hungry_a to_o choose_v affliction_n rather_o than_o to_o sin_n not_o to_o recompense_v evil_a with_o evil_n but_o evil_a with_o good_a to_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n and_o truth_n when_o the_o wind_n of_o trial_n and_o persecution_n blow_v hard_o in_o their_o face_n these_o and_o such_o like_a duty_n be_v not_o much_o stand_v on_o by_o the_o man_n that_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n of_o carnal_a reason_n as_o also_o the_o duty_n of_o mortify_v your_o predominant_a cut_v off_o of_o the_o right_a hand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o that_o painful_a duty_n of_o heart-searching_a and_o self-judging_a as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o chief_o when_o you_o be_v come_v to_o a_o communion_n carnal_a wit_n will_v suggest_v to_o you_o that_o such_o precise_a strictness_n be_v not_o needful_a now_o this_o rule_n be_v flat_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v here_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n approbation_n for_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n to_o god_n and_o flesh_n and_o 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heart_n sin_n 2._o try_v what_o conscience_n you_o make_v to_o discharge_v inward_a and_o spiritual_a duty_n which_o require_v only_o the_o inward_a man_n to_o be_v act_v in_o they_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o meditate_v on_o god_n keep_v intercourse_n and_o fellowship_n betwixt_o your_o heart_n and_o he_o the_o duty_n of_o self_n judge_v and_o call_v yourself_o to_o a_o account_n every_o night_n of_o the_o day_n work_v the_o duty_n of_o stoop_v to_o god_n under_o cross_a dispensation_n and_o construct_v aright_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o god_n do_v try_v i_o say_v what_o conscience_n you_o make_v to_o discharge_v those_o and_o such_o like_a spiritual_a duty_n 3._o try_v in_o what_o way_n your_o great_a care_n do_v run_v in_o these_o duty_n which_o require_v both_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a man_n be_v your_o great_a care_n to_o act_v from_o right_a motive_n and_o for_o right_a end_n or_o rather_o do_v you_o not_o on_o the_o contrair_n take_v but_o little_a care_n what_o be_v the_o 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but_o now_o last_o i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a here_o condescend_v on_o as_o a_o necessary_a ingredient_n for_o make_v our_o performance_n acceptable_a and_o savoury_a viz._n the_o grace_n of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n behold_v thou_o desire_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o it_o give_v we_o this_o doctrine_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v abosolute_o necessary_a for_o make_v our_o duty_n acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v even_o very_o little_a where_o it_o be_v when_o he_o i_o reject_v much_o where_o it_o be_v want_v we_o will_v see_v both_o these_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o scripture_n verdict_n of_o two_o king_n of_o judah_n the_o first_o be_v asa_n he_o be_v guilty_a in_o many_o thing_n there_o be_v very_o visible_a defect_n in_o he_o as_o sufficient_a that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a this_o be_v the_o rule_n which_o god_n forbid_v to_o follow_v exod._n 23._o 2._o thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a etc._n etc._n and_o broad_o be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o go_v therein_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o many_o follow_v both_o as_o the_o matter_n what_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o do_v it_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o though_o they_o want_v not_o their_o own_o conviction_n and_o challenge_n for_o several_a thing_n they_o themselves_o be_v conscious_a of_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o evil_n with_o themselves_o they_o force_v themselves_o to_o take_v peace_n and_o hold_v on_o because_o there_o be_v many_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n alas_o that_o be_v but_o a_o very_a poor_a ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o go_v to_o hell_n with_o company_n and_o speak_v but_o very_o little_a zeal_n for_o god_n honour_n else_o the_o more_o thou_o see_v it_o trample_v on_o by_o other_o thou_o will_v be_v the_o more_o tender_a of_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o more_o common_a any_o sin_n be_v thou_o shall_v hate_v it_o the_o more_o because_o god_n get_v the_o more_o dishonour_n by_o it_o this_o be_v david_n way_n river_n of_o tear_n say_v he_o run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o of_o the_o wicked_a who_o transgress_v thy_o law_n 3._o those_o walk_v not_o by_o this_o rule_n who_o walk_v only_o by_o that_o which_o their_o own_o carnal_a wit_n and_o natural_a reason_n approve_v how_o many_o be_v they_o who_o though_o they_o can_v but_o know_v that_o god_n in_o his_o word_n require_v more_o exactness_n in_o their_o walk_n yet_o they_o rest_v on_o that_o which_o they_o think_v their_o own_o carnal_a wit_n think_v may_v suffice_v they_o will_v do_v what_o they_o can_v in_o religious_a duty_n which_o indeed_o be_v but_o to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v but_o for_o further_a god_n must_v forgive_v they_o thus_o they_o will_v meddle_v with_o what_o be_v easy_a pleasant_a and_o profitable_a in_o 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cut_v off_o of_o the_o right_a hand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o right_a eye_n and_o that_o painful_a duty_n of_o heart-searching_a and_o self-judging_a as_o at_o all_o time_n so_o chief_o when_o you_o be_v come_v to_o a_o communion_n carnal_a wit_n will_v suggest_v to_o you_o that_o such_o precise_a strictness_n be_v not_o needful_a now_o this_o rule_n be_v flat_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v here_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n approbation_n for_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n to_o god_n and_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 4._o those_o walk_v not_o by_o this_o rule_n who_o great_a endeavour_n be_v to_o conform_v themselves_o not_o so_o much_o to_o what_o god_n desire_v as_o to_o what_o they_o themselves_o find_v peace_n in_o and_o who_o if_o they_o get_v not_o troublesome_a challenge_n from_o conscience_n for_o their_o way_n do_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o way_n be_v good_a enough_o and_o do_v never_o set_v themselves_o to_o inquire_v further_o about_o it_o now_o this_o be_v a_o unsure_a rule_n for_o 1._o many_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o that_o which_o be_v just_o opposite_a to_o what_o god_n require_v and_o desire_v ye'l_o see_v deut._n 29._o 19_o how_o the_o profane_a ruffian_n cry_v peace_n he_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o he_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n as_o it_o be_v in_o despite_n of_o god_n but_o 2._o though_o thy_o conscience_n be_v not_o thus_o fear_v yet_o it_o may_v be_v sleep_v because_o thou_o take_v no_o pain_n to_o get_v it_o awaken_v and_o if_o thou_o will_v but_o rouse_v it_o up_o and_o make_v it_o pass_v impartial_a sentence_n upon_o thy_o way_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n thy_o conscience_n will_v give_v thou_o little_a rest_n in_o for_o which_o now_o thou_o find_v no_o check_n or_o challenge_v 