o word_n in_o the_o close_a of_o their_o apology_n where_o to_o my_o best_a understanding_n they_o say_v plain_o of_o their_o own_o way_n that_o be_v differ_v but_o a_o little_a from_o their_o presbyterian_a brethren_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o speech_n of_o your_o observation_n when_o you_o say_v that_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o apologist_n the_o cause_n of_o separation_n be_v great_a and_o little_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o but_o if_o you_o mark_v the_o argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o the_o parliament_n it_o will_v be_v find_v this_o that_o which_o differ_v but_o a_o little_a from_o the_o way_n which_o you_o allow_v you_o may_v safe_o tolerate_v but_o the_o way_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o follow_v differ_v but_o a_o little_a from_o that_o which_o you_o allow_v therefore_o you_o may_v safe_o tolerate_v it_o and_o grant_v our_o suit_n but_o if_o you_o make_v the_o argument_n thus_o because_o the_o way_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o follow_v be_v great_o different_a from_o that_o which_o you_o allow_v therefore_o you_o shall_v grant_v we_o a_o toleration_n i_o suppose_v this_o will_v be_v no_o strong_a persuasion_n and_o no_o part_n of_o the_o apologist_n meaning_n but_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o as_o you_o apprehend_v and_o deliver_v it_o i_o confess_v that_o nothing_o which_o do_v relate_v conscience_n as_o to_o conscience_n can_v just_o be_v count_v small_a yet_o the_o difference_n of_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o each_o other_o may_v be_v small_a when_o you_o compare_v they_o together_o but_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v trouble_v at_o that_o small_a difference_n it_o be_v to_o he_o no_o small_a matter_n to_o digest_v it_o if_o he_o make_v true_o conscience_n of_o his_o way_n but_o if_o his_o own_o conscience_n be_v not_o sound_a nothing_o will_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n to_o it_o or_o else_o every_o thing_n of_o too_o great_a for_o it_o will_v always_o be_v in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o extreme_a now_o a_o good_a and_o sound_a conscience_n be_v that_o which_o be_v enlighten_v by_o a_o rule_n to_o determine_v all_o that_o it_o do_v for_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o i_o leave_v my_o conscience_n at_o large_a without_o a_o rule_n i_o make_v my_o own_o will_n and_o reason_n a_o rule_n and_o serve_v god_n not_o as_o he_o require_v but_o as_o i_o think_v good_a than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o destructive_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n name_n whereby_o he_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n therefore_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o i_o
know_v no_o presbyterian_a understanding_n himself_o who_o will_v allege_v that_o which_o you_o say_v as_o you_o allege_v it_o namely_o thus_o that_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o difference_n be_v between_o they_o and_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v matter_n of_o indifferency_n in_o respect_n of_o church-constitution_n and_o government_n nay_o i_o know_v that_o many_o make_v the_o difference_n whole_o fundamental_a and_o utter_o destructive_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n i_o wish_v they_o will_v explain_v themselves_o so_o as_o to_o take_v off_o the_o jealousy_n and_o construction_n which_o be_v make_v of_o their_o way_n to_o their_o prejudice_n the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v pretend_v must_v not_o be_v slight_v or_o unconscionable_o entertain_v but_o examine_v and_o weigh_v and_o i_o hope_v that_o if_o the_o case_n which_o trouble_v their_o conscience_n be_v distinct_o state_v and_o clear_o show_v what_o the_o point_n of_o trouble_n be_v that_o rule_n may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n and_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n may_v be_v so_o apply_v unto_o the_o tender_a conscience_n that_o it_o shall_v find_v ease_n but_o while_o matter_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o cloud_n and_o a_o general_a plea_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v stand_v upon_o without_o respect_n to_o such_o duty_n as_o can_v stand_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o be_v neglect_v among_o brethren_n there_o be_v great_a cause_n to_o fear_v that_o there_o may_v be_v much_o deceit_n in_o such_o a_o plea_n for_o where_o the_o liberty_n which_o with_o a_o pretence_n to_o conscience_n be_v plead_v for_o be_v abuse_v unconscionable_o and_o be_v without_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n wherefore_o it_o be_v obtain_v make_v a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n there_o may_v be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n of_o deceit_n in_o such_o a_o pretence_n therefore_o the_o prudencie_n of_o the_o righteous_a will_v in_o due_a time_n make_v discovery_n of_o that_o which_o be_v unsound_a for_o we_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o conscience_n may_v be_v deceive_v many_o way_n for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n to_o discern_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o it_o shall_v walk_v and_o of_o watchfulness_n to_o apply_v know_v rule_n unto_o the_o way_n wherein_o a_o man_n do_v walk_v all_o the_o deceit_n which_o proceed_v from_o these_o two_o cause_n be_v in_o defectu_fw-la but_o many_o of_o these_o