in_o many_o fundamental_n both_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n &_o government_n which_o make_v they_o like_a unto_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o apostasy_n of_o jezabel_n the_o generality_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n but_o a_o remnant_n reserve_v through_o grace_n which_o bow_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n 3._o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n many_o of_o the_o church-member_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n reform_v to_o a_o new_a estate_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o the_o fundamental_a corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v purge_v away_o and_o both_o of_o they_o so_o renew_v as_o that_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v discern_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o the_o government_n though_o it_o give_v not_o be_v but_o well-being_n to_o church_n yet_o it_o have_v also_o be_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o into_o better_a order_n unto_o this_o day_n in_o so_o much_o that_o protestant_a church_n have_v renounce_v fellowship_n with_o antichrist_n and_o his_o church_n and_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n which_o if_o it_o reach_v not_o to_o a_o new-churching_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o renuall_a of_o their_o church_n estate_n and_o a_o new_a mould_v of_o they_o into_o a_o more_o holy_a way_n of_o administration_n of_o church-ordinance_n so_o that_o now_o they_o stand_v as_o church_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o world_n both_o of_o antichristian_o and_o of_o pagan_n the_o israelite_n after_o their_o return_n from_o under_o the_o apostasy_n of_o jezabel_n do_v neither_o solemn_o unchurch_n themselves_o of_o their_o former_a corrupt_a estate_n nor_o inchurch_n themselves_o into_o a_o better_a new_a estate_n but_o be_v call_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v bore_v of_o god_n to_o submit_v themselves_o thereto_o though_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o full_a purification_n yet_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o passeover_n together_o with_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o judah_n 2_o chro._n 30.18,19,20_o the_o 2d._o query_n presuppose_v then_o the_o prerbyterian_a congregation_n to_o be_v true_a church_n whether_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o minister_n call_v by_o they_o be_v otherwise_o man_n of_o ministerial_a gift_n be_v true_a minister_n and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v by_o they_o be_v true_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o 3d._o query_n nevertheless_o whether_o may_v it_o not_o be_v just_o doubt_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o both_o church_n be_v sinful_o defective_a the_o presbyterian_a partly_o in_o their_o material_n in_o case_n the_o member_n diverse_a of_o they_o be_v not_o profess_a saint_n but_o either_o ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a and_o apparent_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a partly_o in_o their_o government_n by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n which_o way_n of_o government_n though_o it_o have_v place_n in_o sundry_a case_n in_o the_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v be_v practise_v for_o a_o time_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v oecumeniall_a governor_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n yet_o the_o same_o be_v never_o delegated_a nor_o commend_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o particular_a congregation_n the_o congregationall_a likewise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v excuse_v in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o such_o as_o do_v admit_v all_o manner_n of_o sect_n into_o their_o covenant_n and_o communion_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o seduce_a heretic_n and_o profane_a blasphemer_n the_o 4._o query_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o which_o defect_n be_v it_o not_o much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o member_n of_o presbyterian_a church_n do_v once_o public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o their_o partake_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o john_n baptist_n disciple_n do_v before_o their_o baptism_n and_o as_o member_n of_o congregationall_a church_n do_v before_o their_o admission_n that_o so_o none_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n till_o they_o be_v due_o approve_v to_o be_v man_n of_o knowledge_n sound_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o blameless_a in_o conversation_n and_o further_a also_o whether_o will_v it_o not_o much_o conduce_v to_o a_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a acceptance_n of_o their_o administration_n if_o their_o elder_n in_o the_o classis_fw-la do_v put_v forth_o no_o authoritative_a act_n touch_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n but_o consultative_a only_o nor_o touch_v their_o own_o but_o upon_o hear_v the_o advice_n of_o fellow_n elder_n in_o difficult_a case_n to_o proceed_v each_o one_o with_o the_o cognizance_n and_o consent_n of_o his_o own_o church_n at_o home_n respective_o the_o 5._o query_n for_o want_v or_o neglect_v hereof_o though_o the_o member_n of_o presbyterian_a church_n shall_v discern_v some_o defect_n in_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o their_o church_n yet_o whether_o may_v they_o sudden_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o defect_n and_o due_o and_o patient_o wait_v for_o their_o reformation_n it_o may_v seem_v no_o for_o if_o we_o must_v take_v a_o more_o delatory_a course_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o a_o private_a brother_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n with_o much_o meekness_n and_o patience_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o so_o to_o walk_v towards_o a_o whole_a church_n the_o 6._o query_n such_o a_o brother_n though_o as_o yet_o remain_v a_o member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a church_n yet_o sensible_a of_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o be_v otherwise_o know_v to_o be_v fit_a why_o may_v he_o not_o lawful_o and_o without_o scruple_n be_v receive_v to_o partake_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o occasion_n serve_v in_o a_o congregationall_a church_n for_o such_o a_o one_o be_v both_o a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o cleanse_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o church_n the_o 7._o query_n yea_o suppose_v a_o godly_a christian_a do_v continue_v presbyterian_a in_o his_o judgement_n and_o yet_o do_v approve_v also_o of_o a_o congregationall_a way_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o a_o congregationall_a church_n whether_o may_v he_o not_o in_o due_a order_n be_v lawful_o admit_v and_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a church_n yea_o further_o notwithstanding_o the_o different_a state_n and_o way_n of_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n and_o the_o defect_n which_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o may_v observe_v or_o surmise_v either_o in_o other_o yet_o even_o while_o they_o so_o stand_v and_o walk_v whether_o may_v not_o the_o member_n of_o either_o without_o just_a offence_n mutual_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o