3._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o conscience_n now_o and_o then_o do_v not_o give_v you_o some_o gentle_a check_n for_o many_o thing_n though_o it_o wound_v not_o sore_o because_o you_o do_v quick_o command_v it_o to_o silence_n so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o purpose_n be_v overawe_v so_o that_o it_o dare_v not_o speak_v in_o either_o of_o which_o case_n peace_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o a_o safe_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o for_o you_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o that_o which_o god_n approve_v not_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n here_o express_v for_o clear_v what_o that_o be_v that_o make_v our_o performance_n accept_v of_o by_o god_n it_o be_v somewhat_o in_o the_o inward_a part_n not_o so_o much_o that_o which_o be_v external_n and_o obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o internal_a and_o only_o know_v to_o god_n even_o the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v true_a the_o man_n who_o will_v walk_v acceptable_o must_v also_o look_v to_o that_o which_o be_v external_n to_o wit_n that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v according_a to_o philip._n 4._o 8._o final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n so_o he_o be_v not_o to_o over_o look_v all_o thing_n external_n or_o look_v on_o they_o as_o thing_n indifferent_a if_o they_o be_v honest_a pure_a of_o a_o good_a report_n and_o any_o virtue_n in_o they_o he_o must_v set_v about_o they_o only_o the_o great_a work_n of_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v lie_v most_o about_o his_o heart_n and_o inward_a part_n how_o to_o get_v it_o bring_v up_o to_o duty_n and_o keep_v at_o duty_n for_o john_n 4._o 24._o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_n he_o must_v worship_n he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v main_o seek_v my_o son_n say_v solomon_n prov_n 23._o 26._o give_v i_o thy_o heart_n and_o he_o do_v so_o seek_v it_o that_o if_o he_o get_v it_o not_o he_o care_v not_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n isai._n 29._o 13._o this_o people_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o etc._n etc._n i_o may_v here_o run_v out_o in_o a_o sad_a complaint_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o time_n be_v almost_o all_o out-side-work_n at_o least_o in_o very_a many_o who_o the_o long_o they_o live_v make_v the_o less_o ado_n about_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o if_o when_o you_o neglect_v the_o external_a part_n of_o duty_n you_o get_v a_o challenge_n but_o if_o that_o be_v discharge_v you_o have_v peace_n though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o
on_o the_o finger_n to_o make_v he_o more_o warry_a and_o to_o scar_n all_o justify_v person_n in_o time_n come_v from_o do_v the_o like_a we_o may_v so_o run_v through_o all_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n as_o that_o of_o independency_n whereby_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o presbytry_n o_o say_v they_o to_o put_v power_n in_o presbytry_n and_o make_v they_o receive_v appeal_n from_o congregation_n it_o be_v to_o tyrannize_v over_o particular_a flock_n and_o therefore_o say_v they_o nothing_o be_v better_a than_o that_o every_o congregation_n have_v complete_a power_n within_o themselves_o and_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o guide_n not_o be_v countable_a to_o any_o judicatory_a above_o they_o but_o only_o to_o christ_n this_o seem_v a_o specious_a bait_n for_o such_o as_o will_v have_v liberty_n but_o when_o it_o be_v due_o ponder_v it_o will_v be_v find_v most_o contrary_a to_o truth_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n if_o a_o particular_a flock_n shall_v err_v and_o if_o one_o shall_v 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deck_v with_o the_o name_n of_o new_a light_n they_o be_v greedy_o drink_v in_o by_o too_o too_o many_o we_o shall_v give_v some_o reason_n to_o make_v you_o sensible_a of_o this_o hazard_n how_o great_a danger_n there_o be_v when_o error_n be_v in_o spread_a that_o people_n be_v take_v off_o their_o foot_n with_o it_o we_o shall_v point_v at_o four_o or_o five_o thing_n that_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o the_o first_o be_v the_o proneness_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o drink_v in_o untruth_n we_o see_v this_o in_o eva_n for_o error_n be_v nature_n brood_n and_o as_o we_o say_v error_n be_v the_o copy_n of_o some_o lust_n and_o therefore_o it_o soon_o infect_v truth_n again_o it_o have_v nothing_o in_o we_o no_o party_n for_o it_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o make_v we_o take_v with_o it_o there_o must_v be_v word_n upon_o word_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n we_o drink_v in_o truth_n slow_o and_o after_o much_o pain_n take_v upon_o we_o we_o be_v but_o to_o begin_v to_o learn_v it_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v quick_a to_o take_v up_o error_n you_o will_v find_v man_n more_o able_a in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o debate_v for_o error_n than_o in_o a_o long_a time_n to_o debate_v for_o truth_n i_o will_v seek_v no_o great_a presumption_n that_o such_o a_o tenant_n be_v a_o error_n than_o this_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n it_o run_v through_o great_a number_n and_o set_v their_o spirit_n on_o edge_n for_o it_o we_o be_v not_o so_o hot_a for_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v so_o take_v with_o it_o reason_n 2_o then_o there_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n that_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o it_o be_v the_o shallowness_n of_o people_n apprehension_n together_o with_o their_o foolish_a haste_n before_o they_o try_v from_o the_o shallowness_n of_o many_o it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o fair_a pretence_n and_o a_o foul_a error_n that_o be_v hide_v under_o it_o and_o from_o the_o haste_n of_o people_n spirit_n it_o be_v that_o they_o engage_v sudden_o with_o any_o thing_n have_v the_o colour_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v once_o engage_v they_o be_v still_o the_o more_o and_o more_o involve_a these_o two_o lay_v together_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o point_n out_o this_o hazard_n reason_n 3._o we_o may_v add_v a_o three_o and_o this_o be_v desire_n of_o novelty_n in_o people_n speak_v of_o in_o 2_o timoth_n chap_n 4_o v_o 3_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n and_o they_o shall_v turn_v away_o etc._n etc._n where_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v that_o lust_n within_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o drink_v in_o error_n from_o without_o but_o the_o thing_n we_o mark_v be_v that_o they_o have_v a_o itch_a ear_n lust_a after_o new_a thing_n and_o this_o come_v from_o their_o little_a practise_v of_o old_a truth_n reas_n 4_o there_o be_v a_o four_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v the_o diversity_n 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a_o bait_n put_v on_o by_o the_o devil_n upon_o error_n now_o when_o these_o bait_n and_o people_n humour_n agree_v it_o be_v like_a powder_n and_o fire_n present_o they_o kindle_v reas._n 5_o there_o be_v a_o five_o thing_n which_o speak_v this_o hazard_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o lord_n that_o