that_o plead_v for_o a_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n err_v in_o excessu_fw-la either_o by_o mistake_v the_o rule_n and_o misapply_v of_o it_o consequent_o or_o by_o a_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o difficulty_n be_v make_v which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o that_o make_v every_o thing_n most_o odious_a which_o differ_v from_o their_o way_n or_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o habitual_a scrupulositie_n which_o make_v they_o fearful_a of_o every_o thing_n so_o that_o they_o can_v rest_v no_o where_n at_o first_o and_o then_o be_v weary_v out_o of_o that_o frame_n of_o spirit_n they_o take_v sometime_o up_o such_o large_a principle_n that_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o fear_n and_o doubt_v of_o nothing_o do_v whatsoever_o they_o please_v at_o last_o there_o be_v some_o that_o pretend_v conscience_n unconscionable_o that_o be_v unadvised_o without_o judgement_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o make_v a_o scruple_n these_o man_n will_n rule_v their_o conscience_n and_o the_o liberty_n which_o they_o affect_v only_o to_o please_v themselves_o be_v plead_v for_o under_o the_o name_n of_o conscience_n and_o i_o be_o much_o afraid_a that_o since_o the_o raise_n of_o these_o controversy_n about_o matter_n of_o conscience_n among_o brethren_n which_o have_v be_v agitate_a with_o some_o heat_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o some_o outward_a privilege_n in_o the_o state_n that_o the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v corpupt_v with_o humane_a passion_n and_o worldly_a end_n in_o many_o for_o when_o man_n affection_n be_v raise_v with_o zeal_n for_o a_o particular_a cause_n relate_v to_o conscience_n if_o then_o they_o do_v not_o in_o humility_n reflect_v upon_o themselves_o to_o look_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n that_o they_o may_v consider_v other_o therein_o to_o interpret_v their_o action_n in_o the_o best_a sense_n to_o behave_v themselves_o unblamable_o in_o affection_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n towards_o they_o if_o i_o say_v they_o do_v not_o this_o on_o the_o one_o side_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n look_v upon_o these_o that_o be_v of_o a_o different_a way_n with_o a_o eye_n of_o jealousy_n to_o compare_v themselves_o with_o other_o and_o their_o own_o freedom_n with_o the_o freedom_n of_o other_o if_o then_o their_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o interest_n heat_v their_o passion_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n and_o where_o humane_a passion_n be_v once_o set_v a-work_o there_o the_o conscience_n will_v be_v passive_a and_o lead_v into_o error_n and_o the_o plea_n thereof_o will_v arise_v more_o from_o the_o will_n then_o from_o the_o judgement_n now_o in_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o respect_n the_o plea_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v examine_v in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o cause_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o that_o it_o may_v be_v right_o state_v not_o that_o any_o may_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n over_o another_o man_n conscience_n but_o that_o by_o a_o unpartial_a disquirie_n of_o matter_n belong_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o goldlinesse_n &_o of_o iniquity_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n rule_n may_v be_v propose_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o by_o the_o indictment_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v discover_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n within_o himself_o and_o to_o other_o also_o that_o judicious_o weigh_v matter_n what_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n be_v in_o the_o plea_n and_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o one_o within_o itself_o be_v help_v by_o the_o word_n which_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4._o 12._o will_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o itself_o and_o make_v a_o judge_n of_o its_o one_o pretence_n from_o what_o ground_n they_o arise_v whether_o sound_n or_o unsound_a and_o to_o help_v you_o in_o this_o disquirie_n of_o yourself_o let_v i_o offer_v you_o a_o principle_n or_o two_o of_o truth_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v appliable_a to_o all_o man_n case_n and_o conscience_n which_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o nothing_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o trouble_v the_o conscience_n which_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n by_o which_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o nothing_o can_v tend_v to_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o which_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o increase_v his_o love_n in_o our_o heart_n towards_o other_o and_o may_v engage_v we_o to_o do_v service_n unto_o other_o as_o christ_n do_v to_o we_o 3._o that_o if_o any_o have_v a_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n concern_v any_o matter_n of_o duty_n or_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n or_o man_n that_o by_o a_o right_a disquirie_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o compare_v with_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n love_n towards_o we_o therein_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o find_v a_o resolution_n of_o his_o scruple_n 4._o that_o in_o case_n any_o