of_o nature_n and_o nation_n or_o suppose_v he_o in_o conscience_n deny_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n or_o such_o and_o such_o book_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v only_o depend_v on_o revelation_n and_o herein_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n leave_v he_o now_o he_o in_o conscience_n think_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o establish_v this_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o all_o other_o which_o to_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o conscience_n to_o oppose_v all_o contrary_a doctrine_n what_o then_o will_v become_v of_o subject_n liberty_n the_o word_n be_v not_o make_v the_o rule_n to_o regulate_v this_o ruler_n conscience_n according_a as_o we_o say_v it_o shall_v for_o if_o that_o be_v so_o his_o rule_n there_o be_v a_o remedy_n and_o way_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o rule_n but_o his_o conscience_n judgement_n and_o fantasy_n touch_v the_o rule_n that_o be_v by_o this_o tenent_n make_v his_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o he_o must_v be_v leave_v free_o to_o act_v without_o restraint_n the_o mischief_n necessary_o follow_v this_o if_o once_o cry_v up_o we_o leave_v to_o such_o of_o our_o opposite_n sad_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o nature_n &_o power_n of_o synod_n the_o second_o question_n quest_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o warrant_v synod_n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v to_o consideration_n three_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o five_o reason_n argument_n argum_fw-la 1_o take_a from_o act_n 15._o a_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n in_o time_n of_o controversy_n and_o danger_n concern_v weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o consider_v dispute_v find_v out_o and_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o establish_v of_o peace_n among_o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o act_n 15._o but_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n in_o time_n of_o controversy_n and_o danger_n concern_v weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o consider_v dispute_v find_v out_o and_o clear_v of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o establish_v of_o peace_n among_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la a_o synod_n be_v found_v upon_o act_n 15._o distin_n 1_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n three_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v and_o some_o objection_n to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o first_o distinction_n be_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o question_n the_o other_o with_o the_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o objection_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o text._n the_o necessity_n of_o synod_n be_v either_o 1_o absolute_a 2_o respective_a synod_n be_v not_o necessary_a absolute_o i._n e._n unto_o the_o being_n but_o respective_o i._n e._n unto_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n distin_n 2_o in_o this_o synod_n some_o thing_n be_v first_o extraordinary_n and_o not_o exemplary_a some_o whereof_o be_v certain_o so_o and_o the_o rest_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o unto_o divers_a as_o 1_o the_o quality_n of_o some_o of_o the_o member_n sc_n apostle_n v._o 6.23_o 2_o the_o style_n v._o 28._o 3_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o sentence_n as_o immediate_o and_o political_o bind_v at_o least_o as_o some_o expound_v the_o place_n 4_o the_o object_n upon_o who_o they_o impose_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o decree_n viz._n absent_a church_n vers_fw-la 23._o chap._n 16.4_o some_o of_o which_o be_v neither_o call_v nor_o have_v ordinary_a member_n or_o messenger_n there_o other_o be_v ordinary_a ergo_fw-la exemplary_a as_o 1_o the_o public_a meeting_n of_o church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n 2_o the_o propound_v of_o matter_n to_o be_v consider_v 3_o the_o dispute_v of_o they_o v._o 7._o 4_o the_o joint_a resolution_n of_o the_o question_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n v._o 15_o 16._o 5_o the_o declaration_n and_o delivery_n thereof_o unto_o the_o church_n to_o be_v accept_v of_o and_o keep_v by_o they_o act_v 16._o v._o 4._o 6_o order_n in_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v elder_n and_o member_n of_o every_o church_n ergo_fw-la here_o be_v assemble_v elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o all_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o some_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o universal_a counsel_n distin_n 3_o hence_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v extraordinary_a so_o it_o may_v warrant_v the_o great_a counsel_n look_v upon_o what_o be_v ordinary_a therein_o and_o so_o it_o warrant_v the_o small_a counsel_n in_o this_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v the_o substantial_o matter_n and_o form_n circumstantials_n constant_o such_o as_o necessary_o accompany_v every_o synod_n occasional_o which_o accompany_v the_o synod_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la i_o e._n according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o time_n and_o this_o place_n that_o which_o be_v command_v as_o continual_o bind_v act_v 15._o be_v the_o circumstantial_o of_o a_o synod_n the_o constant_a circumstantial_o and_o such_o occasional_o as_o be_v to_o edification_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la these_o two_o last_o distinction_n right_o apply_v may_v satisfy_v many_o light_a objection_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o argum_fw-la 2_o take_a by_o proportion_n from_o gal._n 2.2_o if_o in_o time_n of_o controversy_n about_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n who_o know_v the_o truth_n before_o they_o come_v on_o to_o the_o synod_n and_o one_o of_o they_o be_v great_a than_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o testify_a to_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v less_o than_o the_o find_n out_o testify_v to_o carrying_z on_z of_o the_o truth_n if_o warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n by_o themselves_o or_o by_o church-messenger_n either_o of_o which_o be_v a_o synod_n to_o the_o find_v our_o testify_v to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrantable_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o such_o time_n of_o controversy_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n one_o of_o who_o be_v great_a than_o all_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o testify_a to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n gal._n 2.2_o ergo_fw-la in_o such_o time_n of_o controversy_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n by_o themselves_o or_o by_o the_o church-messenger_n either_o of_o which_o be_v a_o synod_n for_o the_o find_v out_o testify_v to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o argument_n proceed_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o lesser_a thus_o if_o the_o truth_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n have_v need_v of_o the_o help_n of_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n then_o in_o like_a time_n it_o have_v much_o more_o need_n of_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n if_o apostle_n at_o such_o time_n have_v need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o other_o apostle_n than_o church_n in_o like_a time_n have_v need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o other_o church_n such_o assembly_n the_o example_n whereof_o be_v