also_o mar._n 8_o 38._o luk._n 9_o 26._o mat._n 10.33_o these_o three_o thing_n than_o make_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o except_o all_o three_o be_v take_v together_o the_o tie_n of_o subjection_n unto_o god_n be_v not_o complete_a thus_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o true_a religion_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o principle_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o state_n i_o suppose_v he_o do_v mean_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n position_n and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n upon_o which_o christianity_n be_v ground_v and_o whereupon_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v settle_v now_o what_o these_o principle_n be_v by_o which_o the_o whole_a point_n of_o doubt_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v he_o say_v nothing_o express_o to_o any_o purpose_n but_o only_o insinuate_v the_o matter_n suspicious_o and_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o for_o little_a instruction_n or_o edification_n i_o must_v then_o let_v you_o know_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n must_v needs_o be_v threefold_a according_a to_o the_o three_o tie_n of_o conscience_n hereafter_o mention_v namely_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o doctrine_n principle_n of_o practice_n in_o godliness_n and_o last_o principle_n of_o our_o public_a profession_n of_o both_o these_o the_o principle_n that_o be_v fundamental_a in_o doctrine_n be_v all_o such_o truth_n and_o position_n which_o bear_v a_o character_n of_o necessity_n or_o be_v special_o recommend_v to_o our_o faith_n as_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n as_o that_o of_o 1_o tim._n 3.16_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o of_o 2_o tim._n 2.8_o remember_v that_o jesus_n christ_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a according_a to_o my_o gospel_n and_o such_o like_a which_o may_v have_v a_o twofold_a character_n of_o fundamentality_n either_o by_o some_o express_a word_n declare_v their_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o when_o christ_n say_v joh._n 3.5_o very_o very_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o by_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o itself_o though_o without_o any_o intimation_n thereof_o in_o the_o expression_n as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n 1.17_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o innate_a property_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o life_n depend_v upon_o faith_n that_o faith_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o salvation_n although_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o have_v not_o say_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 11.5_o these_o character_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n i_o thus_o brief_o hint_n at_o only_a to_o show_v what_o must_v distinguish_v a_o principle_n from_o another_o truth_n in_o case_n we_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o judge_v of_o some_o position_n whether_o they_o be_v fundamental_a or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v good_a to_o walk_v by_o know_a rule_n for_o otherwise_o we_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o light_n and_o as_o in_o matter_n doctrinal_a so_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n there_o be_v fundamental_a duty_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o luk._n 13.3_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v and_o that_o of_o heb._n 12.14_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o from_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim._n â—_z 5_o concerning_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n may_v easy_o be_v conclude_v that_o charity_n be_v a_o fundamental_a duty_n although_o he_o have_v not_o say_v elsewhere_o if_o i_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.2_o and_o as_o in_o the_o inward_a truth_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n so_o in_o the_o outward_a profession_n there_o be_v fundamental_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o which_o in_o this_o case_n i_o suppose_v will_v be_v most_o considerable_a because_o i_o think_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n so_o far_o as_o these_o relate_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o the_o inward_a frame_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o god_n there_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o dispuâ—e_n among_o we_o but_o in_o the_o outward_a confession_n profession_n and_o exercise_n of_o religious_a duty_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v uphold_v by_o way_n of_o government_n for_o god_n glory_n among_o man_n i_o suppose_v the_o chief_a doubt_n of_o this_o question_n do_v lie_v therefore_o to_o resolve_v the_o same_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v more_o distinct_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n i_o conceive_v that_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o public_a witness-bearing_n and_o open_n of_o ourselves_o to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o god_n towards_o man_n which_o can_v be_v do_v only_o two_o way_n by_o word_n and_o deed_n we_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n two_o way_n first_o when_o we_o worship_v god_n public_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n in_o christ_n the_o lord_n phil._n 2.11_o and_o give_v praise_n unto_o he_o through_o christ_n rom._n 15.9_o 10._o heb._n 13.15_o and_o when_o we_o join_v with_o those_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o say_v amen_n to_o that_o which_o be_v profess_v by_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14_o 16._o second_o when_o we_o give_v a_o account_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o