church-government_n be_v to_o be_v settle_v among_o they_o for_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o christ_n offer_v to_o a_o people_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n they_o be_v bring_v thereby_o under_o a_o necessity_n either_o of_o sin_v against_o god_n if_o they_o receive_v not_o christ_n or_o of_o be_v persecute_v and_o miserable_a in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o receive_v he_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o and_o the_o world_n be_v condemn_v of_o sin_n if_o it_o believe_v not_o in_o he_o joh._n 16.8_o 9_o so_o then_o see_v god_n have_v appoint_v this_o necessity_n to_o follow_v the_o gospel_n preach_v or_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o truth_n to_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o bring_v a_o people_n on_o a_o necessity_n either_o of_o sin_n or_o misery_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v this_o and_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o they_o but_o he_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o the_o case_n be_v different_a either_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a necessity_n of_o preach_v then_o of_o exercise_v church-government_n or_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o necessity_n be_v not_o proper_a and_o per_fw-la se_fw-la by_o itself_o follow_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o only_o accidental_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o world_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o show_v a_o great_a necessity_n of_o the_o one_o then_o of_o the_o other_o he_o may_v perhaps_o show_v that_o the_o one_o may_v go_v before_o the_o other_o naâ—â—ly_o that_o teach_v must_v be_v first_o but_o that_o upon_o teach_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o christ_n commandment_n under_o which_o the_o commandment_n of_o church-government_n be_v comprehend_v must_v needs_o follow_v be_v clear_a from_o the_o fundamental_a commission_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 28.20_o and_o he_o that_o do_v charge_n timothy_n to_o preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 4.2_o do_v also_o charge_v he_o in_o the_o same_o place_n to_o watch_v and_o elsewhere_o with_o no_o less_o earnestness_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o government_n without_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 21._o and_o we_o have_v see_v heretofore_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o less_o essential_o requisite_a in_o christianity_n than_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n although_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o in_o order_n so_o than_o he_o can_v plead_v a_o great_a necessity_n of_o the_o one_o then_o of_o the_o other_o but_o then_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o by_o itself_o a_o proper_a cause_n of_o persecution_n and_o misery_n but_o only_o accidental_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o evil_a world_n which_o hate_v the_o godly_a without_o a_o cause_n i_o say_v that_o herein_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o answer_n concerning_o the_o matter_n of_o government_n for_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o government_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v be_v no_o cause_n either_o of_o sin_n or_o misery_n by_o itself_o but_o only_o accidental_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n from_o whence_o you_o see_v that_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o his_o reason_n in_o the_o first_o section_n be_v not_o true_a as_o he_o do_v presuppose_v it_o namely_o that_o whatsoever_o do_v necessitate_v a_o people_n either_o to_o sin_n or_o to_o be_v miserable_a be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o make_v it_o true_a a_o limitation_n be_v to_o be_v add_v thus_o whatsoever_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o property_n and_o not_o accidental_o do_v necessitate_v a_o people_n either_o to_o sin_n or_o misery_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o a_o people_n but_o then_o if_o you_o express_v according_a to_o this_o presupposal_n the_o assumption_n or_o second_o proposition_n of_o his_o argument_n thus_o now_o the_o settle_n of_o church-government_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o property_n and_o not_o accidental_o necessitate_v a_o people_n either_o to_o sin_n or_o to_o be_v miseable_a this_o you_o see_v be_v evident_o false_a and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o infer_v do_v not_o hold_v true_a namely_o that_o no_o church-government_n ought_v to_o be_v settle_v upon_o this_o people_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o his_o reason_v be_v a_o hide_a fallacy_n fit_a to_o deceive_v ignorant_a people_n and_o plausible_a to_o a_o natural_a man_n capacity_n but_o no_o way_n agreeable_a with_o god_n truth_n and_o counsel_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o god_n have_v determine_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o this_o necessity_n in_o some_o degree_n more_o or_o less_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o perseverance_n but_o you_o perhaps_o will_v say_v that_o he_o make_v not_o this_o the_o