endeavour_n be_v that_o controversy_n be_v clear_o state_v and_o with_o great_a perspicuity_n and_o solidity_n do_v he_o confirm_v the_o truth_n by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o confute_v the_o contrary_a error_n and_o all_o this_o without_o bitterness_n or_o wrath_n but_o with_o such_o calmness_n and_o moderation_n of_o spirit_n wherein_o he_o do_v excel_v so_o that_o as_o i_o be_o inform_v divers_a of_o the_o english_a army_n though_o of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n do_v resort_v to_o hear_v he_o i_o know_v not_o what_o effect_n his_o teach_v of_o these_o truth_n have_v on_o they_o but_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n these_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n be_v so_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o and_o i_o can_v but_o record_v it_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o commendation_n of_o that_o congregation_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o any_o who_o may_v be_v invite_v to_o be_v their_o pastor_n when_o i_o to_o their_o and_o my_o grief_n be_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o to_o a_o more_o difficult_a post_n i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o record_v it_o that_o as_o that_o congregation_n of_o kilwinning_n have_v since_o the_o reformation_n be_v blessed_v with_o eminent_a learned_a and_o pious_a man_n mr_n glasford_n mr_n bailie_n mr_n fergusson_n and_o mr_n rogirs_n so_o they_o have_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n on_o their_o labour_n be_v keep_v not_o only_o sound_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o unite_v among_o themselves_o when_o other_o have_v be_v woeful_o divide_v and_o they_o have_v always_o show_v a_o great_a love_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o and_o i_o pray_v that_o their_o fruit_n may_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o if_o some_o expression_n concern_v the_o opinion_n of_o independent_o or_o congregational_a man_n seem_v severe_a it_o will_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o speak_v against_o person_n but_o against_o thing_n and_o in_o a_o time_n when_o many_o error_n follow_v that_o division_n about_o church_n government_n and_o the_o debate_n be_v hot_a about_o it_o and_o fear_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v take_v place_n in_o scotland_n but_o consider_v the_o zeal_n these_o of_o new-england_n have_v discover_v against_o error_n and_o their_o unite_a way_n of_o act_v in_o association_n and_o synod_n when_o they_o think_v there_o be_v need_n and_o the_o love_n that_o have_v be_v in_o time_n of_o common_a trial_n and_o the_o late_a essay_n which_o have_v be_v make_v for_o a_o accommodation_n betwixt_o presbyterian_o and_o they_o in_o england_n i_o suppose_v if_o our_o reverend_a author_n have_v live_v until_o this_o time_n he_o will_v have_v conclude_v the_o difference_n may_v be_v so_o lessen_v that_o it_o need_v not_o hinder_v their_o walk_v together_o in_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v nor_o their_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n i_o do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o particular_a design_n of_o publish_v these_o discourse_n now_o when_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v hide_v for_o forty_o year_n but_o that_o the_o author_n son_n have_v long_o delay_v and_o decline_v to_o publish_v they_o though_o frequent_o and_o serious_o advise_v to_o do_v it_o by_o many_o he_o be_v advertise_v that_o some_o will_v publish_v the_o imperfect_a note_n receive_v from_o his_o mouth_n in_o the_o time_n of_o hear_v which_o be_v incorrect_a may_v not_o only_o prejudge_v the_o author_n name_n but_o the_o truth_n and_o other_o edification_n if_o these_o as_o be_v hope_v they_o will_v be_v acceptable_a and_o useful_a what_o yet_o remain_v unprint_v of_o these_o discourse_n may_v see_v the_o light_n in_o due_a time_n there_o be_v here_o subjoin_v four_o sermon_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n which_o the_o publisher_n and_o other_o hope_n may_v be_v find_v of_o good_a use_n and_o may_v make_v way_n for_o the_o communicate_v more_o of_o his_o pious_a and_o judicious_a sermon_n which_o be_v long_v for_o by_o they_o who_o know_v he_o or_o his_o other_o work_n it_o have_v sure_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n have_v it_o please_v god_n to_o have_v spare_v this_o judicious_a and_o pious_a author_n till_o now_o and_o that_o he_o have_v publish_v more_o of_o his_o work_n in_o his_o own_o time_n but_o see_v our_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n have_v dispose_v otherwise_o it_o become_v we_o to_o submit_v but_o if_o by_o this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o work_n god_n get_v glory_n and_o the_o church_n be_v edify_v the_o publisher_n will_v rejoice_v and_o bless_v god_n as_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n and_o if_o the_o reader_n peruse_v his_o work_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n wherewith_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v speak_v and_o write_v i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o profit_n now_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n will_v lead_v thou_o and_o all_o his_o people_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o help_v they_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o love_n and_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v his_o church_n with_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o send_v out_o many_o faithful_a labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n with_o a_o double_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o mr._n fergusson_n and_o other_o eminent_o holy_a man_n who_o then_o live_v shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o christian_a reader_n thy_o soul_n cordial_a wellwisher_n george_n meldrum_n edinburgh_n june_n 1692._o the_o content_n sect_n i._o of_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o be_v some_o doctrine_n raise_v from_o the_o text_n introductorie_n to_o the_o main_a purpose_n pag._n 1_o ad_fw-la 26._o doctr._n i._o error_n be_v to_o be_v eschew_v pag._n 3._o doctr._n ii_o orthodoxy_n or_o a_o right_a opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o truth_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v stuâ—â—ed_v as_o holiness_n of_o life_n pag._n 5._o doctr._n iii_o as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o chief_o when_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o spread_v of_o error_n there_o be_v most_o need_n that_o love_n shall_v be_v entertain_v betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n where_o be_v some_o direction_n for_o a_o minister_n carriage_n in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o people_n while_o he_o be_v refute_v their_o error_n pag._n 12._o doctr._n iu._n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n begin_v very_o early_o to_o trouble_v the_o church_n where_o be_v some_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n suffer_v error_n to_o spread_v pag._n 16._o doctr._n v._o the_o foul_a error_n go_v out_o oftentimes_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o be_v back_v with_o most_o specious_a pretence_n pag._n 19_o doctr._n vi_o when_o foul_a error_n be_v hold_v out_o under_o fair_a name_n and_o back_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o and_o believe_v they_o where_o be_v 5_o thing_n that_o speak_v this_o hazard_n pag._n 23._o doctr._n vii_o minister_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o clap_v people_n head_n or_o to_o indulge_v they_o in_o this_o inclination_n of_o they_o to_o error_n but_o on_o all_o hazard_n they_o be_v to_o testify_v against_o it_o where_o be_v 3_o reason_n for_o which_o people_n ought_v to_o reverence_v much_o what_o warning_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v give_v by_o minister_n pag._n 28._o doct._n viii_o it_o be_v not_o god_n way_n that_o people_n because_o there_o be_v difference_n about_o religion_n shall_v therefore_o believe_v no_o religion_n where_o be_v 5_o direction_n for_o the_o unlearned_a to_o walk_v by_o in_o order_n to_o difference_n of_o opinion_n among_o the_o learned_a pag._n 31._o doctr._n ix_o how_o fair_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v that_o a_o doctrine_n be_v colour_v with_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n but_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o trial_n where_o be_v some_o direction_n how_o to_o walk_v betwixt_o popish_a tyranny_n and_o sectarian_n confusion_n pag._n 34._o doctr._n x._o the_o right_a trial_n to_o be_v take_v of_o doctrine_n preach_v or_o any_o otherwise_o vent_v be_v to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o where_o be_v show_v what_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o doctrine_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 38._o doct._n xi_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 44_o sect_n ii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n try_v and_o foundnot_v to_o be_v of_o god_n wherein_o as_o in_o all_o the_o error_n follow_v first_o the_o question_n be_v state_v 2._o argument_n be_v bring_v for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v from_o the_o opposite_n exception_n 3._o the_o opposite_n objection_n be_v answer_v and_o refute_v from_o scripture_n
and_o reason_n 4._o the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o practical_a use_n pag._n 47._o sect_n iii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o errastianism_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 86._o head_n l._n there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n 〈◊〉_d forth_o in_o scripture_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n pag._n 103_o sect_n iv._o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 123._o head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n pag._n 150._o paragr_n i._o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 152._o paragr_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o government_n by_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a presbytry_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 167._o paragr_n iii_o infertor_fw-la church_n judicatories_n be_v subject_a superior_n pag._n 173_o sect_n v._o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n try_v and_o sound_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 191_o head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ibid._n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n pag._n 214_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o glasgow_n april_n 5._o 1653._o from_o 1_o cor_n 1._o 10._o pag._n 235._o sermon_n second_o preach_v at_o irving_n foom_n psalm_n 51_o 6._o immediate_o before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n be_v a_o preparation_n sermon_n in_o order_n thereto_o pag._n 287_o sermon_n three_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n 11_o may_n 1663._o from_o luke_n 7._o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 313._o sermon_n four_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n from_o act_n 11_o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 340._o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n etc._n etc._n sect_n i._o of_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o 1_o john_n ch_z 4._o ver_fw-la 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n as_o we_o show_v when_o first_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o run_v upon_o three_o head_n the_o first_o be_v upon_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v real_a grace_n to_o wit_n who_o have_v it_o and_o who_o not_o the_o second_o run_v upon_o exhortation_n to_o several_a duty_n of_o sanctification_n chief_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o christian_n will_v love_v they_o that_o love_n god_n love_n grace_n wherever_o they_o see_v it_o the_o three_o head_n whereon_o it_o run_v be_v exhortation_n to_o constancy_n in_o avow_v truth_n against_o error_n in_o this_o four_o chapter_n there_o be_v two_o of_o these_o head_n according_a to_o which_o we_o may_v take_v up_o the_o chapter_n in_o two_o part_n in_o the_o first_o there_o be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o stand_v by_o truth_n and_o to_o beware_v of_o those_o who_o will_v seduce_v people_n from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o ver_fw-la 7._o in_o the_o second_o part_n there_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o the_o former_a exhortation_n to_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o a_o number_n of_o new_a argument_n to_o the_o end_n both_o which_o have_v be_v handle_v already_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n return_v again_o to_o they_o because_o exhortation_n against_o error_n can_v be_v enough_o inculcate_v and_o therefore_o he_o reiterat_o they_o again_o and_o again_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o be_v 1._o a_o exhortation_n 2._o there_o be_v argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n the_o exhortation_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v lend_v not_o a_o ear_n to_o every_o point_n of_o doctrine_n cover_v over_o with_o a_o fair_a name_n but_o bring_v every_o doctrine_n to_o the_o touchstone_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o exhortation_n first_o there_o be_v the_o compellation_n he_o give_v they_o a_o warm_a and_o kind_o style_n beloved_n and_o then_o second_o there_o be_v the_o exhortation_n itself_o and_o in_o it_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o 2._o what_o they_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o first_o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n some_o take_v the_o spirit_n here_o for_o preacher_n believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n and_o some_o for_o doctrine_n believe_v not_o every_o doctrine_n but_o both_o may_v well_o be_v join_v together_o thus_o believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n who_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n for_o his_o doctrine_n for_o the_o second_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o cast_v at_o all_o doctrine_n because_o there_o be_v some_o error_n vent_v for_o truth_n as_o the_o natural_a heart_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v but_o he_o exhort_v that_o they_o will_v bring_v every_o spirit_n to_o the_o right_a touch_n stone_n thus_o much_o for_o open_v up_o the_o word_n we_o intend_v if_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o liberty_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o on_o this_o verse_n of_o those_o doctrine_n or_o error_n which_o be_v most_o like_a to_o trouble_v our_o church_n therefore_o we_o shall_v raise_v some_o doctrine_n before_o hand_n which_o may_v make_v way_n for_o what_o we_o intend_v doct._n i._n the_o first_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n dehort_v believer_n from_o false_a doctrine_n by_o many_o argument_n hence_o observe_v that_o christian_n will_v by_o all_o mean_n eschew_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o pure_a truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n particular_o that_o they_o will_v beware_v of_o error_n heresy_n and_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n hence_o there_o be_v so_o many_o exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o stand_v by_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v root_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o eschew_v contrary_a error_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o christian_n to_o be_v guard_v and_o watch_v against_o error_n or_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o error_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o we_o shall_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o in_o three_o thing_n i._o it_o be_v dangerous_a because_o of_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o it_o be_v damnable_a 2_o peter_n 2._o 1._o false_a prophet_n be_v speak_v of_o there_o as_o those_o who_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n that_o be_v high_o condemnable_a we_o shall_v afterwad_v show_v in_o what_o respect_n heresy_n be_v damnable_a 2._o error_n be_v dangerous_a sin_n because_o they_o steal_v subtle_o in_o upon_o people_n and_o people_n do_v too_o ready_o relish_v they_o so_o there_o be_v many_o who_o nature_n abhor_v gross_a sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o fornication_n and_o such_o like_a and_o yet_o the_o devil_n get_v they_o hook_v by_o this_o sin_n of_o error_n nature_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o cry_n against_o gross_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o natural_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o loathe_v in_o people_n at_o they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o plead_v conscience_n whereas_o he_o intend_v to_o bear_v down_o truth_n so_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n be_v dangerous_a because_o subtle_a 3._o they_o be_v dangerous_a in_o this_o respect_n that_o as_o they_o creep_v easy_o in_o so_o when_o once_o they_o be_v in_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o get_v they_o shut_v to_o the_o door_n again_o and_o that_o because_o delude_a conscience_n plead_v for_o they_o people_n taint_v with_o error_n think_v themselves_o right_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o conscience_n cast_v at_o all_o as_o wrong_v now_o in_o other_o sin_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o second_o table_n although_o affection_n plead_v for_o they_o yet_o usual_o people_n light_n do_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o so_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o get_v a_o sin_n of_o error_n thrust_v out_o where_o it_o be_v once_o root_v than_o the_o sin_n of_o profanity_n itself_o use_v this_o doctrine_n may_v serve_v to_o fit_v you_o for_o receive_v the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o