we_o bear_v witneâ—s_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o deed_n in_o three_o sort_n of_o action_n first_o in_o the_o action_n whereby_o we_o show_v that_o we_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n second_o in_o the_o action_n whereby_o we_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o three_o by_o the_o action_n whereby_o we_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o our_o action_n be_v consider_v as_o single_a between_o god_n and_o we_o in_o the_o second_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o coordinate_a to_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o three_o as_o subordinate_a unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n there_o be_v certain_a fundamental_a duty_n and_o principle_n of_o walk_v which_o if_o a_o christian_n do_v not_o know_v and_o conscionable_o intend_v he_o do_v sin_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o profession_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o we_o be_v command_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o follower_n of_o he_o as_o be_v call_v to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n 1_o thes._n 2.12_o ephe._n 5_o 1._o mat._n 5.44_o 45_o 46_o 47_o 48._o to_o do_v all_o our_o matter_n without_o murmur_n and_o dispute_n be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a in_o a_o crooked_a generation_n and_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2.14_o 15_o 16._o and_o to_o this_o effect_n all_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n must_v intend_v two_o main_a thing_n first_o as_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v baptise_v into_o his_o death_n to_o serve_v he_o by_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o by_o be_v crucify_v thereby_o unto_o the_o world_n rom._n 6.3_o gal._n 6.14_o mat._n 16.24_o second_o such_o as_o thus_o serve_v and_o follow_v christ_n must_v walk_v open_o in_o the_o light_n before_o man_n and_o not_o close_o and_o in_o darkness_n joh._n 3.20_o 21_o 22_o and_o 1_o joh._n 1.17_o mat._n 5.16_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o second_o we_o be_v command_v to_o serve_v other_o through_o love_n not_o use_v our_o freedom_n to_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 5.13_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o offence_n and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephe._n 4.2_o 3._o and_o to_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n gall_n 6.2_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n to_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v each_o other_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n heb._n 10.24_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o some_o be_v heb._n 10.25_o and_o still_o be_v to_o partake_v in_o the_o assembly_n the_o ordinance_n in_o a_o orderly_a way_n 1_o cor._n 11._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la to_o remember_v the_o poor_a by_o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n gal._n 2.10_o rom._n 12.13_o to_o
understand_v what_o be_v be_v mean_v by_o a_o settlement_n and_o by_o a_o hasty_a settlement_n and_o by_o that_o which_o be_v call_v fitness_n i_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o settlement_n be_v mean_v here_o a_o authoritative_a determination_n of_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o government_n of_o soul_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v throughout_o the_o church_n of_o this_o kingdom_n so_o that_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n such_o as_o be_v refractory_a against_o that_o determination_n and_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n by_o disorderly_a walk_n shall_v be_v liable_a to_o suffer_v what_o the_o power_n of_o the_o state_n shall_v inflict_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o hastiness_n of_o this_o settlement_n i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v not_o any_o rash_a or_o unadvised_a speed_n but_o the_o suddenness_n of_o that_o determination_n without_o further_a delay_n proceed_v from_o debatement_n and_o deliberation_n concerning_o the_o same_o and_o by_o the_o fitness_n of_o such_o a_o settlement_n i_o suppose_v be_v mean_v the_o conveniency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o public_a good_a both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o private_a benefit_n of_o soul_n therein_o as_o for_o the_o limitation_n add_v to_o these_o part_n of_o the_o query_n i_o wish_v they_o have_v be_v more_o plain_o set_v down_o for_o i_o doubt_v of_o his_o meaning_n therein_o but_o that_o you_o and_o he_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o i_o i_o will_v declare_v it_o that_o if_o i_o take_v not_o his_o aright_o he_o may_v if_o he_o think_v good_a rectify_v my_o mistake_n i_o conceive_v then_o by_o that_o which_o he_o do_v call_v power_n common_o desire_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n thâ—t_z he_o do_v mean_v the_o way_n of_o judicature_n in_o church-matter_n as_o the_o assembly_n have_v desire_v it_o to_o be_v settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n of_o which_o that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o right_a character_n for_o i_o doubt_v he_o be_v mistake_v and_o not_o right_o inform_v of_o the_o way_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o brief_o that_o it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o in_o the_o person_n and_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n alone_o but_o in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o eldership_n wherein_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o leader_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o this_o eldership_n be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n gift_v and_o free_o choose_v to_o and_o for_o the_o congregation_n by_o the_o brethren_n and_o appoint_v