upon_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n do_v refuse_v that_o which_o another_o upon_o the_o like_a pretence_n do_v challenge_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o love_n from_o he_o and_o do_v offer_v reciprocal_o to_o perform_v towards_o he_o than_o he_o that_o be_v the_o refuser_n be_v bind_v to_o show_v from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o cause_n of_o his_o scruple_n how_o in_o his_o judgement_n that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o he_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v the_o other_o in_o what_o he_o shall_v require_v of_o he_o to_o that_o effect_n consider_v these_o rule_n and_o if_o you_o have_v any_o doubt_n concern_v they_o i_o shall_v be_v willing_a as_o god_n shall_v enable_v i_o with_o grace_n to_o clear_v they_o to_o you_o sir_n in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o your_o second_o observation_n you_o have_v some_o unsavoury_a and_o uncharitable_a expression_n which_o if_o you_o will_v take_v into_o your_o second_o consideration_n and_o reslect_v upon_o they_o to_o see_v from_o what_o principle_n they_o proceed_v in_o you_o when_o you_o write_v they_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o you_o will_v discover_v somewhat_o of_o passion_n of_o humane_a jealousy_n and_o want_v of_o christian_a charity_n in_o they_o and_o so_o i_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v rectify_v in_o you_o by_o the_o apostle_n rule_v gal._n chap._n 6._o 1._o till_o vers_fw-la 4._o 3
how_o they_o be_v distinguish_v namely_o into_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o into_o the_o act_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n dwell_v in_o the_o memorative_n understanding_n and_o will_v faculty_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a sensual_a life_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a sense_n be_v subordinate_a the_o relation_n wherein_o these_o act_n stand_v one_o to_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o property_n of_o these_o faculty_n whence_o they_o proceed_v be_v this_o that_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o act_n and_o enditement_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v supreme_a and_o predominant_a above_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o act_n of_o memory_n understanding_n and_o will_v be_v immediate_o subordinate_a and_o to_o these_o the_o act_n of_o the_o imagination_n and_o sensual_a passion_n be_v subservient_fw-fr and_z submit_v and_o if_o this_o relation_n and_o subordination_n be_v alter_v so_o that_o the_o sensual_a shall_v be_v predominant_a above_o the_o rational_a or_o the_o rational_a above_o the_o spiritual_a act_n than_o all_o be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o a_o man_n life_n be_v either_o beastly_a or_o devilish_a the_o â—nd_n wherefore_o this_o relation_n and_o subordination_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o appoint_v and_o order_v by_o god_n be_v that_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o these_o faculty_n he_o shall_v express_v the_o image_n and_o life_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o rule_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o state_n of_o happiness_n that_o god_n glory_n may_v appear_v as_o in_o himself_o so_o also_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o perfection_n so_o that_o to_o gain_v this_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v thus_o frame_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o rule_n be_v none_o other_o but_o to_o observe_v the_o true_a relation_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v we_o which_o be_v that_o our_o spirit_n shall_v be_v in_o our_o conscience_n whole_o subject_v unto_o his_o spirit_n and_o dependent_a from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n by_o reflect_v upon_o his_o word_n ingraft_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o think_v say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n second_o that_o our_o reason_n shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o servant_n unto_o the_o â—ndictment_n of_o the_o spiritual_a word_n make_v manifest_a unto_o our_o conscience_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o to_o make_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n thereof_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o three_o that_o our_o sensual_a motion_n shall_v be_v servant_n unto_o the_o prescript_n of_o reason_n to_o help_v our_o rational_a faculty_n to_o express_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v it_o unto_o those_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v outward_o from_o all_o which_o you_o may_v gather_v for_o these_o be_v the_o principle_n which_o i_o do_v intend_v to_o speak_v of_o much_o more_o than_o i_o be_o able_a at_o this_o time_n to_o utter_v for_o here_o you_o have_v a_o fountain_n of_o rule_n fâ—â—m_v whence_o many_o direction_n may_v be_v take_v how_o to_o order_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o mutual_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o for_o consider_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n whereof_o we_o do_v think_v except_o they_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n subject_n unto_o sense_n there_o ought_v to_o concur_v the_o act_n of_o conscience_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o the_o imaginative_a faculty_n which_o be_v the_o inward_a sense_n and_o the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o