transfer_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o they_o can_v do_v our_o five_o argument_n be_v to_o obviate_v that_o which_o they_o say_v that_o minister_n be_v but_o the_o magistrate_n depute_v from_o which_o we_o argue_v thus_o if_o church_n officer_n in_o inflict_a censure_n be_v the_o magistrate_n depute_n than_o whatever_o the_o church_n judicatory_a do_v the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v it_o also_o for_o none_o can_v delegate_v more_o right_a to_o there_o than_o what_o he_o have_v himself_o and_o so_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v ordain_v mistress_n himself_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n he_o may_v excommunicate_v and_o if_o he_o may_v do_v this_o by_o consequence_n he_o may_v also_o preach_v administrate_n the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o what_o right_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o the_o one_o which_o may_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o other_o and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v all_o our_o last_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o betwixt_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a power_n scripture_n condemn_v churchmen_n usurp_a the_o civil_a power_n and_o statesman_n usurp_a the_o church_n power_n church_n man_n be_v forbid_v to_o judge_v or_o meddle_v with_o civil_a thing_n by_o christ_n himself_o luk_n 12._o 13_o 14._o 22_o 25._o and_o so_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o meddle_v with_o church_n power_n either_o there_o be_v two_o king_n we_o read_v of_o to_o be_v heavy_o punish_v for_o their_o transgression_n in_o this_o kind_n saul_n for_o offer_v a_o burnt-offering_a 1_o sam_n 13._o 13._o and_o vzziah_n for_o burn_a incense_n 2_o chorn._n 26._o 19_o he_o will_v go_v in_o and_o burn_v incense_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n smite_v he_o with_o leprosy_n and_o sure_o reason_n will_v say_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o church_n officer_n to_o exercise_n the_o civil_a government_n than_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o take_v to_o himself_o the_o only_a supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o engross_v it_o whole_o to_o himself_o iii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_v of_o the_o opposite_n argument_n the_o first_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o this_o truth_n be_v that_o godly_a magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o so_o shall_v christian_n magistrate_n have_v it_o under_o the_o new_a we_o answer_v that_o their_o argument_n prove_v nothing_o except_o they_o also_o prove_v that_o what_o power_n of_o church_n government_n magistrate_n have_v then_o they_o have_v it_o as_o magistrate_n for_o we_o grant_v indeed_o what_o do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o magistrate_n then_o under_o other_o respect_n do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n yet_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o magistrate_n extraordinary_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o moses_n give_v out_o law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o order_v the_o church_n but_o we_o find_v in_o deut_n 18._o 15._o moses_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n and_o a_o type_n of_o christ._n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o a_o prophet_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o unto_o he_o you_o shall_v hearken_v so_o david_n appoint_v the_o office_n of_o the_o levite_n that_o divide_v their_o course_n but_o david_n be_v a_o prophet_n 2._o chron_n 8_o 14._o and_o he_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o david_n his_o father_n the_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o their_o service_n thus_o in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v show_v how_o david_n do_v this_o at_o the_o direction_n of_o other_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 29._o 25._o and_o he_o set_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o cymbal_n with_o psalter_n and_o with_o harp_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o david_n and_o of_o gad_n the_o king_n seer_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n for_o so_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n and_o so_o from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a practice_n they_o can_v no_o more_o infer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n now_o in_o church_n matter_n than_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o power_n of_o churchman_n in_o civil-matter_n from_o the_o example_n of_o churchman_n under_o the_o old-testament_n for_o churchman_n do_v meddle_v with_o civil-matter_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n as_o eli_n the_o priest_n he_o govern_v the_o state_n and_o samuel_n in_o cut_v agag_n in_o piece_n elisha_n in_o anoint_v jehu_n to_o be_v king_n and_o jehoâ—ada_n the_o priest_n in_o cause_v kill_v attaliah_n the_o usurper_n and_o make_v joash_n king_n all_o which_o we_o grant_v be_v extraordinary_a act_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n for_o churchman_n to_o have_v such_o power_n in_o civil_a thing_n now_o and_o so_o must_v they_o grant_v concern_v these_o extraordinary_a practice_n of_o civil_a judge_n in_o meddle_v sometime_o with_o church_n matter_n the_o second_o argument_n they_o use_v be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o magistrate_n be_v set_v over_o church_n officer_n to_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o it_o will_v make_v they_o afraid_a to_o go_v beyond_o their_o duty_n but_o if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o abuse_n of_o discipline_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o minister_n be_v man_n indeed_o and_o as_o other_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o abuse_v their_o power_n but_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o abuse_v power_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o take_v power_n from_o they_o than_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o for_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o abuse_v their_o power_n and_o so_o all_o must_v be_v leave_v in_o confusion_n we_o give_v a_o second_o answer_n that_o the_o same_o argument_n may_v be_v use_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o danger_n be_v as_o great_a and_o yet_o the_o erasitans_fw-la the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o at_o least_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n for_o prevent_v of_o this_o abuse_n may_v step_v into_o the_o pulpit_n himself_o and_o preach_v better_o and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n better_o there_o be_v another_o way_n to_o curb_v that_o abuse_n and_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n there_o be_v danger_n indeed_o of_o abuse_v that_o power_n but_o we_o say_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o for_o that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n himself_o there_o be_v other_o mean_v leave_v to_o prevent_v this_o danger_n which_o shall_v be_v our_o three_o answer_n wherein_o we_o shall_v show_v some_o of_o these_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church-officer_n first_o there_o be_v some_o remedy_n in_o the_o church_n power_n itself_o to_o wit_n the_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n so_o that_o although_o a_o congregational_a eldership_n shall_v wrest_v justice_n yet_o there_o be_v above_o they_o presbytery_n and_o above_o they_o synod_n and_o above_o they_o general_n assembly_n now_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n will_v hardly_o get_v through_o all_o those_o before_o it_o be_v brand_v with_o some_o deserve_a mark_n but_o second_o though_o all_o church_n officer_n shall_v connive_v one_o at_o another_o and_o so_o the_o fault_n of_o minister_n go_v through_o unpunished_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o remedy_n leave_v even_o in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o although_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a he_o may_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n judicatory_a under_o pretence_n of_o right_v their_o abuse_n no_o more_o than_o he_o may_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o preach_v for_o prevent_v their_o abuse_n of_o preach_v yet_o he_o may_v do_v several_a thing_n 1._o if_o church_n officer_n commit_v a_o civil_a crime_n he_o may_v curb_v they_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n 2._o if_o church_n judicatory_n meddle_v to_o judge_v in_o civil_a thing_n which_o concern_v a_o man_n life_n or_o estate_n the_o magistrate_n may_v make_v null_a what_o they_o conclude_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o abuse_v of_o power_n for_o therein_o they_o meddle_v with_o what_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o 3._o grant_v the_o matter_n be_v mere_o ecclesiastic_a wherein_o they_o abuse_v their_o power_n yet_o the_o
infer_v any_o church_n power_n which_o we_o clear_v in_o both_o first_o the_o people_n power_n in_o elect_v their_o minister_n do_v not_o infer_v any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o they_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o people_n election_n or_o their_o choice_n that_o make_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o give_v he_o authority_n to_o exercise_n the_o ministerial_a call_n but_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o be_v church_n officer_n that_o make_v the_o man_n the_o minister_n and_o give_v he_o authority_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o act_v 6_o 3._o where_o the_o people_n election_n and_o ordination_n by_o church_n officer_n be_v clear_o distinguish_v wherefore_o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n there_o be_v the_o people_n election_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n there_o be_v the_o church_n officer_n part_n though_o the_o people_n look_v they_o out_o and_o choice_n they_o that_o give_v they_o not_o the_o power_n of_o their_o call_n until_o the_o church_n officer_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v they_o second_o the_o power_n of_o try_v the_o spirit_n do_v not_o infer_v any_o such_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o government_n in_o the_o people_n otherwise_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o people_n of_o berea_n who_o do_v try_v paul_n doctrine_n act._n 17._o 11._o and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o word_n whetber_v those_o thing_n be_v so_o have_v authority_n over_o paul_n which_o none_o will_v affirm_v a_o second_o distinction_n to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v this_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o those_o to_o who_o the_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v and_o those_o for_o who_o or_o for_o who_o good_a it_o be_v give_v although_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o private_a believer_n yet_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v give_v for_o they_o so_o all_o ordinance_n be_v give_v for_o the_o good_a of_o believer_n as_o it_o be_v ephes_n 4._o 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangilist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o respect_n 1_o cor_n 3._o 21_o 22._o all_o be_v say_v to_o be_v they_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollos_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o i._n e._n give_v for_o their_o good_a but_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o church_n discipline_n be_v give_v for_o they_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o in_o this_o respect_n paul_n be_v give_v to_o every_o particular_a believe_a woman_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o woman_n have_v paul_n authority_n and_o so_o the_o body_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o this_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n although_o the_o power_n be_v give_v for_o their_o good_a a_o three_o thing_n for_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n we_o do_v willing_o grant_v to_o private_a christian_n power_n to_o admonish_v exhort_v in_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o charity_n and_o this_o they_o may_v extend_v even_o to_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n but_o this_o liberty_n to_o admonish_v by_o way_n of_o charity_n do_v not_o import_v any_o church_n power_n in_o they_o over_o those_o who_o they_o rebuke_v no_o more_o than_o paul_n rebuke_v of_o peter_n gal_n 2._o 14._o do_v infer_v a_o power_n in_o paul_n above_o peter_n so_o you_o see_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v they_o any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n this_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n ii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o argument_n for_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o private_a christian_n for_o govern_v his_o house_n or_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n must_v be_v clear_a for_o none_o have_v right_a to_o play_v the_o part_n of_o a_o governor_n in_o christ_n church_n except_o those_o who_o have_v a_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o it_o now_o that_o private_a christian_n have_v no_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n either_o express_o or_o by_o good_a consequence_n either_o by_o precept_n or_o promise_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o this_o that_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o word_n this_o power_n be_v deny_v unto_o they_o so_o rome_n 10._o they_o must_v not_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o preach_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o â—e_v send_v v_o 15._o now_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o believer_n can_v be_v send_v beside_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o discharge_v this_o office_n there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o can_v convince_v gainsayer_n be_v apt_a to_o teach_v that_o be_v able_a to_o cut_v and_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o preach_v and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n for_o christ_n jesus_n have_v join_v both_o these_o power_n in_o one_o commission_n he_o give_v no_o power_n to_o any_o to_o aministrate_n the_o sacrament_n but_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v power_n also_o to_o preach_v matth_n 28_o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v them-&c_a them-&c_a them-&c_a power_n of_o preach_v and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n go_v together_o and_o so_o see_v the_o one_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o they_o the_o other_o must_v be_v deny_v also_o three_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o ordain_v minister_n or_o to_o execute_v any_o other_o act_n of_o church_n jurisdiction_n for_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o try_v minister_n gift_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n command_v they_o to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v no_o practice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v that_o ever_o they_o do_v it_o as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v in_o answer_v the_o argument_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o church_n the_o second_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o private_a christian_n do_v overturn_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o house_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n none_o may_v doubt_v of_o for_o nothing_o appoint_v by_o god_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o himself_o now_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o put_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v clear_a because_o his_o order_n be_v that_o some_o be_v watchman_n some_o watch_v over_o some_o ruler_n some_o to_o submit_v some_o governor_n some_o to_o be_v govern_v some_o shepherd_n some_o the_o flock_n but_o if_o so_o be_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o their_o hand_n than_o all_o shall_v be_v overseer_n watchman_n ruler_n governor_n and_o none_o more_o than_o another_o if_o so_o be_v that_o power_n to_o govern_v shall_v flow_v from_o this_o that_o they_o be_v church_n member_n for_o all_o be_v so_o alike_o the_o three_o argument_n we_o bring_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o to_o whosoever_o christ_n jesus_n have_v give_v warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o those_o he_o give_v promise_n of_o suitable_a ability_n for_o discharge_v of_o that_o great_a trust_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o gift_v neither_o promise_n to_o gift_n every_o christian_a nor_o yet_o require_v he_o answerable_a gift_n for_o government_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v give_v they_o no_o warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n he_o do_v also_o promise_v they_o sufficient_a ability_n for_o their_o trust_n be_v clear_a for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o wisdom_n
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which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o be_v command_v to_o honour_n obey_v submit_v to_o their_o governor_n set_v over_o they_o and_o distinct_a from_o they_o hebr_n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n shall_v have_v entrust_v they_o with_o high_a power_n of_o government_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o the_o style_v he_o give_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o import_v of_o that_o power_n but_o much_o of_o their_o subjection_n sure_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o with_o officer_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o let_v any_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n a_o six_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v but_o only_o to_o some_o than_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o all_o but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o 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so_o through_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v set_v down_o no_o rule_n to_o order_v church_n government_n by_o in_o the_o hand_n particular_a believer_n for_o in_o no_o place_n of_o the_o word_n will_v such_o rule_n be_v find_v you_o that_o be_v the_o flock_n govern_v the_o pastor_n and_o feed_v they_o watch_v over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o direction_n give_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o therefore_o this_o pretend_a power_n be_v not_o of_o god_n our_o last_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o so_o be_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v belong_v to_o every_o
not_o absurd_a for_o in_o our_o parliament_n commissioner_n from_o shire_n be_v judge_n to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o how_o it_o be_v as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o parliament_n not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n common_a to_o the_o shire_n not_o in_o other_o petty_a particular_a affair_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o all_o the_o congregation_n indeed_o as_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a particular_a congregation_n not_o in_o these_o duty_n belong_v to_o every_o congregation_n in_o particular_a object_n 4._o if_o this_o subordination_n and_o judicatory_a above_o judicatory_a be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v like_a scripture_n will_v have_v speak_v more_o plain_o of_o it_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v draw_v out_o by_o so_o many_o far_o fetch_a consequence_n answer_v we_o have_v already_o give_v sufficient_a 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another_o it_o may_v make_v moderate_a man_n scar_v at_o it_o but_o we_o need_v seâ—k_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o this_o than_o by_o look_v on_o scotland_n and_o england_n these_o year_n by_o past_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n presbytery_n can_v not_o be_v set_v up_o independency_n be_v plead_v for_o and_o practise_v and_o what_o be_v become_v of_o it_o satan_n have_v vomit_v out_o a_o flood_n of_o error_n that_o there_o be_v never_o more_o nor_o more_o gross_a in_o any_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n yea_o all_o the_o rot_a grave_n of_o old_a heresy_n be_v dig_v up_o and_o now_o avow_v socinianism_n in_o deny_v christ_n righteousness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n anabaptism_n in_o deny_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n arianism_n in_o deny_v the_o trinity_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a yea_o there_o be_v some_o error_n there_o that_o be_v never_o before_o hear_v of_o some_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o church_n they_o can_v join_v with_o and_o therefore_o they_o turn_v seeker_n some_o be_v above_o all_o preach_a prayer_n and_o all_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o independency_n again_o look_v on_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o scotland_n where_o it_o have_v be_v in_o vigour_n god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o hammer_n for_o batter_v down_o the_o beginning_n of_o error_n so_o that_o these_o twelve_o year_n bypass_v not_o any_o one_o error_n have_v come_v to_o any_o strength_n and_o this_o all_o under_o god_n from_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v his_o institution_n our_o judicatories_n be_v indeed_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n though_o indeed_o we_o be_v now_o like_a to_o turn_v contemptible_a god_n himself_o heal_v our_o breach_n second_o guard_n against_o the_o error_n that_o will_v draw_v you_o from_o this_o truth_n if_o you_o can_v carry_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o with_o you_o yet_o you_o may_v remember_v you_o once_o hear_v this_o 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the_o communion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o quit_v that_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n of_o their_o own_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o that_o doctrine_n that_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o therein_o we_o shall_v follow_v our_o usual_a order_n first_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o answer_v those_o they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use._n i._n first_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n you_o will_v know_v what_o church_n it_o be_v concern_v which_o the_o controversy_n be_v first_o it_o be_v not_o that_o place_n where_o god_n people_n meet_v to_o go_v about_o god_n public_a worship_n such_o as_o this_o house_n we_o now_o be_v in_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o a_o figure_n improper_o but_o it_o be_v the_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o it_o which_o people_n be_v real_o and_o proper_o the_o church_n although_o 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church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v far_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o single_a congregation_n yea_o many_o particular_a congregation_n and_o yet_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n second_o they_o differ_v much_o from_o we_o as_o also_o from_o the_o truth_n concern_v the_o power_n they_o give_v to_o this_o visible_a church_n they_o give_v they_o the_o full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o independent_o from_o any_o church_n power_n on_o earth_n this_o difference_n also_o we_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o precede_a debate_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v stand_v now_o no_o long_o upon_o it_o three_o we_o differ_v concern_v that_o which_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a they_o say_v to_o make_v a_o society_n of_o people_n a_o visible_a church_n so_o as_o to_o have_v right_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n there_o of_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n swear_v a_o covenant_n one_o to_o another_o wherein_o they_o 