record_v and_o approve_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n argum_fw-la 3_o but_o the_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o the_o qualify_a people_n of_o god_n for_o the_o consider_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n be_v such_o assembly_n the_o example_n whereof_o be_v record_v &_o commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n erg_fw-mi the_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a person_n for_o the_o consider_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o script_n prove_v minor_n prove_v ezra_n 7.14_o ezra_n inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n id_fw-la est_fw-la consult_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n 13.2_o david_n consult_v with_o the_o congregation_n concern_v the_o carry_n of_o the_o ark_n to_o its_o place_n 2_o chr._n 30.2_o hezekiah_n have_v take_v counsel_n of_o all_o his_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n on_o in_o jerusalem_n to_o keep_v the_o passeover_n in_o the_o second_o month_n the_o approve_a example_n of_o the_o godly_a of_o imitable_a and_o useful_a nature_n in_o practical_a case_n be_v a_o rule_n unto_o we_o reason_n 1_o from_o the_o cause_n when_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o synod_n remain_v there_o opportunity_n be_v have_v the_o warrantable_a use_n of_o synod_n remain_v but_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o cause_n of_o synod_n remain_v ergo_fw-la under_o the_o gospel_n the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v warrantable_a the_o cause_n of_o synod_n be_v either_o prevent_v remove_v of_o or_o recover_v from_o
offend_v be_v a_o society_n or_o some_o public_a person_n equivalent_a 2_o in_o case_n the_o party_n in_o such_o act_n of_o judgement_n be_v free_v from_o error_n which_o be_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o apostle_n guide_v in_o their_o administration_n by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n object_n 5._o this_o synod_n act_v 15._o lexi_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d septuag_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vid._n schindl_n lexi_fw-la so_o speak_v as_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n clear_v and_o declare_v by_o it_o as_o a_o burden_n upon_o the_o church_n v._o 28._o which_o our_o ordinary_a synod_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v power_n to_o do_v resp_n the_o notion_n or_o term_n burden_n may_v be_v take_v political_o i._n e._n for_o a_o truth_n impose_v by_o virtue_n of_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n this_o though_o the_o apostle_n as_o apostle_n may_v do_v yet_o if_o they_o do_v so_o in_o this_o place_n which_o we_o rather_o conceive_v not_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o consequent_o not_o exemplary_a or_o the_o word_n burden_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o charge_v of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v and_o yield_v obedience_n in_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o truth_n discuss_v clear_v and_o orderly_o command_v to_o they_o in_o which_o sense_n if_o we_o take_v it_o here_o according_a as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o divers_a place_n elsewhere_o pro._n 30.1_o &_o 21.1_o rev._n 2.24_o than_o the_o stile_n or_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v exemplary_a of_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n the_o three_o question_n quest_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n resp_n the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v decisive_n directive_n &_o declarative_a of_o the_o truth_n by_o clear_v and_o evidence_v the_o same_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n non_o coactive_a yet_o more_o than_o discretive_a for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v 1_o decisive_n in_o determine_v by_o way_n of_o discussion_n and_o disputation_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o so_o consequent_o resolve_v the_o question_n in_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n act_v 15.16,28_o &_o 16.4_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o synod_n 2_o discretive_a in_o discern_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o be_v determine_v this_o belong_v to_o every_o believer_n 3_o coactive_a or_o judicial_a for_o we_o omit_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o official_a judgement_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n determine_v authoritative_o so_o as_o to_o impose_v it_o with_o authority_n and_o to_o censure_v the_o disobedient_a with_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o mat._n 18.17_o this_o belong_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n superior_a in_o some_o respect_n inferior_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v superior_a in_o respect_n of_o direction_n inferior_a in_o respect_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o it_o have_v none_o quere_z how_o and_o how_o far_o do_v the_o sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n bind_v answ_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o synod_n declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o the_o synod_n the_o synod_n declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n bind_v not_o political_o but_o formal_o only_a i._n e._n in_o foro_fw-la interiori_fw-la i._n e._n it_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o that_o by_o way_n of_o the_o high_a institution_n that_o be_v mere_o doctrinal_a the_o political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a by_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o bind_v not_o only_o formal_o but_o political_o in_o foro_fw-la exteriori_fw-la i._n e._n it_o bind_v the_o outward_a man_n so_o as_o the_o disobedient_a in_o matter_n of_o offence_n be_v subject_a unto_o church_n censure_n affirmative_o towards_o their_o own_o member_n negative_o by_o non_fw-la communion_n as_o concern_v other_o whether_o church_n or_o member_n 3._o supremi_fw-la magistratuâ—_n approbatio_fw-la est_fw-la supremum_fw-la ut_fw-la soquuntar_fw-la arrestum_fw-la fr._n hom._n disp_n 18._o th._n 4._o &_o disp_a 17._o thes_n 3._o civil_a by_o the_o magistrate_n strengthen_v the_o truth_n thus_o declare_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n either_o by_o his_o mere_a authoritative_a suffrage_n assent_n and_o testimony_n if_o the_o matter_n need_v no_o more_o or_o by_o his_o authoritative_a sanction_n of_o it_o by_o civil_a punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n so_o require_v in_o this_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n together_o in_o their_o respective_a political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n clear_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o synod_n we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o place_n wherein_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n walk_v together_o orderly_o referve_v ecclesiastical_a bind_a power_n to_o the_o particular_a church_n where_o either_o there_o be_v no_o magistrate_n or_o the_o magistrate_n be_v want_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o also_o civil_a power_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n where_o the_o church_n be_v want_v to_o their_o duty_n the_o four_o question_n quest_n 4._o to_o who_o belong_v the_o power_n of_o call_v a_o synod_n answ_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v one_o distinction_n and_o answer_v three_o query_n distin_n the_o power_n of_o call_v synod_n be_v either_o single_a authoritative_a belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n ministerial_a