Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
truth_n	according_a	church_n	true_a	2,752	5	4.8734	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A91887	Some few considerations propounded, as so many scruples by Mr. Henry Robinson in a letter to Mr. Iohn Dury upon his epistolary discourse: with Mr. Duryes answer thereunto. VVherein is observable with what overtures of spirit they endeavour to edifie each other, not withstanding their differing judgements and opinions about the Independent and Presbyterian way. Published by a well-willer to peace and truth, in expectation that it may no little conduce, either to the reconciling of such controversies, or to the debating them with lesse noise and bitternesse. Whereunto is annexed another epistolary discourse, written by Mr. John Dury, to a worthy knight, concerning the principles of meditation: from which rules may be gathered to direct men to order their thoughts, so as to finde a resolution of all their doubts.	Robinson, Henry, 1605?-1664?; Dury, John, 1596-1680.; Well-Willer to Peace and Truth.	1646 (1646)	Wing R1679; Thomason E345_1; ESTC R200979	39,103	49

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 o●_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

for_o some_o respect_n ground_v upon_o my_o own_o opinion_n to_o intend_v a_o separation_n from_o brethren_n in_o the_o faith_n that_o except_o they_o cast_v i_o out_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o be_v of_o their_o society_n any_o long_o i_o may_v not_o break_v off_o from_o they_o 11._o your_o eleven_o observation_n upon_o pag._n 34._o concern_v fundamental_n in_o practice_n and_o knowledge_n tend_v to_o justify_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o apologist_n to_o be_v permit_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v what_o they_o think_v requisite_a but_o you_o mention_v nothing_o in_o particular_a which_o may_v be_v count_v fundamental_a in_o their_o profession_n for_o which_o only_o a_o separation_n be_v justifiable_a when_o due_o attest_v and_o not_o only_o not_o receive_v but_o reject_v together_o with_o the_o witness_n bearer_n now_o the_o case_n between_o they_o and_o their_o brethren_n be_v quite_o contrary_a at_o this_o present_a for_o they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v desire_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o way_n but_o they_o do_v decline_v it_o and_o yet_o will_v be_v separate_a although_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v true_a church_n from_o which_o they_o depart_v and_o although_o those_o brethren_n from_o who_o they_o depart_v intend_v to_o offer_v they_o all_o equitable_a forbearance_n and_o redress_n of_o their_o grievance_n so_o far_o as_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o conscience_n 12._o your_o twelve_o and_o last_o observation_n upon_o pag._n 37._o wherein_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o subjection_n which_o member_n owe_v to_o their_o pastor_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o pastor_n join_v with_o he_o be_v somewhat_o dark_a to_o i_o for_o first_o you_o seem_v to_o yield_v the_o point_n namely_o that_o such_o a_o subjection_n be_v due_a and_o then_o you_o make_v a_o restriction_n thereof_o in_o respect_n of_o certain_a thing_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o censure_v they_o in_o case_n of_o not_o submit_v you_o say_v then_o if_o i_o take_v you_o right_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o a_o presbytery_n in_o thing_n only_o unto_o which_o they_o may_v yield_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o be_v needless_a to_o be_v allege_v because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o pastor_n join_v with_o a_o presbytery_n will_v require_v no_o subjection_n but_o in_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v yield_v unto_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o their_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o god_n will_n that_o they_o may_v understand_o submit_v unto_o it_o that_o which_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o to_o other_o be_v not_o offer_v authoritative_o as_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o will_v have_v do_v because_o they_o so_o have_v determine_v it_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o worldly_a state_n unto_o their_o subject_n but_o they_o offer_v it_o as_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o declare_v as_o his_o messenger_n by_o the_o word_n his_o will_n for_o they_o watch_v in_o all_o case_n of_o common_a concernment_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n obedience_n and_o submission_n be_v command_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v yield_v unto_o they_o heb._n 13._o 17._o but_o you_o will_v put_v the_o case_n that_o he_o who_o be_v direct_v in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n by_o