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somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candelstick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o they_o argue_v thus_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o church_n who_o will_v ruin_v the_o church_n but_o all_o those_o who_o can_v convince_o prove_v their_o regeneration_n will_v ruin_v the_o church_n therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v we_o answer_v that_o the_o last_o part_n of_o their_o argument_n be_v false_a for_o there_o be_v many_o gracious_a person_n keep_v their_o first_o love_n who_o yet_o can_v neither_o satisfy_v themselves_o nor_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o that_o will_v not_o ruin_v the_o church_n second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o argument_n where_o 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opposite_n hold_v in_o this_o point_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o small_a moment_n neither_o ought_v you_o to_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o strictness_n with_o which_o they_o cover_v it_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v fearful_a consequence_n for_o by_o this_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o best_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v shall_v be_v put_v in_o no_o better_a case_n than_o pagan_n themselves_o to_o live_v without_o all_o ordinance_n their_o child_n without_o baptism_n and_o this_o will_v hold_v off_o many_o who_o have_v true_a grace_n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o even_o of_o those_o who_o can_v give_v convince_a sign_n of_o grace_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n man_n conscience_n shall_v still_o be_v hold_v in_o a_o uncertainty_n whether_o they_o may_v stay_v member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o not_o because_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o all_o in_o it_o have_v convince_a sign_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o now_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o opposite_n be_v that_o if_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o keep_v conscientious_o christian_n ought_v to_o separate_a by_o this_o rule_n a_o insupportable_a burden_n be_v put_v on_o christian_n not_o only_o to_o examine_v themselves_o but_o also_o the_o inward_a state_n of_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n all_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n christ_n apostle_n or_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n have_v be_v in_o the_o mist_n all_o live_a and_o die_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o without_o baptism_n and_o so_o as_o pagan_n as_o also_o this_o show_n of_o strictness_n beyond_o whatever_o god_n have_v command_v do_v ever_o end_v in_o looseness_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o separatist_n present_v practice_v for_o what_o ever_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o looseness_n of_o other_o church_n that_o we_o be_v but_o a_o mixture_n of_o drunkard_n and_o loose_a profane_a liver_n yet_o there_o be_v as_o great_a looseness_n in_o their_o own_o church_n as_o in_o any_o other_o for_o they_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o admit_v heretic_n covetous_a vain_a proud_a boaster_n almost_o of_o all_o sort_n if_o so_o be_v they_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o principle_n against_o presbyterian_o this_o rule_n put_v man_n in_o a_o overween_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o other_o be_v nothing_o to_o they_o all_o be_v unclean_a or_o at_o best_o but_o civil_a natural_a moral_a man_n but_o they_o be_v the_o godly_a saint_n and_o what_o not_o now_o that_o doctrine_n which_o in_o its_o natural_a consequence_n put_v people_n to_o overvalue_v themselves_o and_o undervalue_v other_o be_v certain_o not_o of_o god_n this_o rule_n of_o they_o make_v way_n for_o infinite_a jangle_n and_o carry_v on_o of_o self_n interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o holiness_n for_o when_o the_o rule_n be_v that_o which_o every_o particular_a man_n think_v sign_n of_o grace_n such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o alike_o to_o some_o they_o will_v be_v too_o strict_a to_o other_o more_o lax_n as_o affection_n carry_v until_o at_o last_o they_o think_v all_o good_a enough_o who_o be_v for_o their_o way_n and_o all_o other_o but_o natural_a worldly_a and_o carnal_a who_o be_v not_o so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o unhappy_a doctrine_n that_o ever_o the_o devil_n hatch_v for_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o satan_n have_v carry_v on_o his_o design_n main_o these_o year_n by_o past_a many_o such_o deceiver_n cry_v up_o strictness_n whereby_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o to_o be_v respect_v by_o some_o and_o terrible_a to_o other_o while_o under_o this_o pretence_n they_o have_v bear_v down_o christ_n truth_n and_o holiness_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o countenance_v looseness_n nor_o to_o give_v a_o dash_n to_o holy_a strictness_n it_o be_v our_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v plague_v for_o it_o that_o we_o have_v not_o 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there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o judgement_n when_o there_o be_v no_o considerable_a difference_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o opinion_n when_o all_o think_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v here_o press_v be_v prefect_o join_v in_o one_o judgement_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o heart_n and_o affection_n speak_v of_o act._n 4._o 32._o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n and_o this_o union_n be_v also_o here_o press_v be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n or_o in_o love_n and_o affection_n as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o open_n up_o of_o the_o word_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o practice_n and_o that_o be_v when_o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o judgement_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o open_o proclaim_v public_a contradiction_n and_o eristick_a debate_n be_v eschew_v and_o a_o unanimous_a joint_a practice_n in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v 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wherein_o this_o union_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o as_o a_o rich_a covenant_n blessing_n such_o as_o jer._n 32._o 39_o i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o they_o may_v fear_v i_o for_o ever_o the_o like_a be_v in_o ezek._n 37._o 22._o 2._o these_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o union_n be_v high_o commend_v especial_o ps._n 133._o 1._o behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o pleasant_a it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n and_o so_o through_o the_o whole_a 3._o these_o scripture_n which_o hold_v out_o the_o mediator_n prayer_n to_o the_o father_n for_o this_o union_n joh._n 17._o 21._o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o thou_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o and_o so_o v_o 23._o 4._o those_o scripture_n where_o this_o union_n be_v express_o enjoin_v and_o press_v whereof_o there_o be_v many_o such_o as_o philipp_n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 11._o final_o brethren_n farewell_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o last_o these_o scripture_n where_o division_n contrary_a to_o unity_n be_v condemn_v as_o rom._n 16._o 17._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n and_o avoid_v they_o but_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n bring_v forward_o some_o reason_n conclude_v the_o equity_n and_o necessity_n of_o seek_v after_o and_o entertain_v of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v also_o serve_v as_o motive_n to_o the_o duty_n reason_n 1._o union_n further_v edification_n so_o eph._n 4._o 3._o union_n be_v press_v and_o one_o fruit_n among_o many_o to_o be_v reap_v hereby_o be_v v._n 12._o the_o edify_a of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o unity_n further_v edification_n so_o division_n mar_v it_o division_n in_o a_o church_n though_o about_o small_a thing_n yet_o if_o stiff_o maintain_v prove_v a_o great_a stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a they_o be_v put_v to_o doubt_v all_o truth_n because_o man_n gracious_a and_o learned_a doubt_n of_o some_o so_o division_n not_o only_o mar_v progress_n in_o the_o build_n but_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o what_o be_v already_o build_v reas._n 2._o division_n in_o a_o church_n make_v the_o minister_n contemptible_a of_o all_o man_n minister_n suffer_v most_o this_o way_n because_o usual_o they_o be_v most_o active_a in_o beginning_n and_o uphold_v the_o division_n and_o usual_o even_o these_o who_o have_v truth_n for_o they_o suffer_v much_o if_o not_o most_o this_o way_n paul_n though_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o man_n for_o truth_n yet_o 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tend_v to_o the_o refutation_n of_o divers_a error_n error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v a_o subtle_a temptation_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o time_n a_o dangerous_a temptation_n because_o it_o have_v now_o many_o advantage_n to_o plead_v for_o it_o now_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v bless_v the_o follow_a discourse_n they_o may_v prove_v a_o antidote_n against_o it_o and_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v shew_v how_o great_a need_v you_o have_v to_o guard_v against_o it_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a sin_n and_o so_o you_o have_v need_n to_o be_v arm_v against_o it_o doct._n ii_o again_o a_o general_a doctrine_n arrise_v from_o the_o connexion_n of_o this_o chapter_n with_o the_o precede_a in_o the_o precede_a the_o apostle_n have_v be_v all_o along_n stir_v up_o christian_n to_o sanctification_n of_o life_n to_o eschew_v profanity_n here_o he_o subjoin_v a_o exhortation_n to_o cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n which_o give_v we_o this_o obeservation_n that_o a_o orthodox_n judgement_n or_o a_o right_a opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o truth_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v study_v as_o sanctification_n of_o life_n and_o the_o contrary_a of_o they_o both_o be_v equal_o to_o be_v eschew_v that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o guard_v himself_o and_o to_o watch_v as_o much_o against_o heresy_n and_o error_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o opinion_n as_o against_o profanity_n and_o gross_a sin_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o practice_n we_o have_v need_v to_o clear_v this_o because_o there_o be_v a_o conceit_n in_o people_n whereby_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o opinion_n it_o make_v not_o much_o what_o man_n be_v many_o that_o have_v error_n may_v have_v grace_n grace_n and_o error_n say_v they_o be_v consistent_a and_o so_o if_o man_n live_v well_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o be_v their_o opinion_n we_o grant_v indeed_o every_o error_n do_v not_o destroy_v grace_n and_o grace_n be_v consistent_a with_o some_o error_n yet_o every_o error_n do_v in_o so_o much_o weaken_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n within_o a_o man_n and_o second_o error_n be_v consistent_a with_o grace_n as_o other_o dam-sin_n be_v as_o david_n adultery_n be_v consistent_a with_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v the_o point_n to_o be_v prove_v that_o error_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n be_v as_o much_o to_o be_v abhor_v by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o gross_a sin_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o practice_n reas._o we_o shall_v bring_v several_a thing_n to_o clear_v this_o truth_n to_o you_o and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o scripture_n do_v equal_o discharge_v both_o it_o be_v as_o much_o in_o guard_v against_o error_n as_o profanity_n so_o in_o hebr._n 13_o 9_o be_v not_o carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n and_o in_o coloss._n 2._o 8._o bewar_n lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n we_o need_v not_o insist_v to_o 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no_o man_n beguile_v you_o of_o your_o reward_n in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n intrude_a into_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o see_v vain_o puff_v up_o by_o his_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o both_o get_v one_o name_n thus_o in_o 1_o peter_n 2_o 11._o if_o fleshly_a lust_n be_v aggravate_v from_o this_o that_o they_o fight_v against_o the_o soul_n they_o be_v soul_n destroy_v sin_n so_o heresy_n and_o error_n be_v brand_v with_o a_o worse_a name_n in_o the_o 2_o peter_n 2._o 1_o who_o privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n heresy_n be_v damnable_a a_o soul_n destroy_v sin_n not_o for_o this_o respect_n only_o that_o they_o deserve_v damnation_n for_o the_o mean_a sin_n of_o infirmity_n be_v damnable_a that_o way_n in_o itself_o it_o merit_v damnation_n therefore_o this_o scripture_n must_v mean_v somewhat_o more_o when_o it_o call_v heresy_n damnable_a than_o to_o rank_v it_o among_o our_o ordinary_a infirmity_n neither_o be_v they_o call_v 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clear_v it_o also_o from_o scripture_n and_o our_o first_o proof_n be_v from_o those_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o that_o error_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n have_v usual_o its_o rise_n from_o some_o unmortify_v lust_n within_o which_o make_v way_n for_o such_o a_o error_n so_o rome_n 16_o 17._o 18._o i_o beseech_v yoâ—_n brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o now_o from_o whence_o come_v these_o division_n contrary_a to_o the_o right_a doctrine_n v_o 18_o for_o they_o that_o be_v such_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a unmortified_a corruption_n within_o blow_v wind_n in_o their_o
like_a to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o snare_n than_o that_o they_o think_v themselves_o so_o stout_a and_o steadfast_a that_o no_o error_n will_v gain_v upon_o they_o and_o i_o will_v think_v it_o a_o evidence_n very_o good_a when_o people_n be_v afraid_a of_o themselves_o and_o do_v humble_a themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o be_v employ_v christ_n daily_o to_o bear_v they_o through_o for_o bless_a be_v he_o that_o fear_v always_o only_o remember_v that_o this_o fear_n will_v be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n and_o for_o clear_v this_o we_o shall_v point_v at_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n wherein_o this_o holy_a fear_n do_v consist_v special_o with_o reference_n to_o error_n first_o where_o â—his_v fear_n be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o labour_a to_o root_v truth_n in_o the_o heart_n you_o know_v when_o people_n be_v afraid_a of_o lose_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v sure_a of_o it_o a_o man_n that_o have_v this_o holy_a fear_n over_o himself_o lest_o he_o be_v ensnare_v with_o error_n will_v study_v to_o get_v truth_n root_v in_o the_o heart_n prov_n 2._o 16._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o hide_v of_o understanding_n put_v it_o in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o second_o thing_n accompany_v this_o fear_n be_v a_o forecast_v what_o truth_n may_v cost_v you_o there_o will_v be_v a_o forecast_v of_o this_o and_o a_o take_v a_o essay_n of_o the_o cross_n before_o hand_n and_o this_o for_o fear_v lest_o that_o to_o eschew_v suffer_v you_o quite_o the_o truth_n if_o the_o trial_n come_v on_o you_o unexpected_o paul_n while_o he_o be_v exhort_v the_o disciple_n to_o steadfastness_n inform_v they_o that_o through_o much_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n act_v 14._o 22._o then_o there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n accompany_v this_o holy_a fear_n and_o that_o be_v a_o fear_n to_o venture_v on_o temptation_n to_o error_n except_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n put_v to_o it_o of_o necessity_n and_o this_o fear_n rise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o engage_v with_o or_o stand_v the_o shock_n against_o temptation_n this_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o direction_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n give_v 2_o timoth_n 3_o 5._o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o v_a 6._o for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o house_n when_o a_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n the_o fear_n of_o his_o be_v ensnare_v will_v keep_v he_o from_o walk_v among_o snare_n a_o four_o thing_n accompany_v this_o holy_a fear_n be_v that_o though_o you_o find_v these_o truth_n you_o have_v have_v once_o seal_v to_o your_o spirit_n begin_v to_o be_v question_v and_o that_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v what_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o and_o so_o perchance_o your_o judgement_n may_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o what_o you_o think_v once_o to_o be_v truth_n be_v now_o error_n yet_o where_o this_o holy_a fear_n be_v you_o will_v rather_o suspect_v your_o own_o want_n of_o knowledge_n to_o discern_v than_o any_o way_n suspect_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v untruth_n and_o it_o will_v make_v you_o at_o least_o abstain_v from_o venture_v even_o on_o that_o which_o your_o light_a point_n out_o for_o the_o time_n now_o by_o these_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o fearlessness_n that_o make_v people_n to_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o it_o be_v this_o when_o it_o make_v thou_o so_o inconcerned_a that_o thou_o never_o labour_n to_o get_v truth_n bring_v low_a than_o thy_o head_n when_o thou_o never_o cast_v a_o account_n what_o truth_n may_v stand_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o thy_o own_o wit_n and_o knowledge_n that_o thou_o will_v venture_v uncalled_a to_o dispute_v with_o sectarian_n spirit_n or_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v bear_v in_o as_o truth_n contrary_a to_o what_o thou_o have_v maintain_v as_o a_o truth_n before_o and_o contrary_a to_o thy_o covenant_n engagement_n thou_o grippe_v present_o to_o it_o without_o once_o suspect_v that_o thy_o own_o shallow_a understanding_n may_v be_v deceive_v this_o i_o sayâ—_n speak_v a_o fearlesness_n that_o border_n neigh_v unto_o error_n doct_n vii_o the_o doctrine_n that_o follow_v next_o from_o these_o word_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n be_v that_o minister_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o clap_v people_n head_n or_o indulge_v they_o in_o this_o inclination_n of_o they_o to_o error_n they_o be_v not_o to_o humour_v they_o in_o it_o but_o on_o all_o hazard_n they_o be_v to_o testify_v against_o it_o therefore_o say_v john_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v very_o sharp_o inveigh_v against_o people_n when_o they_o be_v beginning_n to_o tamper_v with_o error_n and_o lest_o people_n shall_v say_v paul_n and_o john_n be_v apostle_n and_o know_v what_o be_v error_n and_o what_o be_v truth_n be_v guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o may_v stout_o testify_v against_o error_n but_o for_o other_o ordinary_a minister_n they_o may_v err_v as_o well_o as_o other_o people_n and_o so_o it_o be_v ill_o reason_v from_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o what_o minister_n may_v now_o do_v therefore_o to_o clear_v this_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o place_n where_o paul_n bind_v it_o as_o duty_n on_o every_o ordinary_a minister_n to_o to_o testify_v against_o error_n in_o the_o act_n ch_z 20._o v._n 28._o therefore_o take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 29._o verse_n he_o give_v a_o instance_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n for_o i_o know_v this_o that_o after_o my_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n verse_n 30._o also_o of_o your_o own_o self_n shall_v man_n arise_v etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o all_o ordinary_a preacher_n to_o watch_v over_o their_o people_n lest_o they_o be_v seduce_v with_o error_n and_o that_o because_o first_o of_o that_o which_o we_o speak_v of_o before_o that_o error_n in_o the_o point_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o much_o eschew_v by_o people_n as_o other_o particular_a sin_n and_o therefore_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o guard_v people_n against_o it_o and_o second_o truth_n be_v a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n they_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o it_o and_o three_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v precious_a to_o minister_n and_o therefore_o minister_n ought_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o they_o ought_v to_o guard_v they_o against_o error_n because_o as_o other_o sin_n so_o error_n be_v a_o damnable_a soul-destroying_a sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o minister_n love_v truth_n and_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o so_o they_o must_v watch_v over_o the_o people_n and_o guard_v they_o against_o error_n use_v i._o this_o show_v the_o great_a task_n lie_v upon_o minister_n at_o every_o time_n but_o chief_o in_o a_o err_v time_n we_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o this_o before_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o meddle_v with_o reprove_v of_o error_n more_o difficile_a than_o to_o reprove_v profanity_n because_o a_o profane_a man_n conscience_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o however_o he_o may_v be_v displease_v with_o free_a preach_v against_o his_o sin_n yet_o his_o conscience_n clear_v the_o minister_n and_o thus_o he_o keep_v he_o at_o least_o at_o some_o reverence_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o a_o soul_n take_v with_o error_n the_o misinform_a conscience_n speak_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v speak_v against_o he_o he_o cast_v at_o it_o as_o error_n and_o untruth_n and_o ready_o the_o man_n that_o speak_v it_o may_v lose_v respect_n for_o his_o pain_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n bind_v it_o on_o minister_n to_o speak_v against_o it_o use_v 2._o but_o second_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o minister_n be_v bind_v to_o reprove_v error_n and_o testify_v against_o it_o then_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v the_o word_n of_o reproof_n from_o they_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o bind_v as_o what_o minister_n say_v shall_v be_v the_o bible_n but_o this_o much_o we_o say_v that_o people_n shall_v presume_v as_o much_o on_o they_o as_o another_o to_o ask_v council_n from_o they_o as_o much_o as_o from_o another_o and_o to_o respect_v they_o as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n first_o because_o the_o public_a minister_n have_v a_o promise_n which_o private_a man_n have_v not_o at_o