affirmative_a seem_v probable_a for_o as_o error_n in_o judgement_n about_o discipline_n be_v not_o a_o heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v christian_a church_n to_o receive_v the_o christian_a jew_n into_o their_o church-fellowship_n who_o yeâ—_n dissent_v from_o they_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o leviticall_a rite_n which_o be_v as_o much_o discrepant_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o order_n of_o worship_n as_o these_o other_o be_v in_o order_n of_o government_n beside_o god_n accept_v cleanness_n of_o heart_n in_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o their_o approach_n to_o his_o table_n though_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o full_a cleanse_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 2_o chron._n 30.18,19,20_o the_o 8._o query_n if_o a_o godly_a minister_n call_v to_o office_n by_o a_o people_n profess_v godliness_n whether_o under_o episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n and_o afterward_o repent_v of_o any_o know_a sin_n in_o his_o way_n shall_v be_v desirous_a of_o a_o more_o pure_a reformation_n whether_o may_v not_o his_o godly_a people_n acknowledge_v his_o ministerial_a call_v without_o sin_n why_o not_o for_o he_o have_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o lawful_a call_v before_o in_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o his_o godly_a people_n and_o in_o his_o own_o free_a acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o call_n nevertheless_o if_o any_o of_o his_o godly_a people_n shall_v stumble_v at_o his_o former_a call_v whether_o may_v not_o a_o more_o select_a company_n and_o body_n of_o the_o people_n renew_v their_o call_n of_o he_o and_o there_o to_o accept_v the_o concurrence_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o whether_o may_v not_o he_o also_o do_v well_o instead_o of_o stiff_a stand_n upon_o the_o validiy_n of_o his_o former_a call_v to_o condescend_v to_o renew_v his_o
of_o nature_n and_o nation_n or_o suppose_v he_o in_o conscience_n deny_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n or_o such_o and_o such_o book_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v only_o depend_v on_o revelation_n and_o herein_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n leave_v he_o now_o he_o in_o conscience_n think_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o establish_v this_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o all_o other_o which_o to_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o conscience_n to_o oppose_v all_o contrary_a doctrine_n what_o then_o will_v become_v of_o subject_n liberty_n the_o word_n be_v not_o make_v the_o rule_n to_o regulate_v this_o ruler_n conscience_n according_a as_o we_o say_v it_o shall_v for_o if_o that_o be_v so_o his_o rule_n there_o be_v a_o remedy_n and_o way_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o rule_n but_o his_o conscience_n judgement_n and_o fantasy_n touch_v the_o rule_n that_o be_v by_o this_o tenent_n make_v his_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o he_o must_v be_v leave_v free_o to_o act_v without_o restraint_n the_o mischief_n necessary_o follow_v this_o if_o once_o cry_v up_o we_o leave_v to_o such_o of_o our_o opposite_n sad_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o nature_n &_o power_n of_o synod_n the_o second_o question_n quest_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o warrant_v synod_n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v to_o consideration_n three_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o five_o reason_n argument_n argum_fw-la 1_o take_a from_o act_n 15._o a_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n in_o time_n of_o controversy_n and_o danger_n concern_v weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o consider_v dispute_v find_v out_o and_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o establish_v of_o peace_n among_o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o act_n 15._o but_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n in_o time_n of_o controversy_n and_o danger_n concern_v weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o consider_v dispute_v find_v out_o and_o clear_v of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o establish_v of_o peace_n among_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la a_o synod_n be_v found_v upon_o act_n 15._o distin_n 1_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n three_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v and_o some_o objection_n to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o first_o distinction_n be_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o question_n the_o other_o with_o the_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o objection_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o text._n the_o necessity_n of_o synod_n be_v either_o 1_o absolute_a 2_o respective_a synod_n be_v not_o necessary_a absolute_o i._n e._n unto_o the_o being_n but_o respective_o i._n e._n unto_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n distin_n 2_o in_o this_o synod_n some_o thing_n be_v first_o extraordinary_n and_o not_o exemplary_a some_o whereof_o be_v certain_o so_o and_o the_o rest_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o unto_o divers_a as_o 1_o the_o quality_n of_o some_o of_o the_o member_n sc_n apostle_n v._o 6.23_o 2_o the_o style_n v._o 28._o 3_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o sentence_n as_o immediate_o and_o political_o bind_v at_o least_o as_o some_o expound_v the_o place_n 4_o the_o object_n upon_o who_o they_o impose_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o decree_n viz._n absent_a church_n vers_fw-la 23._o chap._n 16.4_o some_o of_o which_o be_v neither_o call_v nor_o have_v ordinary_a member_n or_o messenger_n there_o other_o be_v ordinary_a ergo_fw-la exemplary_a as_o 1_o the_o public_a meeting_n of_o church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n 2_o the_o propound_v of_o matter_n to_o be_v consider_v 3_o the_o dispute_v of_o they_o v._o 7._o 4_o the_o joint_a resolution_n of_o the_o question_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n v._o 15_o 16._o 5_o the_o declaration_n and_o delivery_n thereof_o unto_o the_o church_n to_o be_v accept_v of_o and_o keep_v by_o they_o act_v 16._o v._o 4._o 6_o order_n in_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v elder_n and_o member_n of_o every_o church_n ergo_fw-la here_o be_v assemble_v elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o all_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o some_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o universal_a counsel_n distin_n 3_o hence_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v extraordinary_a so_o it_o may_v warrant_v the_o great_a counsel_n look_v upon_o what_o be_v ordinary_a therein_o and_o so_o it_o warrant_v the_o small_a counsel_n in_o this_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v the_o substantial_o matter_n and_o form_n circumstantials_n constant_o such_o as_o necessary_o accompany_v every_o synod_n occasional_o which_o accompany_v the_o synod_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la i_o e._n according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o time_n and_o this_o place_n that_o which_o be_v command_v as_o continual_o bind_v act_v 15._o be_v the_o circumstantial_o of_o a_o synod_n the_o