other_o sensual_a faculty_n and_o see_v these_o act_n shall_v continual_o concur_v in_o all_o the_o mind_v of_o outward_a matter_n the_o rule_n be_v that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v confound_v nor_o preposterous_o bring_v forth_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v first_o order_v the_o act_n of_o our_o mind_n within_o itself_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o meditate_v upon_o any_o particular_a object_n for_o except_o the_o conscience_n be_v clear_a and_o at_o rest_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o understanding_n will_v not_o perform_v the_o duty_n aright_o and_o if_o the_o understand_a faculty_n be_v out_o of_o order_n the_o sense_n will_v not_o be_v well_o employ_v administer_v and_o seek_v out_o evidence_n or_o to_o represent_v they_o orderly_o unto_o 〈◊〉_d rational_a ability_n so_o that_o to_o lay_v the_o first_o ground_n work_n of_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n aright_o a_o man_n of_o judgement_n shall_v look_v to_o himself_o that_o these_o three_o great_a wheel_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v well_o compose_v and_o ser_z in_o order_n one_o towards_o another_o the_o conscience_n the_o 〈◊〉_d ability_n and_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n lest_o the_o conscience_n be_v under_o guilt_n and_o desilement_n be_v separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a gift_n and_o from_o who_o mouth_n alone_a wisdom_n do_v proceed_v 17._o â—am_fw-la 1._o 17._o prov._n 2._o 6._o for_o god_n do_v not_o give_v true_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n but_o unto_o such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o to_o seek_v it_o now_o to_o come_v to_o he_o or_o to_o seek_v wisdom_n from_o he_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o 〈◊〉_d any_o thing_n be_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o and_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o doubt_v and_o waver_a mind_n must_v not_o think_v that_o he_o can_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n jam._n 1._o 6_o 7._o but_o when_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o cleanse_v 〈◊〉_d from_o dead_a work_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o doubt_v and_o waver_v in_o it_o when_o it_o come_v before_o god_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v find_v unfit_a to_o receive_v wisdom_n or_o direction_n from_o he_o for_o god_n give_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v good_a in_o his_o sight_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o joy_n but_o to_o the_o sinner_n he_o give_v travel_v eccles_n 2._o 26._o nor_o can_v wisdom_n enter_v or_o find_v place_n into_o a_o unclean_a soul_n because_o it_o be_v prepossess_v with_o sin_n which_o make_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o god_n 8._o isai_n 59_o 8._o and_o it_o beside_o all_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n so_o the_o spirit_n that_o have_v not_o a_o dependency_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v have_v no_o wisdom_n because_o jeremiah_n say_v that_o see_v they_o have_v reject_v the_o word_n of_o 9_o â—erem_fw-la 8._o 9_o the_o lord_n what_o wisdom_n be_v in_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o wisdom_n where_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o regard_v and_o this_o word_n can_v be_v regard_v except_o the_o heart_n he_o possess_v with_o his_o fear_n and_o this_o can_v be_v except_o the_o conscience_n be_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o dead_a work_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o first_o principlâ—…_n and_o preparative_n unto_o meditation_n must_v be_v the_o compose_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o god_n to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o think_v of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v think_v god_n to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o think_v of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v think_v upon_o as_o in_o his_o presence_n through_o his_o fear_n depend_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o deâ—â—â—ing_v his_o direction_n that_o not_o only_o with_o his_o leave_n and_o â—â—â—â—â—â—_o ion_n but_o by_o his_o order_n and_o according_a to_o his_o will_n we_o may_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o think_v all_o our_o thought_n this_o predispose_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o god_n to_o reflect_v first_o upon_o he_o in_o all_o our_o meditation_n be_v like_a unto_o the_o tune_n of_o a_o instrument_n before_o a_o man_n do_v begin_v to_o play_v a_o piece_n of_o good_a music_n so_o by_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o cleanse_v it_o from_o all_o superfluity_n of_o naughtinsse_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o grace_n and_o direction_n the_o string_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v tune_v and_o set_v in_o a_o good_a harmony_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n which_o proceed_v from_o he_o may_v play_v some_o harmonious_a melodicall_a piece_n upon_o the_o same_o which_o without_o this_o tune_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v do_v and_o this_o tune_n can_v be_v perform_v except_o the_o conscience_n be_v bring_v near_o unto_o god_n and_o be_v able_a to_o look_v upon_o he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v enlighten_v for_o by_o look_v to_o he_o and_o compare_v itself_o to_o his_o will_n and_o live_a word_n it_o