to_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n perfect_a in_o that_o as_o well_o as_o in_o reproof_n use_v this_o reprove_v first_o the_o papist_n they_o cast_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o will_v have_v their_o tradition_n and_o their_o poâ—es_n decree_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n but_o of_o this_o enough_o already_o in_o the_o precede_a doctrine_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o reprove_v the_o sectary_n some_o whereof_o reprove_v the_o word_n they_o will_v have_v a_o high_a trial_n and_o rule_n to_o examine_v by_o and_o it_o be_v the_o inbear_n of_o god_n spirit_n say_v they_o he_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o can_v he_o bear_v in_o a_o lie_n but_o say_v we_o how_o know_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n except_o they_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o word_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n yea_o and_o the_o last_o rule_n but_o here_o be_v a_o doubt_n which_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o this_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n may_v some_o say_v for_o poor_a ignorant_a people_n to_o try_v doctrine_n by_o the_o word_n the_o word_n itself_o be_v obscure_a and_o every_o one_o pretend_v the_o word_n all_o party_n will_v say_v that_o they_o have_v the_o word_n and_o so_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o not_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o rule_n but_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v very_o true_a there_o be_v very_o few_o sectary_n who_o will_v not_o pretend_v the_o word_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o you_o may_v cast_v by_o the_o word_n but_o second_o we_o say_v although_o the_o word_n be_v in_o some_o place_n obscure_a and_o although_o man_n of_o opinion_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n as_o light_n be_v to_o darkness_n may_v every_o one_o of_o they_o wrest_v the_o word_n yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o of_o the_o word_n clear_a if_o it_o be_v right_o study_v as_o will_v make_v a_o man_n know_v what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o be_v wrong_a hence_o that_o epithet_n give_v to_o the_o word_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lora_n be_v a_o lamp_n to_o direct_v thy_o path_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o a_o sea_n wherein_o elephant_n i._n e._n man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n may_v swim_v and_o ready_o lose_v their_o fect_n how_o great_a soever_o their_o part_n be_v if_o they_o rely_v upon_o they_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o a_o shallow_a calm_a run_a stream_n wherein_o lamb_n that_o be_v man_n of_o mean_a gift_n may_v wade_v and_o find_v out_o god_n mind_n in_o it_o if_o they_o be_v humble_a and_o take_v god_n way_n for_o search_v of_o it_o but_o say_v you_o what_o be_v that_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o people_n may_v hope_v so_o as_o not_o to_o miscarry_v in_o the_o search_n out_o of_o god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o shall_v give_v several_a direction_n first_o a_o man_n that_o will_v not_o mistake_v god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n shall_v be_v a_o diligent_a reader_n of_o it_o act_n 17._o 11._o and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v their_o daily_a task_n and_o second_o read_v of_o the_o word_n shall_v have_v prayer_n go_v along_v with_o it_o prov_n 2._o 3._o yea_o if_o thou_o cry_v after_o knowledge_n and_o lift_a up_o thy_o voice_n for_o understanding_n ver_fw-la 4._o if_o thou_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o etc._n etc._n this_o cry_n and_o seek_v be_v certain_o in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o mean_n when_o people_n join_v prayer_n with_o the_o read_n of_o the_o word_n they_o will_v more_o ready_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n mind_n than_o a_o man_n that_o take_v no_o more_o with_o he_o but_o his_o own_o natural_a part_n three_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v read_v with_o meditation_n psal_n 1._o 2._o in_o his_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n and_o four_o with_o self-denial_n prov._n 3._o 5._o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o lean_v not_o to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n we_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o word_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n on_o we_o of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n to_o seek_v light_n from_o it_o there_o be_v several_a other_o direction_n how_o people_n may_v be_v lead_v to_o get_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n we_o shall_v speak_v of_o some_o first_o obscure_a place_n be_v compare_v with_o these_o that_o be_v more_o clear_a will_v be_v clear_a also_o there_o be_v some_o place_n obscure_a but_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v so_o gracious_o condescend_v in_o contrive_v the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v other_o place_n to_o make_v they_o clear_a so_o there_o be_v a_o obscure_a place_n we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n which_o at_o first_o seem_v to_o sound_a as_o if_o people_n need_v not_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o law_n but_o there_o be_v another_o place_n that_o clear_o show_v how_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ._n they_o be_v free_v from_o the_o condemn_a power_n of_o the_o law_n but_o not_o from_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o second_o in_o obscure_a and_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n on_o which_o man_n according_a to_o their_o several_a conception_n will_v father_n several_a sense_n the_o meaning_n that_o agree_v most_o with_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v take_v this_o be_v that_o which_o paul_n call_v the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n so_o there_o be_v a_o place_n controvert_v he_o lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o say_v the_o antinomian_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v lay_v on_o christ_n and_o so_o do_v what_o we_o will_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o seek_v pardon_n or_o mourn_v for_o tâ—em_n for_o our_o sin_n be_v lay_v on_o he_o and_o so_o we_o have_v none_o now_o this_o gloss_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o scripture_n which_o hold_v out_o that_o believer_n have_v sin_n in_o they_o a_o body_n of_o death_n 1_o john_n 1_o 8._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o it_o hold_v out_o believer_n at_o their_o best_a condition_n as_o mourn_v for_o sin_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7._o psalm_n 25._o 11._o so_o that_o this_o antinomian_a sense_n can_v be_v right_a because_o it_o be_v contrar_n to_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o lay_n of_o our_o iniquity_n on_o he_o must_v be_v the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o not_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n itself_o which_o be_v bind_v upon_o christ_n so_o another_o place_n the_o promoter_n of_o toleration_n plead_v from_o be_v that_o in_o phil._n 3_o 15._o that_o counsel_n that_o paul_n give_v let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o say_v they_o there_o be_v toleration_n whatever_o be_v people_n difference_n let_v they_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o light_n we_o say_v again_o that_o what_o paul_n say_v of_o mutual_a forbearance_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o error_n but_o it_o must_v only_o be_v apply_v to_o these_o that_o be_v error_n of_o infirmity_n as_o rome_n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o and_o that_o the_o opposite_a meaning_n can_v be_v right_a because_o it_o be_v contrair_a to_o the_o current_n of_o many_o other_o scripture_n which_o command_v heretic_n to_o be_v excommunicate_a a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o bid_v they_o god_n speed_n so_o this_o be_v another_o way_n to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o much_o now_o for_o direction_n to_o help_v you_o in_o the_o study_n of_o god_n word_n that_o you_o may_v attain_v to_o know_v god_n mind_n in_o it_o and_o so_o to_o know_v whether_o a_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o we_o think_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o these_o other_o mark_n which_o do_v not_o infer_v necessary_o a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v follow_v on_o such_o a_o doctrine_n but_o the_o time_n be_v now_o end_v i_o shall_v only_o name_v they_o first_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n will_v have_v holiness_n follow_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o
antinomian_o that_o tend_v to_o profanity_n of_o life_n can_v be_v of_o god_n second_o that_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n tend_v to_o exalt_v christ._n john_n 16._o 15._o speak_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o say_v he_o shall_v take_v of_o i_o and_o shall_v show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o so_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n i_o mean_v their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n three_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v of_o god_n humble_v man_n as_o error_n do_v fill_v man_n with_o pride_n thus_o those_o sectary_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o judas_n be_v call_v lofty_a and_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatever_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o strickness_n that_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o the_o man_n self_n and_o undervalue_v of_o other_o that_o cleave_v to_o this_o error_n and_o second_o it_o make_v people_n orderly_o in_o stand_v for_o it_o so_o be_v it_o say_v of_o christ_n his_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o street_n now_o these_o mark_n as_o we_o have_v say_v do_v but_o usual_o follow_v for_o because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n even_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o god_n may_v want_v these_o property_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n may_v have_v a_o show_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o mark_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n so_o that_o all_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o whatever_o be_v the_o show_v any_o doctrine_n have_v whether_o of_o holiness_n exalt_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n whatever_o show_v it_o have_v of_o humility_n and_o orderly_a carriage_n in_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o in_o their_o avow_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n doct_n xi_o we_o come_v now_o to_o our_o main_a design_n to_o wit_v the_o refutation_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n the_o ground_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v take_v from_o the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o be_v evident_o import_v in_o the_o word_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n which_o yet_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o touchstone_n will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o while_o he_o bid_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o evident_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v some_o spirit_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n will_v be_v sound_a faulty_a and_o not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n i_o shall_v god_n willing_a give_v instance_n of_o this_o and_o according_o make_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o most_o take_v dangerous_a and_o most_o erroneous_a doctrine_n of_o the_o time_n particular_o upon_o those_o follow_v first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n four_o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n five_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v by_o unsent_a man_n six_o the_o doctrine_n of_o antinomianism_n and_o last_o the_o doctrine_n of_o anabaptism_n in_o all_o which_o we_o shall_v with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n make_v it_o appear_v here_o that_o however_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v doctrine_n warrant_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o warrant_v in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v show_v they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n sect_n ii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n of_o all_o opinion_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v much_o cry_v up_o among_o sectary_n and_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v very_o take_v what_o think_v people_n if_o they_o get_v leave_v to_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o need_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o what_o other_o do_v our_o purpose_n be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n though_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o end_n we_o have_v read_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereupon_o we_o be_v to_o ground_v the_o most_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v against_o this_o error_n scripture_n i_o begin_v to_o refute_v this_o error_n of_o toleration_n first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o sectary_n main_a refuge_n it_o be_v their_o holy_a of_o holys_n wherein_o they_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o their_o gross_a error_n what_o say_v they_o it_o be_v our_o conscience_n and_o who_o dare_v meddle_v with_o conscience_n but_o the_o god_n of_o conscience_n second_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o begin_v with_o it_o first_o because_o of_o all_o other_o error_n it_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a in_o so_o far_o as_o other_o error_n do_v only_o evert_v these_o particular_a truth_n of_o scripture_n to_o which_o they_o be_v contrary_a but_o by_o this_o one_o error_n this_o monster_n of_o toleration_n way_n be_v make_v to_o evert_v all_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o set_n up_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o every_o jote_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o take_v order_n with_o it_o in_o prosecute_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v follow_v this_o method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v our_o argument_n for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v they_o from_o the_o adversary_n exception_n three_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o their_o argument_n and_o shall_v refute_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o practical_a use_n first_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n what_o a_o thing_n this_o toleration_n be_v that_o we_o labour_v to_o refute_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a toleration_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o church_n toleration_n and_o a_o state_n toleration_n a_o church_n toleration_n be_v that_o whereby_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o error_n and_o heresy_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v vent_v and_o go_v free_a even_o from_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n or_o excommunication_n there_o be_v but_o few_o sectary_n of_o any_o note_n that_o plead_v for_o toleration_n in_o this_o latitude_n and_o that_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a against_o it_o paul_n say_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v therefore_o they_o be_v content_v that_o church-censure_n such_o as_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v on_o heretic_n provide_v first_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o civil_a censure_n second_o that_o excommunication_n be_v inflict_v for_o no_o error_n but_o for_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o truth_n or_o as_o some_o say_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n upon_o these_o and_o no_o other_o will_v they_o have_v excommunication_n to_o strike_v though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o main_a question_n which_o we_o be_v to_o insist_v upon_o yet_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o assertion_n contrary_a to_o their_o doctrine_n even_o in_o this_o point_n and_o first_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v heretic_n from_o civil_a censure_n but_o the_o same_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o exeem_v they_o from_o church_n censure_v also_o if_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v be_v free_a from_o the_o one_o what_o reason_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o the_o other_o also_o and_o if_o fear_v of_o civil_a censure_n against_o those_o who_o err_v do_v as_o they_o say_v enforce_v the_o conscience_n and_o make_v people_n hypocrite_n we_o see_v not_o but_o the_o fear_n of_o church_n censure_n may_v do_v the_o same_o or_o if_o notwithstanding_o of_o church_n censure_n the_o conscience_n be_v not_o force_v the_o service_n not_o constrain_v which_o they_o grant_v then_o notwithstanding_o of_o civil_a censure_n it_o be_v not_o force_v or_o the_o service_n constrain_v either_o and_o so_o from_o their_o own_o ground_n this_o vast_a toleration_n of_o error_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n second_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o that_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v for_o any_o error_n but_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o because_o christ_n give_v we_o a_o rule_n upon_o what_o fault_n excommunication_n shall_v strict_a to_o wit_n on_o every_o scandalous_a fault_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n persist_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o
