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
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
which_o be_v dangerous_a to_o bring_v a_o people_n under_o a_o popish_a implicit_a obedience_n by_o force_v on_o they_o a_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o they_o scarce_o know_v or_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o conseqent_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o national_a covenant_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v settle_v upon_o they_o but_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o church-government_n hasty_o as_o it_o be_v common_o desire_v do_v this_o and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o national_a covenant_n ergo_fw-la it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v settle_v upon_o they_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o church-government_n desire_v such_o as_o we_o have_v former_o describe_v do_v none_o of_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v set_v up_o without_o danger_n and_o the_o godly_a minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n will_v call_v this_o a_o false_a accusation_n against_o they_o and_o injurious_a to_o the_o government_n desire_v nor_o do_v he_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o say_v but_o as_o if_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v say_v so_o he_o do_v allege_v only_o the_o people_n inclination_n to_o that_o which_o the_o state_n set_v up_o say_v that_o experience_n show_v that_o the_o people_n conscience_n do_v resolve_v itself_o in_o this_o query_n whether_o the_o religion_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n or_o no_o if_o hiâ—_z argument_n be_v this_o that_o because_o the_o people_n do_v scarce_o know_v or_o know_v but_o in_o part_n that_o government_n which_o be_v to_o be_v settle_v that_o therefore_o the_o government_n will_v bring_v they_o under_o a_o popish_a implicit_a obedience_n i_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o although_o the_o people_n be_v ignorant_a or_o incline_v to_o do_v thing_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o government_n that_o they_o be_v so_o nor_o will_v the_o settle_n of_o the_o government_n make_v they_o to_o be_v so_o but_o the_o contrary_a will_n rather_o follow_v 18_o for_o where_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v erect_v there_o the_o deaf_a be_v make_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n and_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a be_v make_v to_o see_v out_o of_o obscurity_n 24._o and_o out_o of_o darkness_n there_o they_o that_o err_v in_o spirit_n shall_v come_v to_o understanding_n and_o they_o that_o murmur_v shall_v learn_v doctrine_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v clear_a that_o when_o the_o king_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v reign_v 32.1.2_o and_o his_o government_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o hide_a place_n from_o the_o wind_n and_o a_o covert_n from_o the_o storm_n and_o as_o river_n of_o water_n in_o a_o dry_a place_n and_o as_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o great_a rock_n in_o a_o weary_a land_n 4._o that_o then_o also_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o rash_n shall_v understand_v knowledge_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o christ_n government_n do_v take_v away_o this_o implicit_a ignorant_a obedience_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o gross_a inconsequence_n to_o say_v because_o the_o people_n know_v but_o in_o part_n that_o therefore_o the_o government_n will_v confirm_v they_o in_o ignorance_n but_o he_o say_v the_o government_n will_v force_v a_o practice_n upon_o they_o without_o knowledge_n i_o say_v that_o he_o do_v in_o this_o calumniate_v his_o brethren_n and_o traduce_v the_o government_n desire_v without_o cause_n to_o strengthen_v the_o prejudice_n and_o unruly_a affection_n of_o some_o that_o hate_v all_o settlement_n of_o order_n nay_o but_o the_o people_n resolve_v their_o conscience_n in_o this_o query_n whether_o the_o religion_n be_v settle_v by_o law_n or_o no_o even_o now_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o government_n that_o it_o will_v force_v they_o to_o practise_v what_o they_o know_v not_o now_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o they_o that_o will_v not_o practise_v till_o they_o know_v that_o which_o be_v warrantable_a by_o law_n whence_o i_o can_v gather_v none_o other_o argument_n but_o this_o if_o the_o people_n do_v too_o much_o respect_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o state_n for_o the_o settle_n of_o church-government_n over_o they_o then_o no_o government_n shall_v be_v settle_v by_o the_o state_n but_o the_o people_n do_v so_o ergo_fw-la who_o will_v admit_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o first_o proposition_n and_o yet_o except_o this_o be_v presuppose_v