chief_a ground_n of_o his_o reason_v but_o that_o he_o seem_v only_o to_o touch_v it_o as_o a_o inference_n follow_v upon_o the_o precedent_n to_o show_v the_o inconveniency_n thereof_o i_o answer_v if_o it_o be_v no_o inconveniency_n in_o god_n counsel_n than_o his_o counsel_n to_o reject_v all_o church-government_n upon_o this_o ground_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n counsel_n and_o he_o speak_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o please_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n have_v thus_o discover_v the_o deceit_n of_o his_o main_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n you_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o superstructure_n will_v fall_v but_o that_o we_o may_v further_o see_v the_o force_n of_o his_o consequence_n and_o the_o coherence_n of_o matter_n which_o he_o lay_v together_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o set_v all_o his_o argument_n in_o their_o order_n distinct_o thus_o than_o he_o do_v reason_n that_o which_o bring_v upon_o a_o people_n a_o necessity_n of_o sin_n or_o misery_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o church-government_n will_v do_v this_o ergo_fw-la no_o church-government_n be_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o the_o first_o proposition_n of_o this_o argument_n have_v be_v now_o examine_v and_o find_v false_a his_o discourse_n run_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o namely_o that_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o church-government_n will_v bring_v this_o people_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_n thus_o that_o which_o will_v put_v this_o people_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n will_v put_v they_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_n rom._n 14.5_o but_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o church-government_n will_v put_v they_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n ergo_fw-la it_o will_v put_v they_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_n here_o again_o the_o major_a or_o first_o proposition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o a_o restriction_n thus_o that_o which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o by_o itself_o will_v put_v this_o people_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n will_v put_v they_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_n if_o they_o do_v it_o now_o with_o this_o restriction_n the_o second_o proposition_n be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o church-government_n whatsoever_o will_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o by_o itself_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o wherein_o they_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n therefore_o this_o conclusion_n be_v false_a namely_o that_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o church-government_n whatsoever_o will_v put_v they_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o sin_n here_o again_o you_o see_v plain_o the_o fallacy_n but_o he_o not_o observe_v this_o have_v go_v on_o in_o his_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o other_o proposition_n namely_o that_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o church-government_n whatsoever_o will_v bring_v the_o people_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o to_o make_v this_o good_a he_o argue_v thus_o a_o people_n that_o be_v general_o untaught_a in_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o church-government_n will_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n if_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o church-government_n be_v bring_v upon_o they_o but_o this_o people_n be_v general_o untaught_a in_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o church-government_n
ergo_o they_o will_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n if_o the_o settle_n of_o any_o church-government_n be_v bring_v upon_o they_o although_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v yet_o the_o former_a ground_n not_o be_v sound_a the_o consequence_n by_o which_o his_o main_a conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v infer_v will_v not_o hold_v but_o let_v we_o now_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o proposition_n also_o in_o themselves_o first_o then_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o first_o proposition_n of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v true_a and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a consequence_n namely_o because_o a_o people_n be_v unraight_o and_o not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o church-government_n that_o therefore_o they_o will_v be_v put_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o case_n they_o be_v bring_v under_o government_n i_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a coherence_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o proposition_n with_o the_o latter_a 1._o because_o the_o settle_n of_o the_o government_n may_v be_v such_o as_o shall_v bring_v its_o own_o light_n with_o it_o and_o convince_v those_o that_o receive_v it_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o ground_n thereof_o 2._o because_o the_o