a_o presbytery_n find_v reason_n to_o dissent_v because_o he_o be_v not_o convict_v in_o conscience_n that_o the_o direction_n be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n you_o say_v that_o the_o presbytery_n have_v no_o power_n to_o deal_v with_o he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v censure_v only_o by_o his_o own_o church_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n he_o stand_v here_o i_o suppose_v you_o speak_v of_o the_o point_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o a_o humane_a sense_n and_o suppose_v in_o all_o this_o discourse_n that_o which_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o to_o the_o relation_n which_o christ_n have_v settle_v in_o the_o part_n of_o his_o church_n fit_o compact_v together_o and_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n by_o his_o spirit_n for_o you_o suppose_v your_o pastor_n and_o his_o congregation_n under_o who_o censure_n alone_o you_o will_v stand_v to_o be_v alone_o a_o body_n by_o itself_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o other_o pastor_n and_o congregation_n i_o will_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v a_o body_n by_o itself_o but_o if_o you_o suppose_v a_o presbytery_n right_o constitute_v with_o it_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o separate_v but_o as_o compact_a and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o whole_a and_o as_o you_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o that_o congregation_n whereof_o you_o be_v a_o immediate_a member_n so_o it_o do_v stand_v proportional_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o body_n to_o which_o it_o be_v combine_v as_o a_o part_n as_o than_o you_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o your_o own_o pastor_n and_o congregation_n by_o your_o own_o confession_n immediate_o so_o you_o must_v be_v mediate_o by_o their_o mean_n under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o body_n whereof_o they_o be_v a_o part_n and_o whereunto_o they_o be_v associate_v but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o grant_v any_o such_o associate_a &_o compact_v of_o church_n together_o into_o one_o body_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n which_o be_v certain_o christ_n clear_a intention_n from_o eph._n 4._o 1._o till_o 17._o but_o will_v suppose_v that_o all_o church_n and_o their_o pastor_n must_v stand_v single_a and_o separate_v by_o themselves_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o you_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o none_o but_o your_o own_o pastor_n and_o eldership_n but_o suppose_v that_o which_o can_v be_v deny_v if_o you_o grant_v it_o lawful_a to_o combine_v pastor_n and_o eldership_n into_o a_o presbytery_n which_o i_o suppose_v i_o have_v full_o prove_v that_o your_o pastor_n and_o his_o eldership_n be_v accountable_a in_o his_o proceed_n to_o his_o confederate_a brethren_n as_o they_o be_v accountable_a unto_o he_o for_o mutual_a edification_n and_o that_o he_o find_v you_o a_o refractory_a and_o unruly_a member_n of_o his_o flock_n disturb_v the_o peace_n thereof_o and_o have_v deal_v with_o you_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o yet_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v you_o to_o the_o obedience_n and_o submission_n which_o you_o owe_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n suppose_v this_o to_o be_v so_o if_o then_o he_o to_o strengthen_v himself_o and_o his_o eldership_n by_o counsel_n first_o do_v bring_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o have_v receive_v counsel_n and_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n do_v find_v it_o without_o effect_n you_o remain_v still_o disobedient_a and_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o his_o own_o and_o perhaps_o of_o some_o neighbour_n church_n may_v not_o he_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n desire_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o confederate_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o may_v not_o he_o call_v you_o before_o they_o to_o be_v censure_v by_o himself_o and_o they_o joint_o and_o he_o and_o their_o jurisdiction_n be_v in_o this_o case_n but_o one_o in_o christ_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o presbyterial_a office_n be_v put_v forth_o by_o all_o at_o once_o through_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o you_o think_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o judgement_n against_o you_o will_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n if_o it_o be_v right_o pronounce_v or_o do_v you_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v allow_v of_o this_o plea_n that_o you_o be_v exempt_v from_o their_o jurisdiction_n because_o they_o be_v not_o your_o immediate_a pastor_n have_v not_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o combine_a