church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o pubican_n that_o be_v excommunicate_v he_o now_o for_o what_o fault_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_a they_o be_v set_v down_o v_o 15._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o scandalous_a trespass_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a on_o which_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o error_n not_o contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n such_o as_o many_o point_n of_o arminianism_n antinomianism_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o persist_v in_o be_v scandalous_a both_o to_o particular_a christian_n and_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v upon_o other_o error_n than_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o assertion_n three_o neither_o can_v we_o assent_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o of_o what_o be_v present_o say_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v against_o every_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a but_o also_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o error_n follow_v or_o the_o like_a against_o fundamental_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o impostor_n a_o deceiver_n that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o free_a grace_n say_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n such_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v no_o not_o ecclesiastical_o because_o these_o error_n be_v not_o against_o nature_n light_n but_o scripture_n light_v only_o for_o nature_n light_n teach_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o error_n this_o much_o for_o church_n toleration_n but_o as_o say_v be_v concern_v this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a contraversy_n the_o main_a question_n than_o be_v concern_v state_n toleration_n concern_v which_o some_o do_v affirm_v that_o whatever_o the_o church_n may_v do_v in_o inflict_v church_n censure_n on_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o heterodox_n opinion_n yet_o say_v they_o no_o civil_a punishment_n such_o as_o death_n imprisonment_n mulct_n or_o fine_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o any_o error_n or_o blaspheme_n whatsoever_o provide_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o do_v not_o trouble_v the_o state_n or_o do_v evil_a against_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o civil_a thing_n we_o again_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o every_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o suppress_v adultery_n fornication_n sedition_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o suppress_v error_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n now_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n and_o free_v it_o from_o some_o odious_a imputation_n that_o may_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o argument_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v heretic_n at_o the_o first_o step_n pain_n shall_v first_o be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v antecedent_n and_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o convince_v gainsayer_n so_o this_o must_v go_v before_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v find_v obstinate_a before_o the_o magistrate_n meddle_v with_o they_o or_o punish_v they_o civil_o especial_o if_o their_o error_n be_v not_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n light_n in_o such_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v so_o much_o forbearance_n second_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o get_v alike_o punishment_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o guilt_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n murder_n be_v a_o more_o heinous_a fault_n than_o fornication_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o high_o even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o first_o table_n blasphemy_n do_v against_o god_n or_o a_o deny_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o high_a sin_n than_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o severe_o three_o as_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o like_a punishment_n so_o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o maintain_v the_o same_o error_n be_v to_o be_v alike_o punish_v for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v seducer_n or_o drawer_n on_o of_o other_o to_o error_n disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n ringleader_n there_o be_v other_o again_o that_o be_v only_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o to_o error_n and_o these_o last_o although_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v more_o spare_o towards_o they_o so_o second_o there_o be_v some_o root_v in_o error_n confirm_v in_o it_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v instruction_n there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o be_v seek_v light_n who_o way_n evidence_v they_o to_o be_v conscientious_a only_o for_o the_o time_n they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o humility_n seek_v after_o light_n and_o these_o last_o the_o magistrate_n as_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v to_o bear_v much_o with_o according_a to_o rom._n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v say_v to_o clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o argument_n to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o suppress_v and_o punish_v error_n heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o punish_v adultery_n theft_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n the_o first_o argument_n we_o bring_v be_v from_o the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o which_o we_o form_v a_o argument_n thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n than_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n therefore_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n second_o as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n so_o their_o practice_n herein_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o other_o for_o king_n and_o magistrate_n do_v several_a thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o approven_v and_o so_o not_o bind_v unto_o we_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v to_o clear_v be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o abraham_n practice_n genes_n 18._o 19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n second_o with_o jacob_n who_o be_v a_o magistrate_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o employ_v his_o power_n to_o suppress_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o 35_o of_o gen._n vers_fw-la 2._o then_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o household_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v among_o you_o
be_v the_o sure_a pillar_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n but_o woe_n to_o and_o will_v be_v to_o that_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v build_v on_o such_o pillar_n and_o if_o scotland_n or_o any_o party_n in_o it_o join_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n our_o woe_n be_v but_o come_v he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o service_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o second_o command_n the_o three_o use_n be_v if_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o put_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o punish_v error_n it_o shall_v make_v you_o scar_n at_o error_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o see_v error_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v and_o so_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v punish_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v neglect_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v if_o they_o can_v live_v a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o the_o lord_n judge_n not_o so_o for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v other_o sin_n punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n so_o he_o will_v have_v these_o punish_v also_o and_o such_o as_o he_o usual_o punish_v himself_o by_o fearful_a plague_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o punish_v other_o sin_n so_o do_v he_o in_o those_o we_o may_v speak_v much_o from_o history_n of_o fearful_a judgement_n send_v immediate_o by_o god_n upon_o heretic_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o close_o sect_n iii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n head_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o also_o in_o some_o other_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o these_o error_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o once_o the_o government_n be_v brangle_v or_o shake_v the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n come_v in_o easy_o and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n main_a design_n have_v be_v against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o blast_v and_o storm_v this_o wall_n on_o all_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v to_o make_v out_o these_o four_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n by_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n enact_v of_o church_n canon_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v by_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o appeal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n three_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o particular_a eldership_n independent_o from_o other_o judicatories_n above_o they_o but_o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o superior_a judicatories_n in_o which_o proposition_n we_o will_v meet_v with_o these_o error_n that_o be_v most_o dangerous_o opposite_a to_o church_n government_n at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o two_o proposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastians_n and_o the_o last_o two_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independent_o as_o they_o be_v common_o design_v first_o we_o shall_v engage_v with_o erastianism_n and_o our_o scope_n in_o this_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n or_o error_n have_v its_o name_n from_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o it_o call_v erastus_n a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n who_o upon_o some_o discontent_n do_v first_o vent_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o minister_n shall_v only_o meddle_v with_o preach_v but_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o meet_v in_o church_n judicatories_n session_n presbytery_n or_o such_o like_a nor_o shall_v they_o punish_v scandalous_a sin_n with_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n but_o that_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o in_o a_o nation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o doctrine_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v vent_v do_v get_v and_o do_v yet_o get_v many_o follower_n chief_o among_o state_n divine_n and_o christian_n that_o know_v more_o of_o worldly_a policy_n than_o christian_a simplicity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n so_o plausible_a and_o please_a it_o be_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v well_o endure_v to_o have_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o psalm_n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o both_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n do_v aggree_v in_o this_o error_n to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n be_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o church_n censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o both_o of_o they_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o this_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o refute_v the_o first_o be_v most_o gross_a whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o to_o erect_v any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o erect_v one_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v that_o government_n which_o suit_v best_a the_o well-being_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v episcopacy_n this_o year_n the_o next_o year_n he_o may_v establish_v presbytry_n and_o the_o three_o year_n he_o may_v cast_v both_o and_o establish_v independency_n and_o if_o he_o like_v he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o government_n different_a from_o any_o of_o these_o and_o establish_v it_o the_o second_o erastian_n error_n be_v this_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v whatever_o government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o ground_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a fountain_n of_o church_n government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o first_o error_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o god_n will_v we_o shall_v make_v good_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v establish_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n which_o to_o alter_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o way_n for_o punish_v scandal_n for_o inflict_a church_n censure_n enact_v church_n canon_n and_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o in_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n to_o set_v down_o any_o government_n they_o please_v in_o prosecute_a which_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v that_o method_n we_o keep_v in_o refute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v answer_v these_o argument_n the_o adversary_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v apply_v all_o to_o use._n i._o and_o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v their_o two_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
magistrate_n may_v do_v somewhat_o here_o also_o he_o may_v command_v they_o to_o resume_v the_o matter_n he_o may_v compear_v in_o person_n and_o reason_n the_o matter_n and_o bid_v they_o see_v to_o it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o judge_v it_o better_o and_o he_o may_v go_v from_o one_o judicatory_a to_o another_o till_o he_o get_v this_o do_v as_o for_o example_n if_o it_o be_v a_o censure_n wrongous_o inflict_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v still_o the_o church_n judicatory_a that_o must_v ranverse_v their_o own_o censure_n the_o three_o argument_n they_o use_v against_o this_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o power_n be_v put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_a to_o decide_v all_o the_o whole_a controversy_n about_o church_n government_n which_o be_v manage_v with_o so_o much_o animosity_n on_o all_o hand_n prelate_n plead_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o independent_o that_o particular_a congregation_n presbyterian_o that_o session_n presbytery_n synod_n general_a assembly_n shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o former_a be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o latter_a session_n to_o presbytery_n etc._n etc._n hence_o arise_v all_o our_o debate_n now_o be_v not_o this_o good_a to_o take_v it_o from_o all_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o magistrate_n we_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o way_n to_o end_v the_o difference_n such_o as_o solomon_n do_v to_o the_o two_o woman_n strive_v about_o the_o live_a child_n it_o shall_v be_v none_o of_o you_o a_o way_n that_o relish_v not_o with_o the_o kindly_a mother_n of_o the_o child_n 1_o king_n 3._o 25._o second_o we_o answer_v this_o argument_n may_v take_v with_o natural_a heart_n who_o will_v buy_v peace_n at_o any_o rate_n but_o not_o with_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o sell_v it_o for_o it_o hold_v out_o a_o way_n to_o end_v controversy_n which_o be_v not_o god_n his_o way_n be_v to_o establish_v what_o be_v right_a and_o to_o quit_v what_o be_v wrong_v but_o this_o way_n tend_v to_o suppress_v both_o right_a and_o wrong_n such_o peacemaker_n will_v not_o be_v bless_v three_o the_o presbyterian_o may_v borrow_v this_o argument_n against_o prelate_n independent_o erastians_n and_o have_v better_a right_a to_o it_o and_o so_o it_o will_v run_v thus_o if_o church_n government_n be_v put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n it_o will_v establish_v and_o settle_v all_o difference_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n betwixt_o prelate_n independent_o and_o erastians_n now_o if_o this_o arment_n be_v good_a when_o they_o use_v it_o for_o they_o it_o must_v be_v also_o good_a when_o it_o be_v use_v for_o we_o but_o i_o doubt_v if_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o such_o like_a reason_n and_o so_o neither_o can_v we_o there_o be_v a_o four_o argument_n they_o use_v say_v they_o jeremiah_n appeal_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n jerem_n 26._o and_o so_o paul_n act_n 25._o he_o appeal_v to_o caesar._n we_o answer_v let_v that_o place_n of_o jeremiah_n cap._n 26._o be_v read_v and_o nothing_o will_v be_v find_v to_o prove_v that_o jeremiah_n make_v any_o appeal_n to_o the_o civil_a judicatories_n but_o second_o though_o he_o have_v appeal_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o appeal_v to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o a_o church_n business_n for_o the_o sentence_n which_o the_o priest_n have_v pass_v on_o jeremiah_n be_v civil_a thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v v_o 8._o now_o it_o be_v the_o prince_n duty_n to_o see_v to_o it_o that_o innocent_a jeremiah_n shall_v not_o be_v put_v to_o death_n especial_o by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o powet_n to_o inflict_v such_o a_o punishment_n as_o for_o that_o instance_n act_v 25._o 10_o 11._o about_o paul_n appeal_n to_o caesar_n it_o make_v nothing_o to_o these_o purpose_n he_o appeal_v only_o from_o festus_n a_o inferior_a civil_a magistrate_n to_o the_o superior_a and_o this_o we_o be_v 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that_o which_o follow_v upon_o his_o banishment_n from_o jerusalem_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la because_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n can_v not_o be_v exercise_v but_o at_o jerusalem_n iv._o in_o the_o last_o place_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o give_v a_o word_n of_o use_n from_o all_o we_o have_v say_v the_o first_o use_n if_o so_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o government_n in_o his_o house_n as_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o his_o own_o officer_n then_o know_v that_o those_o magistrate_n that_o will_v engross_v this_o power_n to_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o have_v his_o court_n and_o censure_n depend_v on_o they_o or_o rather_o take_v away_o and_o other_o put_v in_o their_o place_n do_v high_o encroach_v on_o the_o regal_a power_n of_o our_o king_n jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o time_n atheist_n profane_a man_n plead_v for_o it_o as_o look_v for_o more_o forbearance_n to_o their_o lust_n from_o civil_a 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from_o christ_n court_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o own_o servant_n our_o king_n have_v still_o be_v afraid_a of_o this_o and_o malignant_n also_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o royalist_n they_o think_v they_o can_v not_o get_v their_o throne_n secure_a if_o so_o be_v christ_n get_v leave_v to_o reign_v beside_o they_o and_o this_o among_o many_o other_o have_v make_v their_o throne_n shake_v o_o that_o king_n will_v be_v wise_a and_o kiss_v the_o son_n it_o will_v be_v their_o wisdom_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o what_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o but_o for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o charter_n and_o so_o a_o thing_n that_o will_v not_o thrive_v in_o their_o hand_n their_o prudential_a law_n and_o rule_n will_v do_v no_o good_a second_o you_o will_v