settle_n of_o it_o may_v be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o put_v they_o upon_o any_o practice_n whereat_o they_o shall_v scruple_n for_o both_o the_o government_n and_o the_o way_n of_o settle_v it_o may_v be_v so_o moderate_a and_o suitable_a to_o tender_a conscience_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v constrain_v to_o any_o thing_n whereof_o they_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v 3._o because_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o that_o every_o one_o who_o be_v to_o be_v under_o government_n in_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o understand_v the_o whole_a nature_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o government_n or_o else_o be_v oblige_v to_o refuse_v all_o obedience_n thereunto_o for_o fear_v of_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o something_o whereof_o they_o can_v be_v full_o persuade_v be_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o government_n shall_v not_o urge_v any_o such_o practice_n upon_o they_o and_o if_o they_o know_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v lead_v with_o rigour_n but_o with_o judgement_n that_o the_o lose_a will_v be_v seek_v the_o break_a bind_v up_o the_o sick_a strengthen_v 34.16_o and_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o bring_v back_o will_v not_o this_o be_v satisfactory_a i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o dissuade_v any_o from_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o ability_n in_o any_o thing_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v but_o rather_o wish_v that_o all_o may_v be_v as_o the_o bâ—reans_n be_v noble_a in_o search_v out_o all_o truth_n nevertheless_o i_o do_v not_o see_v it_o either_o needful_a or_o useful_a that_o man_n shall_v walk_v so_o scrupulous_o and_o partial_o as_o this_o position_n seem_v to_o allow_v for_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v without_o partiality_n 4._o nor_o do_v i_o see_v that_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v every_o one_o to_o be_v careful_a of_o his_o own_o private_a way_n to_o do_v all_o in_o faith_n and_o with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n do_v oblige_v he_o that_o have_v this_o care_n of_o himself_o to_o judge_v also_o the_o action_n of_o church-governor_n in_o the_o way_n of_o government_n so_o narrow_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o know_v all_o what_o they_o do_v or_o else_o be_v subject_a in_o nothing_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o i_o must_v do_v and_o another_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o duty_n belong_v to_o the_o government_n which_o be_v entrust_v unto_o other_o i_o may_v do_v the_o former_a and_o satisfy_v myself_o in_o what_o concern_v myself_o and_o yet_o may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a of_o the_o latter_a so_o than_o i_o do_v not_o find_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o the_o settle_n of_o a_o church-government_n upon_o i_o who_o be_o not_o full_o inform_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o will_v put_v i_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o whereof_o i_o be_o not_o full_o persuade_v except_o i_o be_v oblige_v to_o administer_v the_o government_n which_o i_o understand_v not_o for_o then_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o put_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o whereof_o i_o be_o not_o persuade_v but_o if_o i_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v this_o and_o be_o leave_v free_a to_o do_v what_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o do_v how_o be_v it_o true_a that_o by_o the_o settle_n of_o government_n i_o be_o put_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o whereof_o i_o be_o not_o full_o persuade_v if_o you_o say_v although_o you_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o practise_v the_o government_n as_o one_o to_o who_o the_o duty_n of_o government_n be_v entrust_v yet_o you_o will_v be_v oblige_v by_o way_n of_o obedience_n to_o practise_v that_o which_o the_o government_n shall_v enjoin_v you_o to_o do_v and_o that_o may_v be_v for_o aught_o you_o know_v something_o whereof_o you_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v no_o charity_n in_o i_o to_o suspect_v that_o the_o government_n will_v put_v i_o upon_o any_o such_o practice_n but_o if_o it_o do_v than_o it_o will_v be_v time_n to_o show_v my_o grievance_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o think_v it_o not_o just_a because_o i_o may_v think_v that_o some_o such_o thing_n may_v fall_v out_o that_o therefore_o i_o shall_v dissuade_v all_o from_o admit_v of_o any_o government_n whatsoever_o till_o all_o my_o apprehension_n be_v clear_v do_v not_o i_o in_o this_o case_n not_o only_o want_v charity_n but_o also_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o i_o to_o have_v all_o unsettle_a till_o i_o be_v satisfy_v why_o shall_v other_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v under_o government_n and_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o for_o my_o sake_n or_o why_o shall_v i_o put_v fear_n and_o jealousy_n in_o their_o mind_n to_o alienate_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o