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
yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v persuade_v of_o truth_n to_o be_v truth_n be_v deceive_v likewise_o there_o be_v a_o man_n who_o in_o his_o dream_n think_v certain_o he_o be_v awake_a and_o speak_v that_o man_n certain_o be_v deceive_v but_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o conclude_v from_o that_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v real_o awake_a can_v know_v if_o he_o be_v so_o but_o must_v always_o suspect_v he_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o in_o a_o dream_n this_o much_o then_o for_o thing_n out_o of_o doubt_n and_o wherein_o a_o man_n upon_o good_a ground_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o the_o great_a question_n of_o all_o be_v concern_v point_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o we_o be_v not_o absolute_o persuade_v without_o some_o scruple_n and_o ground_n of_o doubt_n to_o the_o contrary_a how_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v god_n way_n in_o those_o and_o for_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o mark_n one_a the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v teach_v we_o in_o thing_n doubtful_a to_o incline_v to_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a side_n and_o that_o against_o which_o least_o can_v be_v say_v as_o for_o example_n in_o that_o controversy_n concern_v the_o add_v of_o sacred_a significant_a ceremony_n invent_v by_o man_n to_o god_n worship_n as_o bow_v to_o altar_n kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n sign_v with_o the_o cross_n at_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n those_o who_o plead_v such_o addition_n to_o be_v superstitious_a and_o unlawful_a do_v bring_v deutr._fw-la 12._o 32._o what_o thing_n soever_o i_o command_v you_o observe_v to_o do_v it_o thou_o shall_v not_o add_v thereto_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o and_o such_o like_a scripture_n for_o a_o proof_n the_o patron_n of_o ceremony_n answer_v that_o god_n forbid_v such_o addition_n only_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n but_o not_o such_o as_o be_v beside_o the_o word_n neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o it_o now_o that_o be_v the_o very_a answer_n which_o papist_n give_v to_o our_o protestant_a divine_n while_o we_o use_v the_o same_o scripture_n for_o a_o argument_n against_o all_o their_o superstitious_a ceremony_n invent_v by_o man_n and_o indeed_o if_o that_o door_n be_v once_o open_v a_o door_n be_v open_v not_o only_o for_o one_o or_o two_o but_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o on_o that_o ground_n only_o do_v they_o plead_v for_o they_o when_o we_o ask_v what_o warrant_n have_v they_o from_o scripture_n for_o their_o frequent_a cross_n their_o use_n of_o salt_n spittle_n exorcism_n in_o baptism_n their_o use_n of_o holy_a water_n baptise_v of_o bell_n pilgrimage_n and_o pennance_n they_o answer_v it_o be_v enough_o of_o warrant_n for_o the_o church_n to_o command_v they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o express_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n now_o see_v the_o way_n that_o be_v plead_v for_o such_o ceremony_n cast_v up_o so_o wide_a a_o gap_n it_o be_v sure_a that_o to_o abstain_v from_o they_o altogether_o be_v the_o safe_a 2._o that_o way_n in_o thing_n doubtful_a be_v most_o like_a to_o be_v christ_n the_o chief_a promoter_n whereof_o be_v not_o carry_v on_o with_o by-end_n self_n design_n to_o acquire_v worldly_a honour_n or_o riches_n or_o faâ—_n benefice_n to_o themselves_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o very_a thing_n they_o plead_v for_o and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o contradiction_n which_o they_o mantain_n be_v that_o nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n further_o than_o honest_a compitency_n and_o ministerial_a respect_n shall_v be_v bestow_v on_o christ_n minister_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a presumption_n at_o least_o that_o such_o a_o way_n be_v not_o christ_n wherein_o the_o chief_a promoter_n do_v palpable_o seek_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o worldly_a interest_n the_o apostle_n paul_n use_v to_o lay_v great_a weight_n on_o this_o mark_n especial_o rom._n 16._o 18._o such_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n so_o that_o if_o they_o seek_v their_o own_o belly_n they_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o philipp_n 3._o 18_o 19_o many_o walk_n that_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v evident_o see_v they_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n they_o be_v but_o enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n 3._o when_o people_n doubt_v about_o several_a way_n which_o of_o they_o be_v christ_n way_n they_o be_v to_o stick_v by_o that_o unto_o which_o they_o be_v most_o engage_v and_o by_o more_o solemn_a tie_n oblige_v until_o at_o least_o they_o be_v clear_o convince_v it_o be_v wrong_n for_o very_o common_a understanding_n will_v judge_v that_o to_o be_v the_o sure_a 4._o that_o way_n which_o by_o the_o grant_n of_o its_o adversary_n have_v ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o it_o though_o they_o also_o say_v man_n may_v change_v it_o must_v certain_o look_v more_o like_o christ_n way_n than_o the_o contrary_n which_o be_v confess_v by_o its_o prime_a maintainer_n to_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o great_a warrant_n which_o be_v give_v for_o it_o dothâ—ly_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n even_o a_o heathen_a king_n artaxerxes_n do_v know_v so_o much_o that_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n behoove_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n whence_o he_o issue_v forth_o a_o decree_n ezra_n 7_o 23._o whatsoever_o be_v command_v by_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n let_v it_o be_v diligent_o do_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n for_o why_o shall_v their_o be_v wrath_n against_o the_o realm_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o son_n last_o that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n and_o be_v attend_v most_o with_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o tender_a conversation_n in_o its_o most_o eminent_a mantainer_n and_o follower_n and_o this_o not_o