his_o own_o work_n and_o teach_v he_o to_o resolve_v in_o his_o judgement_n to_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n 4_o there_o be_v a_o four_o sort_n also_o that_o fall_n far_o short_a of_o christ_n too_o and_o yet_o go_v beyond_o all_o these_o they_o go_v beyond_o work_n and_o beyond_o this_o faith_n also_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o which_o be_v not_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v but_o man_n justify_v themselves_o by_o it_o god_n do_v not_o justify_v they_o now_o this_o four_o sort_n come_v plain_o to_o see_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v shake_v and_o they_o dare_v not_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o he_o it_o be_v true_a many_o a_o heavenly_a spirit_a man_n can_v tell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o tell_v whether_o his_o faith_n be_v sound_a but_o many_o a_o hypocrite_n also_o be_v so_o far_o convince_v that_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o say_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v right_a nor_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o believe_v what_o say_v the_o soul_n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o will_v say_v i_o see_v it_o be_v not_o my_o reformation_n nor_o my_o faith_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o see_v that_o now_o i_o must_v wait_v upon_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v believe_v and_o unto_o he_o i_o must_v seek_v for_o help_v be_v not_o this_o soul_n in_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n true_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n many_o time_n bring_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n unto_o but_o he_o leave_v they_o not_o there_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o do_v they_o good_a for_o i_o will_v examine_v again_o how_o come_v thou_o to_o wait_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n thou_o have_v be_v drive_v out_o of_o conceit_n of_o thy_o former_a faith_n and_o so_o have_v be_v force_v and_o have_v see_v a_o necessity_n to_o wait_v upon_o christ_n for_o faith_n or_o else_o thou_o can_v not_o believe_v force_n of_o argument_n have_v constrain_v thou_o thus_o far_o if_o thou_o have_v take_v up_o a_o course_n of_o wait_v only_o upon_o this_o ground_n here_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o old_a adam_n still_o keep_v alive_a in_o thou_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o seek_v and_o wait_v upon_o christ_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v promise_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v any_o part_n or_o portion_n in_o he_o but_o a_o soul_n will_v say_v have_v not_o the_o lord_n make_v gracious_a promise_n to_o all_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o he_o have_v he_o not_o say_v that_o all_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o wait_n for_o he_o isa_n 30.18_o and_o be_o not_o i_o wrap_v up_o hereby_o in_o a_o bundle_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n mind_v you_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o life_n make_v to_o those_o that_o wait_v &_o seek_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n who_o be_v drive_v to_o it_o have_v take_v it_o up_o by_o their_o own_o resolution_n though_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o one_o that_o wait_v for_o and_o seek_v the_o lord_n aright_o be_v drive_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n yet_o if_o ever_o the_o lord_n mean_v to_o save_v you_o he_o will_v rend_v as_o it_o be_v the_o caule_v from_o the_o heart_n i_o mean_v he_o will_v pluck_v away_o all_o the_o confidence_n you_o have_v build_v upon_o a_o as_o man_n will_v rend_v the_o entrails_n of_o a_o beast_n from_o he_o so_o the_o lord_n will_v bring_v you_o to_o a_o flat_a denial_n of_o yourselves_o and_o that_o you_o have_v neither_o good_a will_n nor_o deed_n as_o of_o yourselves_o and_o you_o will_v find_v you_o know_v not_o what_o god_n will_v do_v with_o you_o but_o this_o you_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o be_v most_o righteous_a when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v as_o a_o comforter_n he_o will_v in_o this_o manner_n convince_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v heretofore_o hang_v upon_o his_o reformation_n for_o hope_n &_o comfort_n but_o now_o he_o be_v bring_v plain_o to_o see_v and_o flat_o to_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o as_o one_o drop_n of_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o true_a olive_n tree_n in_o he_o when_o he_o most_o trust_v unto_o his_o own_o excellency_n now_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o far_o bring_v on_o do_v not_o only_o deny_v himself_o in_o his_o judgement_n but_o in_o his_o will_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v as_o david_n sometime_o do_v if_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o i_o here_o i_o be_o let_v he_o do_v unto_o i_o as_o seem_v he_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o that_o come_v upon_o i_o this_o only_a the_o soul_n have_v for_o his_o support_n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o lord_n be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o for_o i_o that_o i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o if_o he_o show_v i_o no_o mercy_n he_o be_v just_a if_o he_o be_v gracious_a i_o shall_v live_v to_o praise_v he_o now_o when_o a_o man_n will_n be_v thus_o subdue_v that_o he_o have_v no_o will_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v true_a brokennesse_n of_o heart_n when_o not_o only_o the_o judgement_n but_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n be_v break_v the_o soul_n be_v thus_o convince_v that_o neither_o his_o work_n nor_o believe_v nor_o wait_a nor_o seek_v as_o of_o himself_o will_v do_v he_o any_o good_a there_o be_v no_o mercy_n that_o he_o can_v challenge_v for_o any_o goodness_n sake_n of_o his_o own_o then_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o some_o declaration_n of_o god_n free_a love_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o pant_v after_o jesus_n christ_n and_o nothing_o in_o heaven_n but_o he_o nor_o in_o the_o earth_n beside_o he_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o begin_v to_o put_v forth_o itself_o towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v take_v possession_n before_o help_v our_o infirmity_n rom._n 8.26,27_o he_o alone_o must_v help_v we_o and_o no_o other_o finis_fw-la certain_a query_n tend_v to_o accommodation_n and_o communion_n of_o presbyterian_a &_o congregationall_a church_n by_o mr_n john_n cotton_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n publish_a by_o a_o friend_n to_o who_o the_o author_n himself_o send_v they_o over_o not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n london_n print_v by_o m._n s._n for_o john_n allen_n and_o francis_n eglesfield_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1654._o certain_a query_n tend_v to_o the_o mutual_a accommodation_n &_o communion_n of_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n deliver_v in_o 11_o proposition_n &_o humble_o present_v both_o to_o the_o consideration_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o according_a to_o god_n by_o mr_n john_n cotton_n the_o 1._o query_n whether_o may_v it_o not_o be_v safe_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o congregation_n of_o christian_n subject_n to_o presbyterial_a government_n preach_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o overgrow_v with_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n be_v