society_n of_o church_n officer_n a_o power_n to_o judge_v of_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o word_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n bring_v unto_o their_o arbitration_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o power_n to_o judge_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o office_n there_o also_o a_o power_n to_o pronounce_v a_o sentence_n can_v be_v deny_v and_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v a_o censure_n the_o same_o authority_n which_o do_v pronounce_v it_o have_v power_n to_o see_v it_o execute_v suppose_v again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o a_o pastor_n do_v some_o injury_n to_o his_o flock_n or_o to_o some_o one_o of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o or_o he_o can_v find_v redress_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n if_o there_o be_v no_o association_n of_o eldership_n they_o or_o he_o have_v no_o remedy_n but_o to_o make_v a_o trouble_n and_o perhaps_o a_o rent_n in_o the_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

the_o minister_n thereof_o to_o use_v mean_n towards_o they_o that_o the_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v may_v be_v perform_v and_o in_o case_n of_o neglect_n to_o press_v they_o by_o authority_n to_o the_o performance_n thereof_o 3._o i_o give_v they_o no_o such_o inspection_n over_o the_o church_n which_o be_v ecclesiastical_a to_o vindicate_v and_o punish_v fault_n in_o fore_n interiori_fw-la but_o only_o to_o hinder_v misdemeanour_n which_o be_v public_o observable_a 4._o the_o minister_n be_v bind_v if_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o all_o their_o proceed_n with_o all_o due_a respect_n that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o order_n of_o their_o way_n in_o all_o thing_n because_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o conceal_v from_o his_o cognizance_n as_o for_o that_o which_o i_o say_v of_o a_o state_n conscience_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a my_o meaning_n be_v that_o as_o a_o christian_a in_o his_o private_a sphere_n must_v rule_v himself_o and_o those_o that_o be_v under_o he_o conscionable_o to_o god_n glory_n so_o the_o council_n of_o state_n be_v bind_v in_o its_o sphere_n to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o though_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o your_o inference_n be_v not_o good_a that_o therefore_o any_o man_n must_v resign_v his_o understanding_n to_o another_o man_n will_n and_o conception_n for_o all_o this_o be_v object_v upon_o a_o mistake_n in_o a_o word_n i_o allow_v of_o no_o dominion_n over_o any_o man_n faith_n or_o conscience_n but_o only_o as_o a_o ministerial_a service_n according_a to_o the_o word_n wherein_o both_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o church-officer_n be_v to_o learn_v his_o duty_n and_o thereby_o christ_n be_v to_o rule_v over_o the_o state_n and_o church_n visible_o and_o invisible_o in_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a bodily_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n 6._o the_o six_o observation_n upon_o pag._n 28_o 29._o be_v answer_v already_o if_o the_o case_n be_v right_o understand_v and_o you_o will_v find_v your_o mistake_n to_o lie_v in_o the_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a sphere_n in_o which_o the_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n ought_v to_o walk_v for_o if_o they_o keep_v each_o within_o their_o own_o sphere_n there_o will_v never_o be_v cause_n of_o contest_v for_o the_o spiritual_a have_v no_o power_n over_o the_o civil_a government_n nor_o the_o civil_a over_o the_o spiritual_a as_o such_o but_o only_o in_o case_n of_o misdemeanour_n and_o in_o this_o case_n only_o i_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o hinder_v a_o people_n in_o the_o choose_n of_o a_o teacher_n when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o orderly_o but_o tumultuous_o or_o when_o a_o minister_n in_o a_o factious_a and_o violent_a manner_n or_o otherwise_o disorderly_a thrust_v himself_o upon_o a_o people_n he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o see_v good_a order_n &_o peace_n keep_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n therefore_o let_v every_o christian_a in_o god_n name_n have_v his_o full_a liberty_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o to_o hear_v all_o and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o let_v he_o use_v his_o liberty_n orderly_o and_o give_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o complaint_n or_o grievance_n unto_o other_o 7._o in_o your_o seven_o observation_n upon_o p._n 36._o you_o plead_v again_o for_o the_o freedom_n of_o dispute_n and_o to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v best_a which_o i_o never_o intend_v to_o restrain_v only_o let_v it_o be_v regular_a