belong_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n mix_v when_o both_o proceed_v orderly_a and_o joint_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o several_a power_n argument_n prove_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o call_v synod_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n 1_o because_o the_o magistrate_n be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la i._n e._n charge_v with_o the_o custody_n of_o both_o table_n that_o he_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v grant_v that_o he_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o former_a be_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o the_o first_o question_n 2_o from_o the_o record_a and_o approve_a example_n of_o godly_a king_n in_o the_o scripture_n david_n 1_o chron._n 23.2_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o josiah_n 2_o kin._n 23.1,2_o 3_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o great_a assembly_n though_o synodical_a assemble_v be_v spiritual_a yet_o mere_a assemble_v of_o a_o multitude_n together_o which_o a_o synodical_a assembly_n presuppose_v be_v a_o civil_a act_n and_o therefore_o can_v in_o good_a policy_n be_v suffer_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n 4_o from_o the_o necessary_a though_o not_o essential_a requisite_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o synod_n as_o place_n time_n manner_n of_o meeting_n peace_n all_o which_o need_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n of_o violent_a disturbance_n the_o church_n as_o such_o have_v no_o civil_a power_n to_o defend_v they_o can_v but_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o they_o may_v meet_v and_o transact_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o safety_n and_o quietness_n 5_o from_o the_o proportion_n that_o the_o magistrate_n con-coactive_a or_o call_v power_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v with_o his_o confirmation_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o same_o reason_n that_o warrant_v his_o confirm_a power_n for_o the_o better_a strengthen_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n warrant_v his_o call_a power_n for_o the_o better_a be_v of_o the_o synod_n argument_n prove_v the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o call_v synod_n which_o may_v be_v fit_o call_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n because_o church_n therein_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o to_o belong_v unto_o the_o particular_a church_n 1_o from_o that_o famous_a example_n act_v 15._o where_o the_o synod_n meet_v and_z site_z without_o the_o call_n of_o civil_a authority_n there_o be_v then_o no_o christian_a magistrate_n 2_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o synod_n as_o proper_o such_o first_o reside_v with_o ariseth_z from_z and_o last_o return_v to_o particular_a church_n 3_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n tend_v not_o to_o the_o be_v but_o to_o the_o better_a be_v of_o synod_n and_o add_v thereunto_o be_v accumulative_a not_o privative_a i._n e._n it_o add_v strength_n to_o it_o but_o take_v not_o any_o power_n from_o it_o hence_o a_o synod_n may_v in_o ease_n be_v without_o any_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o can_v be_v without_o some_o consent_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a of_o the_o church_n 4_o because_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v invest_v the_o church_n with_o sufficient_a ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o the_o best_a ecclesiastical_a manner_n to_o attain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a end_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n of_o themselves_o by_o joint_a consent_n to_o call_v a_o synod_n query_n query_n 1_o in_o what_o case_n may_v the_o magistrate_n proceed_v to_o call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n the_o church_n be_v defective_a and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n just_a cause_n so_o require_v may_v call_v a_o synod_n and_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n thereunto_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o refusal_n he_o may_v proceed_v to_o call_v a_o assembly_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o a_o synod_n meet_v for_o namely_o to_o consider_v of_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n in_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n but_o such_o a_o assembly_n call_v and_o gather_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o proper_o that_o which_o be_v usual_o understand_v by_o a_o synod_n for_o though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o call_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o at_o least_o the_o implicit_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n because_o church-messenger_n who_o necessary_o presuppose_v a_o explicit_a which_o order_n call_v for_o or_o implicit_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o synod_n query_n 2_o in_o what_o case_n may_v the_o church_n call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n answ_n in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n be_v defective_a and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n just_a cause_n providence_n and_o prudence_n concur_v the_o church_n may_v both_o call_v and_o constitute_v a_o synod_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n can_v constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n although_o the_o magistrate_n can_v constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v because_o the_o essentials_n of_o a_o synod_n together_o with_o such_o other_o cause_n as_o be_v require_v to_o the_o be_v though_o not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o better_a be_v of_o a_o synod_n arise_v out_o of_o particular_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a enumeration_n of_o the_o cause_n thereof_o the_o essential_a cause_n remote_a the_o authoritative_a call_n of_o the_o magistrate_n next_o the_o ministerial_a call_n of_o the_o church_n the_o material_a cause_n the_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n i._n e._n qualify_a church-messenger_n the_o formal_a cause_n the_o meeting_n together_o of_o such_o church-messenger_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o final_a cause_n to_o confider_v of_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n in_o question_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n query_n 3_o in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n and_o church_n be_v both_o willing_a to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o the_o joint_a exercise_n of_o their_o several_a power_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o either_o of_o they_o to_o call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o answ_n no_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v now_o by_o way_n of_o a_o mix_v call_v i._n e._n orderly_o and_o joint_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o several_a power_n that_o which_o learned_a parker_n speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n concern_v call_v of_o synod_n hold_v also_o in_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n their_o power_n be_v divers_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o exercise_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v divers_a nor_o divide_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o as_o before_z the_o church_n desire_n the_o magistrate_n command_v church_n act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o liberty_n the_o magistrate_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n moses_n and_o aaron_n shall_v go_v together_o and_o kiss_v one_o another_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o god._n finis_fw-la courteous_a reader_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o the_o far_a distance_n of_o his_o love_a friend_n the_o publisher_n of_o this_o book_n some_o fault_n may_v have_v escape_v the_o press_n for_o the_o which_o the_o printer_n desire_v excuse_v vale._n