error_n may_v be_v a_o trial_n in_o his_o holy_a justice_n let_v out_o more_o than_o ordinary_a part_n and_o ability_n on_o spreader_n of_o error_n and_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o people_n when_o they_o be_v take_v with_o it_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o judgement_n to_o themselves_o and_o for_o a_o trial_n unto_o other_o give_v they_o as_o we_o speak_v a_o cast_n of_o their_o craft_n he_o elevate_v they_o above_o their_o ordinary_a sphere_n or_o what_o be_v their_o ordinary_a way_n and_o this_o we_o speak_v not_o without_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v of_o false_a antichristian_a teacher_n they_o shall_v come_v with_o lâ—ing_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o error_n which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v accompany_v error_n be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o place_n that_o we_o already_o cite_v 2_o thess_n 2_o 2._o when_o we_o look_v on_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o hope_v we_o have_v make_v out_o the_o point_n viz._n that_o foul_a error_n even_o when_o they_o be_v colour_v with_o fair_a pretence_n there_o be_v a_o danger_n lest_o people_n drink_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v if_o there_o be_v this_o hazard_n than_o you_o will_v be_v afraid_a of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v say_v the_o righteous_a fear_n always_o i_o will_v seek_v no_o clear_a mark_n of_o any_o person_n that_o be_v
the_o communion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o quit_v that_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n of_o their_o own_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o that_o doctrine_n that_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o therein_o we_o shall_v follow_v our_o usual_a order_n first_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o answer_v those_o they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use._n i._n first_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n you_o will_v know_v what_o church_n it_o be_v concern_v which_o the_o controversy_n be_v first_o it_o be_v not_o that_o place_n where_o god_n people_n meet_v to_o go_v about_o god_n public_a worship_n such_o as_o this_o house_n we_o now_o be_v in_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o a_o figure_n improper_o but_o it_o be_v the_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o it_o which_o people_n be_v real_o and_o proper_o the_o church_n although_o 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cast_v they_o out_o from_o it_o second_o we_o say_v that_o this_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n or_o society_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n to_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o understanding_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o enjoy_v of_o outward_a privilege_n we_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v outward_a privilege_n and_o inward_a privilege_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n inward_a privilege_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o a_o right_n to_o he_o a_o save_v right_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n eternal_a these_o be_v the_o inward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o only_a believer_n have_v right_a to_o those_o paint_a hypocrite_n have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o but_o second_o there_o be_v outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n such_o as_o these_o to_o be_v ordinary_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o be_v take_v a_o care_n of_o by_o 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church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v far_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o single_a congregation_n yea_o many_o particular_a congregation_n and_o yet_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n second_o they_o differ_v much_o from_o we_o as_o also_o from_o the_o truth_n concern_v the_o power_n they_o give_v to_o this_o visible_a church_n they_o give_v they_o the_o full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o independent_o from_o any_o church_n power_n on_o earth_n this_o difference_n also_o we_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o precede_a debate_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v stand_v now_o no_o long_o upon_o it_o three_o we_o differ_v concern_v that_o which_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a they_o say_v to_o make_v a_o society_n of_o people_n a_o visible_a church_n so_o as_o to_o have_v right_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n there_o of_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n swear_v a_o covenant_n one_o to_o another_o wherein_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v that_o society_n till_o liberty_n be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v never_o so_o true_o godly_a and_o gracious_a yet_o if_o he_o take_v not_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o if_o he_o swear_v not_o such_o a_o oath_n he_o be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o â—agan_a to_o live_v and_o to_o die_v without_o any_o church_n ordinance_n the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o of_o truth_n herein_o be_v this_o that_o wherever_o a_o man_n come_v out_o of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n which_o we_o call_v a_o paroch_n to_o another_o by_o his_o so_o do_v he_o come_v
church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o pubican_n that_o be_v excommunicate_v he_o now_o for_o what_o fault_n he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_a they_o be_v set_v down_o v_o 15._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v a_o scandalous_a trespass_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a on_o which_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v now_o sure_o it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o error_n not_o contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n such_o as_o many_o point_n of_o arminianism_n antinomianism_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o persist_v in_o be_v scandalous_a both_o to_o particular_a christian_n and_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o christ_n rule_n excommunication_n shall_v strick_v upon_o other_o error_n than_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o assertion_n three_o neither_o can_v we_o assent_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o those_o contrary_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o of_o what_o be_v present_o say_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v against_o every_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v against_o a_o brother_n or_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o offender_n do_v persist_v and_o remain_v obstinate_a but_o also_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v strick_v on_o no_o other_o error_n but_o these_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o publisher_n of_o these_o error_n follow_v or_o the_o like_a against_o fundamental_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o impostor_n a_o deceiver_n that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o free_a grace_n say_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n such_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v censure_v no_o