government_n be_v not_o this_o to_o seek_v myself_o more_o than_o the_o public_a but_o his_o assumption_n or_o second_o proposition_n say_v that_o this_o people_n be_v general_o untaught_a in_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o he_o seek_v not_o himself_o in_o this_o so_o much_o as_o the_o public_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o judge_v he_o in_o his_o particular_a aim_n god_n alone_o do_v know_v the_o secret_n of_o heart_n but_o two_o thing_n i_o must_v add_v first_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v may_v have_v such_o a_o aim_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o give_v cause_n to_o suspect_v that_o he_o may_v perhaps_o be_v guilty_a thereof_o second_o i_o say_v that_o i_o see_v no_o cause_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v of_o this_o people_n be_v true_a in_o the_o sense_n which_o his_o word_n tend_v or_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o this_o people_n do_v general_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o some_o government_n and_o that_o the_o best_a government_n be_v that_o which_o be_v settle_v according_a to_o god_n will_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o settle_v and_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o ministry_n to_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o as_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o to_o rule_n over_o they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n but_o according_a to_o god_n will_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n so_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o yield_v to_o every_o thing_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v convict_v from_o the_o word_n that_o it_o be_v to_o god_n will_n i_o say_v i_o see_v no_o cause_n to_o believe_v but_o that_o this_o people_n be_v general_o thus_o much_o taugh_v or_o at_o least_o so_o much_o advance_v towards_o the_o apprehension_n of_o these_o truth_n that_o if_o they_o but_o hear_v they_o deliver_v they_o will_v sincere_o assent_v thereunto_o and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o government_n therefore_o although_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o many_o be_v untaught_a in_o the_o particular_a way_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o government_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o house_n yet_o i_o can_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a to_o think_v
also_o mar._n 8_o 38._o luk._n 9_o 26._o mat._n 10.33_o these_o three_o thing_n than_o make_v up_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o except_o all_o three_o be_v take_v together_o the_o tie_n of_o subjection_n unto_o god_n be_v not_o complete_a thus_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o true_a religion_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o principle_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o state_n i_o suppose_v he_o do_v mean_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n position_n and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n upon_o which_o christianity_n be_v ground_v and_o whereupon_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n be_v settle_v now_o what_o these_o principle_n be_v by_o which_o the_o whole_a point_n of_o doubt_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v he_o say_v nothing_o express_o to_o any_o purpose_n but_o only_o insinuate_v the_o matter_n suspicious_o and_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o for_o little_a instruction_n or_o edification_n i_o must_v then_o let_v you_o know_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n must_v needs_o be_v threefold_a according_a to_o the_o three_o tie_n of_o conscience_n hereafter_o mention_v namely_o principle_n of_o truth_n in_o doctrine_n principle_n of_o practice_n in_o godliness_n and_o last_o principle_n of_o our_o public_a profession_n of_o both_o these_o the_o principle_n that_o be_v fundamental_a in_o doctrine_n be_v all_o such_o truth_n and_o position_n which_o bear_v a_o character_n of_o necessity_n or_o be_v special_o recommend_v to_o our_o faith_n as_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n as_o that_o of_o 1_o tim._n 3.16_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o of_o 2_o tim._n 2.8_o remember_v that_o jesus_n christ_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a according_a to_o my_o gospel_n and_o such_o like_a which_o may_v have_v a_o twofold_a character_n of_o fundamentality_n either_o by_o some_o express_a word_n declare_v their_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o when_o christ_n say_v joh._n 3.5_o very_o very_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o by_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o itself_o though_o without_o any_o intimation_n thereof_o in_o the_o expression_n as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n 1.17_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o innate_a property_n of_o justice_n and_o of_o life_n depend_v upon_o faith_n that_o faith_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o salvation_n although_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o have_v not_o say_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 11.5_o