and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o edification_n without_o vain_a jangle_n and_o confusedness_n of_o strife_n and_o passion_n 8._o the_o eight_o observation_n upon_o p._n 30._o concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o church-matter_n i_o will_v admit_v if_o take_v in_o the_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v former_o deliver_v 9_o to_o the_o nine_o observation_n upon_o pag._n 31._o i_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v after_o any_o light_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o this_o world_n therefore_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o seek_v that_o light_n and_o never_o rest_n till_o they_o find_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o no_o man_n can_v follow_v any_o other_o light_n but_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v true_a according_a to_o his_o measure_n but_o thence_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v strive_v and_o contest_v without_o end_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o to_o we_o appear_v to_o be_v truth_n the_o weight_n of_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v with_o discretion_n and_o because_o no_o man_n will_v presume_v to_o be_v infallible_a the_o way_n of_o propose_v our_o sense_n of_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v declare_v that_o we_o can_v bear_v dissenter_n and_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o admit_v of_o further_a light_n if_o offer_v unto_o we_o from_o the_o word_n and_o although_o a_o synod_n or_o general_n council_n have_v no_o infallibility_n annex_v to_o the_o decree_n thereof_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o private_a opinion_n of_o one_o and_o the_o consent_n of_o many_o who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o church_n this_o consent_n of_o many_o attest_v the_o same_o matter_n as_o a_o truth_n do_v oblige_v man_n that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a spirit_n and_o love_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a in_o themselves_o to_o consider_v thing_n more_o exact_o wherein_o their_o judgement_n differ_v than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v do_v and_o if_o they_o can_v find_v light_n enough_o to_o assent_v unto_o they_o yet_o discretion_n will_v require_v a_o moderation_n in_o dissent_v except_v some_o invincible_a and_o demonstrative_o convince_a reason_n can_v be_v allege_v why_o it_o be_v necessary_a both_o to_o dissent_v and_o to_o profess_v a_o disagreement_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n the_o profess_a disagreement_n of_o judgement_n shall_v be_v without_o breach_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o with_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o matter_n of_o undoubted_a practice_n for_o mutual_a edification_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v for_o the_o apostolical_a rule_n phil._n 3._o 16._o so_o far_o a●_n we_o be_v come_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o one_o rule_n and_o let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v never_o to_o be_v refuse_v on_o our_o part_n if_o offer_v by_o other_o nor_o neglect_v if_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v how_o far_o soever_o we_o differ_v in_o judgement_n from_o other_o in_o matter_n extrafundamentall_a 10._o to_o the_o ten_o observation_n upon_o pag._n 32._o concern_v a_o brotherly_a correspondency_n in_o a_o presbytery_n which_o you_o allow_v of_o so_o long_o as_o it_o do_v continue_v brotherly_a i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v that_o i_o be_o confident_a your_o fear_n of_o be_v drive_v by_o rod_n and_o staff_n from_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n will_v be_v needless_a for_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n do_v cease_v to_o be_v presbyterian_a if_o it_o be_v not_o social_a as_o between_o confederate_n who_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v equal_a one_o to_o another_o so_o that_o all_o alike_a judge_n and_o all_o be_v alike_o judge_v and_o every_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o common_a consent_n and_o counsel_n nor_o be_v any_o right_n take_v from_o private_a church_n but_o rather_o confirm_v and_o strengther_v to_o they_o as_o for_o the_o separation_n which_o you_o call_v in_o your_o opinion_n just_a to_o which_o for_o some_o respect_n you_o think_v yourselves_o force_v unto_o i_o know_v not_o what_o else_o to_o say_v but_o that_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o may_v be_v just_a or_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o true_a church_n for_o cause_n not_o lay_v open_a to_o they_o and_o for_o matter_n extrafundamentall_a for_o although_o i_o find_v thing_n in_o my_o brethren_n 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v very_o offensive_a to_o i_o and_o may_v perhaps_o