direction_n timothy_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n at_o his_o church_n at_o ephesus_n that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n so_o in_o believe_v congregation_n there_o may_v be_v but_o one_o confession_n and_o this_o not_o only_o evince_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n as_o expedient_a but_o from_o the_o apostle_n practice_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n and_o power_n from_o on_o high_a at_o jerusalem_n they_o agree_v on_o one_o summary_n rule_n for_o their_o own_o teach_v and_o the_o people_n believe_v a_o compendious_a sum_n of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n exquisite_o compose_v which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o tradition_n from_o antiquity_n and_o general_o receive_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n in_o which_o confession_n the_o intelligent_a believer_n not_o only_o make_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o assent_n to_o promise_n of_o mercy_n to_o be_v rely_v upon_o but_o to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o duty_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v practise_v and_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o must_v be_v maintain_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o comprehend_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v require_v and_o this_o compendious_a confession_n of_o faith_n by_o repeat_v this_o set_a form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o minister_n by_o which_o they_o open_o declare_v their_o unfeigned_a assent_n to_o what_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o their_o steadfast_a resolution_n of_o what_o they_o will_v do_v in_o every_o congregation_n that_o will_v be_v repute_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o expedient_a to_o have_v set_v form_n for_o confession_n of_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v unlawful_a and_o unfitting_a to_o have_v set_v form_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n it_o can_v be_v a_o reproach_n but_o a_o duty_n to_o have_v our_o spirit_n thus_o stint_v when_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n limit_n himself_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n and_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o holy_a from_o this_o limitation_n and_o if_o new_a sort_n of_o word_n and_o variety_n of_o expression_n must_v be_v use_v in_o pray_v as_o some_o wild_o fancy_n i_o wonder_v st._n paul_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n in_o the_o beginning_n shall_v use_v the_o same_o salutation_n and_o in_o the_o end_n shall_v use_v the_o same_o valediction_n and_o that_o christ_n in_o his_o agony_n who_o want_v neither_o expression_n or_o fervency_n shall_v pray_v thrice_o together_o the_o same_o word_n at_o antioch_n that_o the_o christian_n there_o in_o their_o congregation_n have_v their_o liturgy_n at_o corinth_n that_o the_o people_n be_v all_o prophesy_v at_o jerusalem_n that_o in_o their_o religious_a assembly_n they_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v be_v so_o evident_a as_o doubtless_o it_o can_v need_v no_o further_o illustration_n and_o if_o set_v form_n of_o word_n be_v unlawful_a in_o god_n service_n certain_o the_o multitude_n of_o angel_n will_v never_o have_v be_v represent_v unto_o we_o as_o agree_v in_o one_o anthem_n on_o earth_n nor_o they_o above_o in_o the_o same_o doxology_n in_o heaven_n and_o if_o the_o example_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n may_v lead_v we_o right_o if_o nature_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v direct_v we_o safe_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o uniformity_n of_o word_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n 3._o i_o shall_v prove_v uniformity_n of_o word_n necessary_a and_o expedient_a by_o reason_n 1._o and_o reason_n itself_o will_v tell_v we_o if_o we_o have_v not_o abjure_v it_o that_o uniformity_n in_o word_n be_v necessary_a and_o conduce_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n for_o take_v this_o away_o and_o see_v what_o giddiness_n and_o distractedness_n must_v necessary_o ensue_v in_o every_o assembly_n without_o agreement_n in_o these_o thing_n to_o terminate_v and_o bound_v both_o our_o thought_n and_o word_n how_o improbable_a be_v it_o that_o most_o man_n shall_v be_v secure_v from_o inconsiderate_a wander_n and_o unwarrantable_a expression_n but_o be_v confine_v to_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o devotion_n we_o call_v home_o our_o thought_n to_o consider_v what_o these_o import_n and_o signify_v that_o be_v enjoin_v and_o prescribe_v we_o and_o reverent_o we_o worship_v