ground_v yourself_o in_o this_o truth_n it_o may_v cost_v you_o much_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v stand_v you_o never_o so_o much_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o avow_n christ_n himself_o suffer_v on_o this_o account_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n have_v think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o be_o i_o sai_z master_z welsh_z that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o glad_a thing_n but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sufferer_n for_o his_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n to_o wittness_v that_o good_a confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o his_o church_n be_v a_o most_o free_a kingdom_n yea_o as_o free_a as_o any_o kingdom_n under_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v free_a in_o her_o government_n from_o all_o other_o jurisdiction_n on_o earth_n except_o only_a christ_n we_o be_v wait_v say_v he_o with_o joyfulness_n to_o leave_v the_o last_o testimony_n of_o our_o blood_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n if_o it_o will_v please_v our_o god_n to_o be_v so_o favourable_a as_o to_o honour_v we_o with_o that_o dignity_n thus_o he._n and_o who_o know_v how_o soon_o he_o may_v honour_v some_o of_o we_o with_o that_o dignity_n a_o dignity_n indeed_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o royal_a crown_n and_o diadem_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sect_n iu._n a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church-member_n the_o day_n bypass_a we_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n and_o show_v you_o that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n we_o be_v now_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n to_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n you_o remember_v when_o we_o enter_v on_o these_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n we_o show_v you_o there_o be_v four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o first_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n a_o way_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n king_n or_o parliament_n to_o establish_v what_o way_n of_o government_n they_o please_v the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n establish_v in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o be_v execute_v by_o he_o their_o two_o point_n we_o have_v make_v good_a in_o our_o former_a disput_n against_o erastianism_n the_o three_o point_n of_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v his_o church_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n to_o the_o community_n of_o church_n member_n but_o have_v establish_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n the_o four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o give_v particular_a eldership_n and_o church_n session_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o hand_n so_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n but_o that_o they_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o superior_a church_n judicatory_n such_o as_o presbytry_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n these_o two_o last_o point_n we_o be_v to_o make_v out_o in_o refute_v this_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n this_o error_n of_o independency_n above_o all_o other_o we_o may_v call_v a_o fountain_n error_n it_o be_v the_o sluice_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n be_v make_v to_o all_o 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community_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o second_o head_n of_o their_o error_n be_v this_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v entrust_v particular_a congregation_n eldership_n or_o church_n session_n with_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o judicatory_a above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o their_o error_n which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v against_o at_o this_o time_n therein_o they_o have_v different_a opinion_n among_o themselves_o some_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n the_o community_n of_o believer_n without_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n yea_o a_o power_n over_o they_o to_o ordain_v they_o censure_n depose_v they_o and_o inflict_v all_o other_o church_n censure_n other_o give_v they_o this_o power_n conjunct_o with_o the_o church_n officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n second_o some_o give_v only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v to_o the_o church_n member_n but_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n they_o allow_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o the_o people_n depute_n to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n other_o give_v the_o people_n not_o only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o also_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n so_o that_o the_o people_n may_v sit_v down_o in_o church_n judicatory_n themselves_o enact_v church_n canon_n inflict_v church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n three_o some_o give_v they_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n only_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o the_o excercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n and_o inflict_v church_n censure_n but_o not_o to_o preach_v other_o give_v they_o a_o full_a exercise_n of_o authority_n to_o do_v all_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o these_o lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o solid_a reason_n to_o wit_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n or_o to_o private_a christian_n either_o the_o power_n or_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n neither_o in_o whole_a nor_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n i_o prosecute_a this_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v forth_o the_o former_a method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o three_o we_o shall_v propone_v and_o answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use_n i._o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n thâ—a_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v several_a distinction_n will_v be_v give_v first_o there_o be_v difference_n betwixt_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n and_o christian_a privilege_n we_o do_v grant_v several_a christian_a privilege_n to_o private_a christian_n but_o these_o do_v not_o infer_v any_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n as_o for_o example_n we_o do_v grant_v to_o the_o people_n a_o power_n of_o elect_v their_o own_o officer_n minister_n or_o elder_n we_o grant_v to_o they_o a_o power_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n i_o e_o they_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v blind_o what_o minister_n say_v but_o have_v a_o power_n to_o try_v what_o they_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o practice_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n upon_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n or_o not_o we_o grant_v these_o privilege_n to_o the_o people_n but_o none_o of_o they_o do_v
church-member_n then_o every_o church-member_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o attend_v all_o church_n judicatories_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a question_n but_o what_o inevitable_a confusion_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o how_o long_a time_n will_v it_o take_v to_o inform_v people_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n how_o tedious_a will_v it_o be_v to_o hear_v every_o man_n judgement_n to_o the_o point_n and_o what_o distraction_n will_v it_o be_v to_o people_n calling_n this_o certain_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o so_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o can_v be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n these_o be_v now_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o they_o use_v be_v ground_v on_o coloss._n 4._o 17._o a_o command_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v their_o minister_n and_o so_o have_v church_n authority_n we_o answer_v they_o make_v much_o of_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n for_o they_o build_v their_o power_n to_o censure_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o say_v a_o poor_a reason_n so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o say_v to_o the_o church_n or_o tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v here_o use_v but_o to_o infer_v from_o this_o that_o one_o man_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a sure_o if_o he_o have_v command_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o authority_n he_o will_v have_v say_v command_n and_o charge_n archippus_n with_o all_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n private_a christian_n have_v power_n to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yea_o their_o pastor_n but_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o power_n of_o church-government_n over_o other_o else_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n of_o church-government_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n censure_n and_o ordain_v their_o minister_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v as_o occasion_n offer_v obj._n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o act._n 11._o 1._o when_o peter_n come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n verse_n 3._o the_o people_n challenge_v he_o say_v thou_o wente_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o and_o verse_n 4_o he_o begins_z to_o clear_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o rehearse_v the_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o they_o reason_n thus_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v peter_n to_o a_o account_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_n for_o scandal_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o beside_o the_o people_n there_o be_v apostle_n and_o brethren_n there_o verse_n 1_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o peter_n purge_v himself_o of_o a_o scandal_n unjust_o lay_v upon_o he_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v he_o for_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o to_o another_o christian_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v stumble_v within_o his_o carriage_n yet_o one_o private_a christian_a have_v not_o church_n power_n over_o another_o to_o censure_n so_o peter_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o before_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o it_o but_o that_o that_o one_o can_v not_o be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a have_v power_n to_o inflict_v censure_n on_o peter_n our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v grant_v obj._n 3_o a_o three_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o revel_n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v commend_v they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o exercise_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n to_o wit_n balaam_n jesabel_n and_o the_o nicolattan_n now_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v reprove_v here_o for_o not_o execute_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o that_o all_o be_v reprove_v they_o prove_v from_o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o its_o connection_n with_o the_o 14._o say_v they_o these_o who_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o 13._o be_v rebuke_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v etc._n etc._n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n but_o all_o the_o people_n dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n be_v therefore_o they_o all_o be_v reprove_v answer_v it_o follow_v well_o that_o they_o be_v all_o reprove_v for_o one_o fault_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v the_o ruler_n part_v judicial_o to_o cast_v out_o these_o vile_a heretic_n it_o be_v the_o people_n part_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o it_o now_o because_o these_o be_v neglect_v on_o both_o hand_n both_o have_v their_o own_o guilt_n and_o so_o both_o reprove_v for_o their_o respective_a guilt_n the_o people_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o mourn_v to_o god_n for_o the_o tollerate_v such_o like_a abomination_n and_o their_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o take_v course_n with_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o not_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o judicatory_a and_o inflict_a censure_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o ruler_n fault_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v all_o rebuke_v for_o their_o accession_n to_o that_o guilt_n in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o we_o clear_v it_o thus_o doubtless_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o teach_v against_o these_o vile_a heretic_n now_o there_o be_v woman_n there_o and_o yet_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o rebuke_v for_o not_o preach_v against_o they_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n so_o their_o fault_n as_o of_o all_o other_o church_n member_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o wit_n their_o not_o mourn_v nor_o stir_v up_o the_o officer_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mourn_v stir_v other_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n themselves_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v reprove_v for_o obj._n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o mat_n 18_o 17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n whence_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o so_o it_o be_v church_n officer_n be_v never_o call_v the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v without_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v this_o argument_n will_v make_v more_o against_o they_o than_o we_o and_o that_o because_o they_o grant_v that_o neither_o woman_n nor_o child_n have_v hand_n in_o church_n government_n but_o only_o profess_v man_n now_o they_o shall_v get_v no_o place_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o man_n assemble_v without_o woman_n and_o child_n second_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o spare_o give_v to_o officer_n without_o the_o people_n yet_o we_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v give_v they_o in_o some_o place_n as_o for_o example_n act_v 18._o 22._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o he_o have_v land_v at_o caesarea_n and_o go_v up_o and_o salute_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o church_n here_o certain_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o professor_n which_o do_v amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n as_o shall_v appear_v from_o act_n 21._o 20._o in_o its_o own_o time_n so_o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a man_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o paul_n have_v so_o short_a time_n to_o stay_v he_o see_v they_o but_o at_o the_o by_o can_v
nothing_o of_o public_a scandal_n not_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n do_v mean_v that_o public_a scandal_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o but_o that_o the_o same_o rule_n may_v serve_v for_o these_o keep_v the_o just_a proportion_n even_o so_o be_v it_o here_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o synod_n be_v hold_v out_o in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v enough_o though_o it_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o bound_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v extend_v whether_o of_o one_o province_n or_o of_o all_o the_o province_n of_o a_o nation_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v particular_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o number_n and_o bound_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v a_o three_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o this_o question_n the_o independent_o and_o we_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o word_n give_v ground_n for_o meet_v of_o synod_n only_o we_o differ_v about_o their_o power_n they_o grant_v that_o in_o case_n of_o division_n or_o scandal_n synod_n may_v meet_v and_o give_v their_o advice_n in_o matter_n doubtful_a only_o they_o say_v that_o synod_n have_v no_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o command_v other_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o embrace_v their_o determination_n we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n maintain_v that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o such_o a_o power_n belong_v to_o they_o ii_o we_o may_v instance_n this_o in_o act_n 1_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n which_o be_v do_v by_o no_o particular_a church_n for_o here_o be_v the_o apostle_n who_o paroch-church_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n here_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n from_o galilie_o v_a 14._o some_o from_o jerusalem_n v._n 15._o this_o meeting_n do_v a_o church_n business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o so_o behoove_v to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o do_v represent_v they_o and_o therefore_o this_o behoove_v to_o be_v a_o general_n council_n but_o to_o clear_v the_o point_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v take_v act_n 15._o where_o this_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v hold_v forth_o clear_o the_o history_n be_v plain_a a_o difference_n arise_v in_o antioch_n about_o circumcision_n this_o can_v be_v compose_v in_o antioch_n itself_o so_o they_o send_v up_o commissioner_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o determine_v this_o matter_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synod_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n now_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o synod_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v here_o consider_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n meeting_n or_o judicatory_a here_o none_o may_v doubt_v of_o this_o as_o be_v clear_a v_o 6._o second_o consider_v that_o this_o judicatory_a be_v make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o several_a presbytery_n we_o see_v that_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v there_o v_a 6._o and_o commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o antioch_n act_n 15._o 2_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o now_o that_o these_o be_v commissioner_n and_o have_v voice_n appear_v from_o act_n 16._o 4._o where_o the_o decree_n that_o be_v then_o make_v be_v ascrive_v to_o all_o the_o elder_n who_o be_v present_a it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o there_o be_v other_o commissioner_n there_o also_o from_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n for_o they_o be_v join_v with_o antioch_n in_o the_o letter_n v._n 23._o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v except_o that_o as_o they_o be_v alike_o trouble_v with_o the_o heresy_n as_o antioch_n be_v so_o they_o have_v their_o commissioner_n there_o as_o antioch_n have_v and_o therefore_o these_o act_n be_v bind_v to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n however_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o antioch_n so_o the_o meeting_n be_v make_v up_o of_o two_o presbytry_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n it_o may_v be_v make_v up_o of_o more_o three_o we_o will_v consider_v that_o this_o meeting_n make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n make_v bind_v act_n unto_o other_o absent_a church_n who_o be_v present_a only_o in_o their_o commissioner_n and_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o clear_v this_o first_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n in_o five_o 19_o 20_o second_o they_o impose_v their_o determination_n on_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o they_o so_o in_o the_o letter_n they_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n v_o 28._o the_o word_n that_o be_v turn_v there_o a_o burden_n signify_v a_o law_n or_o a_o decree_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o act_n 16._o 4._o there_o their_o conclusion_n be_v call_v decree_n which_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elâ—ers_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o do_v make_v act_n bind_v other_o congregation_n three_o we_o find_v they_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o censure_n on_o the_o false_a prophet_n five_o 24._o they_o call_v they_o liar_n a_o brand_n of_o infamy_n it_o be_v true_a they_o censure_v they_o not_o with_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o do_v that_o when_o they_o know_v they_o be_v become_v incorrigible_o obstinate_a according_a to_o the_o common_a rule_n a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v by_o this_o i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v clear_o a_o pattern_n for_o great_a synod_n a_o judicatory_a make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n from_o several_a presbytry_n and_o these_o make_n bind_a law_n to_o other_o church_n who_o be_v absent_a in_o their_o person_n and_o only_o present_a in_o their_o commissioner_n iii_o their_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v here_o who_o be_v guide_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o determine_v and_o so_o this_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n for_o our_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o man_n want_v that_o assistance_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n will_v make_v against_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o as_o well_o as_o against_o we_o for_o they_o hold_v that_o here_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o advice_n so_o if_o their_o argument_n hold_v against_o we_o in_o the_o one_o it_o must_v hold_v also_o against_o they_o in_o the_o other_o second_o we_o show_v before_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v also_o elder_n and_o sometime_o act_v as_o elder_n now_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o act_v as_o elder_n here_o it_o break_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o objection_n but_o this_o be_v clear_a first_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n they_o willing_o submit_v act_n 15._o 4_o now_o in_o their_o apostolic_a office_n they_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o meâ—_n and_o so_o sure_o here_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n second_o the_o apostle_n all_o along_o go_v not_o on_o that_o way_n as_o when_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a apostolic_a spirit_n for_o they_o state_n the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o in_o five_o 7._o now_o when_o they_o write_v scripture_n they_o do_v not_o use_v advice_n nor_o do_v they_o debate_v what_o they_o shall_v conclude_v but_o speak_v all_o as_o immediate_o inspire_v but_o here_o they_o debate_n and_o â—aving_a find_v truth_n by_o force_n of_o reason_n they_o conclude_v as_o any_o other_o assembly_n upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n etc._n etc._n in_o five_o 25._o three_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v determine_v any_o thing_n as_o apostle_n and_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n of_o god_n than_o they_o do_v determine_v the_o question_n full_o that_o nothing_o need_v to_o be_v add_v but_o so_o it_o be_v not_o here_o for_o peter_n v_o 6_o give_v his_o judgement_n that_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n what_o he_o say_v be_v true_a indeed_o yet_o it_o speak_v not_o full_o to_o the_o point_n until_o james_n add_v somewhat_o to_o wit_n that_o however_o the_o gentile_n be_v free_v from_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n yet_o to_o eschew_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o weak_a jew_n they_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v &c_n &c_n v_a 20._o and_o therefore_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n except_o we_o will_v say_v that_o peter_n as_o a_o apostle_n intend_v to_o determine_v a_o controversy_n yet_o do_v not_o speak_v full_o to_o the_o point_n which_o be_v a_o injury_n to_o that_o immediate_o inspire_v spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v in_o pen_v scripture_n four_o because_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v put_v forth_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n not_o only_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o elder_n also_o act_n 15._o 22._o 23._o act._n 16._o 4._o act._n 21._o 25._o now_o