with_o the_o ministâ—r_n over_o all_o matter_n of_o church-concernment_n that_o their_o office_n and_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o it_o be_v not_o otherwise_o desire_v in_o common_a then_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v warrant_v it_o to_o be_v practise_v and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v practicable_a by_o all_o which_o you_o see_v that_o i_o must_v understand_v his_o query_n as_o concerning_o the_o matter_n thereof_o thus_o namely_o that_o the_o thing_n whereof_o he_o do_v speak_v be_v concerning_o the_o order_n and_o direct_v of_o spiritual_a matter_n belong_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o by_o christ_n power_n over_o his_o subject_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o eldership_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o bring_v the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n to_o a_o perpetual_a communion_n with_o god_n which_o be_v their_o happiness_n of_o this_o thing_n he_o do_v make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v fit_a speedy_o to_o settle_v it_o in_o this_o kingdom_n or_o no_o but_o the_o doubt_n be_v not_o absolute_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o for_o who_o will_v call_v that_o in_o question_n but_o of_o the_o fitness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o limitation_n annex_v which_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o state_n it_o have_v be_v worth_a his_o labour_n to_o have_v make_v a_o description_n of_o those_o principle_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o mistake_v he_o in_o the_o main_a matter_n whereby_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o regulate_v our_o thought_n in_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o doubt_n for_o except_o he_o and_o i_o understand_v one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o state_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o square_v out_o the_o conclusion_n of_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n after_o the_o same_o proportion_n for_o if_o he_o measure_v not_o his_o cloth_n by_o the_o same_o ell_n which_o i_o have_v or_o i_o by_o that_o which_o he_o have_v he_o and_o i_o shall_v never_o agree_v in_o the_o length_n and_o breadth_n thereof_o i_o will_v then_o tell_v you_o my_o thought_n which_o if_o he_o reject_v not_o we_o may_v come_v to_o agree_v in_o by_o religion_n i_o understand_v a_o tie_n whereby_o the_o conscience_n be_v bind_v to_o subject_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o his_o true_a worship_n this_o tie_n of_o conscience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o threefold_a cord_n which_o can_v be_v break_v or_o untwist_v without_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n the_o first_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n by_o this_o the_o understanding_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v god_n and_o believe_v he_o the_o second_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n by_o this_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v bind_v to_o love_n god_n and_o yield_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o obedience_n the_o three_o be_v the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o both_o the_o former_a before_o man_n by_o this_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o his_o bodily_a service_n be_v make_v a_o live_n and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n rom._n 12.1_o the_o two_o first_o cord_n be_v twist_v together_o in_o one_o by_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o style_v his_o apostleship_n a_o service_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o elect_a and_o the_o acknowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n after_o godliness_n tit._n 1.1_o where_o we_o may_v observe_v how_o these_o thing_n lie_v together_o 1._o the_o apostle_n be_v god_n servant_n for_o his_o elect_v sake_n namely_o to_o bring_v they_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o express_v it_o rom._n 1._o 5._o and_o 16.26_o 2_o his_o preach_n do_v this_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d which_o i_o after_o godliness_n and_o this_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v beget_v faith_n 3_o observe_v the_o cennexion_n of_o this_o acknowledgement_n with_o godliness_n to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o inseparable_a from_o it_o but_o that_o the_o truth_n beget_v faith_n be_v measure_v by_o godliness_n and_o commensurable_a to_o it_o so_o that_o as_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v count_v godliness_n which_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n truth_n so_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v count_v a_o truth_n beget_v faith_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n but_o when_o god_n spirit_n do_v twist_v both_o these_o together_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o elect_a than_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v beget_v in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a name_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v inward_o before_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n whereunto_o if_o the_o outward_a profession_n or_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n before_o man_n be_v join_v which_o be_v the_o three_o cord_n of_o this_o tie_n then_o religion_n be_v full_o complete_v in_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o this_o three_o cord_n be_v join_v by_o the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o two_o former_a as_o a_o mean_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o they_o this_o you_o have_v rom._n 10._o 9_o 10_o 11._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v thus_o if_o thou_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a in_o two_o respect_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o event_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o without_o fail_v salvation_n promise_v shall_v follow_v upon_o it_o and_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v frustrate_a of_o his_o expectation_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o duty_n by_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v operative_a towards_o salvation_n namely_o by_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o if_o he_o do_v deny_v this_o truth_n wherein_o christ_n do_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n then_o christ_n will_v deny_v he_o before_o his_o father_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o