true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n because_o such_o church_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n at_o least_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o sit_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o for_o the_o form_n they_o do_v agree_v together_o in_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n in_o attend_v due_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o in_o submit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o impli_v a_o real_a and_o visible_a though_o implicit_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n requisite_a to_o church-estate_n object_n the_o parish-church_n in_o england_n be_v antichristian_a if_o not_o in_o their_o first_o institution_n yet_o at_o least_o for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o be_v never_o since_o unchurch_v nor_o new_o mould_v out_o of_o their_o anchristian_a apostasy_n answ_n 1._o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v and_o receive_v in_o england_n ten_o year_n before_o it_o be_v in_o rome_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o gildas_n and_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o baronius_n also_o annal._n anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 35.5_o &_o 45.1_o and_o that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a man_n who_o doubtless_o do_v at_o first_o institute_v church_n not_o after_o the_o pattern_n of_o rome_n which_o then_o be_v not_o a_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o neither_o be_v they_o unchurch_v by_o the_o antichristian_a apostasy_n which_o afterward_o grow_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o leprosy_n but_o be_v only_o corrupt_v and_o pollute_v even_o
offend_v be_v a_o society_n or_o some_o public_a person_n equivalent_a 2_o in_o case_n the_o party_n in_o such_o act_n of_o judgement_n be_v free_v from_o error_n which_o be_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o apostle_n guide_v in_o their_o administration_n by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n object_n 5._o this_o synod_n act_v 15._o lexi_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d septuag_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vid._n schindl_n lexi_fw-la so_o speak_v as_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n clear_v and_o declare_v by_o it_o as_o a_o burden_n upon_o the_o church_n v._o 28._o which_o our_o ordinary_a synod_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v power_n to_o do_v resp_n the_o notion_n or_o term_n burden_n may_v be_v take_v political_o i._n e._n for_o a_o truth_n impose_v by_o virtue_n of_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n this_o though_o the_o apostle_n as_o apostle_n may_v do_v yet_o if_o they_o do_v so_o in_o this_o place_n which_o we_o rather_o conceive_v not_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o consequent_o not_o exemplary_a or_o the_o word_n burden_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o charge_v of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v and_o yield_v obedience_n in_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o truth_n discuss_v clear_v and_o orderly_o command_v to_o they_o in_o which_o sense_n if_o we_o take_v it_o here_o according_a as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o divers_a place_n elsewhere_o pro._n 30.1_o &_o 21.1_o rev._n 2.24_o than_o the_o stile_n or_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v exemplary_a of_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n the_o three_o question_n quest_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n resp_n the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v decisive_n directive_n &_o declarative_a of_o the_o truth_n by_o clear_v and_o evidence_v the_o same_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n non_o coactive_a yet_o more_o than_o discretive_a for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v 1_o decisive_n in_o determine_v by_o way_n of_o discussion_n and_o disputation_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o so_o consequent_o resolve_v the_o question_n in_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n act_v 15.16,28_o &_o 16.4_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o synod_n 2_o discretive_a in_o discern_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o be_v determine_v this_o belong_v to_o every_o believer_n 3_o coactive_a or_o judicial_a for_o we_o omit_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o official_a judgement_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n determine_v authoritative_o so_o as_o to_o impose_v it_o with_o authority_n and_o to_o censure_v the_o disobedient_a with_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o mat._n 18.17_o this_o belong_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n superior_a in_o some_o respect_n inferior_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v superior_a in_o respect_n of_o direction_n inferior_a in_o respect_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o it_o have_v none_o quere_z how_o and_o how_o far_o do_v the_o sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n bind_v answ_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o synod_n declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o the_o synod_n the_o synod_n declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n bind_v not_o political_o but_o formal_o only_a i._n e._n in_o foro_fw-la interiori_fw-la i._n e._n it_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o that_o by_o way_n of_o the_o high_a institution_n that_o be_v mere_o doctrinal_a the_o political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a by_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o bind_v not_o only_o formal_o but_o political_o in_o foro_fw-la exteriori_fw-la i._n e._n it_o bind_v the_o outward_a man_n so_o as_o the_o disobedient_a in_o matter_n of_o offence_n be_v subject_a unto_o church_n censure_n affirmative_o towards_o their_o own_o member_n negative_o by_o non_fw-la communion_n as_o concern_v other_o whether_o church_n or_o member_n 3._o supremi_fw-la magistratuâ—_n approbatio_fw-la est_fw-la supremum_fw-la ut_fw-la soquuntar_fw-la arrestum_fw-la fr._n hom._n disp_n 18._o th._n 4._o &_o disp_a 17._o thes_n 3._o civil_a by_o the_o magistrate_n strengthen_v the_o truth_n thus_o declare_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n either_o by_o his_o mere_a authoritative_a suffrage_n assent_n and_o testimony_n if_o the_o matter_n need_v no_o more_o or_o by_o his_o authoritative_a sanction_n of_o it_o by_o civil_a punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n so_o require_v in_o this_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n together_o in_o their_o respective_a political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n clear_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o synod_n we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o place_n wherein_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n walk_v together_o orderly_o referve_v ecclesiastical_a bind_a power_n to_o the_o particular_a church_n where_o either_o there_o be_v no_o magistrate_n or_o the_o magistrate_n be_v want_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o also_o civil_a power_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n where_o the_o church_n be_v want_v to_o their_o duty_n the_o four_o question_n quest_n 4._o to_o who_o belong_v the_o power_n of_o call_v a_o synod_n answ_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v one_o distinction_n and_o answer_v three_o query_n distin_n the_o power_n of_o call_v synod_n be_v either_o single_a authoritative_a belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n ministerial_a belong_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n mix_v when_o both_o proceed_v orderly_a and_o joint_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o several_a power_n argument_n prove_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o call_v synod_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n 1_o because_o the_o magistrate_n be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la i._n e._n charge_v with_o the_o custody_n of_o both_o table_n that_o he_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v grant_v that_o he_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o former_a be_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o the_o first_o question_n 2_o from_o the_o record_a and_o approve_a example_n of_o godly_a king_n in_o the_o scripture_n david_n 1_o chron._n 23.2_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o josiah_n 2_o kin._n 23.1,2_o 3_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o great_a assembly_n though_o synodical_a assemble_v be_v spiritual_a yet_o mere_a assemble_v of_o a_o multitude_n together_o which_o a_o synodical_a assembly_n presuppose_v be_v a_o civil_a act_n and_o therefore_o can_v in_o good_a policy_n be_v suffer_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n 4_o from_o the_o necessary_a though_o not_o essential_a requisite_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o synod_n as_o place_n time_n manner_n of_o meeting_n peace_n all_o which_o need_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n of_o violent_a disturbance_n the_o church_n as_o such_o have_v no_o civil_a power_n to_o defend_v they_o can_v but_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o they_o may_v meet_v and_o transact_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o safety_n and_o quietness_n 5_o from_o the_o proportion_n that_o the_o magistrate_n con-coactive_a or_o call_v power_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v with_o his_o confirmation_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o same_o reason_n that_o warrant_v his_o confirm_a power_n for_o the_o better_a strengthen_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n warrant_v his_o call_a power_n for_o the_o better_a be_v of_o the_o synod_n argument_n prove_v the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o call_v synod_n which_o may_v be_v fit_o call_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n because_o church_n therein_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o to_o belong_v unto_o the_o particular_a church_n 1_o from_o that_o famous_a example_n act_v 15._o where_o the_o synod_n meet_v and_z site_z without_o the_o call_n of_o civil_a authority_n there_o be_v then_o no_o christian_a magistrate_n 2_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o synod_n as_o proper_o such_o first_o reside_v with_o ariseth_z from_z and_o last_o return_v to_o particular_a church_n 3_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n tend_v not_o to_o the_o be_v but_o to_o the_o better_a be_v of_o synod_n and_o add_v thereunto_o be_v accumulative_a not_o privative_a i._n e._n it_o add_v strength_n to_o it_o but_o take_v not_o any_o power_n from_o it_o hence_o a_o synod_n may_v in_o ease_n be_v without_o any_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o can_v be_v without_o some_o consent_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a of_o the_o church_n 4_o because_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v invest_v the_o church_n with_o sufficient_a ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o the_o best_a ecclesiastical_a manner_n to_o attain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a end_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n of_o themselves_o by_o joint_a consent_n to_o call_v a_o synod_n query_n query_n 1_o in_o what_o case_n may_v the_o magistrate_n proceed_v to_o call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n the_o church_n be_v defective_a and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n just_a cause_n so_o require_v may_v call_v a_o synod_n and_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n thereunto_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o refusal_n he_o may_v proceed_v to_o call_v a_o assembly_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o a_o synod_n meet_v for_o namely_o to_o consider_v of_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n in_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n but_o such_o a_o assembly_n call_v and_o gather_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o proper_o that_o which_o be_v usual_o understand_v by_o a_o synod_n for_o though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o call_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o at_o least_o the_o implicit_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n because_o church-messenger_n who_o necessary_o presuppose_v a_o explicit_a which_o order_n call_v for_o or_o implicit_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o synod_n query_n 2_o in_o what_o case_n may_v the_o church_n call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n answ_n in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n be_v defective_a and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n just_a cause_n providence_n and_o prudence_n concur_v the_o church_n may_v both_o call_v and_o constitute_v a_o synod_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n can_v constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n although_o the_o magistrate_n can_v constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v because_o the_o essentials_n of_o a_o synod_n together_o with_o such_o other_o cause_n as_o be_v require_v to_o the_o be_v though_o not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o better_a be_v of_o a_o synod_n arise_v out_o of_o particular_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a enumeration_n of_o the_o cause_n thereof_o the_o essential_a cause_n remote_a the_o authoritative_a call_n of_o the_o magistrate_n next_o the_o ministerial_a call_n of_o the_o church_n the_o material_a cause_n the_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n i._n e._n qualify_a church-messenger_n the_o formal_a cause_n the_o meeting_n together_o of_o such_o church-messenger_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o final_a cause_n to_o confider_v of_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n in_o question_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n query_n 3_o in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n and_o church_n be_v both_o willing_a to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o the_o joint_a exercise_n of_o their_o several_a power_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o either_o of_o they_o to_o call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o answ_n no_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v now_o by_o way_n of_o a_o mix_v call_v i._n e._n orderly_o and_o joint_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o several_a power_n that_o which_o learned_a parker_n speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n concern_v call_v of_o synod_n hold_v also_o in_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n their_o power_n be_v divers_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o exercise_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v divers_a nor_o divide_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o as_o before_z the_o church_n desire_n the_o magistrate_n command_v church_n act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o liberty_n the_o magistrate_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n moses_n and_o aaron_n shall_v go_v together_o and_o kiss_v one_o another_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o god._n finis_fw-la courteous_a reader_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o the_o far_a distance_n of_o his_o love_a friend_n the_o publisher_n of_o this_o book_n some_o fault_n may_v have_v escape_v the_o press_n for_o the_o which_o the_o printer_n desire_v excuse_v vale._n