sure_o ordinary_a elder_n do_v never_o concur_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o act_n of_o their_o apostolic_a office_n as_o pen_v scripture_n etc._n etc._n from_o all_o that_o be_v say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o act_v as_o elder_n leave_v a_o pattern_n for_o such_o like_a judicatory_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o second_o point_n ¶_o iii_o inferior_a church_n judicatory_n be_v subject_a to_o superior_a the_o three_o point_n we_o have_v to_o make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o inferior_a church_n judicatory_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o superior_a as_o session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n to_o presbytry_n presbytry_n to_o synod_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o great_a have_v power_n of_o government_n over_o the_o lesser_a for_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o complaint_n of_o they_o enact_v of_o church_n canon_n unto_o which_o the_o inferior_a aught_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o point_n in_o short_a be_v that_o particular_a eldership_n be_v not_o independent_a so_o as_o to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v without_o be_v accountable_a to_o any_o judicatory_a above_o they_o but_o presbytery_n be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v follow_v the_o former_a order_n first_o to_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o to_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o to_o answer_v argument_n against_o the_o truth_n four_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o use._n i._o for_o the_o first_o we_o allow_v unto_o particular_a congregation_n a_o eldership_n and_o power_n of_o discipline_n within_o themselves_o to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o particular_a concernment_n but_o as_o for_o thing_n wherein_o other_o congregation_n be_v concern_v with_o they_o we_o hold_v that_o such_o do_v belong_v to_o superior_a judicatory_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n what_o belong_v unto_o all_o shall_v be_v handle_v by_o all_o second_o we_o do_v not_o give_v power_n 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or_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o every_o thing_n we_o affirm_v their_o power_n be_v a_o limit_a and_o ministerial_a power_n it_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o put_v the_o case_n if_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n shall_v conclude_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v wrong_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v blind_o we_o allow_v to_o every_o particular_a christian_a a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whereby_o they_o shall_v compare_v the_o act_n of_o church_n judicatories_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o according_o either_o to_o choice_n or_o refuse_v only_o herein_o we_o say_v first_o that_o particular_a christian_n shall_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o loathness_n to_o differ_v from_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n arise_v from_o a_o secret_a kind_n of_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n of_o their_o own_o light_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o although_o they_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v other_o blind_o yet_o they_o be_v to_o suspect_v themselves_o rather_o than_o they_o we_o mean_v when_o the_o matter_n be_v dubious_a second_o we_o say_v that_o when_o the_o case_n come_v that_o it_o be_v evident_o see_v that_o superior_a judicatories_n have_v go_v wrong_a private_a christian_n be_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o indeed_o yet_o so_o as_o to_o give_v great_a reverence_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judicatory_a even_o when_o they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o dissent_v from_o their_o act_n lest_o by_o their_o furious_a zeal_n they_o cast_v all_o loose_a and_o into_o confusion_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o all_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a eldership_n and_o so_o if_o particular_a eldership_n be_v independent_a or_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v warrant_v presbytery_n to_o be_v above_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o maintain_v the_o last_o and_o we_o clear_v our_o part_n the_o controversy_n from_o several_a argument_n ii_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o many_o defect_n that_o be_v in_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n where_o the_o whole_a power_n be_v put_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o as_o to_o be_v countable_a to_o none_o we_o shall_v reckon_v four_o or_o five_o of_o these_o defect_n and_o indeed_o very_o great_a defect_n first_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a way_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o right_v a_o man_n that_o be_v wrong_v by_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o eldership_n shall_v wrong_v a_o man_n by_o censure_v he_o unjust_o according_a to_o their_o way_n he_o must_v sit_v with_o the_o wrong_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o he_o till_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n there_o be_v a_o second_o defect_n according_a to_o this_o independent_a way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o heal_v breach_n in_o a_o congregation_n put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o people_n shall_v divide_v 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authoritative_a mean_n to_o hinder_v it_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o presbytery_n it_o be_v otherwise_o presbytery_n be_v christ_n weeding-hook_n to_o weed_v out_o heresy_n so_o we_o observe_v wherever_o it_o be_v set_v up_o it_o bear_v heresy_n down_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o judicatories_n be_v so_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o that_o what_o be_v oversee_v in_o the_o one_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o other_o four_o by_o this_o way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n among_o congregation_n but_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v take_v a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o this_o congregation_n one_o way_n and_o that_o congregation_n another_o way_n which_o doubtless_o will_v prove_v a_o great_a stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a not_o know_v unto_o what_o congregation_n to_o join_v because_o of_o the_o great_a diversity_n among_o all_o put_v the_o case_n to_o clear_v it_o in_o some_o thing_n whereby_o you_o may_v guess_v at_o other_o that_o in_o one_o congregation_n they_o will_v both_o read_v and_o expound_v in_o another_o they_o will_v only_o read_v in_o other_o the_o line_n be_v not_o read_v for_o sing_v and_o in_o another_o it_o be_v read_v in_o some_o congregation_n child_n be_v not_o baptise_a but_o in_o time_n of_o sermon_n in_o other_o that_o baptism_n be_v administrate_n at_o other_o time_n also_o in_o some_o congregation_n two_o prayer_n before_o a_o sermon_n in_o another_o but_o one_o in_o another_o the_o conclusion_n sing_v in_o another_o not_o now_o though_o the_o strong_a will_v not_o stumble_v at_o these_o thing_n know_v that_o such_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n at_o least_o indifferent_a yet_o to_o the_o weak_a christian_a they_o may_v prove_v a_o ground_n of_o stumble_v for_o usual_o such_o present_o stamp_n conscience_n on_o that_o part_n of_o
get_v seek_v the_o more_o of_o peace_n with_o god_n seek_v the_o more_o of_o his_o smileing_n the_o more_o thou_o meet_v with_o of_o man_n frowning_n seek_v the_o more_o warmness_n in_o he_o the_o more_o of_o coldness_n thou_o meet_v with_o from_o man_n seek_v the_o more_o of_o counsel_n and_o direction_n from_o god_n the_o more_o reservedness_n thou_o find_v in_o other_o from_o who_o thou_o be_v wont_a to_o get_v sweet_a counsel_n this_o be_v a_o sweet_a use_n of_o our_o present_a division_n a_o exposition_n of_o sampsons_n riddle_n indeed_o for_o thus_o out_o of_o the_o eater_n shall_v come_v meat_n and_o out_o of_o the_o bitter_a shall_v come_v sweet_a three_o by_o these_o division_n you_o may_v discover_v much_o evil_n in_o your_o spirit_n that_o be_v before_o undiscovered_a what_o a_o deal_n of_o pride_n not_o endure_v to_o be_v oppose_v what_o carnal_a emulation_n at_o the_o good_a of_o other_o what_o rejoy_v at_o their_o slip_n what_o eagerness_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o 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and_o now_o the_o earthquake_n of_o heart_n division_n within_o have_v shake_v all_o and_o if_o god_n prevent_v not_o will_v overturn_v all._n and_o if_o this_o awake_v we_o not_o oh_o lord_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v next_o i_o shall_v now_o shut_v up_o all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_z by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n i_o know_v as_o matter_n now_o stand_v this_o and_o all_o we_o have_v speak_v from_o it_o may_v prove_v but_o thresh_v on_o the_o water_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n by_o we_o intend_v yea_o and_o very_o like_o it_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o hightning_n of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o further_a increase_n of_o our_o strife_n and_o if_o so_o be_v i_o be_o at_o a_o point_n what_o to_o answer_v that_o even_o this_o will_v confirm_v unto_o i_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o wit_n that_o our_o division_n be_v a_o evil_a much_o to_o be_v lament_v it_o be_v a_o judicial_a stroke_n in_o so_o far_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o but_o thereby_o one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o take_v strength_n it_o be_v a_o strong_a fire_n that_o when_o water_n be_v pour_v upon_o it_o blaze_v up_o the_o high_a it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a disease_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n which_o be_v so_o prevalent_a as_o to_o turn_v the_o very_a medicine_n apply_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o vicious_a humour_n whereby_o the_o disease_n be_v further_o feed_v and_o nourish_v and_o yet_o though_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v which_o god_n avert_v i_o have_v another_o thing_n to_o say_v and_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o comfort_n as_o to_o our_o present_a sad_a stroke_n that_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v find_v out_o the_o way_n to_o make_v god_n and_o man_n one_o when_o they_o be_v at_o variance_n have_v way_n enough_o to_o reconcile_v we_o one_o to_o another_o though_o our_o division_n be_v at_o a_o great_a height_n than_o yet_o they_o be_v come_v to_o and_o if_o he_o have_v pleasure_n in_o we_o he_o will_v make_v we_o one_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v on_o our_o own_o expense_n he_o may_v possible_o do_v it_o by_o send_v we_o to_o one_o common_a goal_n or_o some_o such_o like_a thing_n for_o our_o adhere_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n covenant_n and_o precious_a liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o precious_a trust_n commit_v unto_o we_o by_o he_o and_o transmit_v unto_o we_o by_o our_o zealous_a and_o faithful_a predecessor_n who_o in_o the_o obtain_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o death_n if_o he_o have_v pleasure_n in_o we_o he_o will_v make_v we_o unite_v and_o if_o no_o other_o thing_n will_v do_v it_o he_o will_v make_v such_o like_a work_n as_o this_o do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o like_o such_o like_a work_n may_v be_v ere_o long_o for_o shall_v we_o look_v on_o our_o mother_n church_n oppress_v and_o bereave_v of_o these_o privilege_n which_o be_v leave_v unto_o she_o by_o her_o lord_n and_o husband_n in_o his_o latter_a will_n and_o testament_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o way_n competent_a for_o we_o upon_o all_o hazard_n resent_v it_o shall_v strong_a power_n usurp_v upon_o the_o church_n right_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n shall_v we_o by_o our_o mutual_a jangle_n encourage_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o this_o woeful_a work_n or_o shall_v we_o resent_v these_o wrong_n the_o less_o or_o secret_o approve_v of_o they_o becasue_v possible_o that_o which_o be_v our_o own_o design_n for_o weaken_v one_o another_o be_v thereby_o promove_v god_n forbid_v now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n establish_v our_o peace_n with_o himself_o and_o give_v we_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o in_o himself_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o kilwinning_n immediate_o before_o the_o give_n of_o the_o communion_n be_v a_o preparation_n sermon_n in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o second_o sermon_n psalm_n 51._o 6._o behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o in_o the_o hide_a part_n thou_o shall_v make_v i_o to_o know_v wisdom_n this_o psalm_n be_v one_o of_o david_n penitential_a psalm_n wherein_o his_o conscience_n be_v first_o awake_v and_o make_v sensible_a of_o his_o sin_n he_o plead_v hard_a for_o god_n mercy_n &_o grace_n and_o especial_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o petition_n he_o insist_o upon_o most_o and_o do_v again_o and_o again_o inculcate_v it_o the_o word_n read_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n hold_v out_o somewhat_o which_o god_n main_o call_v for_o and_o david_n aim_v at_o as_o a_o necessary_a ingredient_n in_o his_o penitential_a address_n unto_o god_n without_o which_o nothing_o he_o can_v do_v in_o any_o duty_n of_o god_n service_n or_o particular_o in_o this_o which_o he_o be_v present_o about_o will_v have_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o which_o be_v obtain_v and_o in_o exercise_n all_o he_o do_v be_v the_o more_o savoury_a and_o therefore_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o prayer_n and_o present_a exercise_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v both_o mind_n his_o heart_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n there_o be_v to_o have_v it_o and_o also_o may_v cheer_v up_o his_o weight_v spirit_n somewhat_o in_o confidence_n that_o he_o will_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n in_o his_o present_a address_n see_v he_o have_v something_o of_o that_o necessary_a ingredient_n which_o god_n do_v so_o much_o require_v desire_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o thing_n
itself_o be_v express_v by_o the_o word_n truth_n behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o be_v not_o mean_v truth_n in_o the_o judgement_n oppose_v to_o error_n nor_o truth_n in_o people_n word_n oppose_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o lie_v and_o speak_v untruth_n but_o it_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n call_v here_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n for_o so_o be_v this_o grace_n often_o express_v in_o scripture_n isai._n 38._o 3._o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n say_v hezekiah_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a upright_o or_o sincere_a heart_n and_o ephes._n 6._o 14_o have_v their_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v with_o sincerity_n and_o single-heartedness_n this_o then_o be_v that_o truth_n which_o god_n require_v as_o a_o necessary_a season_v ingredient_n in_o all_o duty_n and_o especial_o in_o all_o religious_a performance_n and_o which_o david_n here_o hold_v out_o with_o a_o behold_v as_o the_o thing_n which_o above_o any_o other_o thing_n he_o have_v aim_v at_o and_o yet_o will_v aim_v more_o at_o in_o his_o penitential_a address_n unto_o god_n we_o have_v then_o in_o the_o word_n 1._o a_o note_n of_o attention_n behold_v which_o david_n prefix_v to_o that_o which_o he_o be_v to_o say_v i_o call_v it_o a_o note_n of_o attention_n for_o that_o be_v the_o use_n it_o serve_v for_o in_o this_o place_n as_o i_o shall_v clear_v afterward_o 2._o there_o be_v that_o which_o he_o subjoin_v to_o this_o behold_v the_o lord_n complacency_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o that_o without_o which_o his_o present_a address_n can_v not_o be_v savoury_a or_o acceptable_a to_o god_n thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n i_o shall_v observe_v two_o thing_n in_o general_n before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o text._n 1_o from_o this_o david_n hold_v out_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v walk_v by_o and_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o for_o make_v his_o present_a address_n to_o god_n in_o confess_v of_o sin_n and_o plead_v hard_o for_o pardon_n acceptable_a hence_o take_v this_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o do_v somewhat_o of_o command_a duty_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o do_v what_o we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n acceptable_o david_n not_o only_o confess_v sin_n and_o plead_v for_o pardon_n but_o he_o aim_v to_o do_v it_o in_o truth_n that_o so_o he_o may_v do_v it_o acceptable_o for_o while_o he_o say_v god_n do_v desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n it_o be_v evident_o employ_v that_o he_o aim_v to_o have_v it_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o this_o because_o if_o the_o thing_n we_o do_v be_v not_o do_v acceptable_o and_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n though_o the_o thing_n do_v be_v never_o so_o good_a in_o itself_o the_o do_v of_o it_o be_v but_o lose_a labour_n unto_o we_o thus_o though_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o command_a duty_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o offer_v up_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n yet_o when_o people_n make_v not_o conscience_n to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n in_o the_o right_a manner_n all_o they_o do_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o if_o they_o have_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o hence_o isai._n 1._o 11._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o duty_n be_v in_o itself_o and_o the_o great_a good_a be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o go_v about_o any_o duty_n in_o a_o right_n and_o acceptable_a manner_n the_o great_a be_v the_o hurt_a and_o damnage_v which_o we_o incur_v by_o it_o when_o we_o advert_v not_o how_o we_o do_v it_o and_o when_o without_o take_v heed_n to_o our_o foot_n we_o rush_v forward_o to_o it_o and_o carry_v ourselves_o but_o careless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o we_o be_v employ_v about_o it_o what_o more_o excellent_a comfortable_a and_o soul_n edify_v ordinance_n be_v there_o than_o this_o of_o a_o communion_n which_o through_o god_n mercy_n you_o have_v yet_o the_o liberty_n of_o approach_v unto_o be_v it_o not_o a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n of_o wine_n on_o the_o lees_n well_o refine_v wherein_o we_o feast_v with_o christ_n and_o upon_o christ_n his_o break_a body_n be_v meat_n indeed_o the_o most_o excellent_a that_o heaven_n or_o earth_n can_v afford_v and_o yet_o say_v paul_n if_o you_o come_v not_o to_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o right_a manner_n if_o you_o set_v not_o yourselves_o so_o to_o go_v about_o it_o as_o that_o you_o may_v be_v accept_v in_o your_o work_n if_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v unworthy_o without_o previous_a examination_n of_o yourselves_o