chief_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o say_v again_o i_o wonder_n he_o shall_v dare_v to_o do_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o charge_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v he_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n deliver_v unto_o he_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o for_o if_o this_o be_v his_o practice_n to_o alter_v the_o sound_a word_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o in_o so_o do_v he_o do_v make_v his_o first_o word_n of_o his_o title_n page_n to_o be_v find_v fall_v wherein_o he_o do_v pretend_v the_o advancement_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n for_o if_o he_o dare_v presume_v to_o corrupt_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o easy_a introduction_n of_o some_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o what_o truth_n can_v we_o find_v to_o be_v in_o he_o or_o what_o peace_n can_v he_o expect_v from_o any_o that_o perceive_v this_o deceitful_a deal_n and_o how_o will_v he_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n that_o say_v add_v thou_o not_o to_o his_o word_n lest_o he_o reprove_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v find_v a_o liar_n prov._n 30.6_o he_o that_o do_v allege_v the_o word_n false_o will_v have_v no_o great_a care_n to_o divide_v it_o right_o and_o apply_v it_o true_o i_o speak_v this_o upon_o a_o supposal_n which_o i_o will_v have_v he_o to_o take_v away_o by_o show_v how_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n come_v to_o be_v change_v for_o i_o rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n as_o charity_n do_v command_v i_o to_o do_v 1_o cor._n 13.6_o now_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o how_o i_o purpose_v to_o proceed_v in_o answer_v his_o query_n if_o god_n permit_v first_o i_o will_v reflect_v upon_o the_o question_n in_o itself_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o serious_a deliberation_n which_o may_v be_v consider_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n second_o i_o intend_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o question_n as_o he_o do_v handle_v it_o to_o observe_v what_o truth_n be_v in_o his_o decision_n and_o how_o far_o the_o way_n which_o he_o do_v suggest_v be_v like_a to_o produce_v peace_n three_o i_o will_v endeavour_v by_o god_n assistance_n to_o sugheâ—_z a_o word_n of_o advice_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n which_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o prevent_v the_o increase_n of_o error_n and_o strife_n the_o first_o part._n the_o query_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a yea_o or_o no_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o state_n to_o settle_v any_o church-government_n over_o a_o kingdom_n hasty_o or_o not_o and_o with_o the_o power_n common_o desire_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n let_v we_o look_v deliberate_o upon_o this_o query_n and_o to_o that_o effect_n let_v we_o take_v it_o into_o piece_n the_o part_n thereof_o be_v three_o first_o the_o thing_n whereof_o the_o question_n be_v make_v second_o the_o question_n which_o be_v make_v of_o that_o thing_n three_o the_o limitation_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o question_n the_o thing_n whereof_o the_o question_n be_v make_v be_v of_o church-government_n over_o the_o kingdom_n the_o question_n make_v hereof_o or_o the_o thing_n seek_v after_o be_v to_o know_v whether_o yea_o or_o no_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o any_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v hasty_o settle_v the_o limitation_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o the_o question_n be_v make_v be_v whether_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o power_n common_o desire_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n the_o limitation_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o that_o settlement_n can_v be_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o state_n if_o now_o any_o will_v enter_v into_o a_o serious_a deliberation_n upon_o the_o matter_n to_o resolve_v himself_o without_o partiality_n in_o this_o question_n he_o must_v go_v orderly_o to_o work_v by_o a_o rule_n and_o not_o let_v his_o mind_n rove_v at_o random_n to_o snatch_v at_o incident_a thought_n therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o must_v needs_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o query_n for_o without_o this_o foundation_n all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a because_o the_o matter_n not_o be_v know_v which_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v unto_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o to_o any_o purpose_n and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o compare_v the_o particular_n understand_v orderly_o one_o with_o another_o if_o need_v be_v but_o chief_o with_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o question_n to_o find_v out_o by_o the_o result_n of_o the_o comparison_n what_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n let_v we_o then_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v