not_o ecclesiastical_o because_o these_o error_n be_v not_o against_o nature_n light_n but_o scripture_n light_v only_o for_o nature_n light_n teach_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o error_n this_o much_o for_o church_n toleration_n but_o as_o say_v be_v concern_v this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a contraversy_n the_o main_a question_n than_o be_v concern_v state_n toleration_n concern_v which_o some_o do_v affirm_v that_o whatever_o the_o church_n may_v do_v in_o inflict_v church_n censure_n on_o heretic_n maintainer_n of_o heterodox_n opinion_n yet_o say_v they_o no_o civil_a punishment_n such_o as_o death_n imprisonment_n mulct_n or_o fine_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o any_o error_n or_o blaspheme_n whatsoever_o provide_v the_o maintainer_n of_o they_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o do_v not_o trouble_v the_o state_n or_o do_v evil_a against_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o civil_a thing_n we_o again_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o every_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o suppress_v adultery_n fornication_n sedition_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o suppress_v error_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o fundamental_a truth_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o all_o error_n contrary_a to_o other_o point_n of_o truth_n now_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n and_o free_v it_o from_o some_o odious_a imputation_n that_o may_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o before_o we_o come_v to_o argument_n we_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v heretic_n at_o the_o first_o step_n pain_n shall_v first_o be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v antecedent_n and_o their_o labour_n be_v to_o convince_v gainsayer_n so_o this_o must_v go_v before_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v find_v obstinate_a before_o the_o magistrate_n meddle_v with_o they_o or_o punish_v they_o civil_o especial_o if_o their_o error_n be_v not_o horrid_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n light_n in_o such_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v so_o much_o forbearance_n second_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o get_v alike_o punishment_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o guilt_n that_o be_v in_o they_o even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n murder_n be_v a_o more_o heinous_a fault_n than_o fornication_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o high_o even_o so_o be_v it_o in_o sin_n do_v against_o the_o first_o table_n blasphemy_n do_v against_o god_n or_o a_o deny_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o high_a sin_n than_o worship_v of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o punish_v it_o more_o severe_o three_o as_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o like_a punishment_n so_o neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o maintain_v the_o same_o error_n be_v to_o be_v alike_o punish_v for_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v seducer_n or_o drawer_n on_o of_o other_o to_o error_n disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n ringleader_n there_o be_v other_o again_o that_o be_v only_o seduce_v and_o draw_v away_o to_o error_n and_o these_o last_o although_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v more_o spare_o towards_o they_o so_o second_o there_o be_v some_o root_v in_o error_n confirm_v in_o it_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v instruction_n there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o be_v seek_v light_n who_o way_n evidence_v they_o to_o be_v conscientious_a only_o for_o the_o time_n they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o humility_n seek_v after_o light_n and_o these_o last_o the_o magistrate_n as_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v to_o bear_v much_o with_o according_a to_o rom._n 15._o 1._o we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v say_v to_o clear_v the_o question_n we_o come_v to_o argument_n to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o suppress_v and_o punish_v error_n heresy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o punish_v adultery_n theft_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n the_o first_o argument_n we_o bring_v be_v from_o the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o which_o we_o form_v a_o argument_n thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n than_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o approven_v practice_n of_o king_n and_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n therefore_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o suppress_v error_n and_o heresy_n second_o as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n so_o their_o practice_n herein_o be_v approven_v of_o god_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v unto_o other_o for_o king_n and_o magistrate_n do_v several_a thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o approven_v and_o so_o not_o bind_v unto_o we_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v to_o clear_v be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o abraham_n practice_n genes_n 18._o 19_o for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n second_o with_o jacob_n who_o be_v a_o magistrate_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o employ_v his_o power_n to_o suppress_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o 35_o of_o gen._n vers_fw-la 2._o then_o jacob_n say_v unto_o his_o household_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o put_v away_o the_o strange_a god_n that_o be_v among_o you_o
be_v the_o sure_a pillar_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n but_o woe_n to_o and_o will_v be_v to_o that_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v build_v on_o such_o pillar_n and_o if_o scotland_n or_o any_o party_n in_o it_o join_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n our_o woe_n be_v but_o come_v he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o service_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o second_o command_n the_o three_o use_n be_v if_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o put_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o punish_v error_n it_o shall_v make_v you_o scar_n at_o error_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o see_v error_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v and_o so_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v punish_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v neglect_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v if_o they_o can_v live_v a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o the_o lord_n judge_n not_o so_o for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v other_o sin_n punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n so_o he_o will_v have_v these_o punish_v also_o and_o such_o as_o he_o usual_o punish_v himself_o by_o fearful_a plague_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o punish_v other_o sin_n so_o do_v he_o in_o those_o we_o may_v speak_v much_o from_o history_n of_o fearful_a judgement_n send_v immediate_o by_o god_n upon_o heretic_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o close_o sect_n