god_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o confess_v to_o his_o name_n and_o our_o wilful_a opposer_n give_v testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n by_o their_o practice_n that_o set_v ferm_n must_v be_v prescribe_v to_o the_o people_n when_o the_o best_a gift_a brother_n be_v appoint_v and_o agree_v on_o to_o put_v up_o prayer_n which_o be_v set_v form_n to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o every_o member_n that_o be_v true_o religious_a secret_o do_v concur_v with_o such_o prayer_n and_o limit_v their_o thought_n to_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o such_o expression_n weak_a creature_n never_o consider_v that_o they_o split_v upon_o that_o rock_n which_o they_o pretend_v studious_o to_o avoid_v while_o they_o voluntary_o enslave_v themselves_o and_o stint_v their_o spirit_n and_o thought_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o sudden_a wild_a effusion_n and_o oft_o unwarrantable_a expression_n of_o their_o idolised_a teacher_n and_o dare_v not_o spoil_v their_o liberty_n to_o submit_v unto_o and_o concur_v with_o the_o deliberate_a form_n and_o prescription_n of_o their_o sober_a governor_n and_o ruler_n which_o will_v undoubted_o guide_v and_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o true_a religion_n that_o tend_v to_o peace_n poor_a inconsiderate_a people_n they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o set_a form_n they_o hate_v which_o they_o may_v see_v they_o can_v avoid_v but_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n they_o love_v while_o they_o oppose_v the_o warrantable_a direction_n of_o their_o religious_a leader_n and_o willing_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v captivate_v by_o wild_a ungoverned_a enthusiast_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o a_o inexcusable_a sin_n of_o a_o wilful_a disobedience_n but_o if_o any_o can_v think_v set_v form_n to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o will_v be_v tie_v to_o none_o but_o avoid_v they_o then_o must_v every_o pretend_a saint_n bring_v a_o distinct_a prayer_n and_o psalm_n to_o be_v pour_v out_o by_o himself_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n and_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v when_o every_o one_o be_v sing_v a_o several_a psalm_n in_o their_o congregation_n it_o must_v happen_v what_o st._n paul_n say_v be_v at_o corinth_n when_o they_o all_o speak_v with_o several_a tongue_n a_o stranger_n come_v in_o must_v in_o reason_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v madness_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o thus_o in_o reason_n we_o must_v determine_v to_o terminate_v and_o bound_v the_o thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o they_o that_o will_v be_v true_o religious_a there_o ought_v to_o be_v set_v form_n of_o word_n agree_v upon_o and_o prescribe_v in_o believe_a congregation_n 2._o that_o be_v best_a to_o be_v use_v that_o will_v most_o heighten_v our_o devotion_n and_o intention_n in_o our_o religious_a address_n to_o god_n for_o how_o shall_v i_o hope_v that_o god_n shall_v intend_v i_o if_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v my_o own_o petition_n and_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v prayer_n without_o devotion_n be_v like_o a_o body_n without_o a_o soul_n it_o be_v dead_a and_o ineffectual_a now_o this_o i_o do_v deliberate_o affirm_v and_o maintain_v that_o premeditate_a and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n must_v heighten_v any_o man_n devotion_n and_o intention_n i_o desire_v such_o as_o obstinate_o oppose_v premeditate_v and_o compose_v form_n to_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o they_o contend_v only_o for_o freedom_n of_o word_n and_o have_v word_n any_o power_n or_o influence_n over_o god_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n be_v take_v with_o variety_n or_o shift_n of_o phrase_n word_n or_o loeution_n be_v for_o man_n necessity_n not_o god_n information_n they_o be_v of_o no_o necessity_n to_o make_v our_o heart_n know_v to_o he_o who_o understand_v what_o we_o need_v before_o we_o ask_v he_o and_o our_o thought_n afar_o off_o and_o it_o be_v the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n not_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o mouth_n that_o make_v we_o prevail_v with_o our_o god_n what_o therefore_o may_v best_o conduce_v to_o settle_v our_o consideration_n to_o fix_v our_o desire_n and_o intention_n on_o god_n and_o good_a thing_n be_v most_o lawful_a and_o most_o expedient_a to_o be_v use_v and_o this_o i_o dare_v say_v upon_o reason_n and_o from_o experience_n be_v best_a do_v by_o well-weighed_a form_n of_o set_a prayer_n foreknown_a and_o assent_v unto_o both_o by_o priest_n and_o people_n for_o