amount_v in_o my_o opinion_n to_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o separate_n from_o they_o yet_o before_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o actual_o to_o separate_v i_o be_o bind_v in_o all_o meekness_n first_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o those_o thing_n unto_o they_o and_o seek_v redress_v thereof_o let_v they_o see_v the_o grievance_n which_o they_o bring_v unto_o my_o conscience_n and_o than_o if_o they_o will_v neither_o redress_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o grievance_n nor_o satisfy_v my_o judgement_n in_o a_o orderly_a way_n but_o cast_v i_o out_o from_o they_o not_o at_o all_o take_a notice_n of_o my_o complaint_n if_o i_o say_v in_o deal_v thus_o i_o be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o than_o i_o may_v and_o not_o till_o then_o be_v separate_v so_o that_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o think_v it_o lawful_a

confusion_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o he_o can_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o this_o viz._n that_o the_o mean_n to_o order_v our_o thought_n shall_v be_v some_o rule_n or_o other_o according_a to_o which_o the_o understanding_n shall_v proceed_v in_o work_v upon_o itself_o and_o then_o concern_v the_o three_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o where_o order_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v there_o a_o rule_n may_v be_v use_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o order_v thing_n by_o rule_n principle_n must_v be_v observe_v whence_o the_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o see_v by_o order_n be_v employ_v a_o set_n of_o thing_n in_o a_o precedency_n and_o consecution_n one_o to_o another_o and_o by_o a_o rule_n be_v mean_v either_o the_o form_n and_o frame_v or_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o precedency_n and_o consecution_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o see_v all_o form_n and_o frame_n which_o be_v rational_o compose_v have_v a_o ground_n in_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n whence_o they_o arise_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o humane_a thought_n be_v to_o be_v order_v must_v have_v certain_a principle_n which_o principle_n we_o will_v now_o speak_v of_o god_n will_v in_o brief_a that_o you_o may_v have_v a_o overture_n make_v unto_o you_o either_o to_o proceed_v by_o yourself_o upon_o the_o ground_n that_o shall_v be_v afford_v unto_o you_o or_o to_o call_v upon_o i_o hereafter_o and_o give_v i_o cause_n to_o open_v myself_o further_o in_o due_a time_n for_o your_o better_a satisfaction_n you_o have_v now_o already_o understand_v that_o by_o principle_n i_o mean_v the_o ground_n of_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v to_o walk_v in_o his_o thought_n of_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n the_o end_n then_o to_o which_o we_o drive_v be_v to_o meditate_v and_o consult_v aright_o by_o meditate_v i_o conceive_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o dive_v into_o the_o true_a property_n and_o use_v thereof_o by_o consult_v i_o understand_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n reflect_v upon_o the_o action_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undertake_v or_o leave_v off_o or_o not_o undertake_v about_o any_o thing_n to_o gain_v some_o good_a end_n whereunto_o they_o shall_v be_v direct_v according_a as_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v possible_a or_o useful_a from_o whence_o you_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v which_o we_o call_v meditation_n and_o consultation_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_n whereupon_o they_o be_v to_o reflect_v which_o we_o have_v call_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o action_n which_o may_v be_v intend_v by_o we_o for_o some_o good_a end_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o reflection_n itself_o that_o whether_o we_o meditate_v or_o consult_v we_o may_v have_v a_o rule_n to_o order_v the_o reflection_n of_o our_o mind_n upon_o any_o subject_n whatsoever_o the_o rule_n then_o which_o we_o seek_v at_o this_o time_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o set_v they_o in_o their_o right_n frame_v one_o towards_o another_o and_o not_o from_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o may_v have_v to_o w●rds_n the_o discovery_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a object_n you_o see_v then_o that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n ●●_o they_o have_v a_o twofold_a relation_n so_o they_o admit_v of_o a_o twofold_a rule_n for_o as_o they_o relate_v other_o object_n beside_o themselves_o they_o must_v be_v make_v proportionate_a unto_o the_o end_n which_o the_o understanding_n ●●●…th_v ●t_a in_o these_o object_n but_o as_o they_o relate_v one_o another_o