the_o covenant_n of_o grace._n discover_v the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o sinner_n reconciliation_n to_o god._n by_o john_n cotton_n minister_n at_o boston_n in_o new_a england_n whereunto_o be_v add_v certain_a query_n tend_v to_o accommodadation_n between_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n also_o a_o discussion_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o same_o author_n london_n print_v by_o m._n s._n for_o francis_n eglesfield_n and_o john_n allen_n at_o the_o marigold_n and_o rise_v sun_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1655._o to_o the_o true_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a my_o ever_o honour_a and_o much_o esteem_v friend_n m_o ris_z catharine_n hodson_n the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n if_o either_o religion_n or_o civility_n have_v any_o virtue_n to_o oblige_v certain_o i_o be_o much_o your_o debtor_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o compliment_n which_o usual_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o the_o vain_a assentation_n to_o promise_v any_o adequate_a satisfaction_n for_o those_o many_o favour_n you_o be_v please_v to_o make_v i_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o design_n of_o these_o few_o line_n be_v to_o testify_v to_o yourself_o and_o the_o world_n that_o i_o be_o real_o thankful_a or_o hearty_o desire_v to_o be_v so_o the_o follow_a treatise_n which_o concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o commend_v rather_o to_o your_o practice_n then_o protection_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o orphan_n entertain_v it_o for_o the_o father_n sake_n and_o i_o shall_v undertake_v you_o shall_v gain_v no_o mean_a satisfaction_n for_o your_o pain_n the_o two_o small_a tract_n at_o the_o end_n be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o first_o the_o reverend_a author_n undertake_v a_o good_a office_n which_o be_v to_o become_v umpire_n betwixt_o dissent_v brethren_n next_o to_o their_o not_o fall_v out_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v to_o agree_v i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o if_o man_n do_v more_o attend_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v less_o particular_a in_o their_o end_n the_o quarrel_n about_o the_o way_n will_v not_o be_v so_o endless_a as_o to_o that_o latter_a tract_n about_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n touch_v the_o first_o table_n of_o late_a day_n it_o have_v fall_v much_o under_o question_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n who_o have_v attend_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o single_a eye_n have_v look_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a rom._n 13.4_o under_o the_o name_n of_o evil_n comprehend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aristot_n eth._n 5._o 13._o whatsoever_o be_v commit_v about_o holy_a thing_n child_n be_v command_v obedience_n to_o their_o parent_n in_o all_o thing_n col._n 3.20_o felius_fw-la inquit_fw-la augustinus_n reges_fw-la si_fw-la svam_fw-la potestatem_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la cultuum_fw-la maximè_fw-la dilatandum_fw-la majestati_fw-la ejus_fw-la famulam_fw-la faciant_fw-la de_fw-fr civet_n dei_fw-la 5._o c._n 14._o all_o thing_n comprehend_v holy_a thing_n and_o the_o command_n of_o a_o father_n be_v less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o which_o relate_v in_o this_o little_a book_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o commend_v to_o your_o special_a meditation_n every_o truth_n have_v its_o value_n but_o not_o of_o equal_a concernment_n unto_o all_o among_o all_o the_o parcel_n of_o sacred_a word_n none_o more_o just_o challenge_v our_o serious_a study_n and_o affectionate_a inquisition_n than_o this_o mystery_n that_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n colos_n 1.26_o comprehend_v in_o the_o covenant_n or_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o constellation_n of_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n communicate_v the_o most_o beneficial_a influence_n of_o rich_a everlasting_a and_o undeserved_a mercy_n by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o need_v of_o lose_v heavy_a load_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o city_n of_o refuge_n and_o sure_a sanctuary_n to_o which_o distress_a soul_n have_v always_o flee_v and_o find_v security_n when_o the_o â—…owes_n and_o the_o wave_n of_o temptation_n have_v beat_v upon_o they_o here_o they_o have_v successful_o cast_v the_o anchor_n of_o their_o hope_n for_o the_o mountain_n shall_v depart_v and_o the_o hill_n be_v remove_v but_o my_o kindness_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o neither_o shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o peace_n be_v remove_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o oh_o thou_o afflict_a and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v i_o will_v etc._n etc._n isai_n 54.10,11,12_o they_o only_o know_v how_o much_o sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n the_o gen._n 33.9,11_o esau_n look_v upon_o his_o substance_n and_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v much_o or_o abundance_n jacob_n look_v upon_o his_o portion_n in_o jehovah_n &_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v all_o thing_n thus_o it_o shall_v be_v translate_v large_a content_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v who_o have_v taste_v the_o grace_n of_o that_o covenant_n the_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o you_o have_v of_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v so_o right_o exercise_v that_o your_o experience_n exceed_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o knowledge_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o administer_v but_o this_o covenant_n be_v our_o grand_a charter_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o our_o hope_n for_o another_o life_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o perusal_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n bespeak_v a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n upon_o your_o meditation_n in_o it_o i_o question_v not_o but_o still_o you_o pursue_v that_o thrive_a course_n in_o religion_n which_o many_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o in_o and_o that_o be_v to_o keep_v off_o from_o unedifying_a dispute_n and_o question_n which_o have_v add_v nothing_o to_o christianity_n but_o discord_n scruple_n and_o a_o loss_n of_o the_o vital_n of_o godliness_n beside_o the_o expense_n of_o precious_a hour_n which_o you_o have_v improve_v to_o more_o considerable_a advantage_n you_o run_v well_o let_v nothing_o hinder_v you_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v wrought_v that_o you_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n live_v as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n for_o the_o land_n of_o immanuel_n be_v a_o excellent_a soil_n the_o pure_a air_n be_v above_o where_o the_o spirit_n breathe_v free_o and_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v a_o condition_n proportionable_a to_o itself_o in_o as_o much_o as_o nothing_o can_v fit_v it_o but_o that_o which_o bear_v some_o similitude_n to_o its_o be_v your_o warfare_n be_v not_o yet_o accomplish_v as_o