the_o best_a and_o most_o warrantable_a notion_n we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v a_o form_n of_o government_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v to_o the_o world_n for_o those_o that_o will_v be_v of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n that_o by_o agreement_n of_o submission_n to_o those_o rule_n prescribe_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a professor_n may_v perfect_o join_v themselves_o together_o into_o a_o comfortable_a society_n and_o communion_n for_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o creature_n give_v to_o society_n fit_v by_o nature_n and_o by_o his_o ingenious_a disposition_n be_v incline_v to_o it_o now_o every_o company_n or_o society_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o well-being_n of_o man_n must_v for_o that_o end_n have_v a_o frame_n of_o polity_n a_o model_n of_o government_n from_o just_a law_n deliberate_o agree_v upon_o and_o wise_o constitute_v and_o set_v over_o it_o and_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o every_o wise_a government_n be_v eminent_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v undoubted_o the_o best_a frame_n of_o government_n in_o the_o world_n so_o be_v those_o inspire_a author_n persuade_v that_o write_v the_o canonical_a epistle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o it_o be_v clear_o apparent_a in_o that_o profound_a epistle_n write_v to_o the_o hebrew_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o at_o that_o time_n when_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v there_o be_v two_o famous_a government_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n for_o precedence_n in_o that_o place_n the_o old_a law_n or_o jewish_a polity_n deliver_v by_o moses_n to_o the_o israelite_n and_o the_o new_a law_n which_o be_v the_o gospel_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o believer_n and_o our_o holy_a author_n in_o that_o epistle_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o christ_n be_v just_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o law_n deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o that_o as_o christ_n so_o do_v his_o gospel_n in_o all_o thing_n deserve_v the_o pre-eminence_n the_o church_n than_o be_v a_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o model_n of_o government_n which_o christ_n leave_v his_o church_n every_o believer_n than_o must_v not_o only_o look_v on_o the_o privilege_n and_o mercy_n promise_v and_o exhibit_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o confidence_n but_o on_o the_o law_n enjoin_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o just_a and_o wise_a rule_n directive_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a upon_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v if_o we_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n which_o till_o we_o do_v heed_n and_o observe_v we_o will_v be_v too_o favourable_a to_o the_o spawn_n of_o the_o gnostic_n those_o libertine_n that_o multiply_v and_o thrive_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o who_o look_v on_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o promise_n of_o mercy_fw-mi and_o not_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o duty_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n and_o continue_v in_o sin_n securc_o because_o grace_n abound_v which_o god_n forbid_v when_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v the_o gospel_n heb._n 5.9_o and_o they_o that_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o may_v look_v for_o that_o mercy_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n gal._n 6._o so_o the_o will_n of_o god_n under_o this_o last_o dispensation_n manifest_v and_o publish_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o which_o we_o understand_v by_o the_o gospel_n now_o of_o thing_n thus_o manifest_v some_o be_v supernatural_a great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n that_o angel_n desr_v to_o peep_v into_o those_o perspicacious_a intelligence_n be_v glad_a to_o behold_v thing_n the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n do_v not_o know_v flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v not_o discover_v but_o contrive_v they_o be_v by_o the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n by_o his_o son_n who_o have_v keep_v nothing_o secret_a of_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n but_o have_v declare_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o and_o our_o salvation_n and_o unto_o these_o object_n supernatural_a we_o be_v to_o make_v our_o application_n by_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o from_o the_o object_n