the_o covenant_n of_o grace._n discover_v the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o sinner_n reconciliation_n to_o god._n by_o john_n cotton_n minister_n at_o boston_n in_o new_a england_n whereunto_o be_v add_v certain_a query_n tend_v to_o accommodadation_n between_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n also_o a_o discussion_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o same_o author_n london_n print_v by_o m._n s._n for_o francis_n eglesfield_n and_o john_n allen_n at_o the_o marigold_n and_o rise_v sun_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1655._o to_o the_o true_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a my_o ever_o honour_a and_o much_o esteem_v friend_n m_o ris_z catharine_n hodson_n the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n if_o either_o religion_n or_o civility_n have_v any_o virtue_n to_o oblige_v certain_o i_o be_o much_o your_o debtor_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o compliment_n which_o usual_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o the_o vain_a assentation_n to_o promise_v any_o adequate_a satisfaction_n for_o those_o many_o favour_n you_o be_v please_v to_o make_v i_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o design_n of_o these_o few_o line_n be_v to_o testify_v to_o yourself_o and_o the_o world_n that_o i_o be_o real_o thankful_a or_o hearty_o desire_v to_o be_v so_o the_o follow_a treatise_n which_o concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o commend_v rather_o to_o your_o practice_n then_o protection_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o orphan_n entertain_v it_o for_o the_o father_n sake_n and_o i_o shall_v undertake_v you_o shall_v gain_v no_o mean_a satisfaction_n for_o your_o pain_n the_o two_o small_a tract_n at_o the_o end_n be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o first_o the_o reverend_a author_n undertake_v a_o good_a office_n which_o be_v to_o become_v umpire_n betwixt_o dissent_v brethren_n next_o to_o their_o not_o fall_v out_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v to_o agree_v i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o if_o man_n do_v more_o attend_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v less_o particular_a in_o their_o end_n the_o quarrel_n about_o the_o way_n will_v not_o be_v so_o endless_a as_o to_o that_o latter_a tract_n about_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n touch_v the_o first_o table_n of_o late_a day_n it_o have_v fall_v much_o under_o question_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n who_o have_v attend_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o single_a eye_n have_v look_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a rom._n 13.4_o under_o the_o name_n of_o evil_n comprehend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aristot_n eth._n 5._o 13._o whatsoever_o be_v commit_v about_o holy_a thing_n child_n be_v command_v obedience_n to_o their_o parent_n in_o all_o thing_n col._n 3.20_o felius_fw-la inquit_fw-la augustinus_n reges_fw-la si_fw-la svam_fw-la potestatem_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la cultuum_fw-la maximè_fw-la dilatandum_fw-la majestati_fw-la ejus_fw-la famulam_fw-la faciant_fw-la de_fw-fr civet_n dei_fw-la 5._o c._n 14._o all_o thing_n comprehend_v holy_a thing_n and_o the_o command_n of_o a_o father_n be_v less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o which_o relate_v in_o this_o little_a book_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o commend_v to_o your_o special_a meditation_n every_o truth_n have_v its_o value_n but_o not_o of_o equal_a concernment_n unto_o all_o among_o all_o the_o parcel_n of_o sacred_a word_n none_o more_o just_o challenge_v our_o serious_a study_n and_o affectionate_a inquisition_n than_o this_o mystery_n that_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n colos_n 1.26_o comprehend_v in_o the_o covenant_n or_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o constellation_n of_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n communicate_v the_o most_o beneficial_a influence_n of_o rich_a everlasting_a and_o undeserved_a mercy_n by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o need_v of_o lose_v heavy_a load_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o city_n of_o refuge_n and_o sure_a sanctuary_n to_o which_o distress_a soul_n have_v always_o flee_v and_o find_v security_n when_o the_o â—…owes_n and_o the_o wave_n of_o temptation_n have_v beat_v upon_o they_o here_o they_o have_v successful_o cast_v the_o anchor_n of_o their_o hope_n for_o the_o mountain_n shall_v depart_v and_o the_o hill_n be_v remove_v but_o my_o kindness_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o neither_o shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o peace_n be_v remove_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o oh_o thou_o afflict_a and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v i_o will_v etc._n etc._n isai_n 54.10,11,12_o they_o only_o know_v how_o much_o sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n the_o gen._n 33.9,11_o esau_n look_v upon_o his_o substance_n and_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v much_o or_o abundance_n jacob_n look_v upon_o his_o portion_n in_o jehovah_n &_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v all_o thing_n thus_o it_o shall_v be_v translate_v large_a content_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v who_o have_v taste_v the_o grace_n of_o that_o covenant_n the_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o you_o have_v of_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v so_o right_o exercise_v that_o your_o experience_n exceed_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o knowledge_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o administer_v but_o this_o covenant_n be_v our_o grand_a charter_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o our_o hope_n for_o another_o life_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o perusal_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n bespeak_v a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n upon_o your_o meditation_n in_o it_o i_o question_v not_o but_o still_o you_o pursue_v that_o thrive_a course_n in_o religion_n which_o many_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o in_o and_o that_o be_v to_o keep_v off_o from_o unedifying_a dispute_n and_o question_n which_o have_v add_v nothing_o to_o christianity_n but_o discord_n scruple_n and_o a_o loss_n of_o the_o vital_n of_o godliness_n beside_o the_o expense_n of_o precious_a hour_n which_o you_o have_v improve_v to_o more_o considerable_a advantage_n you_o run_v well_o let_v nothing_o hinder_v you_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v wrought_v that_o you_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n live_v as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n for_o the_o land_n of_o immanuel_n be_v a_o excellent_a soil_n the_o pure_a air_n be_v above_o where_o the_o spirit_n breathe_v free_o and_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v a_o condition_n proportionable_a to_o itself_o