nothing_o can_v be_v make_v of_o his_o discourse_n but_o he_o will_v perhaps_o say_v they_o do_v not_o only_o respect_v their_o authority_n but_o they_o be_v superstitious_o devote_v to_o it_o i_o answer_v dum_fw-la vitant_fw-la stulti_fw-la vitia_fw-la in_fw-la contraria_fw-la currunt_fw-la fool_n be_v always_o in_o extreme_n because_o some_o extreme_o affect_v human_a law_n and_o authority_n will_v you_o therefore_o have_v no_o divine_a ordinance_n settle_v and_o do_v this_o follow_v that_o the_o state_n ought_v not_o to_o settle_v any_o government_n because_o the_o people_n be_v too_o much_o devote_v to_o their_o authority_n aught_o they_o not_o rather_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a of_o their_o duty_n aught_o they_o not_o rather_o to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o people_n affection_n to_o settle_v that_o government_n which_o christ_n do_v require_v in_o his_o house_n as_o for_o the_o people_n their_o error_n to_o respect_n man_n too_o much_o in_o divine_a matter_n must_v in_o due_a time_n be_v rectify_v and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v more_o advantageous_o when_o the_o government_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v be_v settle_v than_o when_o nothing_o be_v settle_v but_o all_o be_v in_o confusion_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o have_v find_v so_o much_o fallacy_n in_o all_o these_o argument_n and_o so_o little_a coherence_n in_o they_o with_o the_o main_a query_n i_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o give_v any_o assent_n unto_o the_o negative_a which_o he_o do_v assert_v namely_o that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o any_o church-government_n shall_v be_v settle_v hasty_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 but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o head_n i_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o whole_a strain_n of_o these_o argument_n do_v run_v beyond_o the_o query_n and_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a rather_o this_o assertion_n that_o no_o government_n at_o all_o shall_v be_v settle_v then_o that_o which_o the_o query_n do_v mention_v for_o if_o the_o people_n ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o their_o want_n of_o suitableness_n to_o be_v conform_a to_o christ_n description_n of_o himself_o be_v sufficient_a cause_n why_o government_n shall_v be_v suspend_v than_o not_o only_o the_o government_n common_o desire_v but_o all_o other_o government_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o perhaps_o the_o aim_n be_v rather_o to_o hinder_v all_o then_o that_o which_o be_v desire_v for_o the_o way_n of_o reason_v do_v not_o so_o much_o aim_v at_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o doubt_n propose_v touch_v the_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n of_o the_o government_n common_o desire_v as_o to_o take_v off_o man_n thought_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o any_o government_n at_o all_o nor_o will_v it_o serve_v his_o turn_n to_o say_v that_o the_o general_n be_v make_v good_a only_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o particular_a may_v be_v infer_v the_o more_o strong_o for_o i_o say_v except_o it_o be_v his_o opinion_n that_o no_o government_n at_o all_o shall_v be_v settle_v in_o the_o church_n neither_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n neither_o in_o spiritual_a nor_o in_o natural_a action_n which_o relate_v into_o the_o inward_a or_o outward_a state_n of_o soul_n i_o say_v except_o he_o be_v of_o this_o meaning_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v shoot_v beyond_o his_o mark_n and_o if_o he_o be_v of_o it_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v put_v his_o query_n in_o other_o term_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v not_o to_o strike_v at_o all_o government_n than_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o ingenuous_a as_o to_o remove_v this_o stumble_a block_n which_o every_o one_o that_o read_v with_o attention_n his_o discourse_n will_v instant_o meet_v withal_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o head_n now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o second_o concerning_o the_o second_o in_o the_o second_o head_n argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o last_o reformation_n the_o general_a argument_n be_v this_o that_o which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n practise_v in_o their_o way_n of_o settle_v church-government_n we_o ought_v to_o follow_v and_o that_o which_o the_o first_o reformer_n of_o religion_n fail_v in_o we_o ought_v to_o avoid_v but_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n practise_v a_o slow_a and_o not_o a_o hasty_a way_n of_o settle_v church-government_n and_o the_o first_o reformer_n fail_v in_o make_v too_o much_o haste_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v a_o slow_a and_o not_o a_o