i_o suppose_v our_o apply_v ourselves_o by_o believe_v and_o rely_v on_o they_o be_v call_v and_o account_v supernatural_a also_o although_o certain_o we_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o assent_v to_o these_o thing_n as_o true_a and_o rely_v on_o they_o and_o rejoice_v in_o they_o as_o good_a which_o our_o gracious_a god_n who_o be_v truth_n and_o can_v lie_v of_o infallible_a veracity_n have_v clear_o manifest_v by_o his_o son_n and_o his_o immense_a goodness_n incline_v he_o to_o reveal_v by_o he_o what_o he_o see_v be_v necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o we_o be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o in_o reason_n to_o they_o according_o but_o some_o thing_n be_v natural_a such_o as_o by_o disquisition_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v discern_v and_o conclude_v as_o that_o god_n the_o first_o infinite_a be_v be_v a_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v but_o one_o and_o to_o be_v worship_v etc._n etc._n that_o our_o neighbour_n be_v to_o be_v love_v edify_v comfort_v and_o what_o we_o will_v that_o other_o etc._n etc._n and_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v this_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o these_o rule_n natural_a and_o rational_a be_v afresh_o establish_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o last_o dispensation_n and_o by_o a_o new_a publication_n revive_v for_o morality_n and_o man_n comfortable_a conversation_n these_o be_v reasonable_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o our_o treatise_n respect_v not_o only_o single_a person_n but_o society_n and_o several_a direction_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o order_v man_n conversation_n in_o society_n for_o public_a good_a to_o show_v that_o governor_n by_o these_o rule_n must_v be_v appoint_v over_o society_n be_v the_o next_o considerable_a sect_n iii_o 3._o no_o soon_o can_v mankind_n multiply_v unto_o that_o number_n that_o may_v admit_v of_o society_n or_o communion_n but_o have_v they_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n superiority_n and_o inferiority_n dominion_n and_o subjection_n will_v have_v be_v find_v among_o they_o adam_n the_o first_o father_n of_o all_o mankind_n from_o priority_n of_o nature_n and_o existence_n from_o power_n wisdom_n and_o experience_n that_o be_v eminent_o in_o he_o from_o the_o protection_n his_o posterity_n have_v from_o he_o and_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o have_v be_v absolute_a monarch_n ruler_n and_o judge_n over_o all_o that_o descend_v from_o he_o and_o with_o this_o authority_n of_o rule_n cain_n be_v invest_v when_o abel_n desire_n be_v to_o be_v towards_o he_o and_o cain_n be_v to_o rule_v over_o he_o and_o when_o in_o every_o family_n there_o be_v a_o guide_n one_o father_n one_o master_n to_o be_v honour_v and_o obey_v that_o in_o many_o family_n unite_v in_o society_n there_o shall_v be_v one_o supreme_a moderator_n to_o rule_n be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a and_o that_o can_v be_v unlawful_a among_o man_n on_o earth_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o be_v among_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v throne_n principality_n power_n and_o dominion_n the_o high_a in_o the_o order_n rule_v subordinate_o under_o god_n without_o tyrannical_a insult_a and_o the_o low_a subject_n without_o murmur_v or_o oppose_v regere_fw-la &_o regi_fw-la necessarium_fw-la est_fw-la to_o govern_v and_o be_v govern_v be_v necessary_a and_o natural_a neither_o beauty_n nor_o be_v of_o this_o glorious_a universe_n can_v subsist_v or_o continue_v without_o order_n unless_o some_o part_n do_v rule_n and_o some_o obey_v unless_o one_o be_v chief_a to_o command_v other_o that_o belong_v to_o it_o consider_v that_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n have_v thus_o order_v every_o thing_n in_o our_o body_n one_o head_n over_o the_o member_n in_o our_o soul_n one_o understanding_n over_o the_o other_o faculty_n in_o the_o visible_a heaven_n one_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n over_o all_o the_o star_n over_o the_o whole_a system_a of_o creature_n heaven_n and_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a one_o god_n rule_v over_o all_o and_o if_o no_o superiority_n be_v settle_v over_o a_o company_n associate_v by_o heirship_n or_o descent_n of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v ruler_n elect_v and_o judge_n appoint_v to_o determine_v controversy_n and_o preserve_v peace_n without_o which_o the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o society_n can_v never_o be_v promote_v for_o if_o every_o man_n opinion_n or_o will_n be_v suffer_v arbitrary_o