constant_a circumstantial_o and_o such_o occasional_o as_o be_v to_o edification_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la these_o two_o last_o distinction_n right_o apply_v may_v satisfy_v many_o light_a objection_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o argum_fw-la 2_o take_a by_o proportion_n from_o gal._n 2.2_o if_o in_o time_n of_o controversy_n about_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n who_o know_v the_o truth_n before_o they_o come_v on_o to_o the_o synod_n and_o one_o of_o they_o be_v great_a than_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o testify_a to_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v less_o than_o the_o find_n out_o testify_v to_o carrying_z on_z of_o the_o truth_n if_o warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n by_o themselves_o or_o by_o church-messenger_n either_o of_o which_o be_v a_o synod_n to_o the_o find_v our_o testify_v to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrantable_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o such_o time_n of_o controversy_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n one_o of_o who_o be_v great_a than_o all_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o testify_a to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n gal._n 2.2_o ergo_fw-la in_o such_o time_n of_o controversy_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n by_o themselves_o or_o by_o the_o church-messenger_n either_o of_o which_o be_v a_o synod_n for_o the_o find_v out_o testify_v to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o argument_n proceed_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o lesser_a thus_o if_o the_o truth_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n have_v need_v of_o the_o help_n of_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n then_o in_o like_a time_n it_o have_v much_o more_o need_n of_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n if_o apostle_n at_o such_o time_n have_v need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o other_o apostle_n than_o church_n in_o like_a time_n have_v need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o other_o church_n such_o assembly_n the_o example_n whereof_o be_v record_v and_o approve_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n argum_fw-la 3_o but_o the_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o the_o qualify_a people_n of_o god_n for_o the_o consider_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n be_v such_o assembly_n the_o example_n whereof_o be_v record_v &_o commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n erg_fw-mi the_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a person_n for_o the_o consider_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o script_n prove_v minor_n prove_v ezra_n 7.14_o ezra_n inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n id_fw-la est_fw-la consult_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n 13.2_o david_n consult_v with_o the_o congregation_n concern_v the_o carry_n of_o the_o ark_n to_o its_o place_n 2_o chr._n 30.2_o hezekiah_n have_v take_v counsel_n of_o all_o his_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n on_o in_o jerusalem_n to_o keep_v the_o passeover_n in_o the_o second_o month_n the_o approve_a example_n of_o the_o godly_a of_o imitable_a and_o useful_a nature_n in_o practical_a case_n be_v a_o rule_n unto_o we_o reason_n 1_o from_o the_o cause_n when_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o synod_n remain_v there_o opportunity_n be_v have_v the_o warrantable_a use_n of_o synod_n remain_v but_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o cause_n of_o synod_n remain_v ergo_fw-la under_o the_o gospel_n the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v warrantable_a the_o cause_n of_o synod_n be_v either_o prevent_v remove_v of_o or_o recover_v from_o
offend_v be_v a_o society_n or_o some_o public_a person_n equivalent_a 2_o in_o case_n the_o party_n in_o such_o act_n of_o judgement_n be_v free_v from_o error_n which_o be_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o apostle_n guide_v in_o their_o administration_n by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n object_n 5._o this_o synod_n act_v 15._o lexi_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d septuag_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vid._n schindl_n lexi_fw-la so_o speak_v as_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n clear_v and_o declare_v by_o it_o as_o a_o burden_n upon_o the_o church_n v._o 28._o which_o our_o ordinary_a synod_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v power_n to_o do_v resp_n the_o notion_n or_o term_n burden_n may_v be_v take_v political_o i._n e._n for_o a_o truth_n impose_v by_o virtue_n of_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n this_o though_o the_o apostle_n as_o apostle_n may_v do_v yet_o if_o they_o do_v so_o in_o this_o place_n which_o we_o rather_o conceive_v not_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o consequent_o not_o exemplary_a or_o the_o word_n burden_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o charge_v of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v and_o yield_v obedience_n in_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o truth_n discuss_v clear_v and_o orderly_o command_v to_o they_o in_o which_o sense_n if_o we_o take_v it_o here_o according_a as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o divers_a place_n elsewhere_o pro._n 30.1_o &_o 21.1_o rev._n 2.24_o than_o the_o stile_n or_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v exemplary_a of_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n the_o three_o question_n quest_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n resp_n the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v decisive_n directive_n &_o declarative_a of_o the_o truth_n by_o clear_v and_o evidence_v the_o same_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n non_o coactive_a yet_o more_o than_o discretive_a for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v 1_o decisive_n in_o determine_v by_o way_n of_o discussion_n and_o disputation_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o so_o consequent_o resolve_v the_o question_n in_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n act_v 15.16,28_o &_o 16.4_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o synod_n 2_o discretive_a in_o discern_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o be_v determine_v this_o belong_v to_o every_o believer_n 3_o coactive_a or_o judicial_a for_o we_o omit_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o official_a judgement_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n determine_v authoritative_o so_o as_o to_o impose_v it_o with_o authority_n and_o to_o censure_v the_o disobedient_a with_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o mat._n 18.17_o this_o belong_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n superior_a in_o some_o respect_n inferior_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v superior_a in_o respect_n of_o direction_n inferior_a in_o respect_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o it_o have_v none_o quere_z how_o and_o how_o far_o do_v the_o sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n bind_v answ_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o synod_n declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o the_o synod_n