for_o a_o little_a short_a flash_n only_o at_o its_o first_o beginning_n and_o when_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o its_o trial_n but_o at_o all_o time_n when_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o controversy_n about_o it_o that_o way_n i_o say_v look_v most_o like_a to_o christ_n way_n for_o all_o his_o way_n and_o every_o piece_n of_o it_o tend_v unto_o that_o to_o make_v people_n lead_v a_o godly_a and_o holy_a life_n titus_n 2._o 11_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o upon_o the_o contrary_a that_o way_n whereof_o the_o most_o zealous_a mantainer_n and_o and_o follower_n as_o to_o their_o generality_n have_v be_v still_o plague_v with_o profanity_n and_o looseness_n that_o way_n i_o say_v look_v not_o like_o the_o way_n of_o christ._n we_o will_v find_v christ_n himself_o do_v lean_v no_o small_a weight_n on_o this_o mark_v matth._n 7._o 15_o 16_o where_o he_o give_v a_o general_a rule_n whereby_o to_o try_v false_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n to_o wit_n the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o their_o doctrine_n have_v upon_o their_o own_o life_n and_o conversation_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o say_v he_o by_o their_o fruit_n do_v man_n gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n and_o verse_n 20._o wherefore_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v such_o undoubted_a truth_n as_o none_o will_v get_v they_o deny_v in_o the_o general_n and_o yet_o such_o as_o through_o god_n blessing_n be_v right_o improven_v may_v give_v people_n light_n in_o the_o former_a question_n to_o know_v which_o be_v christ_n way_n among_o the_o many_o wayeâ—_n on_o foot_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o as_o we_o need_v not_o any_o further_a application_n but_o exhort_v you_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 2_o tim_n 2._o 7._o consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o kilwinning_n upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n the_o four_o sermon_n act_n 11._o 23._o who_o when_o he_o come_v and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v glad_a and_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o scope_n of_o my_o sermon_n yesterday_o from_o jeremiah_n 3._o 22._o be_v to_o bring_v you_o to_o god_n the_o text_n in_o hand_n hold_v out_o a_o main_a duty_n you_o shall_v make_v conscience_n of_o when_o you_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o and_o have_v close_v with_o he_o as_o all_o of_o you_o by_o your_o approach_n to_o
a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n erastianism_n indepéndency_n and_o separation_n deliver_v in_o some_o sermon_n from_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o preach_v in_o the_o year_n 1652._o to_o which_o be_v add_v four_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n by_o mr_n james_n fergusson_n late_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o kilwinning_n edinburgh_n print_a by_o george_n mosman_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o the_o parliament-close_a anno_fw-la domini_fw-la mdcxcii_o to_o the_o honourable_a m_n r._n francis_n montgomery_n of_o giffine_n honour_a sir_n so_o soon_o as_o i_o resolve_v upon_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o follow_a paper_n i_o fix_v on_o you_o as_o the_o only_a person_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v address_v and_o indeed_o whether_o i_o look_v on_o the_o author_n or_o on_o myself_o i_o conceive_v i_o be_v many_o way_n oblige_v so_o to_o do_v for_o as_o to_o the_o author_n you_o be_v a_o worthy_a branch_n of_o the_o noble_a 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a_o bait_n put_v on_o by_o the_o devil_n upon_o error_n now_o when_o these_o bait_n and_o people_n humour_n agree_v it_o be_v like_a powder_n and_o fire_n present_o they_o kindle_v reas._n 5_o there_o be_v a_o five_o thing_n which_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o lord_n that_o error_n may_v be_v a_o trial_n in_o his_o holy_a justice_n let_v out_o more_o than_o ordinary_a part_n and_o ability_n on_o spreader_n of_o error_n and_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o people_n when_o they_o be_v take_v with_o it_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o judgement_n to_o themselves_o and_o for_o a_o trial_n unto_o other_o give_v they_o as_o we_o speak_v a_o cast_n of_o their_o craft_n he_o elevate_v they_o above_o their_o ordinary_a sphere_n or_o what_o be_v their_o ordinary_a way_n and_o this_o we_o speak_v not_o without_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v of_o false_a antichristian_a teacher_n they_o shall_v come_v with_o lâ—ing_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o error_n which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v accompany_v error_n be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o place_n that_o we_o already_o cite_v 2_o thess_n 2_o 2._o when_o we_o look_v on_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o hope_v we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o point_n viz._n that_o foul_a error_n even_o when_o they_o be_v colour_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 the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v if_o there_o be_v this_o hazard_n than_o you_o will_v be_v afraid_a of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v say_v the_o righteous_a fear_n always_o i_o will_v seek_v no_o clear_a mark_n of_o any_o person_n that_o be_v
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
heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o samaritan_n and_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v that_o when_o people_n refuse_v christ_n in_o his_o person_n much_o less_o when_o they_o oppose_v he_o in_o his_o doctrine_n it_o be_v not_o his_o mind_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v but_o admonish_v and_o wait_v on_o but_o before_o we_o answer_v they_o must_v prove_v the_o quarrel_n be_v for_o religion_n now_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o james_n will_v have_v â—ire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n be_v because_o of_o a_o act_n of_o inhumanity_n in_o deny_v lodging_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o great_a envy_n and_o hatred_n betwixt_o these_o two_o people_n the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n the_o second_o answer_n we_o give_v be_v although_o the_o quarrel_n have_v be_v for_o religion_n yet_o it_o make_v not_o against_o this_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v whole_o idolater_n utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o doctrine_n be_v not_o that_o when_o a_o nation_n be_v lie_v in_o idolatry_n that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v do_v be_v the_o magistrate_n sword_n to_o slay_v they_o or_o to_o seek_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v they_o we_o say_v it_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o go_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n to_o force_v the_o indian_n to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n only_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v instruct_v and_o restrain_v from_o spread_a blasphemy_n reproach_v the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n our_o question_n be_v whether_o or_o not_o a_o people_n that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o have_v bind_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o christian_a truth_n whether_o or_o not_o when_o they_o fall_v away_o from_o truth_n to_o damnable_a error_n the_o magistrate_n may_v make_v they_o stand_v to_o their_o covenant_n as_o josiah_n do_v 2_o chron_n 34._o 31._o and_o he_o cause_v all_o that_o be_v present_a to_o stand_v to_o it_o object_n 6._o the_o six_o objection_n be_v this_o say_v they_o if_o magistrate_n may_v punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n than_o he_o may_v force_v the_o conscience_n for_o what_o they_o hold_v be_v as_o they_o profess_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n now_o to_o force_v the_o conscience_n be_v a_o fearful_a sin_n who_o dare_v meddle_v with_o conscience_n but_o the_o god_n of_o conscience_n answer_n this_o argument_n seem_v plausible_a but_o for_o answer_n to_o it_o we_o say_v conscience_n can_v be_v force_v proper_o only_o we_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v punish_v for_o or_o restrain_v sin_n in_o such_o outward_a motion_n as_o come_v from_o a_o evil_n inform_v conscience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sinful_a force_n of_o the_o conscience_n than_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o from_o conscience_n kill_v the_o apostle_n john_n 16_o 2._o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n yet_o we_o hope_v none_o will_v say_v the_o punishment_n of_o such_o will_v be_v a_o sinful_a force_n of_o the_o conscience_n so_o it_o be_v a_o sinful_a thing_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o make_v their_o child_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n unto_o molech_n under_o the_o name_n of_o conscienceâ—_n these_o and_o many_o other_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o tenet_n of_o they_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v follow_v the_o indytment_n of_o a_o delude_a conscience_n what_o have_v there_o not_o be_v and_o yet_o be_v heretic_n who_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o the_o vile_a villainy_n of_o the_o world_n the_o jesuit_n pretend_v conscience_n for_o stob_a king_n and_o magistrate_n the_o gnostic_n to_o have_v wife_n common_a and_o ancient_a heretic_n have_v make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n to_o practice_n adultery_n and_o some_o present_a heretic_n to_o marry_v their_o sister_n so_o that_o the_o â—igher_a in_o blood_n the_o person_n marry_v be_v the_o marriage_n be_v to_o they_o the_o more_o spiritual_a and_o a_o number_n of_o such_o like_a villainy_n now_o will_v any_o think_v it_o a_o sinful_a force_n of_o conscience_n to_o punish_v such_o whatever_o they_o tattle_n of_o conscience_n but_o second_o to_o what_o they_o say_v for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v man_n for_o error_n be_v a_o persecute_v of_o man_n for_o conscience_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v then_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o god_n command_v sin_n to_o the_o godly_a magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o have_v a_o command_n to_o punish_v man_n for_o idolatry_n three_o if_o this_o be_v a_o persecute_v of_o conscience_n than_o it_o be_v a_o persecute_v of_o conscience_n to_o preach_v against_o error_n to_o refute_v it_o by_o good_a reason_n to_o make_v this_o consequence_n clear_a know_v as_o there_o be_v a_o persecution_n with_o the_o hand_n so_o with_o the_o tongue_n and_o it_o be_v the_o bitter_a persecution_n that_o be_v call_v job_n 5._o 21_o the_o scourge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o mock_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o of_o the_o fearful_a persecution_n he_o meet_v with_o he_o trust_v in_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o preach_v against_o they_o etc._n etc._n why_o for_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o persecute_v they_o for_o conscience_n but_o four_o our_o answer_n be_v it_o be_v not_o the_o hurt_n infer_v that_o make_v sinful_a persecution_n but_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n for_o which_o the_o punishment_n be_v inflict_v there_o be_v a_o seven_o objection_n they_o bring_v against_o this_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v this_o say_v they_o if_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v error_n and_o heresy_n it_o will_v lay_v a_o tie_n on_o magistrate_n to_o know_v what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o be_v error_n now_o say_v they_o there_o be_v many_o intricate_a question_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o error_n and_o truth_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o magistrate_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o therefore_o say_v they_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n we_o put_v power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n whereby_o he_o may_v punish_v those_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n if_o the_o magistrate_n mistake_v and_o take_v truth_n for_o error_n a_o dangerous_a doctrine_n if_o magistrate_n turn_v ignorant_a or_o corrupt_a this_o seem_v plausible_a but_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o it_o if_o this_o argument_n hold_v strong_a then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n for_o there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o