know_v who_o watch_n for_o their_o own_o private_a gain_n more_o than_o public_a good_a let_v such_o modest_o be_v desire_v either_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o honour_n or_o take_v up_o their_o office_n for_o its_o evident_a by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v every_o good_a ruler_n duty_n not_o only_o to_o hinder_v the_o evil_a but_o to_o promote_v the_o public_a welfare_n of_o the_o society_n over_o which_o he_o be_v place_v sect_n ii_o to_o promote_v public_a good_a governor_n must_v take_v care_n to_o establish_v law_n of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v law_n constitute_v about_o every_o company_n of_o man_n that_o be_v knit_v into_o one_o body_n for_o if_o not_o restrain_v and_o limit_v many_o person_n that_o have_v more_o sense_n than_o reason_n will_v wild_o break_v out_o into_o exorbitant_a excursion_n and_o mislead_v other_o extravagant_o into_o dangerous_a irregularity_n a_o city_n have_v better_o be_v without_o wall_n than_o law_n its_o safety_n depend_v more_o upon_o the_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a for_o without_o law_n man_n will_v be_v like_a beast_n the_o strong_a will_v devour_v the_o weak_a and_o savage_o tear_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o without_o control_n the_o sword_n will_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o strong_a arm_n will_v have_v the_o best_a cause_n man_n will_v regard_v power_n more_o than_o right_o so_o that_o law_n in_o a_o society_n be_v like_o a_o soul_n in_o a_o body_n without_o which_o the_o body_n be_v corrupt_v and_o dissolve_v immediate_o and_o as_o law_n must_v be_v of_o necessity_n to_o uphold_v the_o be_v so_o must_v they_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o welfare_n of_o any_o society_n for_o they_o afford_v direction_n and_o guidance_n for_o humane_a action_n and_o as_o good_a take_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n as_o law_n out_o of_o a_o nation_n without_o which_o as_o in_o a_o perpetual_a night_n man_n will_v stumble_v if_o not_o fall_v and_o dash_v continual_o one_o upon_o another_o and_o offensive_o another_o have_v it_o law_n be_v as_o eye_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o give_v beauty_n to_o the_o face_n and_o direction_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n but_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o usefulness_n of_o law_n sure_o i_o can_v do_v it_o better_o than_o to_o compare_v they_o to_o nerve_n and_o sinew_n ligament_n of_o the_o body_n politic_a not_o only_o to_o compact_n and_o knit_v the_o several_a joint_n into_o one_o body_n but_o to_o convey_v life_n and_o spirit_n unto_o every_o part_n as_o be_v convenient_a that_o they_o may_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o regular_a motion_n as_o they_o be_v adapt_v and_o every_o part_n may_v move_v for_o the_o safety_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a neither_o be_v nor_o welfare_n of_o a_o society_n can_v be_v preserve_v without_o law_n but_o who_o be_v to_o make_v and_o appoint_v law_n there_o be_v the_o question_n he_o that_o order_v king_n to_o reign_v have_v ordain_v prince_n to_o decree_v justice_n the_o first_o duty_n and_o work_n in_o magistrate_n be_v to_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v law_n this_o be_v the_o ruler_n province_n it_o be_v right_o determine_v by_o the_o schoolman_n non_fw-la cujuslibet_fw-la ratio_fw-la facere_fw-la potuit_fw-la legem_fw-la every_o man_n be_v not_o wise_a enough_o to_o make_v a_o law_n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o head_n to_o contrive_v yet_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o establish_v and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o any_o public_a law_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o private_a man_n constitution_n for_o every_o man_n of_o the_o same_o condition_n may_v challenge_v the_o same_o liberty_n so_o that_o there_o be_v contrary_a judgement_n and_o determination_n there_o may_v be_v contrary_a law_n and_o so_o there_o will_v follow_v contrary_a action_n inevitable_a distraction_n and_o opposition_n which_o will_v not_o only_o destroy_v the_o welfare_n but_o the_o be_v of_o the_o society_n for_o private_a person_n to_o make_v rule_n and_o law_n for_o their_o own_o private_a action_n who_o can_v hinder_v they_o but_o our_o gracious_a god_n have_v appoint_v governor_n as_o his_o deputy_n by_o a_o wise_a providence_n to_o direct_v and_o order_v the_o public_a action_n of_o man_n for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o society_n in_o which_o they_o be_v interest_v as_o god_n the_o world_n and_o christ_n his_o church_n so_o be_v good_a governor_n to_o rule_v over_o their_o people_n by_o constitute_v