you_o must_v wrestle_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n so_o you_o must_v wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr supercoelestibus_fw-la eph_n 6.12_o vide_fw-la mat._n 10.32_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mei_fw-la causââ—…_n illius_fw-la causa_fw-la vide_fw-la mat._n 26.21_o all_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o i_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aâ—ovi_fw-la or_o because_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o nature_n of_o satan_n be_v to_o tempt_v and_o we_o have_v that_o in_o our_o nature_n fit_v to_o comply_v with_o any_o temptation_n let_v he_o be_v conqueror_n or_o conquer_v he_o be_v restless_a he_o may_v go_v away_o for_o a_o season_n till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v out_o his_o chain_n and_o then_o he_o come_v again_o be_v we_o faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n provide_v for_o we_o now_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n 1_o pet._n 5.10_o who_o have_v call_v we_o into_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o christ_n jesus_n after_o you_o have_v suffer_v a_o while_n make_v you_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v settle_v you_o so_o pray_v your_o very_a much_o oblige_v friend_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o gospel_n w._n retchfordâ—_n to_o the_o reader_n if_o either_o author_n or_o matter_n may_v tend_v to_o commend_v any_o treatise_n i_o may_v take_v occasion_n from_o both_o these_o respect_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o high_a commendation_n of_o all_o these_o three_o ensue_a treatise_n the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o who_o commendation_n be_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o all_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o epistle_n of_o commendation_n from_o any_o other_o the_o name_n of_o mr._n john_n cotton_n the_o author_n of_o the_o two_o former_a be_v like_o a_o precious_a ointment_n pour_v forth_o and_o although_o his_o bless_a soul_n be_v now_o amid_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v above_o yet_o his_o holy_a work_n and_o labour_v leave_v
his_o own_o work_n and_o teach_v he_o to_o resolve_v in_o his_o judgement_n to_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n 4_o there_o be_v a_o four_o sort_n also_o that_o fall_n far_o short_a of_o christ_n too_o and_o yet_o go_v beyond_o all_o these_o they_o go_v beyond_o work_n and_o beyond_o this_o faith_n also_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o which_o be_v not_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v but_o man_n justify_v themselves_o by_o it_o god_n do_v not_o justify_v they_o now_o this_o four_o sort_n come_v plain_o to_o see_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v shake_v and_o they_o dare_v not_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o he_o it_o be_v true_a many_o a_o heavenly_a spirit_a man_n can_v tell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o tell_v whether_o his_o faith_n be_v sound_a but_o many_o a_o hypocrite_n also_o be_v so_o far_o convince_v that_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o say_v that_o his_o faith_n be_v right_a nor_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o believe_v what_o say_v the_o soul_n now_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o he_o will_v say_v i_o see_v it_o be_v not_o my_o reformation_n nor_o my_o faith_n that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o see_v that_o now_o i_o must_v wait_v upon_o christ_n that_o i_o may_v believe_v and_o unto_o he_o i_o must_v seek_v for_o help_v be_v not_o this_o soul_n in_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n true_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n many_o time_n bring_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n unto_o but_o he_o leave_v they_o not_o there_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o do_v they_o good_a for_o i_o will_v examine_v again_o how_o come_v thou_o to_o wait_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n thou_o have_v be_v drive_v out_o of_o conceit_n of_o thy_o former_a faith_n and_o so_o have_v be_v force_v and_o have_v see_v a_o necessity_n to_o wait_v upon_o christ_n for_o faith_n or_o else_o thou_o can_v not_o believe_v force_n of_o argument_n have_v constrain_v thou_o thus_o far_o if_o thou_o have_v take_v up_o a_o course_n of_o wait_v only_o upon_o this_o ground_n here_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o old_a adam_n still_o keep_v alive_a in_o thou_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o seek_v and_o wait_v upon_o christ_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v promise_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v any_o part_n or_o portion_n in_o he_o but_o a_o soul_n will_v say_v have_v not_o the_o lord_n make_v gracious_a promise_n to_o all_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o he_o have_v he_o not_o say_v that_o all_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o wait_n for_o he_o isa_n 30.18_o and_o be_o not_o i_o wrap_v up_o hereby_o in_o a_o bundle_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n mind_v you_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o life_n make_v to_o those_o that_o wait_v &_o seek_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n who_o be_v drive_v to_o it_o have_v take_v it_o up_o by_o their_o own_o resolution_n though_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v true_a that_o every_o one_o that_o wait_v for_o and_o seek_v the_o lord_n aright_o be_v drive_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n yet_o if_o ever_o the_o lord_n mean_v to_o save_v you_o he_o will_v rend_v as_o it_o be_v the_o caule_v from_o the_o heart_n i_o mean_v he_o will_v pluck_v away_o all_o the_o confidence_n you_o have_v build_v upon_o a_o as_o man_n will_v rend_v the_o entrails_n of_o a_o beast_n from_o he_o so_o the_o lord_n will_v bring_v you_o to_o a_o flat_a denial_n of_o yourselves_o and_o that_o you_o have_v neither_o good_a will_n nor_o deed_n as_o of_o yourselves_o and_o you_o will_v find_v you_o know_v not_o what_o god_n will_v do_v with_o you_o but_o this_o you_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o be_v most_o righteous_a when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v as_o a_o comforter_n he_o will_v in_o this_o manner_n convince_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v heretofore_o hang_v upon_o his_o reformation_n for_o hope_n &_o comfort_n but_o now_o he_o be_v bring_v plain_o to_o see_v and_o flat_o to_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v so_o much_o as_o one_o drop_n of_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o true_a olive_n tree_n in_o he_o when_o he_o most_o trust_v unto_o his_o own_o excellency_n now_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o far_o bring_v on_o do_v not_o only_o deny_v himself_o in_o his_o judgement_n but_o in_o his_o will_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v as_o david_n sometime_o do_v if_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o i_o here_o i_o be_o let_v he_o do_v unto_o i_o as_o seem_v he_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o that_o come_v upon_o i_o this_o only_a the_o soul_n have_v for_o his_o support_n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o lord_n be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o for_o i_o that_o i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o if_o he_o show_v i_o no_o mercy_n he_o be_v just_a if_o he_o be_v gracious_a i_o shall_v live_v to_o praise_v he_o now_o when_o a_o man_n will_n be_v thus_o subdue_v that_o