these_o way_n first_o i_o conceive_v that_o by_o the_o word_n church_n be_v mean_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o soul_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v saint_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n or_o thus_o the_o church_n be_v the_o company_n of_o soul_n as_o they_o be_v christ_n subject_n in_o the_o world_n i_o reflect_v here_o upon_o man_n as_o soul_n not_o exclude_v their_o body_n because_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n upon_o which_o christ_n do_v work_n and_o because_o man_n as_o they_o be_v body_n and_o have_v outward_a estate_n be_v proper_o the_o immediate_a subject_n upon_o which_o worldly_a kingdom_n work_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o soul_n be_v also_o in_o some_o kind_n subject_v to_o superior_a power_n rom._n 13.1_o but_o that_o be_v only_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o bodily_a life_n which_o they_o have_v and_o so_o be_v body_n in_o like_o manner_n subject_n unto_o christ_n namely_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n whereby_o they_o be_v act_v through_o their_o soul_n so_o we_o see_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v two_o way_n in_o subjection_n one_o way_n to_o christ_n another_o way_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o if_o the_o distinction_n of_o this_o twofold_a subjection_n be_v right_o understand_v and_o the_o true_a foundation_n thereof_o clear_v many_o doubt_n otherwise_o insoluble_a will_v easy_o be_v decide_v concerning_o the_o limit_n and_o joint_a consistence_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n do_v relate_v the_o body_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n so_o do_v christ_n power_n in_o the_o church_n relate_v to_o the_o subject_n of_o a_o state_n and_o as_o the_o body_n do_v relate_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o outward_a matter_n so_o do_v the_o civil_a power_n relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o man_n as_o they_o be_v his_o subject_n the_o property_n of_o these_o relation_n will_v determine_v the_o sphere_n of_o these_o power_n according_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o their_o virtue_n each_o upon_o other_o and_o according_a to_o the_o subordination_n of_o their_o end_n unto_o the_o happiness_n unto_o the_o whole_a second_o i_o conceive_v by_o that_o which_o be_v call_v government_n in_o general_n that_o be_v mean_v the_o right_a order_n and_o guide_n of_o subject_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n towards_o the_o proper_a end_n thereof_o and_o consequent_o by_o church-government_n in_o particular_a i_o must_v conceive_v the_o right_a order_n and_o guide_n of_o man_n soul_n by_o christ_n power_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o spiritual_a life_n tend_v to_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o perpetual_a communion_n of_o happiness_n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o himself_o three_o by_o the_o kingdom_n i_o understand_v the_o society_n of_o english_a man_n as_o they_o be_v unite_v in_o their_o outward_a life_n under_o the_o government_n and_o law_n which_o be_v settle_v for_o their_o peace_n and_o safety_n therein_o now_o when_o the_o question_n be_v of_o a_o church-government_n over_o this_o kingdom_n the_o meaning_n be_v of_o a_o government_n that_o shall_v be_v settle_v in_o and_o throughout_o the_o kingdom_n namely_o in_o all_o the_o church_n thereof_o and_o not_o over_o and_o above_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o proper_o over_o the_o body_n but_o in_o it_o and_o this_o not_o under_o the_o soul_n but_o unite_v to_o it_o and_o both_o be_v in_o the_o same_o person_n so_o we_o may_v conceive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n that_o as_o the_o kingdom_n be_v a_o worldly_a society_n the_o church_n be_v not_o over_o it_o nor_o it_o under_o the_o church_n but_o both_o be_v unite_v together_o in_o one_o christian_a state_n as_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o body_n by_o the_o outward_a sense_n be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o man_n thus_o than_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o question_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scope_n or_o thing_n question_v we_o must_v also_o
avoid_v such_o as_o make_v schism_n rom._n 16.17_o or_o bring_v another_o gospel_n 2_o joh._n 9.10_o gal._n 1.8_o 9_o to_o admonish_v and_o warn_v such_o as_o be_v under_o sin_n and_o give_v offence_n levit._n 19.17_o mat._n 18.15_o and_o 1_o thes._n 5.14_o and_o ephe._n 3.14_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o three_o we_o be_v command_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o ruler_n that_o be_v over_o we_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n heb._n 13.17_o to_o harken_v unto_o their_o preach_n and_o admonition_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thes._n 5.12_o 13._o and_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o to_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o in_o public_a 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2._o act._n 6.4_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n mat._n 28.19_o and_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 24_o 25_o 26._o these_o be_v the_o fundamental_n of_o our_o public_a profession_n in_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o all_o man_n some_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o belong_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o minister_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o their_o special_a calling_n which_o be_v chief_o these_o 1_o they_o must_v be_v call_v as_o aaron_n be_v and_o not_o take_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o themselves_o heb._n 5.4_o 2._o be_v call_v they_o must_v keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n