in_o as_o much_o as_o nothing_o can_v fit_v it_o but_o that_o which_o bear_v some_o similitude_n to_o its_o be_v your_o warfare_n be_v not_o yet_o accomplish_v as_o you_o must_v wrestle_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n so_o you_o must_v wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr supercoelestibus_fw-la eph_n 6.12_o vide_fw-la mat._n 10.32_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mei_fw-la causââ—…_n illius_fw-la causa_fw-la vide_fw-la mat._n 26.21_o all_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o i_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aâ—ovi_fw-la or_o because_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o nature_n of_o satan_n be_v to_o tempt_v and_o we_o have_v that_o in_o our_o nature_n fit_v to_o comply_v with_o any_o temptation_n let_v he_o be_v conqueror_n or_o conquer_v he_o be_v restless_a he_o may_v go_v away_o for_o a_o season_n till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v out_o his_o chain_n and_o then_o he_o come_v again_o be_v we_o faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n provide_v for_o we_o now_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n 1_o pet._n 5.10_o who_o have_v call_v we_o into_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o christ_n jesus_n after_o you_o have_v suffer_v a_o while_n make_v you_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v settle_v you_o so_o pray_v your_o very_a much_o oblige_v friend_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o gospel_n w._n retchfordâ—_n to_o the_o reader_n if_o either_o author_n or_o matter_n may_v tend_v to_o commend_v any_o treatise_n i_o may_v take_v occasion_n from_o both_o these_o respect_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o high_a commendation_n of_o all_o these_o three_o ensue_a treatise_n the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o who_o commendation_n be_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o all_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o epistle_n of_o commendation_n from_o any_o other_o the_o name_n of_o mr._n john_n cotton_n the_o author_n of_o the_o two_o former_a be_v like_o a_o precious_a ointment_n pour_v forth_o and_o although_o his_o bless_a soul_n be_v now_o amid_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v above_o yet_o his_o holy_a work_n and_o labour_v leave_v
give_v they_o and_o so_o to_o discern_v their_o sanctify_a estate_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v i_o see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o so_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 22.12_o wherein_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o his_o work_n and_o this_o do_v fill_n abraham_n with_o strong_a consolation_n together_o with_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n unto_o he_o for_o now_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o know_v it_o but_o cause_v he_o to_o know_v it_o also_o so_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v but_o breath_n in_o such_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o he_o do_v but_o give_v power_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o do_v such_o a_o work_n unto_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o do_v make_v it_o appear_v unto_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v indeed_o such_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n then_o do_v the_o lord_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o consolation_n but_o though_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o do_v not_o so_o sweet_o and_o strong_o breath_n and_o clear_v up_o his_o own_o testimony_n by_o the_o comfort_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o promise_n yet_o a_o man_n by_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v enlighten_v of_o god_n discern_v what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o he_o and_o hereby_o the_o soul_n may_v stay_v itself_o psal_n 9.18_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o poor_a shall_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o when_o the_o poor_a soul_n be_v meekn_v by_o god_n hand_n and_o the_o lord_n let_v he_o so_o discern_v it_o that_o now_o he_o quiet_o rest_v upon_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v help_n david_n along_o to_o be_v support_v with_o some_o stay_n and_o beside_o the_o wait_a of_o a_o christian_a upon_o he_o who_o have_v make_v the_o promise_n do_v make_v he_o yet_o more_o patient_a and_o hopeful_a and_o this_o be_v a_o four_o use_n of_o conditional_a promise_n to_o strengthen_v faith_n 5_o they_o be_v of_o use_n to_o work_v all_o these_o qualification_n in_o we_o to_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v promise_v by_o the_o exceed_a precious_a promise_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a work_n or_o use_v of_o these_o promise_n that_o from_o they_o shall_v spring_v all_o our_o gracious_a qualification_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v such_o blessing_n in_o they_o these_o promise_n be_v receive_v and_o enjoy_v and_o meditate_a on_o by_o we_o we_o behold_v they_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o they_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o this_o great_a power_n there_o be_v in_o the_o promise_n to_o help_v a_o end_n the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v never_o give_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n yet_o to_o this_o end_n they_o be_v give_v to_o work_v all_o those_o qualification_n in_o we_o to_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v promise_v yea_o and_o they_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o though_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o beget_v by_o any_o promise_n to_o gracious_a qualification_n preaexistent_a in_o we_o yet_o they_o may_v beget_v such_o qualification_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o promise_n be_v make_v 6_o they_o be_v of_o use_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o provoke_v christian_n to_o all_o such_o duty_n to_o which_o blessing_n be_v promise_v they_o stir_v they_o up_o effectual_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o promise_n 2_o cor._n 6.17,18_o and_o mark_v what_o use_n the_o apostle_n make_v of_o it_o be_v a_o conditional_a promise_n chap._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n etc._n etc._n let_v we_o etc._n etc._n imply_v that_o the_o have_v of_o these_o promise_n stir_v up_o god_n people_n unto_o duty_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v wont_v to_o breath_n in_o they_o and_o so_o to_o set_v forward_o the_o work_n of_o cleanse_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o way_n of_o his_o servant_n 7_o they_o be_v of_o use_n further_o to_o strengthen_v faith_n for_o the_o lord_n that_o have_v make_v such_o promise_n will_v accomplish_v they_o for_o his_o servant_n gen._n 32.9,10_o jacob_n there_o put_v the_o lord_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o say_v o_o god_n of_o my_o father_n abraham_n and_o god_n of_o my_o father_n isaac_n the_o lord_n which_o say_v unto_o i_o return_v unto_o thy_o country_n and_o to_o thy_o kindred_n and_o i_o will_v deal_v well_o with_o thou_o and_o he_o be_v now_o return_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n but_o what_o now_o do_v he_o plead_v the_o condition_n mind_n in_o the_o next_o word_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a the_o least_o of_o all_o the_o mercy_n and_o of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o thou_o have_v show_v unto_o thy_o servant_n yet_o now_o though_o he_o plead_v not_o any_o worth_n at_o all_o