difficult_a question_n even_o about_o these_o as_o in_o some_o case_n of_o murder_n incest_n matter_n of_o false_a witness_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v deut._n 17._o 8._o if_o there_o arise_v a_o matter_n too_o hard_o for_o thou_o in_o judgement_n between_o blood_n and_o blood_n between_o plea_n and_o plea_n and_o between_o stroke_n and_o stroke_n etc._n etc._n which_o suppones_fw-la there_o be_v many_o doubtful_a question_n even_o about_o thing_n civil_a which_o the_o generality_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o so_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o they_o may_v punish_v the_o honest_a man_n for_o the_o knave_n and_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o evert_v the_o ordinance_n of_o magistracy_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o he_o have_v no_o power_n to_o punish_v for_o civil_a crime_n second_o they_o may_v argue_v as_o well_o against_o what_o be_v command_v to_o master_n of_o family_n that_o he_o receive_v not_o a_o heretic_n within_o his_o house_n 2_o john_n v._n 10._o and_o 2_o timoth_n 3_o 6._o for_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o which_o creep_v into_o house_n etc._n etc._n rome_n 16._o 17_o 18._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o avoid_v they_o etc._n etc._n by_o all_o which_o he_o suppose_v certain_o they_o have_v some_o knowledge_n to_o judge_v who_o be_v heretic_n and_o who_o not_o else_o how_o can_v they_o elchew_v they_o and_o so_o they_o may_v argue_v as_o well_o against_o these_o command_n as_o against_o this_o doctrine_n for_o may_v they_o say_v this_o be_v to_o put_v it_o on_o master_n of_o family_n to_o know_v who_o be_v heretic_n who_o not_o to_o know_v what_o be_v truth_n and_o what_o not_o and_o this_o the_o generality_n of_o master_n of_o family_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o so_o a_o power_n put_v on_o they_o to_o bar_v the_o door_n on_o honest_a man_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o heretic_n now_o when_o they_o free_v these_o command_n from_o these_o consequence_n we_o shall_v free_v this_o doctrine_n from_o they_o also_o three_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o this_o doctrine_n put_v a_o power_n on_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v truth_n their_o power_n be_v only_o to_o punish_v error_n they_o may_v indeed_o so_o abuse_v their_o power_n but_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
excommunicate_v the_o incestous_a person_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o say_v they_o this_o command_n be_v give_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n because_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o elder_n only_o as_o also_o the_o command_n be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o reproof_n in_o v_o 2._o and_o you_o be_v puff_v up_o and_o have_v not_o rather_o mourn_v etc._n etc._n now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v more_o reprove_v than_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o therefore_o the_o command_n belong_v to_o other_o than_o these_o in_o answer_v this_o argument_n we_o shall_v first_o retort_v it_o on_o themselves_o for_o if_o so_o be_v the_o argument_n hold_v good_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o woman_n and_o child_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n for_o if_o the_o command_n be_v to_o all_o without_o exception_n than_o they_o be_v not_o except_v and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v give_v to_o all_o to_o who_o the_o reproof_n be_v give_v than_o it_o be_v to_o they_o for_o doubtless_o woman_n and_o child_n mourn_v no_o more_o than_o the_o man_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v also_o now_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o against_o themselves_o and_o so_o the_o two_o main_a pillar_n whereon_o they_o build_v their_o argument_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o command_n be_v give_v to_o all_o without_o exception_n and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o like_a latitude_n with_o the_o reproof_n but_o second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o point_n that_o all_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o scripture_n know_v that_o god_n use_v to_o give_v command_v indefinite_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v apply_v to_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o to_o those_o person_n to_o who_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a calling_n interest_n or_o relation_n the_o command_n do_v belong_v we_o shall_v make_v this_o clear_a from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14._o 31._o where_o paul_n speak_v general_o to_o the_o saint_n at_o corinth_n you_o may_v all_o prophecy_n one_o by_o one_o etc._n etc._n the_o command_n be_v give_v indefinite_o to_o all_o and_o yet_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n mind_n that_o all_o to_o who_o he_o writ_n shall_v do_v this_o but_o only_o they_o who_o have_v ability_n and_o a_o call_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o the_o precede_a 12_o chap._n 29._o be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 13._o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o all_o to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v than_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v to_o esteem_v high_o to_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o work_n sake_n for_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o they_o among_o the_o rest_n now_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v intend_v for_o the_o people_n so_o be_v it_o here_o the_o command_n be_v give_v indefinite_o to_o all_o yet_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o all_o but_o only_o by_o some_o to_o wit_n the_o church_n officer_n and_o this_o appear_v evident_o from_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o he_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o same_o case_n in_o hand_n to_o wit_n the_o relax_a of_o the_o incestous_a man_n from_o excommunication_n and_o say_v he_o sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o punishment_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o now_o he_o do_v not_o say_v inflict_v of_o all_o as_o they_o will_v make_v the_o word_n bear_v but_o inflict_v of_o many_o yea_o as_o