zach._n 3.7_o and_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o by_o preach_v pray_v and_o oversee_v the_o flock_n and_o judge_v the_o same_o and_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o orderly_o and_o to_o edification_n without_o prefer_v one_o thing_n before_o another_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o act._n 6.4_o and_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o 1_o cor._n 5.12.13_o mat._n 28.18_o 19_o and_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 30._o mat._n 28.19_o 20._o and_o 1_o tim._n 5.21_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n and_o maxim_n the_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o state_n i_o will_v not_o reflect_v upon_o the_o interest_n of_o worldly_a man_n in_o state-matter_n which_o be_v constant_a in_o nothing_o but_o in_o the_o changeableness_n of_o circumstance_n but_o look_v upon_o a_o state_n as_o it_o be_v a_o nation_n unite_z together_o by_o law_n for_o their_o own_o peace_n and_o safety_n the_o main_a interest_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n be_v right_o perform_v now_o i_o take_v the_o ground_n or_o principle_n of_o the_o magistrate_n duâ—y_v and_o authority_n to_o be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n over_o public_a society_n to_o administer_v justice_n and_o see_v good_a order_n settle_v and_o observe_v therein_o that_o peace_n may_v be_v maintain_v and_o confusion_n the_o cause_n of_o strife_n prevent_v as_o for_o the_o subject_n duty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o magistrate_n civil_a ordinance_n and_o to_o assist_v he_o with_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o same_o rom._n 13._o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o nurse_a father_n and_o protector_n thereof_o isai._n 49.23_o thus_o i_o have_v brief_o look_v upon_o this_o query_n so_o far_o as_o it_o seem_v requisite_a to_o discover_v the_o property_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o it_o contain_v that_o from_o thence_o the_o decision_n of_o this_o doubt_n may_v result_v by_o compare_v and_o lay_v matter_n together_o to_o find_v their_o due_a proportion_n towards_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v to_o be_v find_v out_o the_o point_n then_o where_o the_o doubt_n lie_v be_v these_o three_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v the_o matter_n 1._o whether_o yea_o or_o no_o the_o right_n order_v and_o guide_n of_o man_n way_n under_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o eldership_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o communion_n with_o god_n shall_v be_v approve_v and_o without_o further_a delay_n authoritative_o set_v up_o and_o determine_v in_o this_o kingdom_n 2._o whether_o such_o a_o determination_n do_v stand_v with_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o save_a truth_n of_o godliness_n and_o of_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christianity_n as_o a_o thing_n convenient_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o church_n 3._o whether_o or_o no_o by_o the_o fundamental_a duty_n and_o ground_n of_o justice_n and_o good_a order_n settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n such_o a_o determination_n be_v not_o profitable_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o peace_n and_o avoid_n of_o confusion_n in_o the_o state_n now_o all_o the_o stress_n do_v lie_v upon_o the_o suddenness_n of_o the_o determination_n whether_o namely_o that_o be_v expedient_a in_o all_o these_o respect_n yea_o or_o no_o where_o again_o we_o must_v call_v to_o mind_n that_o by_o suddenness_n be_v not_o mean_v a_o rash_a hastiness_n without_o deliberation_n but_o only_o a_o suspension_n of_o further_a deliberation_n to_o fall_v orderly_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o which_o be_v already_o determine_v and_o need_v no_o further_a debate_n in_o the_o parliament_n therefore_o to_o come_v to_o the_o comparison_n of_o these_o matter_n with_o this_o point_n of_o doubt_n we_o must_v see_v what_o the_o consistency_n or_o inconsistency_n will_v be_v in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o forename_a particular_n with_o this_o kind_n of_o settlement_n first_o than_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o right_n order_v and_o guide_n of_o man_n way_n under_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o church-government_n and_o do_v not_o this_o deserve_v to_o be_v set_v a_o foot_n as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v be_v there_o no_o danger_n in_o delay_v without_o cause_n a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n do_v not_o this_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n why_o than_o if_o it_o may_v be_v settle_v in_o any_o degree_n as_o in_o some_o degree_n it_o now_o may_v shall_v it_o be_v differ_v be_v it_o no_o dishonour_n to_o christ_n to_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o settle_v his_o ordinance_n if_o then_o the_o right_n order_v and_o guide_n of_o man_n way_n under_o christ_n be_v rather_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o further_a delay_n then_o with_o a_o sudden_a settlement_n i_o may_v refer_v it_o to_o himself_o to_o conclude_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v but_o you_o may_v perhaps_o say_v no_o man_n ever_o doubt_v of_o this_o that_o the_o right_n order_v and_o guide_n of_o soul_n under_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v delay_v but_o rather_o speedy_o settle_v when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v but_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o the_o government_n sue_v for_o be_v the_o right_n order_v and_o guide_n of_o soul_n under_o christ_n therefore_o we_o may_v suspend_v the_o settlement_n i_o answer_v if_o this_o be_v the_o exception_n then_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v show_v