iii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n head_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o also_o in_o some_o other_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o these_o error_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o once_o the_o government_n be_v brangle_v or_o shake_v the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n come_v in_o easy_o and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n main_a design_n have_v be_v against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o blast_v and_o storm_v this_o wall_n on_o all_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v to_o make_v out_o these_o four_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n by_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n enact_v of_o church_n canon_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v by_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o appeal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n three_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o particular_a eldership_n independent_o from_o other_o judicatories_n above_o they_o but_o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o superior_a judicatories_n in_o which_o proposition_n we_o will_v meet_v with_o these_o error_n that_o be_v most_o dangerous_o opposite_a to_o church_n government_n at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o two_o proposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastians_n and_o the_o last_o two_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independent_o as_o they_o be_v common_o design_v first_o we_o shall_v engage_v with_o erastianism_n and_o our_o scope_n in_o this_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n or_o error_n have_v its_o name_n from_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o it_o call_v erastus_n a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n who_o upon_o some_o discontent_n do_v first_o vent_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o minister_n shall_v only_o meddle_v with_o preach_v but_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o meet_v in_o church_n judicatories_n session_n presbytery_n or_o such_o like_a nor_o shall_v they_o punish_v scandalous_a sin_n with_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n but_o that_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o in_o a_o nation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o doctrine_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v vent_v do_v get_v and_o do_v yet_o get_v many_o follower_n chief_o among_o state_n divine_n and_o christian_n that_o know_v more_o of_o worldly_a policy_n than_o christian_a simplicity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n so_o plausible_a and_o please_a it_o be_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v well_o endure_v to_o have_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o psalm_n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o both_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n do_v aggree_v in_o this_o error_n to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n be_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o church_n censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o both_o of_o they_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o this_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o refute_v the_o first_o be_v most_o gross_a whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o to_o erect_v any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o erect_v one_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v that_o government_n which_o suit_v best_a the_o well-being_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v episcopacy_n this_o year_n the_o next_o year_n he_o may_v establish_v presbytry_n and_o the_o three_o year_n he_o may_v cast_v both_o and_o establish_v independency_n and_o if_o he_o like_v he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o government_n different_a from_o any_o of_o these_o and_o establish_v it_o the_o second_o erastian_n error_n be_v this_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v whatever_o government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o ground_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a fountain_n of_o church_n government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o first_o error_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o god_n will_v we_o shall_v make_v good_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v establish_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n which_o to_o alter_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o way_n for_o punish_v scandal_n for_o inflict_a church_n 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substantial_a part_n of_o church_n government_n have_v a_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n and_o be_v therein_o so_o fix_v and_o establish_v as_o they_o be_v unalterable_a by_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o and_o second_o as_o to_o the_o circumstantial_o that_o relate_v to_o this_o government_n we_o say_v they_o be_v set_v down_o under_o general_a rule_n sufficient_a for_o the_o order_n of_o they_o such_o as_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o to_o edification_n our_o second_o assertion_n be_v we_o be_v not_o to_o enter_v here_o to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o particular_a kind_n of_o government_n that_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o word_n and_o what_o thing_n fall_v under_o the_o power_n of_o church_n governor_n and_o in_o what_o relation_n they_o be_v to_o handle_v they_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o censure_n and_o how_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o differ_v from_o the_o civil_a power_n it_o will_v take_v long_a time_n to_o clear_v these_o the_o thing_n we_o aim_v at_o be_v only_o this_o general_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o house_n have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o word_n a_o particular_a way_n for_o govern_v of_o his_o house_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n to_o alter_v we_o proceed_v now_o to_o argument_n for_o comfirm_v this_o truth_n ii_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n different_a from_o the_o civil_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n then_o there_o must_v be_v also_o the_o like_a set_v down_o under_o the_o new_a but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a way_n set_v down_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v the_o like_a set_v down_o under_o the_o new_a for_o make_v out_o this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o clear_v 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of_o the_o churchman_n of_o the_o levit_n and_o priest_n in_o verse_n 8._o second_o we_o see_v that_o the_o thing_n they_o judge_v of_o be_v spiritual_a matter_n distinguish_v from_o civil_a thing_n by_o call_v the_o the_o first_o sort_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o second_o matter_n of_o the_o king_n v_o 11._o three_o we_o see_v that_o in_o this_o judicatory_a a_o churchman_n be_v moderator_n in_o the_o 11_o verse_n and_o behold_v amariah_n the_o chief_a priest_n be_v over_o you_o and_o four_o we_o see_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o court_n be_v execute_v by_o churchman_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 11_o vers_fw-la