the_o learned_a observe_v the_o word_n many_o signify_v the_o chief_a one_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v matth_n 12._o 41_o a_o great_a than_o ionas_n so_o paul_n explain_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o but_o the_o chief_a one_o to_o wit_n the_o ruler_n by_o who_o the_o censure_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v and_o this_o now_o for_o answer_v their_o objection_n iv._o in_o the_o nixt_a place_n we_o shall_v come_v and_o apply_v the_o whole_a purpose_n to_o a_o threefold_a use._n and_o the_o first_o be_v see_v this_o error_n as_o we_o have_v now_o make_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o will_v have_v you_o suspect_v fair_a pretence_n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v colour_v over_o with_o there_o be_v no_o error_n that_o have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n than_o this_o have_v it_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o saint_n say_v they_o shall_v not_o they_o judge_v other_o a_o fair_a pretence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o same_o that_o korah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n have_v and_o so_o we_o need_v to_o stumble_v the_o less_o at_o it_o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o say_v they_o see_v all_o the_o congregation_n be_v holy_a every_o one_o of_o they_o etc._n etc._n numb-16_a 3._o the_o second_o use_n be_v to_o private_a christian_n that_o you_o will_v do_v your_o duty_n and_o second_o content_v yourselves_o with_o your_o duty_n and_o first_o do_v your_o duty_n whereof_o many_o come_v short_a doubtless_o many_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o doctrine_n will_v cast_v off_o all_o care_n see_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lay_v on_o the_o officer_n thereof_o minister_n and_o elder_n nay_o but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n although_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o believer_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o they_o to_o admonish_v and_o exhort_v even_o their_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o private_a christian_n that_o when_o your_o private_a admonition_n do_v not_o the_o business_n you_o be_v bind_v to_o delate_v it_o to_o the_o church_n we_o see_v this_o matth_n 16._o where_o christ_n institute_n this_o order_n v_o 16._o 1._o to_o tell_v thy_o brother_n private_o and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v bring_v two_o or_o three_o more_o witness_n with_o thou_o then_o if_o that_o do_v it_o not_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o every_o church_n member_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v even_o their_o minister_n and_o elder_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o when_o slack_a and_o when_o that_o will_v not_o do_v to_o tell_v it_o to_o other_o and_o we_o will_v charge_v you_o to_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n than_o usual_o you_o do_v a_o second_o part_n of_o your_o duty_n we_o tell_v you_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n in_o reference_n to_o your_o practice_n you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v a_o doctrine_n on_o trust_n from_o minister_n though_o apostle_n nay_o not_o from_o angel_n though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v galat._n 1._o 8._o and_o private_a christian_n come_v short_a of_o this_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n also_o many_o seek_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n than_o what_o minister_n preach_v it_o be_v a_o loose_a ground_n for_o you_o be_v command_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o second_o as_o you_o will_v make_v conscience_n of_o your_o duty_n so_o you_o will_v content_v yourselves_o with_o your_o duty_n you_o will_v look_v on_o church_n officer_n and_o reverence_n they_o you_o be_v not_o to_o say_v what_o be_v more_o in_o they_o than_o in_o ourselves_o may_v we_o not_o be_v as_o fit_a as_o they_o they_o may_v err_v as_o well_o as_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o they_o be_v god_n ordinance_n appoint_v by_o the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o he_o who_o reproach_v they_o reproach_v his_o ordinance_n and_o break_v down_o the_o hedge_n appoint_v by_o god_n the_o three_o use_n be_v direct_v to_o church_n officer_n those_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v instruct_v with_o this_o power_n you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n you_o shall_v so_o carry_v yourselves_o in_o your_o place_n as_o not_o to_o tempt_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o despise_v your_o office_n when_o the_o lord_n people_n hear_v of_o a_o elder_a to_o be_v a_o tipler_n or_o a_o swearer_n it_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o they_o to_o despise_v both_o that_o elder_a and_o his_o office_n many_o sure_o in_o this_o be_v stumble_v block_n to_o people_n as_o eli_n son_n make_v the_o people_n abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v weight_n
in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o this_o one_o reason_n that_o they_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o do_v not_o labour_v to_o beautify_v it_o it_o be_v look_v on_o by_o many_o as_o a_o place_n of_o respect_n and_o not_o of_o office_n if_o a_o man_n be_v rich_a than_o his_o neighbour_n he_o think_v he_o be_v not_o respect_v if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o elder_a and_o have_v goten_a the_o name_n he_o care_v for_o no_o more_o now_o be_v that_o the_o way_n either_o to_o make_v people_n respect_v thy_o person_n or_o thy_o office_n let_v i_o obtest_v and_o charge_v all_o of_o you_o who_o have_v take_v on_o this_o heavenly_a call_v as_o you_o will_v answer_v on_o your_o hazard_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n that_o you_o will_v study_v by_o all_o mean_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o as_o to_o beautify_v it_o and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v labour_v to_o disgrace_v it_o and_o this_o now_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o independency_n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church-session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o head_n and_o it_o be_v that_o for_o which_o main_o they_o be_v call_v independent_o the_o point_n they_o affirm_v