just_a law_n that_o promote_v their_o happiness_n sect_n iii_o law_n must_v be_v establish_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n be_v that_o it_o do_v oblige_v ad_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la rectum_fw-la it_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n require_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o law_n by_o the_o schoolman_n rectitudo_fw-la right_o a_o tendency_n to_o the_o end_n a_o law_n a_o canon_n a_o rule_n be_v a_o notify_v boundary_a to_o confine_v and_o limit_v man_n action_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v loose_a and_o extravagant_a but_o they_o may_v be_v direct_v in_o a_o straight_a line_n or_o tendency_n to_o the_o prize_n aim_v at_o viz._n the_o comfort_n and_o content_v of_o the_o society_n to_o which_o such_o law_n be_v compose_v and_o publish_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v oft_o use_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o grecian_a church_n and_o oft_o he_o allude_v to_o their_o agonistical_a concertation_n in_o their_o istmian_a game_n especial_o that_o of_o run_v and_o beside_o the_o barrier_n from_o whence_o the_o courser_n start_v or_o jeap_v and_o the_o prize_n or_o crown_n to_o which_o they_o tend_v they_o have_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o white_a line_n which_o mark_v out_o the_o path_n bound_v the_o race_n and_o whatever_o the_o heat_n or_o activity_n of_o the_o racer_n run_v they_o never_o so_o swift_o or_o vigorous_o if_o they_o transgress_v or_o run_v over_o the_o line_n this_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o tim._n 1.5_o to_o strive_v legal_o and_o consequential_o they_o lose_v the_o prize_n a_o christian_n conversation_n amid_o believer_n be_v a_o race_n from_o the_o first_o exertion_n of_o reason_n whereby_o he_o leap_v into_o society_n he_o stretch_v forth_o and_o aim_v at_o a_o incorruptible_a crown_n that_o god_n hold_v forth_o unto_o he_o whatever_o the_o christian_n heat_n or_o agility_n be_v if_o he_o will_v so_o run_v as_o he_o may_v obtain_v he_o must_v observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o rule_n that_o be_v give_v he_o and_o not_o transgress_v those_o limit_n that_o be_v prescribe_v he_o all_o aberration_n all_o extravagancy_n must_v be_v decline_v he_o must_v keep_v close_o exact_o to_o the_o line_n and_o limit_n prescribe_v that_o he_o may_v move_v in_o a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o the_o end_v propose_v now_o ruler_n and_o governor_n be_v to_o intend_v the_o public_a good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o society_n to_o compass_v this_o they_o establish_v law_n and_o these_o law_n be_v directive_n rule_v of_o humane_a action_n tend_v ad_fw-la bonum_fw-la publicum_fw-la they_o be_v to_o think_v and_o consider_v and_o if_o reason_v right_o deliberate_v she_o will_v conclude_v and_o determine_v only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v true_a honest_a just_a pure_a lovely_a of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n they_o will_v think_v and_o determine_v only_o of_o such_o thing_n injust_a then_o and_o dishonest_a command_n can_v be_v call_v right_o law_n because_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o hurt_n not_o the_o good_a of_o the_o public_a for_o ruler_n to_o command_v without_o control_n and_o to_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o their_o lawless_a will_n and_o inconsiderate_o to_o enjoin_v what_o be_v unjust_a illegal_a and_o what_o tend_v not_o to_o good_a be_v the_o vice_n of_o superiority_n and_o power_n not_o the_o virtue_n of_o rule_v by_o a_o law_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v call_v a_o law_n but_o must_v oblige_v to_o what_o be_v just_o and_o tend_v to_o a_o good_a end_n the_o end_n must_v be_v peace_n the_o mean_n must_v be_v righteousness_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n and_o where_o glory_n dwell_v in_o a_o land_n mercy_n and_o truth_n meet_v together_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n kiss_v each_o other_o and_o as_o such_o command_n can_v be_v call_v law_n if_o injust_a so_o when_o impose_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v nor_o oblige_v it_o be_v not_o more_o stout_a and_o valiant_a than_o reareasonable_a and_o honest_a that_o pious_a apology_n make_v by_o the_o father_n for_o the_o poor_a persecute_a christian_n to_o the_o emperor_n who_o command_v they_o irreligious_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n dam_fw-la veniam_fw-la imperator_fw-la etc._n etc._n major_a est_fw-fr etc._n etc._n give_v pardon_n oh_o emperor_n we_o can_v obey_v thy_o command_n in_o this_o thing_n for_o he_o that_o be_v great_a