we_o rather_o wherefore_o he_o make_v this_o doubt_n then_o wherefore_o all_o government_n shall_v whole_o be_v make_v void_a and_o unsettled_a for_o when_o a_o question_n be_v make_v of_o church_n government_n in_o general_n nobody_o will_v otherwise_o conceive_v of_o it_o then_o under_o this_o notion_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o right_n order_v and_o guide_n of_o man_n life_n under_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v grant_v who_o dare_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o such_o a_o government_n shall_v be_v settle_v without_o delay_n among_o those_o that_o sue_v for_o it_o but_o let_v we_o admit_v of_o the_o exception_n as_o it_o may_v come_v under_o the_o limitation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o power_n common_o desire_v etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n let_v the_o question_n be_v thus_o if_o the_o power_n commoly_a desire_v be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n alone_o as_o former_o have_v be_v declare_v but_o in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o eldership_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n then_o query_n whether_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o sudden_a settlement_n yea_o or_o no_o whether_o the_o right_n of_o guide_v and_o oversee_v man_n soul_n be_v commit_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o any_o but_o unto_o the_o eldership_n whether_o in_o nature_n it_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o more_o proper_o then_o unto_o they_o whether_o a_o free_a choose_a eldership_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o charge_n of_o soul_n in_o ordinary_a rather_o than_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v so_o what_o inconsistency_n then_o be_v there_o between_o this_o power_n and_o a_o sudden_a settlement_n where_o be_v the_o danger_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o dangerous_a and_o unjust_a to_o refuse_v it_o by_o a_o needless_a delay_n but_o now_o his_o expression_n run_v under_o the_o general_n term_n of_o power_n common_o desire_v in_o
wherein_o i_o be_o to_o look_v upon_o his_o manner_n of_o proceed_v for_o the_o determination_n thereof_o to_o see_v how_o far_o it_o do_v reach_v the_o aim_n of_o advance_v truth_n and_o peace_n the_o second_o part._n the_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v fit_a according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o state_n to_o settle_v any_o church-government_n over_o the_o kingdom_n hasty_o or_o not_o and_o with_o the_o power_n common_o desire_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n i_o have_v hitherto_o deliver_v my_o sense_n of_o this_o query_n and_o by_o way_n of_o deliberation_n show_v what_o answer_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o it_o now_o i_o purpose_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o answer_n which_o he_o do_v give_v to_o observe_v what_o truth_n be_v in_o it_o and_o how_o far_o the_o way_n which_o he_o do_v suggest_v be_v useful_a for_o peace_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o his_o discourse_n i_o must_v examine_v his_o reason_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n i_o will_v set_v down_o in_o his_o own_o word_n so_o near_o as_o may_v be_v the_o argument_n which_o he_o do_v use_v and_o that_o in_o their_o full_a strength_n to_o make_v good_a his_o conclusion_n and_o then_o i_o will_v compare_v the_o point_n of_o doubt_n with_o that_o wherein_o the_o force_n of_o the_o reason_n do_v lie_v his_o reason_n lie_v in_o several_a aphorism_n or_o section_n without_o method_n or_o coherence_n he_o be_v brief_a and_o dark_a and_o do_v presuppose_v some_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v express_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o matter_n now_o i_o hate_v confusion_n and_o therefore_o without_o do_v he_o wrong_v will_v reduce_v his_o reason_n to_o certain_a head_n under_o which_o all_o shall_v be_v bring_v in_o which_o he_o do_v allege_v in_o such_o order_n as_o his_o matter_n will_v admit_v of_o he_o endeavour_v then_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o any_o church-government_n shall_v be_v settle_v hasty_o in_o this_o kingdom_n from_o four_o head_n of_o argument_n 1._o from_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o parochial_a congregation_n to_o admit_v of_o government_n sect._n 1.2_o 6._o 2._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o fault_n of_o reformer_n in_o latter_a day_n sect._n 3.4_o 5._o 3._o from_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o new_a clergyman_n to_o administer_v church_n government_n sect._n 8.9_o 4._o from_o the_o interest_n of_o state_n and_o of_o the_o dissent_a brethren_n sect._n 7.10.11_o concerning_o the_o first_o in_o the_o first_o head_n i_o find_v two_o pre-supposall_n which_o he_o take_v as_o grant_v the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o which_o a_o people_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o receive_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o suitableness_n be_v not_o hasty_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o the_o second_o be_v that_o which_o a_o people_n ought_v to_o receive_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o uselesseness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o the_o first_o assertion_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o first_o and_o six_o and_o the_o second_o of_o his_o second_o section_n but_o the_o first_o be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v without_o a_o limitation_n for_o ignorance_n and_o want_n of_o suteableness_n in_o a_o people_n except_o it_o be_v find_v altogether_o invincible_a do_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o obedience_n nor_o shall_v good_a law_n and_o government_n whereby_o a_o people_n may_v be_v instruct_v