also_o the_o levit_n shall_v be_v officer_n before_o you_o all_o which_o be_v lay_v together_o make_v out_o clear_o that_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n â—â—â—re_v be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a different_a from_o the_o civil_a the_o second_o place_n be_v in_o jeremiah_n 26._o 8._o 9_o 10_o where_o we_o have_v these_o thing_n to_o make_v out_o the_o present_a point_n first_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v two_o judicatories_n in_o the_o 8_o v._n there_o be_v a_o judicatory_a of_o the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n condemn_v jeremiah_n as_o a_o false_a prophet_n again_o in_o the_o 10._o and_o 1â—_n v_o we_o see_v there_o be_v a_o civil_a judicatory_a make_v up_o of_o statesman_n when_o the_o prince_n of_o judah_n hard_o these_o thing_n than_o they_o come_v up_o from_o the_o king_n house_n etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o have_v a_o church_n judicatory_a for_o church_n matter_n as_o well_o as_o a_o civil_a judicatory_a for_o civil_a matter_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v of_o the_o first_o point_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n of_o the_o church_n different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o state_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v this_o that_o as_o they_o have_v church_n judicatories_n different_a from_o the_o civil_a so_o they_o have_v also_o church_n censure_v different_a from_o civil_a punishment_n as_o we_o have_v among_o we_o and_o first_o public_a confession_n of_o scandalous_a sin_n be_v in_o use_n among_o they_o we_o shall_v clear_v it_o from_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n ezra_n 10._o 10._o 11._o and_o ezra_n the_o priest_n stand_v up_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o you_o have_v transgress_v now_o therefore_o make_v confession_n unto_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o your_o father_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v confession_n of_o sin_n appoint_v for_o a_o fault_n that_o be_v scandalous_a to_o wit_n their_o marry_v with_o strange_a wife_n now_o this_o confession_n be_v not_o only_o private_a to_o god_n nor_o on_o a_o fast_a day_n but_o a_o personal_a public_a acknowledgement_n after_o particular_a examination_n of_o all_o one_o by_o one_o and_o we_o gather_v this_o from_o the_o 13._o v._n where_o it_o be_v say_v neither_o be_v this_o a_o work_n of_o one_o day_n or_o two_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 16._o v_o three_o month_n be_v spend_v on_o 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and_o have_v profane_v my_o holy_a thing_n they_o have_v put_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o unclean_a and_o clean_a neither_o between_o the_o holy_a and_o profane_a they_o let_v all_o come_v rush_v together_o to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v reprove_v three_o they_o have_v among_o they_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v set_v down_o under_o the_o name_n of_o cut_v off_o from_o among_o the_o people_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v express_v by_o the_o name_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n which_o certain_o be_v excommunication_n it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a alledgence_n that_o they_o say_v by_o cut_v off_o be_v mean_v the_o inflict_a of_o temporal_a death_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n for_o the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n he_o that_o have_v touch_v a_o dead_a body_n and_o do_v not_o wash_v after_o it_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o now_o who_o will_v think_v that_o such_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v out_o be_v that_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o church_n government_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n see_v it_o be_v so_o under_o the_o old_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o no_o necessity_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o a_o church_n government_n then_o but_o the_o same_o necessity_n be_v now_o be_v not_o the_o church_n a_o mix_a multitude_n now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o be_v there_o not_o as_o great_a need_n to_o separate_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a now_o as_o then_o be_v not_o the_o church_n now_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n and_o tare_n as_o well_o as_o then_o be_v there_o not_o need_v to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n pure_a now_o as_o then_o by_o the_o fence_n of_o government_n be_v there_o not_o need_v now_o to_o
not_o absurd_a for_o in_o our_o parliament_n commissioner_n from_o shire_n be_v judge_n to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o how_o it_o be_v as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o parliament_n not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n common_a to_o the_o shire_n not_o in_o other_o petty_a particular_a affair_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o all_o the_o congregation_n indeed_o as_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a particular_a congregation_n not_o in_o these_o duty_n belong_v to_o every_o congregation_n in_o particular_a object_n 4._o if_o this_o subordination_n and_o judicatory_a above_o judicatory_a be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v like_a scripture_n will_v have_v speak_v more_o plain_o of_o it_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v draw_v out_o by_o so_o many_o far_o fetch_a consequence_n answer_v we_o have_v already_o give_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o this_o government_n by_o clear_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n else_o we_o must_v cast_v at_o many_o point_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o scripture_n consequence_n as_o the_o trinity_n and_o change_v of_o the_o sabbath_n yea_o we_o see_v christ_n himself_o ground_v a_o material_a point_n to_o wit_n the_o resurrection_n upon_o scripture_n consequence_n mark_v 12._o 26._o 2._o we_o must_v not_o teach_v god_n how_o to_o set_v down_o his_o mind_n in_o scripture_n we_o perchance_o think_v it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a way_n to_o have_v cast_v matter_n of_o religion_n to_o so_o many_o head_n by_o which_o mean_v many_o controversy_n shall_v have_v be_v shun_v but_o he_o have_v think_v otherwise_o the_o lord_n in_o wisdom_n have_v scatter_v the_o parcel_n of_o every_o truth_n through_o his_o book_n intermix_v it_o with_o other_o subject_n as_o the_o gold_n be_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o this_o to_o exercise_v his_o people_n in_o search_v out_o his_o mind_n from_o scripture_n iv._o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o come_v to_o make_v some_o use_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o the_o first_o use_n be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o this_o government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o you_o will_v know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o we_o be_v contest_v for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o truth_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o a_o truth_n of_o no_o small_a concernment_n what_o will_v become_v think_v you_o of_o particular_a congregation_n if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n what_o