these_o character_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n i_o thus_o brief_o hint_n at_o only_a to_o show_v what_o must_v distinguish_v a_o principle_n from_o another_o truth_n in_o case_n we_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o judge_v of_o some_o position_n whether_o they_o be_v fundamental_a or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v good_a to_o walk_v by_o know_a rule_n for_o otherwise_o we_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o light_n and_o as_o in_o matter_n doctrinal_a so_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n there_o be_v fundamental_a duty_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o luk._n 13.3_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v and_o that_o of_o heb._n 12.14_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o from_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o tim._n â—_z 5_o concerning_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n may_v easy_o be_v conclude_v that_o charity_n be_v a_o fundamental_a duty_n although_o he_o have_v not_o say_v elsewhere_o if_o i_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13.2_o and_o as_o in_o the_o inward_a truth_n of_o faith_n and_o godliness_n so_o in_o the_o outward_a profession_n there_o be_v fundamental_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o which_o in_o this_o case_n i_o suppose_v will_v be_v most_o considerable_a because_o i_o think_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n so_o far_o as_o these_o relate_v to_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o the_o inward_a frame_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o god_n there_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o dispuâ—e_n among_o we_o but_o in_o the_o outward_a confession_n profession_n and_o exercise_n of_o religious_a duty_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v uphold_v by_o way_n of_o government_n for_o god_n glory_n among_o man_n i_o suppose_v the_o chief_a doubt_n of_o this_o question_n do_v lie_v therefore_o to_o resolve_v the_o same_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v more_o distinct_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n i_o conceive_v that_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o public_a witness-bearing_n and_o open_n of_o ourselves_o to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n due_a to_o god_n towards_o man_n which_o can_v be_v do_v only_o two_o way_n by_o word_n and_o deed_n we_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n two_o way_n first_o when_o we_o worship_v god_n public_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n in_o christ_n the_o lord_n phil._n 2.11_o and_o give_v praise_n unto_o he_o through_o christ_n rom._n 15.9_o 10._o heb._n 13.15_o and_o when_o we_o join_v with_o those_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o say_v amen_n to_o that_o which_o be_v profess_v by_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14_o 16._o second_o when_o we_o give_v a_o account_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o we_o bear_v witneâ—s_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o deed_n in_o three_o sort_n of_o action_n first_o in_o the_o action_n whereby_o we_o show_v that_o we_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n second_o in_o the_o action_n whereby_o we_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o three_o by_o the_o action_n whereby_o we_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o our_o action_n be_v consider_v as_o single_a between_o god_n and_o we_o in_o the_o second_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o coordinate_a to_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o three_o as_o subordinate_a unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n there_o be_v certain_a fundamental_a duty_n and_o principle_n of_o walk_v which_o if_o a_o christian_n do_v not_o know_v and_o conscionable_o intend_v he_o do_v sin_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o profession_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o we_o be_v command_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o follower_n of_o he_o as_o be_v call_v to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n 1_o thes._n 2.12_o ephe._n 5_o 1._o mat._n 5.44_o 45_o 46_o 47_o 48._o to_o do_v all_o our_o matter_n without_o murmur_n and_o dispute_n be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a in_o a_o crooked_a generation_n and_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2.14_o 15_o 16._o and_o to_o this_o effect_n all_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n must_v intend_v two_o main_a thing_n first_o as_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v baptise_v into_o his_o death_n to_o serve_v he_o by_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o by_o be_v crucify_v thereby_o unto_o the_o world_n rom._n 6.3_o gal._n 6.14_o mat._n 16.24_o second_o such_o as_o thus_o serve_v and_o follow_v christ_n must_v walk_v open_o in_o the_o light_n before_o man_n and_o not_o close_o and_o in_o darkness_n joh._n 3.20_o 21_o 22_o and_o 1_o joh._n 1.17_o mat._n 5.16_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o second_o we_o be_v command_v to_o serve_v other_o through_o love_n not_o