be_v this_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n be_v instruct_v 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 power_n in_o the_o church_n above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n when_o they_o go_v wrong_v to_o rescind_v any_o act_n once_o conclude_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o unjust_a they_o grant_v that_o a_o synod_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n may_v meet_v to_o consult_v about_o matter_n but_o withal_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n any_o congregation_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v wrong_v by_o a_o 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¶_o 1_n there_o be_v a_o platform_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n i_o only_a premit_fw-la this_o that_o however_o we_o have_v the_o very_a name_n of_o this_o presbytry_n whereabout_o we_o dispute_v hold_v out_o in_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o whereby_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v be_v mean_v the_o presbytry_n we_o plead_v for_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o dispute_v about_o name_n though_o the_o name_n be_v not_o yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o it_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v good_a to_o wit_n that_o in_o scripture_n be_v hold_v out_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n we_o may_v instance_n almost_o in_o all_o the_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n 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malice_n have_v set_v itself_o in_o some_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n or_o other_o to_o bear_v it_o down_o and_o god_n wisdom_n have_v still_o overshoot_v satan_n make_v use_n of_o his_o malice_n in_o oppose_a truth_n for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o intend_v most_o to_o obscure_a and_o darken_v satan_n first_o design_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o beat_v down_o that_o great_a fundamental_a truth_n of_o christ_n divinity_n but_o after_o long_o debate_v this_o truth_n be_v full_o clear_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o several_a worthy_n who_o spirit_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o in_o these_o age_n to_o mantain_n that_o so_o much_o oppose_v truth_n satan_n therefore_o be_v beat_v off_o this_o strong_a fort_n of_o christianity_n retire_v a_o little_a and_o labour_v next_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n humanity_n but_o the_o truâ—h_v hereof_o the_o more_o it_o be_v oppose_v grow_v the_o bright_a the_o lord_n 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the_o visible_a church_n that_o thereby_o all_o may_v be_v cover_v with_o confusion_n appear_v in_o that_o not_o only_o the_o method_n god_n have_v hitherto_o keep_v do_v point_n at_o it_o there_o be_v few_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n to_o clear_v but_o also_o the_o thing_n speak_v for_o itself_o the_o main_a speat_v of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n run_v direct_o contrary_a to_o these_o so_o that_o certain_o as_o god_n intend_v to_o clear_a truth_n in_o these_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o time_n to_o obscure_a truth_n in_o these_o this_o then_o be_v satan_n design_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v some_o direction_n how_o to_o manage_v our_o difference_n so_o as_o not_o to_o further_o this_o main_a design_n nor_o yet_o be_v short_a come_n in_o our_o duty_n against_o it_o of_o which_o direction_n i_o shall_v reckon_v three_o first_o we_o ought_v to_o examine_v opinion_n and_o practice_n even_o though_o by_o we_o conceive_v just_a and_o lawful_a how_o far_o they_o may_v contribute_v for_o furtherance_n of_o that_o design_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n shall_v be_v more_o circumspect_a and_o spare_v at_o least_o in_o meddle_v with_o they_o thus_o the_o apostle_n paul_n gal._n 2._o 3._o will_v not_o circumcise_v titus_n though_o circumcision_n at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o thing_n lawful_a as_o appear_v from_o his_o circumcise_n of_o timothy_n act._n 16._o 3._o much_o about_o the_o same_o time_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o circumcise_v titus_n the_o reason_n be_v v_o 4._o there_o be_v false_a brethren_n present_a who_o will_v have_v take_v advantage_n of_o that_o his_o practice_n to_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o their_o opposition_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o satan_n intend_v most_o to_o bear_v down_o at_o that_o time_n to_o wit_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n therefore_o he_o think_v 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cast_v themselves_o headlong_o upon_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n i_o do_v not_o love_v that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v of_o purpose_n to_o make_v people_n as_o we_o say_v kith_n or_o appear_v in_o their_o colour_n i_o mean_v to_o bring_v out_o these_o practice_n the_o seed_n whereof_o thou_o conceive_v to_o be_v already_o within_o which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o blind_a i_o may_v reckon_v several_a practice_n which_o be_v not_o only_o irritate_v but_o also_o in_o themselves_o sinful_a such_o as_o promiscuous_a admission_n of_o clean_a and_o unclean_a to_o the_o lord_n table_n little_a pain_n take_v by_o minister_n to_o instruct_v people_n with_o knowledge_n show_v much_o of_o passion_n but_o little_a of_o reason_n against_o error_n there_o be_v many_o who_o zeal_n be_v honest_o fervent_a against_o error_n and_o confusion_n who_o yet_o by_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v not_o a_o little_a indirect_o instrumental_a to_o 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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 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their_o own_o way_n christ_n way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o know_v which_o of_o these_o way_n be_v christ_n way_n indeed_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o turn_v our_o back_n upon_o it_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o question_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o time_n i_o can_v enter_v in_o a_o debate_n concern_v what_o be_v right_o or_o wrong_n