division_n strife_n heresy_n schism_n will_v ensue_v if_o people_n be_v inform_v of_o these_o contest_v that_o have_v fall_v out_o among_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o where_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v follow_v the_o one_o half_a rent_v from_o the_o other_o excommunicate_v one_o another_o it_o may_v make_v moderate_a man_n scar_v at_o it_o but_o we_o need_v seâ—k_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o this_o than_o by_o look_v on_o scotland_n and_o england_n these_o year_n by_o past_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n presbytery_n can_v not_o be_v set_v up_o independency_n be_v plead_v for_o and_o practise_v and_o what_o be_v become_v of_o it_o satan_n have_v vomit_v out_o a_o flood_n of_o error_n that_o there_o be_v never_o more_o nor_o more_o gross_a in_o any_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n yea_o all_o the_o rot_a grave_n of_o old_a heresy_n be_v dig_v up_o and_o now_o avow_v socinianism_n in_o deny_v christ_n righteousness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n anabaptism_n in_o deny_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n arianism_n in_o deny_v the_o trinity_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a yea_o there_o be_v some_o error_n there_o that_o be_v never_o before_o hear_v of_o some_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o church_n they_o can_v join_v with_o and_o therefore_o they_o turn_v seeker_n some_o be_v above_o all_o preach_a prayer_n and_o all_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o independency_n again_o look_v on_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o scotland_n where_o it_o have_v be_v in_o vigour_n god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o hammer_n for_o batter_v down_o the_o beginning_n of_o error_n so_o that_o these_o twelve_o year_n bypass_v not_o any_o one_o error_n have_v come_v to_o any_o strength_n and_o this_o all_o under_o god_n from_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v his_o institution_n our_o judicatories_n be_v indeed_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n though_o indeed_o we_o be_v now_o like_a to_o turn_v contemptible_a god_n himself_o heal_v our_o breach_n second_o guard_n against_o the_o error_n that_o will_v draw_v you_o from_o this_o truth_n if_o you_o can_v carry_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o with_o you_o yet_o you_o may_v remember_v you_o once_o hear_v this_o truth_n confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o so_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o temptation_n to_o quit_v it_o you_o may_v advise_v well_o before_o you_o yield_v i_o will_v press_v this_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v the_o butt_n of_o satan_n envy_n the_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v most_o glad_o overthrow_v as_o that_o which_o stand_v most_o in_o his_o way_n for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o its_o integrity_n we_o may_v in_o the_o lord_n strength_n have_v defy_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v bring_v error_n into_o scotland_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o set_v himself_o to_o brangle_v to_o get_v the_o hedge_n once_o plukt_v up_o that_o so_o the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n may_v come_v in_o and_o believe_v i_o there_o be_v nothing_o make_v i_o more_o afraid_a than_o that_o through_o god_n permission_n the_o devil_n shall_v get_v a_o deludge_n of_o error_n bring_v in_o on_o scotland_n 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a_o good_a which_o they_o be_v to_o follow_n the_o evil_a to_o be_v eschew_v be_v in_o the_o second_o sentence_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a schism'_v among_o you_o i_o shall_v not_o enter_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n or_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o heresy_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o open_n up_o of_o the_o text_n to_o know_v what_o division_n or_o schism_n the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o here_o and_o that_o be_v know_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n to_o wit_n their_o factious_a siding_n in_o extol_v one_o minister_n and_o debase_v another_o with_o many_o fruitless_a jangle_n and_o other_o bad_a consequence_n follow_v thereupon_o whereof_o doubtless_o this_o be_v one_o the_o engage_v of_o the_o minister_n themselves_o in_o party_n for_o uphold_v their_o dependent_n so_o verse_n 12._o every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n one_o say_v paul_n 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malice_n have_v set_v itself_o in_o some_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n or_o other_o to_o bear_v it_o down_o and_o god_n wisdom_n have_v still_o overshoot_v satan_n make_v use_n of_o his_o malice_n in_o oppose_a truth_n for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o intend_v most_o to_o obscure_a and_o darken_v satan_n first_o design_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o beat_v down_o that_o great_a fundamental_a truth_n of_o christ_n divinity_n but_o after_o long_o debate_v this_o truth_n be_v full_o clear_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o several_a worthy_n who_o spirit_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o in_o these_o age_n to_o mantain_n that_o so_o much_o oppose_v truth_n satan_n therefore_o be_v beat_v off_o this_o strong_a fort_n of_o christianity_n retire_v a_o little_a and_o labour_v next_o to_o bear_v down_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n humanity_n but_o the_o truâ—h_v hereof_o the_o more_o it_o be_v oppose_v grow_v the_o bright_a the_o lord_n 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altogether_o forbear_v for_o that_o time_n for_o application_n of_o this_o direction_n i_o will_v not_o say_v much_o only_o i_o shall_v propose_v it_o to_o your_o serious_a thought_n whether_o or_o not_o the_o late_a proceed_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o tenet_n whereupon_o they_o be_v ground_v which_o for_o peace_n cause_n and_o from_o unwillingness_n to_o give_v the_o least_o occasion_n of_o irritation_n i_o forbear_v to_o name_n whether_o or_o not_o i_o say_v these_o even_o suppose_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o practice_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o opinion_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v be_v unseasonable_a for_o the_o time_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v for_o lead_v people_n upon_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n such_o as_o the_o contempt_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n quarrel_v the_o constitution_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o our_o church_n i_o fear_v much_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o people_n not_o acquaint_v with_o subtle_a distinction_n to_o conceive_v that_o any_o corruption_n among_o those_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v can_v make_v civil_a fellowship_n with_o they_o unlawful_a but_o it_o must_v make_v church_n fellowship_n especial_o communion-table_n fellowship_n with_o the_o same_o person_n to_o be_v as_o much_o if_o not_o much_o more_o unlawful_a but_o i_o forbear_v not_o be_v without_o hope_n but_o that_o brethren_n gracious_a and_o wise_a will_v ponder_v what_o they_o hold_v and_o what_o they_o practise_v when_o they_o see_v bad_a use_n make_v of_o it_o beyond_o their_o own_o intention_n and_o purpose_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n further_o i_o shall_v say_v for_o application_n chief_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v this_o such_o practice_n ought_v to_o be_v eschew_v as_o may_v prove_v unjust_a and_o unnecessary_a irritation_n unto_o people_n to_o