yet_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v promise_v such_o a_o mercy_n to_o he_o he_o pray_v for_o it_o ver_fw-la 11._o deliver_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o brother_n thus_o his_o faith_n be_v strengthen_v though_o he_o do_v not_o plead_v any_o worthiness_n to_o receive_v mercy_n so_o also_o do_v absolute_a promise_n strengthen_v faith_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n 2_o sam._n 7.13,14_o &c_n &c_n the_o lord_n there_o promise_v david_n that_o he_o will_v build_v he_o a_o house_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v his_o mercy_n from_o his_o child_n this_o stir_v up_o and_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o david_n ver_fw-la 28_o 29_o etc._n etc._n this_o well_o order_v and_o sure_a covenant_n of_o god_n be_v all_o his_o stay_n and_o all_o his_o salvation_n though_o his_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n 2_o sam._n 23.5_o so_o when_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o heal_v the_o backslide_n of_o his_o people_n ho._n 14.5_o their_o heart_n be_v strengthen_v to_o come_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v o_o lord_n thy_o word_n be_v true_a let_v it_o please_v thou_o to_o heal_v the_o backslide_n of_o thy_o servant_n thus_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n the_o faith_n and_o faithful_a prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v both_o strengthen_v together_o now_o let_v i_o further_o say_v thus_o much_o let_v we_o right_o discern_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n take_v heed_n you_o do_v not_o close_o with_o promise_n before_o we_o have_v jesus_n christ_n in_o they_o especial_o take_v heed_n you_o make_v not_o use_v of_o a_o promise_n to_o a_o gracious_a qualification_n to_o give_v you_o your_o part_n in_o christ_n neither_o be_v take_v aside_o to_o make_v account_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v give_v you_o himself_o gracious_o in_o a_o conditional_a promise_n for_o these_o be_v aberration_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n consider_v therefore_o well_o what_o the_o promise_n be_v and_o what_o use_v the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o make_v of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o a_o woman_n to_o take_v her_o husband_n inheritance_n before_o she_o take_v his_o person_n &_o you_o know_v that_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o no_o other_o but_o in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v not_o any_o soul_n under_o heaven_n that_o can_v challenge_v his_o right_n in_o christ_n at_o the_o first_o by_o any_o promise_n till_o christ_n first_o be_v give_v either_o in_o that_o promise_n or_o in_o some_o former_a if_o you_o know_v that_o you_o be_v in_o christ_n you_o may_v know_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v you_o otherwise_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o know_v your_o right_n in_o christ_n by_o your_o right_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o turn_v they_o upside_o down_o beyond_o the_o scope_n and_o intendment_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n we_o may_v take_v occasion_n by_o they_o to_o admire_v the_o goodness_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o david_n do_v psal_n 31.19_o thus_o ought_v we_o to_o consider_v of_o they_o and_o whither_o to_o look_v that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v they_o and_o the_o blessing_n in_o they_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v we_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o have_v have_v gracious_a change_n wrought_v in_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v such_o work_n may_v reach_v no_o far_o than_o conviction_n and_o you_o may_v come_v to_o turn_v your_o back_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n consider_v therefore_o do_v ever_o the_o lord_n give_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o with_o you_o whensoever_o the_o lord_n do_v strike_v up_o the_o bond_n of_o union_n it_o be_v in_o a_o free_a promise_n of_o his_o grace_n trust_v
infringe_v when_o as_o he_o de_fw-mi jure_fw-la command_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o if_o man_n have_v any_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o submit_v thereto_o and_o in_o faithful_a submit_v to_o which_o be_v true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n conscience_n be_v never_o in_o a_o â—…er_n or_o better_a estate_n of_o liberty_n here_o on_o earth_n than_o when_o most_o engage_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o god_n commandment_n 4._o that_o thereby_o christian_n become_v servant_n of_o man_n when_o the_o magistrate_n only_o be_v to_o enjoin_v what_o his_o master_n and_o they_o have_v command_v or_o to_o forbid_v the_o contrary_a and_o consequent_o in_o submit_v thereto_o be_v but_o servant_n to_o christ_n in_o man_n 5._o that_o thereby_o man_n be_v make_v hypocrite_n and_o time-servers_a as_o if_o to_o command_v man_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o to_o forbid_v the_o contrary_a be_v to_o make_v man_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n as_o be_v time-servers_a and_o hypocrite_n 6._o that_o thereby_o a_o sluice_n be_v open_v to_o let_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o corrupt_a opinion_n into_o the_o church_n suppose_v the_o magistrate_n be_v of_o any_o false_a religion_n or_o corrupt_v in_o his_o judgement_n yea_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o set_v up_o a_o pope_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n for_o religion_n must_v turn_v as_o he_o turn_v when_o as_o the_o question_n be_v touch_v the_o magistrate_n power_n of_o command_v or_o forbid_v not_o what_o he_o in_o a_o popelike_a way_n shall_v please_v or_o what_o his_o own_o spirit_n shall_v like_o best_a but_o what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n and_o the_o position_n subject_v he_o to_o the_o word_n as_o to_o the_o supreme_a law_n and_o do_v not_o set_v he_o up_o popelike_a above_o the_o scripture_n or_o allow_v he_o to_o make_v his_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o to_o make_v humane_a traditional_a cannon_n to_o be_v as_o much_o of_o force_n as_o scripture_n to_o bind_v man_n conscience_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o position_n rather_o condemn_v any_o such_o power_n as_o gular_a usurp_a &_o not_o approve_v of_o god_n which_o swerve_v from_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n namely_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o that_o object_v will_v rather_o follow_v that_o if_o there_o must_v be_v no_o king_n or_o civil_a power_n among_o god_n profess_a israel_n coercive_o to_o restrain_v forbid_v evil_n in_o religion_n than_o every_o man_n will_v hold_v and_o do_v as_o he_o listen_v as_o if_o every_o one_o be_v a_o pope_n and_o than_o micah_n idolatry_n and_o any_o other_o abomination_n may_v be_v set_v up_o 7._o that_o thereby_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v put_v upon_o many_o intricate_a perplexity_n &_o hazard_n of_o conscience_n how_o to_o judge_v in_o and_o of_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o magistrate_n from_o that_o use_n of_o his_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o first_o table_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v hinder_v he_o from_o the_o like_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n none_o be_v ignorant_a what_o perplex_v intricacy_n there_o be_v in_o these_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o former_a as_o conscientious_a magistrate_n find_v by_o daily_a experience_n yet_o such_o as_o object_v