the_o synod_n declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n bind_v not_o political_o but_o formal_o only_a i._n e._n in_o foro_fw-la interiori_fw-la i._n e._n it_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o that_o by_o way_n of_o the_o high_a institution_n that_o be_v mere_o doctrinal_a the_o political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a by_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o bind_v not_o only_o formal_o but_o political_o in_o foro_fw-la exteriori_fw-la i._n e._n it_o bind_v the_o outward_a man_n so_o as_o the_o disobedient_a in_o matter_n of_o offence_n be_v subject_a unto_o church_n censure_n affirmative_o towards_o their_o own_o member_n negative_o by_o non_fw-la communion_n as_o concern_v other_o whether_o church_n or_o member_n 3._o supremi_fw-la magistratuâ—_n approbatio_fw-la est_fw-la supremum_fw-la ut_fw-la soquuntar_fw-la arrestum_fw-la fr._n hom._n disp_n 18._o th._n 4._o &_o disp_a 17._o thes_n 3._o civil_a by_o the_o magistrate_n strengthen_v the_o truth_n thus_o declare_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n either_o by_o his_o mere_a authoritative_a suffrage_n assent_n and_o testimony_n if_o the_o matter_n need_v no_o more_o or_o by_o his_o authoritative_a sanction_n of_o it_o by_o civil_a punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n so_o require_v in_o this_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n together_o in_o their_o respective_a political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n clear_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o synod_n we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o place_n wherein_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n walk_v together_o orderly_o referve_v ecclesiastical_a bind_a power_n to_o the_o particular_a church_n where_o either_o there_o be_v no_o magistrate_n or_o the_o magistrate_n be_v want_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o also_o civil_a power_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n where_o the_o church_n be_v want_v to_o their_o duty_n the_o four_o question_n quest_n 4._o to_o who_o belong_v the_o power_n of_o call_v a_o synod_n answ_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v one_o distinction_n and_o answer_v three_o query_n distin_n the_o power_n of_o call_v synod_n be_v either_o single_a authoritative_a belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n ministerial_a belong_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n mix_v when_o both_o proceed_v orderly_a and_o joint_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o several_a power_n argument_n prove_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o call_v synod_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n 1_o because_o the_o magistrate_n be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la i._n e._n charge_v with_o the_o custody_n of_o both_o table_n that_o he_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v grant_v that_o he_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o former_a be_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o the_o first_o question_n 2_o from_o the_o record_a and_o approve_a example_n of_o godly_a king_n in_o the_o scripture_n david_n 1_o chron._n 23.2_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o josiah_n 2_o kin._n 23.1,2_o 3_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o great_a assembly_n though_o synodical_a assemble_v be_v spiritual_a yet_o mere_a assemble_v of_o a_o multitude_n together_o which_o a_o synodical_a assembly_n presuppose_v be_v a_o civil_a act_n and_o therefore_o can_v in_o good_a policy_n be_v suffer_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n 4_o from_o the_o necessary_a though_o not_o essential_a requisite_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o synod_n as_o place_n time_n manner_n of_o meeting_n peace_n all_o which_o need_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n of_o violent_a disturbance_n the_o church_n as_o such_o have_v no_o civil_a power_n to_o defend_v they_o can_v but_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o they_o may_v meet_v and_o transact_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o safety_n and_o quietness_n 5_o from_o the_o proportion_n that_o the_o magistrate_n con-coactive_a or_o call_v power_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v with_o his_o confirmation_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o same_o reason_n that_o warrant_v his_o confirm_a power_n for_o the_o better_a strengthen_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n warrant_v his_o call_a power_n for_o the_o better_a be_v of_o the_o synod_n argument_n prove_v the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o call_v synod_n which_o may_v be_v fit_o call_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n because_o church_n therein_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o to_o belong_v unto_o the_o particular_a church_n 1_o from_o that_o famous_a example_n act_v 15._o where_o the_o synod_n meet_v and_z site_z without_o the_o call_n of_o civil_a authority_n there_o be_v then_o no_o christian_a magistrate_n 2_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o synod_n as_o proper_o such_o first_o reside_v with_o ariseth_z from_z and_o last_o return_v to_o particular_a church_n 3_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n tend_v not_o to_o the_o be_v but_o to_o the_o better_a be_v of_o synod_n and_o add_v thereunto_o be_v accumulative_a not_o privative_a i._n e._n it_o add_v strength_n to_o it_o but_o take_v not_o any_o power_n from_o it_o hence_o a_o synod_n may_v in_o ease_n be_v without_o any_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o can_v be_v without_o some_o consent_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a of_o the_o church_n 4_o because_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v invest_v the_o church_n with_o sufficient_a ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o the_o best_a ecclesiastical_a manner_n to_o attain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a end_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n of_o themselves_o by_o joint_a consent_n to_o call_v a_o synod_n query_n query_n 1_o in_o what_o case_n may_v the_o magistrate_n proceed_v to_o call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n the_o church_n be_v defective_a and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n just_a cause_n so_o require_v may_v call_v a_o synod_n and_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n thereunto_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o refusal_n he_o may_v proceed_v to_o call_v a_o assembly_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o a_o synod_n meet_v for_o namely_o to_o consider_v of_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n in_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n but_o such_o a_o assembly_n call_v and_o gather_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o proper_o that_o which_o be_v usual_o understand_v by_o a_o synod_n for_o though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o call_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o at_o least_o the_o implicit_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n because_o church-messenger_n who_o necessary_o presuppose_v a_o explicit_a which_o order_n call_v for_o or_o implicit_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o synod_n query_n 2_o in_o what_o case_n