he_o have_v no_o will_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n this_o be_v true_a brokennesse_n of_o heart_n when_o not_o only_o the_o judgement_n but_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n be_v break_v the_o soul_n be_v thus_o convince_v that_o neither_o his_o work_n nor_o believe_v nor_o wait_a nor_o seek_v as_o of_o himself_o will_v do_v he_o any_o good_a there_o be_v no_o mercy_n that_o he_o can_v challenge_v for_o any_o goodness_n sake_n of_o his_o own_o then_o come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o some_o declaration_n of_o god_n free_a love_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o pant_v after_o jesus_n christ_n and_o nothing_o in_o heaven_n but_o he_o nor_o in_o the_o earth_n beside_o he_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o wrought_v upon_o begin_v to_o put_v forth_o itself_o towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v take_v possession_n before_o help_v our_o infirmity_n rom._n 8.26,27_o he_o alone_o must_v help_v we_o and_o no_o other_o finis_fw-la certain_a query_n tend_v to_o accommodation_n and_o communion_n of_o presbyterian_a &_o congregationall_a church_n by_o mr_n john_n cotton_n late_a teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n publish_a by_o a_o friend_n to_o who_o the_o author_n himself_o send_v they_o over_o not_o long_o before_o his_o death_n london_n print_v by_o m._n s._n for_o john_n allen_n and_o francis_n eglesfield_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1654._o certain_a query_n tend_v to_o the_o mutual_a accommodation_n &_o communion_n of_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n deliver_v in_o 11_o proposition_n &_o humble_o present_v both_o to_o the_o consideration_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o according_a to_o god_n by_o mr_n john_n cotton_n the_o 1._o query_n whether_o may_v it_o not_o be_v safe_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o congregation_n of_o christian_n subject_n to_o presbyterial_a government_n preach_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o overgrow_v with_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n be_v true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n because_o such_o church_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n at_o least_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o they_o especial_o when_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o sit_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n at_o his_o table_n and_o for_o the_o form_n they_o do_v agree_v together_o in_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n in_o attend_v due_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o in_o submit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o impli_v a_o real_a and_o visible_a though_o implicit_a profession_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n requisite_a to_o church-estate_n object_n the_o parish-church_n in_o england_n be_v antichristian_a if_o not_o in_o their_o first_o institution_n yet_o at_o least_o for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o be_v never_o since_o unchurch_v nor_o new_o mould_v out_o of_o their_o anchristian_a apostasy_n answ_n 1._o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v and_o receive_v in_o england_n ten_o year_n before_o it_o be_v in_o rome_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o gildas_n and_o may_v be_v infer_v from_o baronius_n also_o annal._n anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 35.5_o &_o 45.1_o and_o that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a man_n who_o doubtless_o do_v at_o first_o institute_v church_n not_o after_o the_o pattern_n of_o rome_n which_o then_o be_v not_o a_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2._o neither_o be_v they_o unchurch_v by_o the_o antichristian_a apostasy_n which_o afterward_o grow_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o leprosy_n but_o be_v only_o corrupt_v and_o pollute_v even_o
in_o many_o fundamental_n both_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n &_o government_n which_o make_v they_o like_a unto_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o apostasy_n of_o jezabel_n the_o generality_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n but_o a_o remnant_n reserve_v through_o grace_n which_o bow_v not_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n 3._o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n many_o of_o the_o church-member_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n reform_v to_o a_o new_a estate_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o the_o fundamental_a corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v purge_v away_o and_o both_o of_o they_o so_o renew_v as_o that_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v discern_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o the_o government_n though_o it_o give_v not_o be_v but_o well-being_n to_o church_n yet_o it_o have_v also_o be_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o into_o better_a order_n unto_o this_o day_n in_o so_o much_o that_o protestant_a church_n have_v renounce_v fellowship_n with_o antichrist_n and_o his_o church_n and_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n which_o if_o it_o reach_v not_o to_o a_o new-churching_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o renuall_a of_o their_o church_n estate_n and_o a_o new_a mould_v of_o they_o into_o a_o more_o holy_a way_n of_o administration_n of_o church-ordinance_n so_o that_o now_o they_o stand_v as_o church_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o world_n both_o of_o antichristian_o and_o of_o pagan_n the_o israelite_n after_o their_o return_n from_o under_o the_o apostasy_n of_o jezabel_n do_v neither_o solemn_o unchurch_n themselves_o of_o their_o former_a corrupt_a estate_n nor_o inchurch_n themselves_o into_o a_o better_a new_a estate_n but_o be_v call_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o king_n proclamation_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v bore_v of_o god_n to_o submit_v themselves_o thereto_o though_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o full_a purification_n yet_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o passeover_n together_o with_o their_o brethren_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n of_o judah_n 2_o chro._n 30.18,19,20_o the_o 2d._o query_n presuppose_v then_o the_o prerbyterian_a congregation_n to_o be_v true_a church_n whether_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o minister_n call_v by_o they_o be_v otherwise_o man_n of_o ministerial_a gift_n be_v true_a minister_n and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v by_o they_o be_v true_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o 3d._o query_n nevertheless_o whether_o may_v it_o not_o be_v just_o doubt_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o both_o church_n be_v sinful_o defective_a the_o presbyterian_a partly_o in_o their_o material_n in_o case_n the_o member_n diverse_a of_o they_o be_v not_o profess_a saint_n but_o either_o ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a and_o apparent_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a partly_o in_o their_o government_n by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n which_o way_n of_o government_n though_o it_o have_v place_n in_o sundry_a case_n in_o the_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v be_v practise_v for_o a_o time_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v oecumeniall_a governor_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n yet_o the_o same_o be_v never_o delegated_a nor_o