this_o will_v not_o deny_v this_o power_n in_o the_o latter_a and_o why_o then_o in_o the_o former_a the_o objection_n prove_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o know_v of_o god_n mind_n in_o his_o place_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v object_v against_o church-officer_n power_n in_o church_n or_o the_o power_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n in_o their_o family_n it_o will_v have_v prove_v the_o same_o but_o it_o follow_v not_o its_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n in_o authority_n to_o know_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o duty_n in_o his_o place_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n in_o his_o place_n they_o which_o inaugurate_v joash_n to_o be_v king_n 2_o chron._n 23.11_o they_o put_v upon_o he_o the_o testimony_n as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n use_v to_o be_v expound_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n as_o a_o king_n not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o testimony_n or_o book_n of_o god_n law_n but_o authoritative_o to_o establish_v what_o be_v write_v in_o it_o 8._o that_o thereby_o person_n be_v put_v upon_o act_v with_o doubt_v conscience_n the_o magistrate_n injunction_n be_v ofttimes_o not_o clear_a to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v thereby_o compel_v to_o sin_n when_o the_o position_n affirm_v this_o power_n in_o matter_n clear_v in_o the_o word_n which_o if_o not_o clear_v to_o this_o or_o that_o subject_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n that_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n by_o his_o own_o ignorance_n of_o matter_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v to_o bring_v any_o such_o snare_n upon_o his_o conscience_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o may_v desire_v the_o magistrate_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o clear_v up_o the_o matter_n enjoin_v or_o forbid_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o hinder_a but_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o command_v or_o forbid_v that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v even_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v shall_v not_o then_o be_v urge_v upon_o man_n conscience_n by_o church-officer_n or_o church-censure_n be_v execute_v against_o obstinate_a gainsayers_a because_o through_o error_n in_o judgement_n and_o corruption_n in_o conscience_n man_n will_v say_v thâ—…nd_v after_o all_o mean_v use_v for_o convictâ—…_n they_o may_v still_o affirm_v that_o they_o think_v otherwise_o or_o at_o best_o that_o they_o still_o doubt_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n yea_o albeit_o the_o matter_n be_v fundamental_a 9_o that_o hereby_o christian_n be_v discourage_v from_o seek_v more_o light_a or_o hinder_v from_o embrace_v or_o follow_v such_o new_a light_n as_o the_o saint_n expect_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n when_o as_o its_o evident_a that_o the_o command_a and_o forbid_v thing_n clear_v in_o the_o word_n to_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n do_v neither_o express_v what_o light_a man_n have_v from_o the_o word_n nor_o discourage_v from_o more_o light_n in_o &_o from_o the_o same_o as_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n so_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o 10._o that_o thereby_o conscientious_a man_n especial_o will_v come_v to_o suffer_v because_o magistrate_n may_v think_v thing_n command_v or_o forbid_v of_o god_n and_o according_o ratify_v they_o by_o their_o authority_n which_o god_n do_v never_o command_v or_o forbid_v when_o as_o the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v magistrate_n enjoin_v what_o they_o think_v but_o what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v the_o press_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n command_v what_o he_o requi_v and_o forbid_v the_o contrary_a be_v any_o just_a or_o proper_a cause_n of_o suffer_v to_o man_n true_o conscientious_a the_o magistrate_n may_v indeed_o through_o mistake_n command_n or_o forbid_v thing_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o first_o but_o the_o second_o table_n but_o this_o do_v not_o deprive_v civil_a magistracy_n therefore_o of_o coercive_a power_n as_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o so_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o table_n but_o in_o this_o case_n christian_n must_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v in_o either_o albeit_o withal_o the_o magistrate_n do_v break_v his_o rule_n 11._o that_o thereby_o we_o shall_v encourage_v and_o harden_v papist_n and_o turk_n in_o their_o cruel_a persecution_n of_o the_o saint_n whereas_o for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o command_v or_o forbid_v according_a to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v not_o persecution_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o of_o itself_o tend_v to_o persecution_n power_n to_o press_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n do_v not_o give_v warrant_n to_o suppress_v or_o oppress_v the_o same_o the_o time_n be_v evil_a indeed_o when_o the_o press_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n shall_v be_v count_v persecution_n 12._o that_o thence_o be_v cause_v all_o the_o war_n in_o christendom_n at_o this_o day_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o press_a man_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n either_o of_o the_o second_o or_o fiâ—st_a table_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o any_o cause_n of_o war_n but_o the_o lust_n rather_o of_o such_o as_o abuse_v their_o power_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n by_o this_o already_o speak_v we_o have_v see_v the_o ruin_n of_o twelve_o of_o our_o opposite_n castle_n in_o the_o air_n imaginarily_o frame_v to_o withstand_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o
of_o nature_n and_o nation_n or_o suppose_v he_o in_o conscience_n deny_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n or_o such_o and_o such_o book_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v only_o depend_v on_o revelation_n and_o herein_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n leave_v he_o now_o he_o in_o conscience_n think_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o establish_v this_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o all_o other_o which_o to_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o conscience_n to_o oppose_v all_o contrary_a doctrine_n what_o then_o will_v become_v of_o subject_n liberty_n the_o word_n be_v not_o make_v the_o rule_n to_o regulate_v this_o ruler_n conscience_n according_a as_o we_o say_v it_o shall_v for_o if_o that_o be_v so_o his_o rule_n there_o be_v a_o remedy_n and_o way_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o rule_n but_o his_o conscience_n judgement_n and_o fantasy_n touch_v the_o rule_n that_o be_v by_o this_o tenent_n make_v his_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o he_o must_v be_v leave_v free_o to_o act_v without_o restraint_n the_o mischief_n necessary_o follow_v this_o if_o once_o cry_v up_o we_o leave_v to_o such_o of_o our_o opposite_n sad_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o nature_n &_o power_n of_o synod_n the_o second_o question_n quest_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o warrant_v synod_n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v to_o consideration_n three_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o five_o reason_n argument_n argum_fw-la 1_o take_a from_o act_n 15._o