may_v the_o church_n call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n answ_n in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n be_v defective_a and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n just_a cause_n providence_n and_o prudence_n concur_v the_o church_n may_v both_o call_v and_o constitute_v a_o synod_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n can_v constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n although_o the_o magistrate_n can_v constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v because_o the_o essentials_n of_o a_o synod_n together_o with_o such_o other_o cause_n as_o be_v require_v to_o the_o be_v though_o not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o better_a be_v of_o a_o synod_n arise_v out_o of_o particular_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a enumeration_n of_o the_o cause_n thereof_o the_o essential_a cause_n remote_a the_o authoritative_a call_n of_o the_o magistrate_n next_o the_o ministerial_a call_n of_o the_o church_n the_o material_a cause_n the_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n i._n e._n qualify_a church-messenger_n the_o formal_a cause_n the_o meeting_n together_o of_o such_o church-messenger_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o final_a cause_n to_o confider_v of_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n in_o question_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n query_n 3_o in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n and_o church_n be_v both_o willing_a to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o the_o joint_a exercise_n of_o their_o several_a power_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o either_o of_o they_o to_o call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o answ_n no_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v now_o by_o way_n of_o a_o mix_v call_v i._n e._n orderly_o and_o joint_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o several_a power_n that_o which_o learned_a parker_n speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n concern_v call_v of_o synod_n hold_v also_o in_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n their_o power_n be_v divers_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o exercise_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v divers_a nor_o divide_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o as_o before_z the_o church_n desire_n the_o magistrate_n command_v church_n act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o liberty_n the_o magistrate_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n moses_n and_o aaron_n shall_v go_v together_o and_o kiss_v one_o another_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o god._n finis_fw-la courteous_a reader_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o the_o far_a distance_n of_o his_o love_a friend_n the_o publisher_n of_o this_o book_n some_o fault_n may_v have_v escape_v the_o press_n for_o the_o which_o the_o printer_n desire_v excuse_v vale._n
all_o christian_n but_o if_o god_n do_v set_v it_o home_o particular_o unto_o any_o soul_n that_o man_n receive_v this_o gift_n of_o god_n &_o it_o be_v make_v his_o own_o first_o he_o believe_v this_o promise_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o then_o afterward_o come_v other_o promise_n that_o do_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o right_a application_n of_o that_o promise_n unto_o the_o soul_n but_o i_o be_o first_o buâ—…_n upon_o a_o promise_n of_o freegrace_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o true_a close_n with_o jesus_n christ_n well_o then_o be_v thus_o unite_v unto_o christ_n from_o this_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v flow_v all_o other_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o from_o hence_o spring_v communion_n with_o christ_n in_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v for_o we_o in_o he_o and_o they_o be_v two_o of_o they_o relative_n blessing_n as_o they_o be_v call_v by_o divine_n and_o two_o of_o they_o positive_a blessing_n the_o two_o former_a be_v lay_v up_o in_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o be_v not_o create_v in_o we_o as_o the_o other_o two_o be_v 1_o for_o the_o relative_n blessing_n they_o be_v 1_o adoption_n 2_o justification_n and_o they_o spring_v immediate_o simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la from_o the_o former_a union_n with_o christ_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v wrought_v faith_n that_o we_o do_v not_o spurn_v against_o jesus_n christ_n now_o be_v the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o and_o we_o be_v now_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n himself_o be_v look_v as_o in_o a_o man_n first_o natural_a conception_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o adam_n do_v live_v there_o be_v a_o heir_n of_o adam_n even_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o soul_n live_v so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o new_a spiritual_a birth_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v and_o have_v wrought_v this_o faith_n now_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n in_o we_o and_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o now_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jo._n 1.12_o immediate_o upon_o this_o union_n with_o christ_n we_o be_v son_n by_o adoption_n and_o as_o we_o be_v adopt_a so_o likewise_o our_o sin_n be_v now_o impute_v unto_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n unto_o we_o and_o so_o our_o person_n be_v justify_v for_o how_o and_o when_o be_v adam_n sin_n impute_v unto_o we_o psa_fw-la 51.5_o behold_v i_o be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n etc._n etc._n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o there_o be_v life_n it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o adam_n now_o the_o imputation_n of_o adam_n sin_n fall_v immediate_o upon_o the_o soul_n so_o when_o we_o do_v receive_v christ_n by_o this_o live_a faith_n have_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n in_o we_o we_o have_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n also_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o what_o do_v the_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n though_o it_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o be_v mere_o passive_a yet_o sinful_a it_o be_v and_o a_o child_n of_o adam_n so_o also_o in_o this_o our_o regeneration_n the_o soul_n act_v not_o but_o only_o receive_v christ_n by_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v in_o it_o whereby_o also_o it_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o the_o privilege_n of_o adoption_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n account_v we_o his_o child_n and_o impute_v the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o son_n unto_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v these_o thing_n do_v dwell_v in_o god_n bosom_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v afterward_o reveal_v unto_o the_o soul_n but_o communicate_v they_o be_v both_o that_o of_o adoption_n and_o this_o of_o justification_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n wrought_v in_o we_o but_o we_o be_v still_o upon_o the_o first_o work_n of_o conversion_n wherein_o a_o christian_a be_v only_o passive_a and_o receptive_a and_o true_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o