use_v our_o freedom_n to_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 5.13_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n forbear_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o offence_n and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephe._n 4.2_o 3._o and_o to_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n gall_n 6.2_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n to_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v each_o other_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n heb._n 10.24_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o some_o be_v heb._n 10.25_o and_o still_o be_v to_o partake_v in_o the_o assembly_n the_o ordinance_n in_o a_o orderly_a way_n 1_o cor._n 11._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la to_o remember_v the_o poor_a by_o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n gal._n 2.10_o rom._n 12.13_o to_o
wherein_o i_o be_o to_o look_v upon_o his_o manner_n of_o proceed_v for_o the_o determination_n thereof_o to_o see_v how_o far_o it_o do_v reach_v the_o aim_n of_o advance_v truth_n and_o peace_n the_o second_o part._n the_o query_n whether_o it_o be_v fit_a according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o state_n to_o settle_v any_o church-government_n over_o the_o kingdom_n hasty_o or_o not_o and_o with_o the_o power_n common_o desire_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n i_o have_v hitherto_o deliver_v my_o sense_n of_o this_o query_n and_o by_o way_n of_o deliberation_n show_v what_o answer_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o it_o now_o i_o purpose_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o answer_n which_o he_o do_v give_v to_o observe_v what_o truth_n be_v in_o it_o and_o how_o far_o the_o way_n which_o he_o do_v suggest_v be_v useful_a for_o peace_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o his_o discourse_n i_o must_v examine_v his_o reason_n and_o to_o this_o effect_n i_o will_v set_v down_o in_o his_o own_o word_n so_o near_o as_o may_v be_v the_o argument_n which_o he_o do_v use_v and_o that_o in_o their_o full_a strength_n to_o make_v good_a his_o conclusion_n and_o then_o i_o will_v compare_v the_o point_n of_o doubt_n with_o that_o wherein_o the_o force_n of_o the_o reason_n do_v lie_v his_o reason_n lie_v in_o several_a aphorism_n or_o section_n without_o method_n or_o coherence_n he_o be_v brief_a and_o dark_a and_o do_v presuppose_v some_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v express_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o matter_n now_o i_o hate_v confusion_n and_o therefore_o without_o do_v he_o wrong_v will_v reduce_v his_o reason_n to_o certain_a head_n under_o which_o all_o shall_v be_v bring_v in_o which_o he_o do_v allege_v in_o such_o order_n as_o his_o matter_n will_v admit_v of_o he_o endeavour_v then_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o any_o church-government_n shall_v be_v settle_v hasty_o in_o this_o kingdom_n from_o four_o head_n of_o argument_n 1._o from_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o parochial_a congregation_n to_o admit_v of_o government_n sect._n 1.2_o 6._o 2._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o fault_n of_o reformer_n in_o latter_a day_n sect._n 3.4_o 5._o 3._o from_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o new_a clergyman_n to_o administer_v church_n government_n sect._n 8.9_o 4._o from_o the_o interest_n of_o state_n and_o of_o the_o dissent_a brethren_n sect._n 7.10.11_o concerning_o the_o first_o in_o the_o first_o head_n i_o find_v two_o pre-supposall_n which_o he_o take_v as_o grant_v the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o which_o a_o people_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o receive_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o suitableness_n be_v not_o hasty_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o the_o second_o be_v that_o which_o a_o people_n ought_v to_o receive_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n or_o uselesseness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o the_o first_o assertion_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o first_o and_o six_o and_o the_o second_o of_o his_o second_o section_n but_o the_o first_o be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v without_o a_o limitation_n for_o ignorance_n and_o want_n of_o suteableness_n in_o a_o people_n except_o it_o be_v find_v altogether_o invincible_a do_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o obedience_n nor_o shall_v good_a law_n and_o government_n whereby_o a_o people_n may_v be_v instruct_v and_o make_v suitable_a to_o perform_v necessary_a duty_n be_v leave_v off_o because_o former_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o teach_v nay_o in_o human_a government_n the_o contrary_a may_v be_v assert_v for_o a_o truth_n namely_o that_o where_o a_o people_n be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o do_v want_v sutableness_n to_o perform_v it_o towards_o superior_n there_o government_n ought_v to_o be_v constitute_v without_o delay_n lest_o their_o unruliness_n and_o unteachableness_n become_v habitual_a for_o the_o want_n of_o government_n do_v make_v a_o people_n wild_a thus_o than_o