they_o must_v be_v rule_v and_o order_v according_a to_o their_o own_o inward_a property_n and_o make_v answerable_a unto_o the_o end_n wherefore_o they_o ought_v to_o reflect_v one_o upon_o another_o where_o i_o observe_v that_o to_o find_v the_o principle_n whereby_o these_o act_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v be_v to_o discover_v three_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v distinguish_v 2._o how_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o in_o their_o several_a inward_a property_n 3._o what_o the_o end_n of_o this_o relation_n be_v and_o how_o it_o must_v be_v gain_v for_o this_o relation_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o reflection_n and_o the_o end_n of_o this_o relation_n be_v the_o first_o inward_a principle_n of_o goodness_n and_o of_o that_o well_o be_v whereupon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o constitute_v and_o from_o which_o all_o the_o well_o order_a act_n thereof_o must_v natural_o flow_v and_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o answerable_a thereunto_o in_o the_o agitation_n of_o thought_n &_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v irrational_a &_o void_a of_o understanding_n now_o then_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o act_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a except_o we_o know_v what_o a_o man_n and_o what_o his_o mind_n be_v by_o a_o m●●●●●…_n conceive_v this_o creature_n which_o we_o 〈◊〉_d ourselves_o to_o be_v ●s_v we_o 〈◊〉_d distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o live_v and_o animal_n thing_n by_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o body_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o image_n of_o god_n since_o we_o have_v lose_v it_o be_v now_o unknown_a unto_o nature_n and_o there_o fore_o by_o the_o use_n of_o natural_a reason_n no_o man_n can_v know_v himself_o true_o what_o he_o be_v because_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o image_n after_o which_o he_o be_v make_v but_o the_o scripture_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o our_o body_n be_v make_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o ●●●d_v into_o our_o nostril_n we_o be_v become_v a_o livi●●_n s●●le_a and_o ●●at_a god_n make_v we_o thus_o after_o his_o own_o image_n that_o we_o shall_v under_o 〈◊〉_d as_o his_o substitute_n bear_v his_o image_n and_o likeness_n in_o this_o world_n have_v dominion_n over_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v therein_o i_o say_v the_o scripture_n have_v teach_v we_o this_o much_o we_o have_v by_o this_o doctrine_n new_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n whereby_o to_o discern_v ourselves_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v and_o what_o our_o mind_n be_v and_o what_o the_o end_n be_v wherefore_o it_o be_v put_v in_o our_o earthly_a b●●y_n of_o which_o thing_n i_o will_v no●_n now_o sp●●●●…_n at_o large_a ●_o but_o in_o a_o wo●d_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o according_a to_o this_o scripturall_a truth_n i_o conceive_v man_n and_o his_o mind_n to_o be_v viz._n a_o spirit_n a_o soul_n and_o a_o body_n join_v together_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o eternal_a rational_a and_o sensual_a life_n whereof_o the_o act_n shall_v be_v answerable_a one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o their_o predominant_a or_o subordinate_a property_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v answerable_a unto_o the_o life_n of_o god_n the_o act_n then_o of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v threefold_a some_o be_v sensual_a some_o be_v rational_a and_o some_o be_v spiritual_a the_o sensual_a arise_v from_o the_o body_n and_o its_o outward_a or_o inward_a sense_n the_o rational_a arise_v from_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o natural_a soul_n in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o memory_n in_o the_o discern_a and_o judge_v faculty_n and_o in_o the_o will_n the_o spiritual_a arise_v from_o the_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o the_o same_o by_o which_o you_o see_v what_o be_v call_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o act_n we_o shall_v regulate_v viz._n the_o live_a faculty_n of_o the_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o the_o conscience_n and_o of_o the_o rational_a soul_n dwell_v in_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n as_o concern_v the_o sensual_a life_n wherein_o we_o differ_v not_o from_o beast_n we_o make_v it_o no_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n although_o we_o hold_v not_o that_o man_n have_v more_o soul_n than_o one_o or_o that_o these_o act_n of_o the_o sensual_a life_n be_v to_o be_v neglect_v and_o no_o way_n bring_v under_o a_o rule_n but_o we_o affirm_v both_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v but_o one_o and_o also_o that_o these_o act_n may_v and_o must_v be_v regulate_v although_o we_o conceive_v that_o they_o belong_v not_o proper_o unto_o the_o life_n of_o the_o mind_n thus_o than_o we_o see_v what_o the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v and_o