in_o the_o first_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o 2_o now_o for_o the_o positive_a blessing_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o they_o be_v 1_o sanctification_n 2_o glorification_n when_o we_o be_v call_v then_o be_v we_o sanctify_v then_o be_v we_o glorify_v 1_o cor._n 1.2_o as_o in_o our_o natural_a conception_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o child_n live_v adam_n sin_n be_v first_o impute_v and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o it_o to_o carry_v it_o captive_a unto_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v it_o backward_o unto_o any_o goodness_n so_o when_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v dispense_v unto_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o convey_v with_o it_o justification_n and_o in_o it_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o proneness_n in_o a_o justify_v person_n to_o be_v lively_a in_o duty_n if_o we_o live_v in_o the_o spirit_n let_v we_o also_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o faith_n our_o heart_n come_v to_o be_v purify_v act_v 15.9_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n quicken_v we_o unto_o holy_a duty_n so_o that_o we_o live_v yet_o not_o we_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o we_o yea_o the_o spirit_n sanctify_v draw_v we_o into_o a_o holy_a confederacy_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o family_n church_n &_o commonwealth_n and_o this_o sanctification_n grow_v and_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o for_o as_o corruption_n of_o nature_n spring_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o adam_n unrighteousness_n so_o do_v sanctification_n spring_n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o thence_o flow_v a_o proneness_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o a_o backwardness_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a this_o be_v sanctification_n 2_o the_o other_o positive_a gift_n be_v glorification_n which_o we_o read_v of_o rom._n 8.30_o this_o the_o apostle_n peter_n mention_v 1_o pet._n 5.10_o as_o that_o whereunto_o we_o be_v call_v and_o in_o truth_n he_o have_v begin_v the_o work_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o call_v and_o sanctify_v we_o 2_o tim._n 1.9_o from_o the_o very_a first_o time_n that_o god_n work_v upon_o the_o soul_n gracious_o there_o be_v a_o glorious_a work_n in_o that_o soul_n and_o other_o may_v see_v it_o though_o himself_o see_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v thus_o we_o see_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o doctrine_n open_v how_o the_o lord_n do_v receive_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n unto_o himself_o prepare_v they_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o of_o burn_v and_o then_o save_o by_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n the_o same_o spirit_n beget_v faith_n we_o be_v alive_a in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o come_v to_o be_v adopt_v and_o justify_v in_o he_o afterward_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o at_o first_o only_o receive_v adoption_n and_o justification_n do_v now_o begin_v to_o stir_v a_o little_a and_o to_o breath_n forth_o into_o gracious_a desire_n and_o some_o holy_a mourning_n and_o begin_v now_o to_o put_v forth_o such_o work_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n carry_v the_o soul_n a_o end_n in_o work_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o now_o for_o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o lord_n take_v the_o chief_a of_o abraham_n seed_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o this_o covenant_n unto_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v gal._n 3.16_o quest_n if_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o to_o be_v mediator_n how_o do_v he_o constitute_v he_o so_o to_o be_v answ_n by_o a_o double_a act_n first_o by_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o be_v one_o person_n with_o the_o second_o in_o trinity_n hereby_o lay_v a_o ground_n of_o a_o firm_a mediation_n between_o god_n and_o we_o for_o now_o come_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v of_o god_n nature_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v faithful_a unto_o god_n and_o of_o our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v compassionate_a towards_o we_o and_o here_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o this_o mediation_n to_o wit_n this_o personal_a union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o father_n which_o make_v up_o a_o firm_a and_o everlasting_a communion_n between_o god_n himself_o and_o jesus_n christ_n second_o by_o god_n give_v he_o to_o be_v a_o covenant_n isa_n 42.6_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o for_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mediator_n of_o this_o covenant_n 1_o to_o receive_v from_o god_n all_o the_o office_n and_o gracious_a gift_n whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n all_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o father_n col._n 1.19_o for_o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v thus_o he_o become_v a_o plentiful_a redeemer_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o
the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v ask_v how_o love_n and_o patience_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n do_v work_v the_o holy_a ghost_n stir_v up_o faith_n to_o look_v unto_o christ_n who_o return_v strength_n by_o his_o spirit_n unto_o faith_n &_o so_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o by_o meekness_n and_o by_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n act_v according_a to_o what_o we_o read_v rom._n 8.14_o come_v to_o any_o holy_a duty_n and_o it_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o lead_v you_o along_o and_o act_v in_o you_o so_o ezek._n 36.27_o &_o 2_o pet._n 1_o 2d_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o move_v we_o to_o any_o good_a work_n and_o that_o act_v the_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o we_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n also_o that_o witness_v to_o these_o gift_n and_o show_v what_o gift_n he_o have_v give_v we_o for_o such_o be_v the_o blindness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o see_v that_o general_o christian_n when_o the_o lord_n first_o work_v these_o gift_n in_o they_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o but_o they_o think_v they_o be_v in_o a_o sad_a and_o fearful_a condition_n and_o so_o they_o be_v very_o uncomfortable_a when_o they_o have_v great_a cause_n of_o rejoice_v but_o now_o lest_o that_o we_o shall_v always_o mistake_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o he_o indeed_o take_v his_o own_o time_n to_o discover_v it_o unto_o we_o to_o some_o soon_o to_o some_o late_a but_o this_o be_v his_o intendment_n that_o he_o may_v honour_v his_o grace_n upon_o we_o by_o all_o the_o rich_a and_o gracious_a gift_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o he_o do_v also_o reveal_v unto_o we_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o help_v we_o to_o do_v â—…om_n 9.1_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o wrought_v in_o he_o this_o brotherly_a love_n bear_v he_o witness_v also_o that_o he_o do_v not_o lie_v and_o that_o he_o have_v continual_a sorrow_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o that_o he_o can_v have_v