the_o assertion_n be_v not_o universal_o true_a but_o perhaps_o he_o will_v say_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religious_a subjection_n it_o will_v hold_v true_a because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v bind_v no_o man_n further_o to_o practical_a obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o government_n than_o he_o do_v understand_v the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o government_n to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 14.5_o let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o vers._n 23._o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n from_o this_o place_n he_o infer_v that_o if_o a_o people_n be_v not_o teach_v the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o government_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o how_o this_o consequence_n do_v follow_v we_o shall_v see_v anon_o when_o we_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o first_o section_n but_o here_o i_o will_v intimate_v only_o that_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v not_o give_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o subjection_n relate_v to_o government_n but_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o freedom_n relate_v to_o discretion_n whereby_o every_o one_o be_v to_o look_v to_o his_o own_o private_a way_n for_o in_o that_o four_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v christian_n rule_n of_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o moderation_n in_o judge_v one_o another_o for_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n such_o as_o be_v meat_n and_o day_n in_o these_o thing_n he_o forbid_v the_o strong_a to_o despise_v the_o weak_a and_o the_o weak_a to_o judge_v the_o strong_a ver._n 2.3_o 4._o and_o he_o will_v every_o one_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n concerning_o that_o which_o he_o do_v that_o he_o may_v not_o do_v it_o either_o with_o offence_n to_o other_o or_o doubting_o within_o himself_o if_o either_o of_o these_o befall_v he_o the_o apostle_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n from_o verse_n 4._o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o chief_o concerning_o the_o man_n that_o doubt_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o say_v that_o if_o he_o eat_v not_o with_o faith_n he_o be_v damn_v because_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v clear_o of_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o every_o one_o be_v to_o govern_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o private_a action_n namely_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o he_o can_v do_v in_o faith_n and_o whereof_o he_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n now_o how_o from_o a_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n a_o consequence_n will_v be_v right_o draw_v to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o any_o church-government_n shall_v be_v hasty_o settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v not_o clear_a to_o i_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n for_o because_o a_o christian_n may_v abstain_v from_o do_v that_o whereof_o he_o be_v in_o doubt_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v lawful_a that_o therefore_o no_o church-government_n shall_v be_v settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n seem_v to_o i_o no_o good_a inference_n for_o if_o the_o roman_n to_o who_o these_o rule_n be_v give_v be_v under_o church-government_n as_o be_v apparent_a they_o be_v by_o ch._n 12.4.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o if_o this_o doubt_n in_o private_a case_n of_o practice_n be_v incident_a unto_o they_o and_o do_v not_o exempt_v they_o from_o that_o obligation_n nor_o do_v make_v church-government_n a_o thing_n unfit_a for_o their_o edification_n in_o godliness_n i_o know_v not_o why_o it_o shall_v exempt_v this_o people_n from_o the_o same_o obligation_n or_o be_v unfit_a for_o their_o public_a edification_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o his_o proof_n of_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o these_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o section_n he_o say_v thus_o that_o no_o church-government_n ought_v to_o be_v settle_v upon_o this_o people_n because_o if_o any_o be_v settle_v it_o will_v bring_v this_o people_n either_o to_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_n against_o god_n or_o of_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n his_o general_a ground_n than_o be_v this_o whatsoever_o may_v occasion_v a_o people_n either_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n or_o to_o become_v miserable_a in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v bring_v upon_o they_o this_o he_o take_v as_o a_o universal_a truth_n and_o do_v presuppose_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n undeniable_a but_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o false_a ground_n and_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o limitation_n i_o may_v conclude_v from_o it_o in_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v as_o well_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v offer_v to_o a_o people_n as_o that_o no_o