thought_n aright_o and_o whosoever_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n he_o may_v expect_v that_o in_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n mat._n 6._o 33._o now_o because_o i_o labour_v in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o call_n and_o in_o all_o the_o meditation_n which_o i_o use_v to_o propose_v unto_o other_o to_o draw_v man_n thought_n unto_o this_o rule_n therefore_o although_o none_o do_v contradict_v the_o proposal_n which_o i_o make_v yet_o i_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o much_o relish_v because_o most_o man_n even_o of_o this_o call_v wherein_o i_o live_v seek_v not_o true_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a but_o rather_o that_o which_o be_v temporal_a either_o in_o a_o rational_a or_o sensual_a way_n for_o except_o they_o can_v perceive_v a_o particular_a present_a advantage_n of_o honour_n and_o credit_n or_o of_o profit_n to_o themselves_o they_o never_o care_v for_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o i_o can_v sinde_v a_o patron_n for_o my_o work_n because_o i_o do_v not_o set_v my_o mind_n to_o serve_v end_n and_o particular_a interest_n unto_o which_o all_o party_n now_o adays_o be_v wed_v and_o can_v relish_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lubordinate_a thereunto_o this_o then_o be_v the_o combat_n which_o i_o have_v to_o fight_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n namely_o to_o bring_v they_o from_o their_o private_a aim_n to_o a_o true_a general_a good_a wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n without_o any_o other_o respect_n may_v be_v advance_v i_o have_v add_v this_o digression_n to_o let_v you_o see_v that_o i_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v expect_v promotion_n for_o my_o endeavour_n but_o from_o such_o as_o can_v and_o will_v follow_v with_o i_o these_o principle_n of_o meditation_n and_o consultation_n to_o join_v with_o i_o therein_o to_o further_o the_o public_a good_a whereat_o i_o aim_v for_o except_v man_n aim_n concur_v there_o can_v be_v no_o real_a conjunction_n of_o endeavour_n and_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o leave_v my_o aim_n and_o way_n of_o meditation_n to_o serve_v inferior_a end_n and_o see_v they_o can_v raise_v their_o thought_n to_o walk_v with_o i_o by_o these_o rule_n i_o be_o like_a to_o be_v as_o i_o be_o continual_o desert_v yet_o i_o be_o not_o discourage_v for_o i_o know_v that_o my_o reward_n be_v with_o he_o who_o i_o serve_v and_o he_o in_o due_a time_n be_v able_a to_o open_v man_n eye_n to_o see_v that_o they_o weary_a themselves_o for_o vanity_n and_o wander_v in_o the_o foolishness_n of_o troublesome_a counsel_n so_o long_o as_o they_o follow_v not_o these_o ground_n of_o meditation_n for_o all_o the_o plot_n and_o purpose_n of_o man_n mere_o rational_a though_o never_o so_o plausible_o and_o strong_o lay_v will_v vanish_v when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n draw_v near_o which_o be_v now_o at_o hand_n and_o then_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_o universal_a and_o spiritual_a shall_v remain_v if_o then_o we_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o lose_v our_o labour_n and_o be_v frustrate_a of_o our_o reward_n we_o shall_v sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n by_o a_o sound_a way_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n and_o consultation_n in_o all_o matter_n which_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n that_o every_o purpose_n wherein_o we_o desire_v to_o walk_v rational_o among_o man_n and_o to_o apply_v our_o sense_n in_o a_o right_a course_n may_v be_v first_o consider_v as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n conscionable_o these_o general_a principle_n of_o meditation_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o order_n of_o our_o thought_n in_o particular_a object_n if_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o ground_n rule_n be_v deliver_v to_o direct_v the_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o disquirie_n of_o doubtful_a matter_n as_o well_o rational_a and_o humane_a as_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a so_o far_o as_o these_o can_v be_v bring_v under_o a_o rule_n for_o we_o can_v presume_v to_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o motion_n because_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o mystery_n the_o spirit_n blow_v where_o and_o when_o it_o please_v yet_o some_o rule_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o rational_a faculty_n which_o be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o