wish_v to_o have_v be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v it_o grieve_v he_o so_o much_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o need_n there_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o to_o keep_v all_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o we_o to_o act_n they_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o gracious_a gift_n the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o what_o duty_n he_o have_v help_v we_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v account_n of_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o bear_v witness_n with_o we_o we_o see_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n both_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a temple_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o fit_a instrument_n for_o he_o to_o work_v by_o there_o be_v need_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o for_o the_o cause_n we_o have_v speak_v unto_o and_o i_o may_v add_v this_o to_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o the_o change_n that_o may_v come_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a scripture_n which_o we_o read_v in_o john_n 15.26_o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o our_o divine_n have_v no_o place_n of_o more_o clear_a evidence_n to_o prove_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n testify_v to_o we_o both_o what_o mighty_a redemption_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o and_o what_o grace_n he_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v testify_v even_o he_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o god_n people_n thus_o we_o see_v both_o these_o point_n open_v to_o we_o quest_n 3._o how_o may_v we_o then_o employ_v and_o improve_v this_o sanctification_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o and_o which_o he_o keep_v and_o act_v in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o whereunto_o he_o bear_v witness_n how_o or_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o employ_v it_o see_v the_o lord_n undertake_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n for_o we_o answ_n if_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n give_v we_o these_o gift_n it_o be_v our_o part_n then_o first_o to_o see_v that_o we_o do_v not_o rest_v in_o any_o sanctification_n which_o do_v not_o spring_n from_o christ_n convey_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n convey_v we_o to_o he_o the_o spirit_n knit_v we_o unto_o christ_n &_o christ_n unto_o we_o he_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o to_o receive_v whatsoever_o the_o lord_n give_v unto_o we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n work_v all_o our_o holiness_n for_o we_o 1_o cor._n 1.30_o christ_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o see_v he_o the_o principal_a author_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a comfort_n of_o all_o gift_n christ_n give_v in_o they_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o our_o safety_n and_o so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o these_o lie_v in_o our_o sanctification_n we_o ought_v to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v sanctification_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o than_o it_o be_v so_o when_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o to_o look_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o it_o and_o to_o it_o in_o he_o and_o as_o we_o look_v for_o our_o holiness_n to_o be_v perfect_a in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o we_o look_v for_o continual_a supply_n of_o it_o from_o he_o and_o this_o it_o be_v to_o make_v christ_n our_o sanctification_n when_o as_o whatsoever_o gift_n the_o lord_n give_v we_o we_o go_v not_o forth_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o may_v be_v a_o change_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o may_v spring_v from_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o may_v captivate_v our_o conscience_n unto_o the_o law_n that_o may_v restrain_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o constrain_v we_o unto_o duty_n but_o such_o holiness_n spring_v not_o always_o from_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o conscience_n of_o duty_n without_o sense_n of_o our_o need_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n at_o mount_n sinai_n deut._n 5.27,28,29_o go_v thou_o near_o say_v they_o to_o moses_n and_o hear_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v say_v and_o speak_v thou_o unto_o we_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o they_o have_v well_o say_v all_o that_o they_o have_v speak_v say_v the_o lord_n o_o that_o there_o be_v a_o heart_n in_o they_o that_o they_o will_v fear_v i_o etc._n etc._n this_o i_o say_v therefore_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v attend_v unto_o as_o ever_o you_o will_v make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o your_o holiness_n see_v that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o heart_n awe_v with_o the_o law_n but_o wait_v upon_o christ_n to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o we_o and_o to_o we_o so_o shall_v we_o neither_o neglect_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o we_o nor_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n but_o shall_v give_v due_a honour_n unto_o all_o of_o they_o together_o 2_o this_o may_v also_o teach_v all_o christian_n not_o to_o trust_v upon_o the_o gift_n of_o their_o holiness_n though_o they_o do_v spring_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o though_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v unchangeable_a though_o they_o spring_v from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o knit_v our_o soul_n in_o union_n with_o he_o yet_o trust_v not_o in_o the_o gift_n themselves_o the_o lord_n lay_v it_o down_o as_o the_o apostasy_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 16.14,15_o trust_v not_o therefore_o in_o any_o of_o these_o but_o let_v all_o our_o confidence_n be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n not_o in_o any_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n whatsoever_o for_o a_o little_a further_o open_v of_o it_o 1_o trust_v not_o in_o any_o gift_n that_o you_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o strong_a christian_a that_o be_v able_a to_o put_v forth_o a_o good_a thought_n 2_o cor._n 3.5_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v