and_o make_v suitable_a to_o perform_v necessary_a duty_n be_v leave_v off_o because_o former_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o teach_v nay_o in_o human_a government_n the_o contrary_a may_v be_v assert_v for_o a_o truth_n namely_o that_o where_o a_o people_n be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o do_v want_v sutableness_n to_o perform_v it_o towards_o superior_n there_o government_n ought_v to_o be_v constitute_v without_o delay_n lest_o their_o unruliness_n and_o unteachableness_n become_v habitual_a for_o the_o want_n of_o government_n do_v make_v a_o people_n wild_a thus_o than_o the_o assertion_n be_v not_o universal_o true_a but_o perhaps_o he_o will_v say_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religious_a subjection_n it_o will_v hold_v true_a because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v bind_v no_o man_n further_o to_o practical_a obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o government_n than_o he_o do_v understand_v the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o government_n to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 14.5_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o vers._n 23._o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n from_o this_o place_n he_o infer_v that_o if_o a_o people_n be_v not_o teach_v the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o government_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o how_o this_o consequence_n do_v follow_v we_o shall_v see_v anon_o when_o we_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o first_o section_n but_o here_o i_o will_v intimate_v only_o that_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v not_o give_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o subjection_n relate_v to_o government_n but_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o freedom_n relate_v to_o discretion_n whereby_o every_o one_o be_v to_o look_v to_o his_o own_o private_a way_n for_o in_o that_o four_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v christian_n rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o moderation_n in_o judge_v one_o another_o for_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n such_o as_o be_v meat_n and_o day_n in_o these_o thing_n he_o forbid_v the_o strong_a to_o despise_v the_o weak_a and_o the_o weak_a to_o judge_v the_o strong_a ver._n 2.3_o 4._o and_o he_o will_v every_o one_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concerning_o that_o which_o he_o do_v that_o he_o may_v not_o do_v it_o either_o with_o offence_n to_o other_o or_o doubting_o within_o himself_o if_o either_o of_o these_o befall_v he_o the_o apostle_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n from_o verse_n 4._o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o chief_o concerning_o the_o man_n that_o doubt_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o say_v that_o if_o he_o eat_v not_o with_o faith_n he_o be_v damn_v because_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v clear_o of_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o every_o one_o be_v to_o govern_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o private_a action_n namely_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o he_o can_v do_v in_o faith_n and_o whereof_o he_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n now_o how_o from_o a_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n a_o consequence_n will_v be_v right_o draw_v to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o any_o church-government_n shall_v be_v hasty_o settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v not_o clear_a to_o i_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n for_o because_o a_o christian_n may_v abstain_v from_o do_v that_o whereof_o he_o be_v in_o doubt_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v lawful_a that_o therefore_o no_o church-government_n shall_v be_v settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n seem_v to_o i_o no_o good_a inference_n for_o if_o the_o roman_n to_o who_o these_o rule_n be_v give_v be_v under_o church-government_n as_o be_v apparent_a they_o be_v by_o ch._n 12.4.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o if_o this_o doubt_n in_o private_a case_n of_o practice_n be_v incident_a unto_o they_o and_o do_v not_o exempt_v they_o from_o that_o obligation_n nor_o do_v make_v church-government_n a_o thing_n unfit_a for_o their_o edification_n in_o godliness_n i_o know_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v exempt_v this_o people_n from_o the_o same_o obligation_n or_o be_v unfit_a for_o their_o public_a edification_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o his_o proof_n of_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o these_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o section_n he_o say_v thus_o that_o no_o church-government_n ought_v to_o be_v settle_v upon_o this_o people_n because_o if_o any_o be_v settle_v it_o will_v bring_v this_o people_n either_o to_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_n against_o god_n or_o of_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n his_o general_a ground_n than_o be_v this_o whatsoever_o may_v occasion_v a_o people_n either_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n or_o to_o become_v miserable_a in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o they_o this_o he_o take_v as_o a_o universal_a truth_n and_o do_v presuppose_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n undeniable_a but_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o false_a ground_n and_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o limitation_n i_o may_v conclude_v from_o it_o in_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v as_o well_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v offer_v to_o a_o people_n as_o that_o no_o