commend_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o particular_a congregation_n the_o congregationall_a likewise_o how_o can_v they_o be_v excuse_v in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o such_o as_o do_v admit_v all_o manner_n of_o sect_n into_o their_o covenant_n and_o communion_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o seduce_a heretic_n and_o profane_a blasphemer_n the_o 4._o query_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o which_o defect_n be_v it_o not_o much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o member_n of_o presbyterian_a church_n do_v once_o public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o their_o partake_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o john_n baptist_n disciple_n do_v before_o their_o baptism_n and_o as_o member_n of_o congregationall_a church_n do_v before_o their_o admission_n that_o so_o none_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n till_o they_o be_v due_o approve_v to_o be_v man_n of_o knowledge_n sound_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o blameless_a in_o conversation_n and_o further_a also_o whether_o will_v it_o not_o much_o conduce_v to_o a_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a acceptance_n of_o their_o administration_n if_o their_o elder_n in_o the_o classis_fw-la do_v put_v forth_o no_o authoritative_a act_n touch_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n but_o consultative_a only_o nor_o touch_v their_o own_o but_o upon_o hear_v the_o advice_n of_o fellow_n elder_n in_o difficult_a case_n to_o proceed_v each_o one_o with_o the_o cognizance_n and_o consent_n of_o his_o own_o church_n at_o home_n respective_o the_o 5._o query_n for_o want_v or_o neglect_v hereof_o though_o the_o member_n of_o presbyterian_a church_n shall_v discern_v some_o defect_n in_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o their_o church_n yet_o whether_o may_v they_o sudden_o break_v off_o communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o defect_n and_o due_o and_o patient_o wait_v for_o their_o reformation_n it_o may_v seem_v no_o for_o if_o we_o must_v take_v a_o more_o delatory_a course_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o a_o private_a brother_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n with_o much_o meekness_n and_o patience_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o so_o to_o walk_v towards_o a_o whole_a church_n the_o 6._o query_n such_o a_o brother_n though_o as_o yet_o remain_v a_o member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a church_n yet_o sensible_a of_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o be_v otherwise_o know_v to_o be_v fit_a why_o may_v he_o not_o lawful_o and_o without_o scruple_n be_v receive_v to_o partake_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o occasion_n serve_v in_o a_o congregationall_a church_n for_o such_o a_o one_o be_v both_o a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o cleanse_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o church_n the_o 7._o query_n yea_o suppose_v a_o godly_a christian_a do_v continue_v presbyterian_a in_o his_o judgement_n and_o yet_o do_v approve_v also_o of_o a_o congregationall_a way_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o a_o congregationall_a church_n whether_o may_v he_o not_o in_o due_a order_n be_v lawful_o admit_v and_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a church_n yea_o further_o notwithstanding_o the_o different_a state_n and_o way_n of_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n and_o the_o defect_n which_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o may_v observe_v or_o surmise_v either_o in_o other_o yet_o even_o while_o they_o so_o stand_v and_o walk_v whether_o may_v not_o the_o member_n of_o either_o without_o just_a offence_n mutual_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o affirmative_a seem_v probable_a for_o as_o error_n in_o judgement_n about_o discipline_n be_v not_o a_o heresy_n against_o the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v christian_a church_n to_o receive_v the_o christian_a jew_n into_o their_o church-fellowship_n who_o yeâ—_n dissent_v from_o they_o about_o the_o observation_n of_o leviticall_a rite_n which_o be_v as_o much_o discrepant_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o order_n of_o worship_n as_o these_o other_o be_v in_o order_n of_o government_n beside_o god_n accept_v cleanness_n of_o heart_n in_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o their_o approach_n to_o his_o table_n though_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o full_a cleanse_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 2_o chron._n 30.18,19,20_o the_o 8._o query_n if_o a_o godly_a minister_n call_v to_o office_n by_o a_o people_n profess_v godliness_n whether_o under_o episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n and_o afterward_o repent_v of_o any_o know_a sin_n in_o his_o way_n shall_v be_v desirous_a of_o a_o more_o pure_a reformation_n whether_o may_v not_o his_o godly_a people_n acknowledge_v his_o ministerial_a call_v without_o sin_n why_o not_o for_o he_o have_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o lawful_a call_v before_o in_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o his_o godly_a people_n and_o in_o his_o own_o free_a acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o of_o their_o call_n nevertheless_o if_o any_o of_o his_o godly_a people_n shall_v stumble_v at_o his_o former_a call_v whether_o may_v not_o a_o more_o select_a company_n and_o body_n of_o the_o people_n renew_v their_o call_n of_o he_o and_o there_o to_o accept_v the_o concurrence_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o whether_o may_v not_o he_o also_o do_v well_o instead_o of_o stiff_a stand_n upon_o the_o validiy_n of_o his_o former_a call_v to_o condescend_v to_o renew_v his_o
error_n and_o division_n or_o provide_v for_o preserve_v of_o or_o restore_v of_o truth_n and_o peace_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n reason_n 2_o from_o the_o end_n of_o synod_n where_o there_o be_v use_v of_o the_o end_n of_o synod_n namely_o to_o clear_v and_o declare_v the_o truth_n from_o scripture_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n there_o the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v warrantable_a but_o under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v use_v of_o the_o end_n of_o synod_n namely_o to_o clear_v and_o declare_v the_o truth_n from_o scripture_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n ergo_fw-la under_o the_o gospel_n the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v warrantable_a preeminency_n of_o knowledge_n concern_v church_n matter_n be_v in_o the_o synod_n hence_o the_o question_n be_v arise_v to_o the_o synod_n church_n authority_n be_v only_o place_v in_o the_o church_n hence_o the_o cause_n remain_v with_o the_o particular_a church_n reason_n 3_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a external_a mean_n of_o the_o union_n of_o church_n in_o one_o judgement_n and_o consequent_o a_o especial_a help_n to_o preserve_v communion_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o warrantable_a use_n but_o a_o synod_n be_v the_o great_a external_a mean_n to_o unite_n church_n in_o one_o judgement_n by_o confer_v apprehension_n for_o the_o concur_v in_o the_o same_o sentence_n ergo_fw-la a_o synod_n be_v of_o warrantable_a use_n reason_n 4_o from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o church-administrations_a that_o without_o which_o particular_a church_n in_o divers_a of_o their_o administration_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o run_v