joy_n and_o comfort_v also_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v minister_v to_o we_o in_o a_o sanctify_a course_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o we_o grow_v up_o and_o perfect_v our_o holiness_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v in_o his_o name_n there_o be_v growth_n in_o grace_n this_o sanctification_n be_v not_o bedrid_a christian_n be_v not_o as_o weak_a now_o as_o they_o be_v seven_o year_n ago_o nor_o do_v they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n but_o go_v forward_o in_o christianity_n and_o hereupon_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o ephesian_n chap._n 4.16_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n imply_v that_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n aught_o to_o grow_v on_o unto_o perfection_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n job_n 17.9_o and_o many_o sweet_a mean_n the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o end_n the_o communion_n of_o god_n people_n tend_v hereto_o prov._n 13.20_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o the_o wise_a shall_v learn_v wisdom_n all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v appoint_v for_o this_o end_n also_o to_o beget_v and_o increase_v faith_n and_o holiness_n therefore_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o these_o ordinance_n do_v not_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n but_o be_v still_o thrive_a and_o grow_v and_o that_o not_o in_o his_o own_o strength_n but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o jesus_n christ_n seek_v for_o his_o acceptance_n and_o help_n in_o every_o duty_n he_o go_v about_o and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v the_o colossian_n unto_o chap._n 2.6,7_o this_o ought_v christian_n main_o to_o attend_v unto_o that_o as_o you_o see_v the_o branch_n the_o more_o juice_n it_o suck_v the_o more_o fruitful_a it_o be_v so_o also_o it_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o know_v that_o the_o more_o need_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o be_v fruitful_a the_o more_o need_n we_o have_v to_o derive_v a_o continual_a fresh_a supply_n from_o 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there_o be_v no_o gift_n of_o christ_n nor_o no_o sanctification_n accompany_v salvation_n but_o it_o do_v knit_v we_o near_o and_o near_o unto_o christ_n and_o the_o more_o we_o be_v fill_v with_o true_a spiritual_a gift_n the_o more_o empty_a we_o be_v of_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o self_n conceit_n and_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v constant_o find_v this_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o preserve_v this_o empty_a frame_n in_o we_o the_o more_o full_a we_o be_v of_o any_o gift_n the_o more_o full_a shall_v we_o be_v of_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o consequent_o the_o less_o need_n shall_v we_o feel_v of_o christ_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o constant_a frame_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a argument_n that_o our_o best_a sanctification_n will_v not_o endure_v but_o fall_v away_o unless_o we_o be_v knit_v unto_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o by_o all_o true_a sanctification_n we_o be_v the_o more_o knit_v unto_o he_o so_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v know_v whether_o the_o superscription_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o image_n be_v stamp_v upon_o his_o sanctification_n this_o you_o shall_v ever_o find_v to_o be_v the_o stamp_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o more_o you_o receive_v from_o he_o the_o more_o you_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o he_o in_o so_o much_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v not_o the_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o if_o his_o gift_n flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o knit_v you_o unto_o christ_n you_o will_v find_v as_o great_a need_n to_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n as_o ever_o you_o do_v the_o first_o day_n when_o you_o come_v tremble_v into_o the_o pulpit_n if_o therefore_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o full_a so_o that_o the_o more_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o more_o sufficient_a we_o be_v and_o go_v not_o about_o the_o duty_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n in_o fear_n &_o tremble_a but_o in_o selfe-confidence_n if_o this_o be_v our_o usual_a and_o constant_a practice_n it_o be_v but_o counterfeit_a christianity_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o gift_n be_v counterfeit_a for_o they_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o man_n may_v by_o they_o be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o church_n and_o commonweal_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o more_o your_o gift_n be_v if_o you_o sit_v loose_a from_o christ_n the_o empty_a your_o heart_n be_v of_o he_o but_o you_o will_v say_v may_v not_o a_o christian_a be_v full_a of_o himself_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n yes_o god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v deny_v that_o for_o the_o best_a christian_n have_v go_v astray_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o best_a gift_n and_o hereupon_o abraham_n have_v be_v want_v in_o faith_n moses_n in_o meekness_n peter_n in_o courage_n and_o sarah_n in_o her_o modesty_n they_o have_v be_v so_o apt_a to_o trust_v upon_o those_o grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o have_v most_o abound_v that_o they_o have_v principal_o fail_v therein_o but_o this_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o if_o they_o have_v be_v overtake_v once_o or_o twice_o as_o the_o burn_a child_n dread_v the_o fire_n so_o they_o grow_v to_o be_v more_o sensible_a of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n more_o fearful_a of_o depart_v from_o he_o more_o careful_a to_o cleave_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v grow_v up_o in_o his_o name_n unto_o all_o well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o sanctification_n that_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n in_o any_o man_n it_o be_v a_o great_a suspicion_n whether_o the_o gift_n thereof_o flow_v from_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n or_o no_o if_o gift_n be_v true_o spiritual_a a_o man_n shall_v usual_o grow_v up_o in_o they_o habenti_fw-la dabitur_fw-la employ_v they_o and_o multiply_v they_o but_o if_o you_o employ_v the_o gift_n you_o have_v receive_v in_o your_o own_o strength_n and_o you_o be_v now_o full_a of_o your_o own_o sanctification_n true_o this_o be_v but_o frothy_a work_n and_o do_v not_o convey_v true_a nor_o lively_a nourishment_n and_o comfort_n but_o the_o comfort_n and_o life_n be_v to_o he_o that_o in_o his_o most_o spiritual_a gift_n &_o best_a performance_n be_v empty_a of_o himself_o and_o only_o full_a of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o live_v or_o die_v be_v his_o advantage_n this_o be_v the_o use_n which_o i_o will_v commend_v unto_o you_o touch_v your_o christian_a sanctification_n thus_o we_o see_v sundry_a thing_n have_v be_v clear_v from_o this_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n there_o remain_v another_o thing_n to_o be_v resolve_v and_o clear_v from_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n do_v give_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n it_o be_v then_o to_o be_v inquire_v how_o god_n the_o father_n give_v himself_o and_o how_o the_o son_n and_o how_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v himself_o for_o these_o be_v the_o fundamental_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o necessary_a to_o be_v open_v for_o clear_n the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o quest_n how_o god_n the_o father_n do_v give_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n in_o covenant_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n that_o be_v to_o the_o faithful_a seed_n of_o abraham_n answ_n all_o the_o person_n in_o trinity_n concur_v in_o work_n ad_fw-la extra_fw-la in_o work_n upon_o the_o creature_n they_o give_v themselves_o by_o a_o threefold_a work_n or_o act._n 1._o the_o first_o act_n of_o god_n be_v have_v choose_v we_o in_o his_o son_n he_o give_v forth_o his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o abraham_n &_o his_o seed_n