a_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n in_o time_n of_o controversy_n and_o danger_n concern_v weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o consider_v dispute_v find_v out_o and_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o establish_v of_o peace_n among_o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o act_n 15._o but_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n in_o time_n of_o controversy_n and_o danger_n concern_v weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o consider_v dispute_v find_v out_o and_o clear_v of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o establish_v of_o peace_n among_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la a_o synod_n be_v found_v upon_o act_n 15._o distin_n 1_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n three_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v and_o some_o objection_n to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o first_o distinction_n be_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o question_n the_o other_o with_o the_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o objection_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o text._n the_o necessity_n of_o synod_n be_v either_o 1_o absolute_a 2_o respective_a synod_n be_v not_o necessary_a absolute_o i._n e._n unto_o the_o being_n but_o respective_o i._n e._n unto_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n distin_n 2_o in_o this_o synod_n some_o thing_n be_v first_o extraordinary_n and_o not_o exemplary_a some_o whereof_o be_v certain_o so_o and_o the_o rest_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o unto_o divers_a as_o 1_o the_o quality_n of_o some_o of_o the_o member_n sc_n apostle_n v._o 6.23_o 2_o the_o style_n v._o 28._o 3_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o sentence_n as_o immediate_o and_o political_o bind_v at_o least_o as_o some_o expound_v the_o place_n 4_o the_o object_n upon_o who_o they_o impose_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o decree_n viz._n absent_a church_n vers_fw-la 23._o chap._n 16.4_o some_o of_o which_o be_v neither_o call_v nor_o have_v ordinary_a member_n or_o messenger_n there_o other_o be_v ordinary_a ergo_fw-la exemplary_a as_o 1_o the_o public_a meeting_n of_o church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n 2_o the_o propound_v of_o matter_n to_o be_v consider_v 3_o the_o dispute_v of_o they_o v._o 7._o 4_o the_o joint_a resolution_n of_o the_o question_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n v._o 15_o 16._o 5_o the_o declaration_n and_o delivery_n thereof_o unto_o the_o church_n to_o be_v accept_v of_o and_o keep_v by_o they_o act_v 16._o v._o 4._o 6_o order_n in_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v elder_n and_o member_n of_o every_o church_n ergo_fw-la here_o be_v assemble_v elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o all_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o some_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o universal_a counsel_n distin_n 3_o hence_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v extraordinary_a so_o it_o may_v warrant_v the_o great_a counsel_n look_v upon_o what_o be_v ordinary_a therein_o and_o so_o it_o warrant_v the_o small_a counsel_n in_o this_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v the_o substantial_o matter_n and_o form_n circumstantials_n constant_o such_o as_o necessary_o accompany_v every_o synod_n occasional_o which_o accompany_v the_o synod_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la i_o e._n according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o time_n and_o this_o place_n that_o which_o be_v command_v as_o continual_o bind_v act_v 15._o be_v the_o circumstantial_o of_o a_o synod_n the_o constant_a circumstantial_o and_o such_o occasional_o as_o be_v to_o edification_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la these_o two_o last_o distinction_n right_o apply_v may_v satisfy_v many_o light_a objection_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o argum_fw-la 2_o take_a by_o proportion_n from_o gal._n 2.2_o if_o in_o time_n of_o controversy_n about_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n who_o know_v the_o truth_n before_o they_o come_v on_o to_o the_o synod_n and_o one_o of_o they_o be_v great_a than_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o testify_a to_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v less_o than_o the_o find_n out_o testify_v to_o carrying_z on_z of_o the_o truth_n if_o warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n by_o themselves_o or_o by_o church-messenger_n either_o of_o which_o be_v a_o synod_n to_o the_o find_v our_o testify_v to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrantable_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o such_o time_n of_o controversy_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n one_o of_o who_o be_v great_a than_o all_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o testify_a to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n gal._n 2.2_o ergo_fw-la in_o such_o time_n of_o controversy_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n by_o themselves_o or_o by_o the_o church-messenger_n either_o of_o which_o be_v a_o synod_n for_o the_o find_v out_o testify_v to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o argument_n proceed_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o lesser_a thus_o if_o the_o truth_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n have_v need_v of_o the_o help_n of_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n then_o in_o like_a time_n it_o have_v much_o more_o need_n of_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n if_o apostle_n at_o such_o time_n have_v need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o other_o apostle_n than_o church_n in_o like_a time_n have_v need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o other_o church_n such_o assembly_n the_o example_n whereof_o be_v record_v and_o approve_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n argum_fw-la 3_o but_o the_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o the_o qualify_a people_n of_o god_n for_o the_o consider_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n be_v such_o assembly_n the_o example_n whereof_o be_v record_v &_o commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n erg_fw-mi the_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a person_n for_o the_o consider_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o script_n prove_v minor_n prove_v ezra_n 7.14_o ezra_n inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n id_fw-la est_fw-la consult_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n 13.2_o david_n consult_v with_o the_o congregation_n concern_v the_o carry_n of_o the_o ark_n to_o its_o place_n 2_o chr._n 30.2_o hezekiah_n have_v take_v counsel_n of_o all_o his_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n on_o in_o jerusalem_n to_o keep_v the_o passeover_n in_o the_o second_o month_n the_o approve_a example_n of_o the_o godly_a of_o imitable_a and_o useful_a nature_n in_o practical_a case_n be_v a_o rule_n unto_o we_o reason_n 1_o from_o the_o cause_n when_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o synod_n remain_v there_o opportunity_n be_v have_v the_o warrantable_a use_n of_o synod_n remain_v but_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o cause_n of_o synod_n remain_v ergo_fw-la under_o the_o gospel_n the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v warrantable_a the_o cause_n of_o synod_n be_v either_o prevent_v remove_v of_o or_o recover_v from_o