you_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n and_o judgement_n to_o yourselves_o not_o only_o shall_v your_o table_n prove_v a_o snare_n but_o your_o meat_n be_v turn_v into_o poison_n and_o therefore_o consider_v this_o in_o the_o entry_n and_o labour_n to_o have_v it_o imprint_v on_o your_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o come_v rush_v forward_o to_o your_o work_n not_o consider_v how_o you_o come_v your_o come_v aught_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n give_v eccles._n 5._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o especial_o when_o you_o approach_v unto_o such_o a_o dreadful_a ordinance_n a_o this_o be_v whereof_o the_o advantage_n be_v so_o great_a if_o you_o come_v right_o and_o the_o hurt_n and_o hazard_v so_o unspeakable_o great_a if_o you_o come_v wrong_a but_o second_o observe_v yet_o in_o general_n that_o in_o go_v about_o command_v duty_n in_o some_o measure_n acceptable_o you_o ought_v now_o and_o then_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n of_o your_o discharge_n of_o duty_n even_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n when_o you_o be_v about_o it_o for_o so_o do_v david_n here_o he_o cast_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o right_a manner_n how_o he_o shall_v have_v pray_v to_o wit_n in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n even_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o his_o prayer_n while_o he_o say_v unto_o god_n behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o thus_o christ_n in_o luke_n 8._o 18._o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n in_o the_o very_a mean_a time_n they_o be_v hear_v take_v heed_n therefore_o how_o you_o hear_v and_o sure_o our_o heart_n do_v oft_o turn_v formal_a vain_a wander_a and_o lumpish_a or_o heavy_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n because_o we_o do_v not_o serious_o mind_v how_o sinful_a shameful_a and_o unseemly_o it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o a_o check_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o time_n and_o seasonable_o to_o a_o vain_a stray_v and_o wander_a heart_n will_v do_v much_o through_o god_n blessing_n to_o make_v it_o halt_v david_n do_v this_o oft_o especial_o psal._n 43._o 5._o where_o he_o turn_v his_o speech_n from_o god_n and_o give_v himself_o a_o rebuke_n and_o check_v for_o the_o present_a unsuitable_a frame_n of_o heart_n wherein_o he_o then_o be_v why_o be_v thouca_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n say_v he_o and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v in_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o this_o reflect_v upon_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n how_o you_o discharge_v duty_n even_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n when_o you_o be_v about_o it_o be_v useful_a when_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n out_o of_o frame_n a_o serious_a timous_a check_n give_v unto_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v it_o beside_o if_o upon_o your_o reflect_v thus_o you_o find_v matter_n tolerable_o right_a and_o your_o heart_n in_o such_o a_o frame_n for_o the_o main_n as_o the_o lord_n require_v it_o will_v furnish_v you_o with_o matter_n of_o boldness_n courage_n and_o confidence_n as_o here_o it_o do_v david_n who_o have_v find_v somewhat_o of_o this_o truth_n and_o this_o upright_a and_o sincere_a frame_n of_o heart_n in_o his_o own_o inward_a part_n he_o takes_z ground_n of_o confidence_n from_o that_o to_o expect_v that_o god_n who_o have_v give_v he_o this_o can_v also_o give_v he_o more_o in_o the_o hide_a part_n say_v he_o thou_o shall_v make_v i_o to_o know_v wisdom_n for_o use_v this_o do_v short_o speak_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v a_o work_n not_o of_o the_o outward_a man_n only_o but_o also_o and_o main_o of_o the_o inward_a man_n the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n must_v be_v exercise_v in_o it_o if_o so_o be_v go_v right_o about_o it_o and_o that_o many_o way_n and_o this_o be_v one_o way_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v exercise_v by_o reflect_v now_o
in_o it_o if_o so_o he_o do_v bewail_v it_o and_o flee_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o get_v pardon_n for_o it_o and_o strength_n to_o subdue_v it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o end_n i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o search_v and_o try_v your_o inlake_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o sincerity_n that_o you_o may_v give_v yourselves_o over_o for_o rotten-hearted_n hypocrite_n but_o that_o you_o may_v bewail_v it_o take_v with_o it_o judge_v yourselves_o for_o it_o flee_v to_o christ_n to_o get_v it_o pardon_v and_o to_o get_v grace_n to_o amend_v it_o and_o your_o make_v this_o use_n of_o your_o foul_a fail_n as_o to_o this_o point_n shall_v be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o though_o there_o have_v be_v much_o unsincerity_n and_o shameless_a hypocrisy_n in_o you_o yet_o you_o be_v no_o real_a hypocrite_n but_o the_o main_a use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v that_o as_o you_o desire_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n acceptable_o and_o in_o the_o right_a manner_n so_o deal_v with_o god_n sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v let_v your_o great_a work_n lie_v about_o your_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n to_o get_v some_o right_a frame_n and_o disposition_n put_v on_o they_o whereof_o i_o speak_v before_o only_o a_o humble_a hunger_a frame_n thirst_v after_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o be_v a_o good_a frame_n at_o such_o a_o time_n again_o let_v your_o come_n flow_v from_o spiritual_a motive_n and_o level_v at_o right_n and_o approven_n end_v but_o especial_o deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o trâ—th_n with_o god_n by_o labour_v to_o be_v that_o indeed_o which_o by_o your_o act_n of_o come_v to_o the_o communion_n you_o give_v yourselves_o out_o for_o now_o you_o give_v yourselves_o out_o for_o many_o thing_n 1._o your_o come_v say_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v be_v at_o he_o and_o therefore_o deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o christ_n in_o search_v out_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o need_v you_o have_v of_o he_o 2._o your_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n speak_v that_o you_o be_v weary_a of_o your_o old_a master_n and_o have_v a_o real_a mind_n to_o change_v they_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o god_n and_o see_v it_o be_v so_o that_o you_o be_v real_o weary_a of_o your_o old_a lust_n which_o former_o enslave_v you_o and_o that_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n indeed_o to_o quit_v they_o 3._o you_o do_v hereby_o give_v out_o that_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o take_v god_n for_o your_o master_n to_o enrol_v yourself_o in_o the_o list_n of_o his_o soldier_n to_o fight_v against_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n your_o own_o flesh_n and_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n with_o he_o deal_v in_o truth_n and_o dissemble_v not_o with_o god_n in_o this_o see_v you_o come_v not_o to_o give_v god_n a_o day_n with_o a_o secret_a purpose_n to_o give_v the_o devil_n a_o year_n 4._o you_o do_v hereby_o give_v out_o that_o you_o mind_n to_o close_v with_o christ_n on_o his_o own_o term_n see_v you_o deal_v sincere_o with_o he_o in_o this_o also_o and_o for_o this_o end_n ponder_v well_o and_o think_v on_o the_o term_n before_o hand_n for_o if_o you_o close_v a_o bargain_n with_o he_o on_o his_o own_o term_n and_o so_o deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o you_o must_v first_o take_v he_o free_o for_o come_v and_o buy_v say_v he_o without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n isai_n 55._o 1._o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v not_o keep_v back_o from_o he_o or_o come_v heartles_o to_o he_o because_o you_o find_v no_o worth_n in_o yourselves_o for_o which_o you_o shall_v be_v belove_v by_o he_o if_o you_o do_v so_o you_o deal_v not_o sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o 2._o if_o you_o take_v he_o on_o his_o own_o term_n and_o so_o deal_v sincere_o with_o he_o you_o must_v take_v he_o whole_o not_o only_o as_o a_o priest_n to_o save_v you_o but_o as_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v in_o you_o if_o you_o mind_v to_o make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o get_v your_o bypass_a sin_n pardon_v by_o he_o that_o you_o may_v take_v on_o a_o new_a score_n in_o time_n to_o come_v you_o deal_v not_o sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o you_o pretend_v to_o take_v he_o on_o his_o own_o term_n and_o that_o be_v to_o take_v he_o whole_o and_o yet_o you_o will_v not_o take_v he_o as_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v over_o you_o 3._o you_o must_v take_v he_o with_o all_o the_o hazard_n that_o may_v follow_v upon_o your_o take_n of_o he_o you_o must_v take_v he_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o â—leave_v to_o he_o through_o well_o and_o through_o woe_n aswell_o when_o the_o world_n frown_v upon_o he_o as_o when_o it_o smile_v otherwise_o you_o deal_v not_o sincere_o with_o he_o for_o these_o be_v his_o own_o term_n whereon_o you_o pretend_v to_o close_v with_o he_o if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n les_fw-fr he_o deny_v himself_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o last_o you_o must_v take_v he_o irrevocable_o for_o it_o be_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n so_o that_o if_o the_o next_o day_n when_o the_o sensible_a fruit_n of_o a_o communion_n do_v not_o answer_v your_o expectation_n you_o lose_v your_o grip_n and_o quit_v the_o bargain_n you_o do_v not_o deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o i_o shall_v shut_v up_o all_o i_o have_v say_v by_o give_v some_o motive_n for_o make_v you_o deal_v thus_o sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o know_v 1_o he_o be_v deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o you_o he_o mind_v indeed_o to_o close_v a_o a_o most_o bless_a bargain_n with_o you_o and_o with_o all_o of_o you_o who_o mind_n to_o take_v he_o at_o his_o word_n and_o to_o give_v he_o credit_n and_o if_o you_o will_v but_o credit_v he_o you_o shall_v find_v from_o experience_n ere_o long_o that_o he_o have_v be_v sincere_a real_a and_o in_o earnest_n with_o you_o and_o to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v trust_v he_o he_o gives_z the_o most_o speak_a evidence_n of_o his_o real_a sincerity_n towards_o you_o which_o can_v be_v give_v before_o you_o take_v a_o trial_n of_o he_o you_o have_v his_o word_n for_o it_o his_o writ_n for_o it_o his_o oath_n for_o it_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v his_o seal_n and_o pledge_v of_o it_o even_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v all_o that_o to_o you_o which_o he_o give_v himself_o out_o for_o so_o that_o i_o may_v well_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v deal_v sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o you_o and_o therefore_o do_v you_o so_o with_o he_o 2._o your_o deal_n thus_o sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o as_o i_o show_v before_o will_v make_v he_o overlook_v your_o many_o other_o fail_n which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o reckon_v on_o your_o account_n 3._o if_o you_o deal_v not_o sincere_o and_o in_o truth_n with_o he_o now_o it_o be_v a_o venture_n when_o or_o if_o ever_o again_o you_o get_v such_o another_o occasion_n to_o do_v that_o which_o you_o now_o leave_v undo_v many_o of_o we_o have_v often_o at_o such_o time_n deal_v deceitful_o 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be_v one_o athanasius_n and_o when_o antichrist_n be_v to_o prevail_v it_o be_v show_v rev._n 11._o 3._o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o torrent_n of_o corruption_n in_o these_o time_n god_n shall_v have_v his_o two_o that_o be_v though_o not_o many_o yet_o some_o few_o witness_n 3._o the_o lord_n in_o his_o deep_a wisdom_n do_v measure_n out_o such_o a_o dispensation_n for_o heighten_v his_o church_n trial_n and_o that_o these_o who_o keep_v their_o garment_n clean_o may_v come_v forth_o as_o gold_n it_o be_v but_o a_o inconsiderable_a trial_n and_o call_v for_o little_a resolution_n to_o stand_v it_o out_o when_o all_o the_o lord_n minister_n speak_v one_o thing_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n as_o a_o trumpet_n and_o denounce_v the_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o god_n on_o all_o who_o turn_v their_o back_n on_o truth_n and_o piety_n but_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o minister_n at_o any_o time_n do_v blow_v the_o trumpet_n of_o defection_n 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because_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n way_n lie_v in_o a_o man_n adherence_n even_o to_o these_o truth_n to_o wit_n god_n glory_n and_o the_o man_n be_v own_o comfort_n and_o a_o profane_a loose_a and_o indifferent_a spirit_n as_o to_o these_o do_v both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o in_o god_n just_a judgement_n beget_v in_o progress_n of_o time_n profane_a indifferency_n and_o atheism_n as_o to_o other_o more_o great_a and_o substantial_a truth_n so_o do_v the_o apostle_n paul_n inform_v the_o galatian_n ch._n 5._o 9_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n thus_o than_o the_o great_a question_n be_v to_o know_v which_o be_v christ_n way_n in_o truth_n of_o that_o sort_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o stumble_v at_o it_o for_o which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v paul_n rule_n philipp_n 3._o 16._o nevertheless_o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o 2_o john_n 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o 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you_o will_v 3._o do_v not_o needless_o and_o without_o a_o ground_n call_v in_o question_n the_o reality_n of_o your_o former_a close_n with_o he_o for_o that_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o will_v make_v you_o heartless_a to_o set_v to_o it_o of_o new_a or_o however_o you_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o you_o have_v do_v already_o yet_o see_v that_o in_o no_o term_n you_o question_v your_o right_n to_o close_v with_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o time_n to_o come_v for_o whatever_o thou_o have_v do_v former_o the_o gospel_n offer_n be_v yet_o at_o thy_o door_n and_o a_o command_n from_o god_n unto_o thou_o to_o close_v with_o it_o and_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o do_v it_o in_o earnest_n before_o thy_o need_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a to_o do_v it_o frequent_o and_o in_o earnest_n now_o but_o now_o to_o proceed_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o cleave_v be_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o lord_n himself_o as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o 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of_o a_o damn_v nature_n 2_o peter_n 2._o 1._o they_o be_v call_v damnable_a heresy_n and_o error_n in_o point_n of_o truth_n make_v way_n for_o profanity_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n a_o sound_a heart_n and_o a_o unsound_a head_n can_v well_o subsist_v therefore_o do_v peter_n 2_o epist._n 3._o 17._o call_v error_n the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o help_v you_o to_o this_o needful_a duty_n of_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o cleave_v to_o his_o truth_n i_o shall_v recommend_v to_o you_o these_o thing_n 1._o beware_v of_o scepticism_n or_o make_v all_o truth_n debateable_a or_o those_o truth_n especial_o which_o may_v bring_v you_o in_o great_a hazard_n to_o confess_v or_o cleave_v to_o this_o be_v down_o right_a contrary_n to_o the_o cleave_v to_o truth_n here_o enjoin_v 2._o do_v not_o undervalue_v any_o truth_n say_v of_o no_o truth_n as_o lot_n say_v of_o zoar_n be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a one_o and_o so_o i_o may_v skip_v from_o it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o difference_n among_o truth_n some_o great_a truth_n and_o some_o small_a but_o as_o it_o be_v of_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v of_o error_n the_o lesser_a alwise_o do_v make_v way_n for_o the_o great_a and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n which_o come_v not_o from_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o no_o truth_n which_o you_o shall_v look_v on_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a whether_o you_o think_v so_o or_o otherwise_o of_o it_o beside_o in_o time_n of_o defection_n from_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o usual_a artifice_n of_o persecuter_n to_o extenuate_v those_o truth_n they_o labour_v to_o bear_v down_o as_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o very_a trifle_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o own_o practice_n do_v give_v theâ—r_a profession_n the_o lie_n for_o if_o they_o think_v they_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o trifle_n why_o will_v they_o persecute_v mâ—n_z for_o adhere_v to_o they_o beside_o though_o some_o truth_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v though_o he_o think_v otherwise_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v we_o shall_v be_v careless_a of_o all_o such_o thus_o though_o a_o man_n hand_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o he_o may_v live_v without_o it_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o mad_a man_n who_o on_o that_o account_n will_v witting_o and_o willing_o cut_v it_o off_o beside_o a_o error_n in_o some_o truth_n which_o will_v not_o damn_v one_o may_v condemn_v another_o who_o know_v at_o least_o may_v easy_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o error_n and_o yet_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o without_o repentance_n 3._o you_o ought_v chief_o to_o cleave_v to_o those_o truth_n which_o you_o be_v most_o engage_v to_o own_o either_o by_o god_n seal_v they_o to_o your_o spirit_n or_o by_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v you_o from_o your_o very_a childhood_n in_o they_o so_o that_o you_o be_v put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o they_o or_o by_o bring_v you_o under_o most_o sacred_a tie_v of_o solemn_a vow_n and_o oath_n to_o maintain_v they_o i_o say_v you_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o your_o duty_n chief_o to_o cleave_v unto_o such_o truth_n 2_o joh._n 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v wrought_v and_o solomon_n say_v it_o be_v not_o safe_a after_o vow_n to_o make_v enquiry_n if_o a_o man_n conscience_n grow_v once_o so_o wide_a as_o to_o let_v such_o truth_n pass_v through_o either_o for_o error_n or_o trifle_n he_o may_v persuade_v himself_o there_o be_v not_o a_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o bible_n if_o he_o be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o that_o he_o will_v stick_v at_o but_o that_o meeting_n with_o a_o press_v suitable_a tentation_n he_o will_v let_v it_o slip_v through_o after_o they_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o cleave_v to_o truth_n not_o only_o by_o retain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o by_o give_v assent_n to_o it_o in_o our_o judgement_n but_o also_o by_o give_v a_o modest_a and_o faithful_a profession_n and_o confession_n of_o that_o truth_n on_o all_o hazard_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o this_o be_v command_v 1_o pet_n 3._o 15._o be_v ready_a alwise_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meakness_n and_o fear_n and_o rome_n 10._o 10._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 this_o be_v necessary_a both_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n truth_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o his_o name_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o confess_v rev_n 2._o 13_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n and_o its_o necessary_a also_o in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o salvation_n for_o whosoever_o say_v our_o saviour_n will_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o will_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n this_o now_o as_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o do_v not_o justify_v unseasonable_a confession_n contrary_a to_o matth_n 7._o 6_o cast_v not_o your_o pearl_n before_o swine_n lest_o they_o trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o turn_v again_o and_o rend_v you_o so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o reprove_v those_o who_o there_fw-mi not_o or_o will_v not_o give_v a_o confession_n of_o the_o truth_n even_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o much_o more_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o truth_n either_o express_o or_o interpretatiu_o that_o be_v when_o they_o