in_o vain_a be_v of_o warrantable_a use_n but_o without_o the_o approbation_n of_o other_o church_n for_o the_o end_n whereof_o synod_n be_v a_o especial_a mean_n particular_a church_n be_v in_o divers_a of_o their_o administration_n in_o danger_n to_o run_v in_o vain_a from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 2.2_o ergo_fw-la synod_n be_v of_o warrantable_a use_n reason_n 5_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o church-matter_n if_o the_o weighty_a transaction_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n be_v such_o and_o so_o concern_v particular_a neighbour_a church_n as_o that_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o all_o neighbour_a church_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v and_o consult_v with_o thereabouts_o and_o synod_n be_v the_o fit_a mean_n for_o that_o end_n then_o synod_n be_v of_o warrantable_a use_n but_o the_o weighty_a transaction_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v such_o and_o so_o concern_v all_o particular_a neighbour_a church_n as_o that_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o all_o neighbour_a church_n be_v acquaint_v and_o consult_v with_o thereabouts_o and_o synod_n be_v the_o fit_a mean_n to_o that_o end_n ergo_fw-la synod_n be_v of_o warrantable_a use_n quod_fw-la tangit_fw-la omnes_fw-la spectat_fw-la ad_fw-la omnes_fw-la the_o cognizance_n of_o that_o belong_v to_o all_o who_o practice_n concern_v all_o objection_n against_o the_o urge_n of_o that_o synod_n act_v 15._o as_o a_o example_n warrant_v our_o ordinary_a synod_n object_n 1._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o the_o other_o brethren_n send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n and_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 2._o but_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o the_o church_n be_v send_v unto_o which_o in_o ordinary_a synod_n order_n call_v for_o resp_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o so_o many_o word_n express_v that_o the_o church_n be_v send_v unto_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o they_o may_v be_v send_v unto_o implicit_o though_o not_o explicit_o 2_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o therefore_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v not_o to_o this_o assembly_n without_o the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n so_o we_o may_v well_o think_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n come_v not_o to_o this_o assembly_n without_o the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n 3_o consider_v the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n that_o they_o have_v orderly_a and_o seasonable_a notice_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v present_a at_o it_o and_o be_v join_v together_o with_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o all_o which_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n either_o in_o express_a word_n or_o just_a consequence_n from_o thence_o vers_fw-la 4.22,23_o object_n 2._o our_o synod_n consist_v only_o of_o such_o member_n as_o be_v messenger_n of_o church_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v exemplify_v by_o that_o act_v 15._o because_o that_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v not_o of_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n resp_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v present_a according_a to_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o be_v as_o messenger_n 2_o it_o be_v all_o one_o upon_o this_o point_n whether_o a_o church_n be_v present_a by_o the_o fraternity_n itself_o or_o by_o their_o messenger_n if_o conveniency_n of_o the_o place_n and_o transaction_n of_o affair_n will_v permit_v it_o be_v at_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o fraternity_n to_o be_v present_a immediate_o or_o to_o send_v their_o messenger_n 3_o what_o the_o fraternity_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v here_o the_o like_a may_v the_o fraternity_n of_o any_o church_n in_o like_a case_n do_v with_o we_o as_o the_o church_n of_o cambridge_n for_o instance_n now_o if_o they_o please_v 4_o where_o the_o fraternity_n be_v present_a formal_o there_o the_o messenger_n be_v present_a virtual_o 5_o in_o such_o case_n where_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o fraternity_n immediate_o or_o send_v of_o messenger_n be_v occasional_a circumstance_n of_o which_o before_o it_o be_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o fraternity_n to_o do_v as_o they_o judge_v most_o for_o their_o edification_n object_n 3._o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o question_n in_o our_o synod_n or_o assembly_n ordinary_o proceed_v joint_o from_o the_o messenger_n of_o all_o church_n at_o least_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o but_o the_o judgement_n concern_v matter_n agitate_a in_o that_o synod_n act_v 15._o seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o one_o part_n thereof_o only_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o letter_n send_v from_o thence_o not_o mention_v any_o part_n of_o that_o judgement_n as_o proceed_v from_o the_o church_n messenger_n of_o antioch_n resp_n 1._o we_o may_v distinguish_v between_o the_o synod_n pass_v for_o act_n of_o judgement_n upon_o the_o question_n discuss_v and_o the_o send_n of_o that_o judgement_n pass_v by_o the_o synod_n that_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n do_v judge_v joint_o with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n concern_v the_o matter_n agitate_a in_o that_o synod_n appear_v thus_o in_o every_o regular_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church-messenger_n in_o a_o synod_n where_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o ability_n right_a and_o duty_n to_o pass_v a_o actual_a judgement_n as_o declarative_a to_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v a_o actual_a judgement_n but_o such_o be_v the_o case_n in_o this_o synod_n ergo_fw-la the_o reason_n why_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o not_o of_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v only_o make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o letter_n may_v be_v because_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church-messenger_n of_o antioch_n be_v already_o know_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o doubt_n of_o their_o messenger_n concurrence_n with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o present_a conclusion_n if_o there_o be_v any_o doubt_n in_o that_o respect_n they_o be_v personal_o present_a to_o satisfy_v it_o 2_o because_o the_o contrary_n mind_v have_v already_o signify_v their_o non_fw-la acquiescence_n or_o not_o rest_v either_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n or_o their_o messenger_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n unto_o church_n there_o appear_v not_o any_o cause_n out_o of_o the_o text_n to_o doubt_v the_o delivery_n of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o joint_a judgement_n of_o they_o all_o but_o the_o contrary_n object_n 4._o a_o party_n may_v not_o be_v a_o judge_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v party_n in_o this_o business_n act_v 15._o ergo_fw-la resp_n 1._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n here_o be_v not_o proper_o party_n in_o that_o they_o act_n not_o their_o own_o case_n but_o the_o case_n of_o the_o truth_n &_o that_o as_o send_v from_o the_o church_n 2_o though_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v party_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a that_o a_o party_n may_v not_o be_v a_o judge_n as_o 1_o in_o case_n the_o party_n