the_o righteous_a but_o also_o punish_v the_o wilful_a sinner_n and_o pour_v out_o wrath_n and_o tribulation_n upon_o the_o unrighteous_a give_v they_o that_o recompense_n which_o be_v meet_v and_o therefore_o we_o see_v not_o only_a sceptre_n and_o purse_n and_o crown_n as_o emblem_n of_o the_o judge_n honour_n but_o also_o rod_n and_o sword_n and_o axe_n to_o signify_v the_o design_n of_o their_o office_n to_o be_v as_o well_o a_o terror_n and_o avenger_n of_o they_o that_o do_v ill_a as_o a_o countenancer_n and_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o the_o sword_n be_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o vain_a but_o to_o manifest_v the_o ruler_n intention_n to_o righteousness_n he_o ought_v to_o discover_v it_o by_o his_o threaten_a and_o the_o determination_n of_o punishment_n against_o wilful_a offender_n four_o the_o religious_a ruler_n be_v to_o show_v himself_o like_o god_n in_o exactiness_n of_o justice_n and_o to_o evidence_n himself_o not_o respecter_n of_o person_n and_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n without_o partiality_n righteousness_n be_v best_a when_o in_o a_o land_n like_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n it_o shine_v with_o equal_a influence_n upon_o the_o thatch_a cottage_n as_o on_o the_o ivory_n palace_n justice_n show_v all_o the_o same_o countenance_n weigh_v all_o thing_n with_o a_o equal_a balance_n gold_n and_o dirt_n pebble_n and_o diamond_n according_a to_o their_o weight_n turn_v her_o beam_n diverse_a weight_n and_o measure_v the_o account_n a_o abomination_n god_n deputy_n be_v to_o incline_v to_o exact_a judgement_n and_o to_o show_v themselves_o ready_a to_o punish_v the_o rich_a and_o mighty_a as_o soon_o as_o the_o poor_a and_o contemptible_a and_o this_o be_v best_a do_v by_o governor_n fix_v and_o predetermine_v of_o punishment_n upon_o the_o offence_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o quality_n or_o relation_n of_o the_o offender_n thus_o impartiality_n and_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o purity_n these_o divine_a grace_n be_v best_a discover_v in_o god_n deputy_n which_o unquestionable_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n one_o thing_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v assert_v in_o this_o proposition_n that_o threaten_v and_o determine_v of_o punishment_n by_o ruler_n upon_o such_o wilful_a transgress_v ort_n be_v according_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o profane_a history_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n we_o shall_v find_v never_o any_o people_n join_v in_o society_n of_o any_o religion_n true_a or_o false_a but_o have_v their_o determination_n of_o punishment_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v open_o disobedient_a upon_o those_o who_o wilful_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v such_o service_n and_o duty_n enjoin_v that_o they_o judge_v expedient_a and_o necessary_a to_o procure_v the_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o that_o deity_n which_o they_o agree_v to_o adore_v and_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a as_o be_v confess_v of_o all_o and_o needs_o no_o further_a proof_n or_o illustration_n but_o if_o we_o will_v consult_v sacred_a writ_n which_o may_v content_v we_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o god_n himself_o can_v rare_o be_v find_v to_o have_v take_v care_n of_o the_o conduct_n of_o any_o person_n or_o people_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o acceptable_a religion_n but_o he_o fence_v up_o their_o way_n with_o thorn_n to_o limit_v their_o aberration_n and_o restrain_v they_o from_o sin_n with_o a_o commination_n of_o penalty_n thus_o that_o our_o first_o parent_n may_v fear_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n he_o threaten_v they_o with_o death_n as_o a_o certain_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o their_o disobedience_n thus_o to_o cain_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o well_o sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n thus_o to_o move_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n to_o keep_v his_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n god_n threaten_v gen._n 17.14_o that_o the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n who_o flesh_n of_o his_o foreskin_n be_v uncircumcised_a that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n for_o he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n thus_o in_o that_o theocracy_n over_o israel_n every_o where_o we_o read_v curse_n denounce_v upon_o disobedience_n and_o by_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o threaten_v to_o visit_v their_o sin_n with_o rod_n and_o their_o offence_n with_o scourge_v so_o levit._n 