what_o be_v christ_n what_o be_v not_o christ_n in_o all_o those_o way_n i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o give_v you_o some_o general_a direction_n for_o find_v out_o what_o be_v christ_n way_n amid_o the_o tide_n and_o torrent_n of_o so_o many_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o these_o such_o that_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o man_n have_v his_o right_a wit_n about_o he_o with_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o piety_n but_o he_o must_v give_v his_o assent_n unto_o they_o and_o yet_o such_o as_o through_o god_n blessing_n be_v right_o improven_v shall_v not_o leave_v you_o without_o a_o guide_n what_o to_o choose_v as_o god_n way_n and_o what_o not_o first_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o it_o will_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o all._n that_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n whereat_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v be_v the_o essentials_n of_o piety_n and_o christianity_n i_o mean_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n repentance_n unto_o life_n holiness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o walk_n in_o eschew_v all_o know_a sin_n and_o come_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n this_o be_v it_o i_o intend_v main_o all_o along_v to_o wit_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o forementioned_a rock_n of_o offence_n you_o will_v not_o turn_v profligate_v profane_a debauch_a and_o irreligious_a atheist_n but_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o substantial_a piety_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o and_o over_o the_o belly_n of_o all_o 2._o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o be_v but_o a_o loose_a way_n of_o religion_n and_o very_o near_o to_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o a_o man_n to_o pretend_v 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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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have_v be_v convert_v and_o endue_v with_o save_v grace_n neither_o do_v grace_n here_o signify_v god_n grace_n inherent_a in_o they_o but_o god_n grace_n and_o free_a favour_n which_o he_o see_v in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o that_o it_o wrought_v so_o powerful_o in_o bring_v a_o great_a many_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o who_o there_o doubtless_o be_v many_o sincere_a and_o real_a convert_v though_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o however_o the_o thing_n he_o see_v be_v the_o mighty_a progress_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o occasion_v by_o a_o strong_a and_o cruel_a persecution_n mention_v verse_n 19_o the_o minister_n be_v force_v to_o flee_v from_o their_o flock_n wherever_o they_o go_v they_o preach_v god_n grace_n and_o mighty_a hand_n accompany_v their_o labour_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o grace_n which_o barnabas_n see_v hence_o take_v this_o doctrine_n that_o sad_a 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little_a other_o comfort_n leave_v they_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n be_v a_o tasty_a sauce_n to_o make_v the_o word_n relish_v psal._n 141._o v_o 6._o when_o their_o judge_n be_v overthrow_v in_o stony_a place_n they_o shall_v hear_v my_o word_n for_o they_o be_v sweet_a 2._o at_o such_o time_n the_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o diligent_a in_o their_o work_n as_o they_o can_v have_v access_n to_o it_o and_o more_o fervent_a in_o deal_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n to_o their_o work_n because_o the_o thrive_a of_o their_o work_n be_v all_o the_o reward_n which_o they_o can_v then_o expect_v and_o 3._o the_o lord_n do_v then_o usual_o countenance_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o servant_n most_o because_o they_o be_v most_o despise_v few_o do_v then_o care_v for_o they_o or_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n take_v this_o way_n both_o to_o hearten_v they_o and_o to_o put_v respect_n upon_o they_o and_o 4._o the_o courageous_a constant_a and_o cheerful_a endure_v of_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n for_o truth_n do_v commend_v that_o truth_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v unto_o other_o even_o to_o indifferent_a spectator_n and_o make_v they_o inquire_v after_o it_o and_o desirous_a to_o know_v what_o so_o much_o worth_n there_o can_v be_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v for_o application_n haste_v forward_o to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n only_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o people_n be_v not_o to_o lookupon_o persecution_n and_o a_o suffer_a time_n for_o truth_n whenever_o it_o come_v as_o so_o sad_a so_o dismal_a and_o dreadful_a a_o thing_n for_o this_o at_o least_o may_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v lovely_a in_o it_o the_o same_o truth_n which_o man_n labour_v to_o bear_v down_o shall_v spread_v the_o fast_o and_o the_o further_o and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o the_o follow_a doctrine_n will_v show_v another_o doctrine_n arise_v from_o the_o first_o effect_n this_o sight_n do_v work_v on_o barnabas_n it_o make_v he_o glad_a for_o so_o say_v the_o text_n who_o when_o he_o come_v and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v glad_a the_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o the_o gospel_n and_o truth_n do_v spread_v and_o gain_v ground_n among_o people_n be_v matter_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n to_o a_o godly_a heart_n though_o the_o time_n be_v otherwise_o never_o so_o sad_a for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o make_v barnabas_n sad_a at_o this_o time_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o how_o they_o have_v stone_v the_o first_o martyr_n stephen_n to_o death_n a_o man_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o use_v he_o so_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o most_o notorious_a malefactor_n that_o ever_o the_o earth_n carry_v and_o 2._o the_o prosperous_a state_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n the_o scribe_n pharisee_n high-priest_n a_o company_n of_o degenerate_a corrupt_a churchman_n who_o at_o that_o time_n