deceit_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o mistake_v discover_v that_o a_o spiritual_a man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n both_o by_o propose_v caution_n to_o himself_o and_o call_v his_o thought_n unto_o a_o account_n that_o he_o may_v discern_v his_o own_o spirit_n and_o regulate_v his_o course_n so_o far_o as_o reason_n do_v go_v lest_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o some_o false_a light_n and_o a_o deceive_a spirit_n bring_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 1._o 2._o 3._o do_v warn_v every_o man_n not_o to_o think_v above_o that_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v according_a to_o sobriety_n as_o god_n have_v distribute_v unto_o every_o one_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n he_o do_v clear_o give_v we_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o in_o spiritual_a matter_n to_o discern_v our_o own_o thought_n by_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o proportion_n which_o they_o have_v with_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o flow_v and_o as_o in_o this_o so_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o meditation_n the_o rule_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o proportion_n now_o the_o object_n of_o meditation_n concern_v which_o doubt_n may_v arise_v and_o wherein_o mistake_n may_v be_v incident_a which_o by_o the_o regulate_a of_o our_o thought_n may_v be_v prevent_v or_o resolve_v be_v chief_o these_o first_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o find_v that_o many_o doubt_n do_v arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o interpreter_n which_o without_o a_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v resolve_v therefore_o concern_v scripturall_a interpretation_n i_o conceive_v that_o the_o way_n of_o analyse_a the_o text_n literal_o material_o and_o mystical_o may_v be_v deliver_v so_o as_o to_o discover_v the_o ground_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n do_v lead_v we_o and_o further_o we_o be_v not_o warrant_v to_o proceed_v second_o concern_v all_o other_o matter_n wherein_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v more_o free_a and_o need_v not_o be_v bind_v up_o as_o in_o scripturall_a meditation_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o another_o meaning_n the_o rule_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o for_o theoreticall_a some_o for_o practical_a meditation_n and_o both_o these_o be_v either_o in_o humane_a or_o divine_a object_n the_o theory_n of_o humane_a object_n may_v have_v rule_n to_o direct_v the_o mind_n to_o sinde_v out_o hide_v truth_n in_o natural_a thing_n the_o practical_a meditation_n of_o humane_a matter_n require_v rule_n discover_v the_o way_n of_o prudency_n by_o which_o the_o best_a course_n of_o do_v lawful_a business_n may_v be_v find_v out_o and_o follow_v the_o theory_n of_o divine_a object_n must_v whole_o be_v scripturall_a therefore_o all_o the_o rule_n which_o can_v be_v deliver_v to_o direct_v the_o mind_n to_o sin_v out_o hide_v truth_n of_o this_o kind_n must_v be_v consequence_n of_o that_o analyticall_a doctrine_n which_o do_v relate_v to_o the_o matter_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o text._n last_o the_o practical_a meditation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a object_n concern_v either_o the_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n which_o christian_n may_v have_v within_o themselves_o or_o the_o work_n of_o edification_n to_o be_v intend_v towards_o other_o of_o the_o first_o rule_n may_v be_v give_v how_o the_o conscience_n shall_v resolve_v itself_o of_o its_o doubt_n of_o the_o second_o how_o the_o work_n shall_v be_v prosecute_v and_o propose_v towards_o other_o of_o all_o which_o much_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o very_o great_a concemment_n to_o the_o build_n up_o of_o our_o soul_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n but_o many_o outward_a let_n and_o distraction_n and_o some_o inward_a infirmity_n of_o my_o own_o take_v i_o off_o from_o the_o attention_n and_o intentivenesse_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o the_o elaborate_n of_o so_o weighty_a matter_n time_n and_o leisure_n be_v then_o requisite_a which_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v grant_v with_o other_o necessary_a grace_n and_o this_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o assure_v you_o of_o that_o you_o shall_v never_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o put_v i_o upon_o these_o task_n than_o i_o shall_v be_v find_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o grant_v unto_o i_o ready_a and_o desirous_a to_o apply_v myself_o thereunto_o for_o your_o edisication_n as_o be_v in_o truth_n your_o most_o affectionate_a and_o faithful_a servant_n in_o christ_n j._n dury_n finis_fw-la