26.14_o etc._n etc._n if_o you_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o i_o and_o will_v not_o do_v all_o these_o commandment_n if_o you_o shall_v despise_v my_o statute_n i_o will_v set_v my_o face_n against_o you_o for_o evil_n etc._n etc._n say_v the_o lord_n and_o if_o you_o will_v walk_v contrary_a unto_o i_o and_o not_o hearken_v i_o will_v bring_v seven_o time_n more_o plague_n upon_o you_o according_a to_o your_o sin_n and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v bad_a or_o unreasonable_a for_o ruler_n to_o use_v the_o same_o method_n in_o govern_v their_o subject_n that_o god_n use_v in_o rule_v his_o own_o people_n israel_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o method_n christ_n use_v to_o govern_v his_o church_n in_o this_o last_o dispensation_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o coercive_a power_n by_o commination_n of_o judgement_n to_o restrain_v from_o evil_a and_o quicken_v to_o good_a can_v be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n when_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o christ_n himself_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o messenger_n send_v by_o christ_n before_o his_o face_n to_o prepare_v his_o way_n press_v upon_o his_o auditor_n the_o gospel_n duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o this_o he_o enforce_v from_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o mercy_n and_o privilege_n only_o that_o be_v promise_v that_o may_v attract_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o gospel_n duty_n but_o of_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n threaten_v to_o be_v execute_v which_o may_v enforce_v they_o to_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o there_o matt._n 3._o this_o holy_a preacher_n tell_v they_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n fire_n and_o wrath_n be_v come_v upon_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n which_o can_v not_o be_v escape_v but_o by_o repentance_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o christ_n himself_o preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o from_o the_o same_o motive_n for_o except_o they_o repent_v they_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v and_o when_o christ_n have_v cure_v the_o impotent_a man_n to_o make_v he_o every_o whit_n whole_a and_o to_o restrain_v he_o from_o sin_n he_o affright_v he_o with_o a_o commination_n of_o a_o worse_a thing_n come_v unto_o he_o and_o to_o quicken_v his_o disciple_n to_o work_v the_o work_n they_o be_v send_v about_o while_o it_o be_v day_n he_o mind_v they_o of_o a_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n shall_v work_v thus_o to_o awaken_v his_o countryman_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o know_v and_o consider_v the_o time_n of_o their_o visitation_n and_o to_o mind_v the_o thing_n that_o concern_v their_o peace_n he_o tell_v they_o of_o a_o time_n when_o peace_n shall_v be_v hide_v from_o their_o eye_n and_o their_o house_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o they_o desolate_a and_o thus_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n who_o know_v the_o mind_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n they_o threaten_v the_o impenitent_a with_o a_o day_n of_o wrath_n a_o day_n of_o vengeance_n a_o day_n of_o punish_v those_o with_o everlasting_a destruction_n that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o deter_v and_o terrify_v those_o baptise_a person_n from_o separation_n and_o forsake_v holy_a assemble_v not_o to_o decline_v mutual_a exhortation_n and_o profession_n of_o faith_n he_o tell_v they_o of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n a_o day_n of_o vengeanee_n be_v sudden_o approach_v and_o this_o course_n be_v use_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n at_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o threaten_v of_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n to_o drive_v their_o follower_n to_o repentance_n certain_o upon_o sober_a consideration_n it_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o unwarrantable_a if_o pious_a governor_n affright_v from_o evil_a those_o subject_n that_o else_o will_v be_v disobedient_a with_o menace_v and_o determine_v punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o those_o frivolous_a objection_n we_o meet_v with_o against_o this_o truth_n be_v not_o worth_a the_o mention_v and_o if_o thorough_o perpend_v we_o may_v conclude_v they_o the_o issue_n of_o heat_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n bend_v to_o opposition_n and_o not_o the_o word_n of_o sober_a reason_n and_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v with_o let_v any_o sober_a man_n judge_n who_o