do_v sit_v at_o jerusalem_n guide_v all_o thing_n at_o their_o pleasure_n that_o if_o any_o do_v but_o mutter_v against_o their_o state_n and_o dignity_n though_o in_o the_o further_a part_n of_o all_o the_o realm_n their_o hand_n can_v easy_o reach_v they_o they_o need_v no_o more_o but_o hound_n out_o a_o saul_n with_o a_o commission_n if_o it_o be_v to_o damascâ—s_n to_o take_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o bind_v to_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o act_n 9_o 1_o 2._o and_o 3._o if_o you_o consider_v his_o own_o poor_a condition_n and_o that_o of_o other_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n at_o that_o time_n who_o be_v hunt_v from_o corner_n to_o corner_n yea_o from_o kingdom_n to_o kingdom_n these_o and_o many_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v at_o that_o time_n to_o make_v barnabas_n sad_a and_o yet_o this_o make_v he_o take_v all_o in_o the_o better_a part_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n digest_v all_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v accompany_v the_o labour_n of_o his_o despise_a servant_n and_o a_o rich_a income_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o when_o he_o see_v this_o he_o be_v glad_a he_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n so_o transport_v with_o it_o that_o in_o a_o manner_n he_o forget_v stephen_n death_n he_o envy_v not_o the_o prosperous_a state_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n noâ—_n do_v much_o resent_v his_o own_o hard_a lot_n or_o that_o of_o other_o who_o be_v christ_n faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n all_o which_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o spread_a of_o truth_n will_v make_v a_o godly_a heart_n glad_a though_o the_o time_n otherwise_o be_v never_o so_o sad_a thus_o be_v it_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n philip_n 1._o 12._o the_o thing_n which_o happen_v unto_o i_o say_v he_o mean_v his_o bond_n imprisonment_n and_o other_o harsh_a usage_n have_v fall_v out_o rather_o unto_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereupon_o v_o 18._o he_o break_v out_o what_o then_o notwithstanding_o every_o way_n whether_o in_o pretence_n or_o in_o truth_n christ_n be_v preach_v and_o i_o therein_o do_v rejoice_v yea_o and_o will_v rejoice_v for_o use_v 1._o try_v yourselves_o by_o this_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v you_o glad_a be_v it_o the_o thrive_a of_o god_n work_n in_o soul_n the_o down-bearing_a of_o sin_n the_o growth_n of_o piety_n if_o so_o it_o speak_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o barnabas_n temper_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n do_v rather_o make_v the_o sad_a and_o if_o the_o back-going_a of_o god_n work_n the_o destroy_v what_o he_o have_v build_v the_o pluck_n up_o of_o what_o he_o have_v plant_v the_o thrive_a of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n the_o general_a looseness_n of_o the_o time_n if_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n make_v thou_o glad_a it_o speak_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o woeful_a temper_n a_o very_a godless_a heart_n but_o 2._o if_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v make_v a_o godly_a heart_n glaâ—_n in_o the_o sad_a of_o time_n then_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n may_v thrive_v in_o heart_n that_o those_o woeful_a spiritual_a plague_n of_o security_n deadness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o gospel_n may_v take_v many_o by_o the_o heart_n who_o never_o hitherto_o know_v the_o power_n of_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o god_n to_o bless_v his_o truth_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o despise_a and_o persecute_v servant_n and_o to_o make_v a_o gracious_a change_n though_o wickedness_n be_v at_o the_o great_a height_n and_o if_o he_o do_v it_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o other_o sadness_n of_o the_o time_n thou_o who_o be_v a_o godly_a heart_n shall_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v glad_a yea_o and_o thou_o shall_v
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 the_o promise_n but_o general_o all_o that_o he_o have_v recommend_v to_o our_o care_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o our_o respect_n to_o he_o thus_o we_o testify_v our_o respect_n to_o absent_a friend_n by_o own_v their_o concern_v and_o interest_n and_o if_o you_o ask_v what_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v recommend_v to_o our_o care_n i_o answer_v in_o two_o word_n first_o his_o truth_n and_o next_o his_o service_n so_o that_o 1._o you_o be_v to_o cleave_v unto_o and_o continue_v in_o his_o truth_n against_o error_n according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n judas_n command_v v._o 3_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o truth_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o cleave_v to_o and_o continue_v in_o his_o service_n whether_o the_o duty_n of_o immediate_a worship_n we_o shall_v cleave_v to_o these_o against_o superstition_n voluntary_a neglect_n will-worship_n and_o idolatry_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o station_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v go_v about_o as_o service_n to_o he_o so_o servant_n be_v to_o do_v their_o service_n with_o good_a will_n as_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o to_o man_n ephes._n 6._o 7._o now_o that_o cleave_v to_o all_o these_o be_v mean_v by_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n appear_v from_o deutr._n 10._o 20._o and_o 30._o 20._o where_n cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v explain_v by_o fear_v the_o lord_n by_o obey_v his_o voice_n by_o serve_v he_o and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n now_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o you_o must_v cleave_v to_o and_o continue_v in_o his_o truth_n gaius_n be_v commend_v for_o this_o 3_o joh._n 3._o even_o that_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o prov._n 23._o 23._o we_o be_v bid_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o sell_v it_o not_o and_o you_o hear_a from_o judas_n you_o shall_v contend_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o error_n contrary_a to_o truth_n be_v 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