you_o will_v 3._o do_v not_o needless_o and_o without_o a_o ground_n call_v in_o question_n the_o reality_n of_o your_o former_a close_n with_o he_o for_o that_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o will_v make_v you_o heartless_a to_o set_v to_o it_o of_o new_a or_o however_o you_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o what_o you_o have_v do_v already_o yet_o see_v that_o in_o no_o term_n you_o question_v your_o right_n to_o close_v with_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o time_n to_o come_v for_o whatever_o thou_o have_v do_v former_o the_o gospel_n offer_n be_v yet_o at_o thy_o door_n and_o a_o command_n from_o god_n unto_o thou_o to_o close_v with_o it_o and_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o do_v it_o in_o earnest_n before_o thy_o need_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a to_o do_v it_o frequent_o and_o in_o earnest_n now_o but_o now_o to_o proceed_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o cleave_v be_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o lord_n himself_o as_o he_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o promise_n but_o general_o all_o that_o he_o have_v recommend_v to_o our_o care_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o our_o respect_n to_o he_o thus_o we_o testify_v our_o respect_n to_o absent_a friend_n by_o own_v their_o concern_v and_o interest_n and_o if_o you_o ask_v what_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v recommend_v to_o our_o care_n i_o answer_v in_o two_o word_n first_o his_o truth_n and_o next_o his_o service_n so_o that_o 1._o you_o be_v to_o cleave_v unto_o and_o continue_v in_o his_o truth_n against_o error_n according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n judas_n command_v v._o 3_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n to_o wit_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o truth_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 2._o we_o be_v to_o cleave_v to_o and_o continue_v in_o his_o service_n whether_o the_o duty_n of_o immediate_a worship_n we_o shall_v cleave_v to_o these_o against_o superstition_n voluntary_a neglect_n will-worship_n and_o idolatry_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a calling_n and_o station_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v go_v about_o as_o service_n to_o he_o so_o servant_n be_v to_o do_v their_o service_n with_o good_a will_n as_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o to_o man_n ephes._n 6._o 7._o now_o that_o cleave_v to_o all_o these_o be_v mean_v by_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n appear_v from_o deutr._n 10._o 20._o and_o 30._o 20._o where_n cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v explain_v by_o fear_v the_o lord_n by_o obey_v his_o voice_n by_o serve_v he_o and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n now_o to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o you_o must_v cleave_v to_o and_o continue_v in_o his_o truth_n gaius_n be_v commend_v for_o this_o 3_o joh._n 3._o even_o that_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o prov._n 23._o 23._o we_o be_v bid_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o sell_v it_o not_o and_o you_o hear_a from_o judas_n you_o shall_v contend_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o error_n contrary_a to_o truth_n be_v of_o a_o damn_v nature_n 2_o peter_n 2._o 1._o they_o be_v call_v damnable_a heresy_n and_o error_n in_o point_n of_o truth_n make_v way_n for_o profanity_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n a_o sound_a heart_n and_o a_o unsound_a head_n can_v well_o subsist_v therefore_o do_v peter_n 2_o epist._n 3._o 17._o call_v error_n the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o help_v you_o to_o this_o needful_a duty_n of_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o cleave_v to_o his_o truth_n i_o shall_v recommend_v to_o you_o these_o thing_n 1._o beware_v of_o scepticism_n or_o make_v all_o truth_n debateable_a or_o those_o truth_n especial_o which_o may_v bring_v you_o in_o great_a hazard_n to_o confess_v or_o cleave_v to_o this_o be_v down_o right_a contrary_n to_o the_o cleave_v to_o truth_n here_o enjoin_v 2._o do_v not_o undervalue_v any_o truth_n say_v of_o no_o truth_n as_o lot_n say_v of_o zoar_n be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a one_o and_o so_o i_o may_v skip_v from_o it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o difference_n among_o truth_n some_o great_a truth_n and_o some_o small_a but_o as_o it_o be_v of_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v of_o error_n the_o lesser_a alwise_o do_v make_v way_n for_o the_o great_a and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n which_o come_v not_o from_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o no_o truth_n which_o you_o shall_v look_v on_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a whether_o you_o think_v so_o or_o otherwise_o of_o it_o beside_o in_o time_n of_o defection_n from_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o usual_a artifice_n of_o persecuter_n to_o extenuate_v those_o truth_n they_o labour_v to_o bear_v down_o as_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o very_a trifle_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o own_o practice_n do_v give_v theâ—r_a profession_n the_o lie_n for_o if_o they_o think_v they_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o trifle_n why_o will_v they_o persecute_v mâ—n_z for_o adhere_v to_o they_o beside_o though_o some_o truth_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v though_o he_o think_v otherwise_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v we_o shall_v be_v careless_a of_o all_o such_o thus_o though_o a_o man_n hand_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o he_o may_v live_v without_o it_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o mad_a man_n who_o on_o that_o account_n will_v witting_o and_o willing_o cut_v it_o off_o beside_o a_o error_n in_o some_o truth_n which_o will_v not_o damn_v one_o may_v condemn_v another_o who_o know_v at_o least_o may_v easy_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o error_n and_o yet_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o without_o repentance_n 3._o you_o ought_v chief_o to_o cleave_v to_o those_o truth_n which_o you_o be_v most_o engage_v to_o own_o either_o by_o god_n seal_v they_o to_o your_o spirit_n or_o by_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v you_o from_o your_o very_a childhood_n in_o they_o so_o that_o you_o be_v put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o they_o or_o by_o bring_v you_o under_o most_o sacred_a tie_v of_o solemn_a vow_n and_o oath_n to_o maintain_v they_o i_o say_v you_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o your_o duty_n chief_o to_o cleave_v unto_o such_o truth_n 2_o joh._n 8._o look_v to_o yourselves_o that_o we_o lose_v not_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v wrought_v and_o solomon_n say_v it_o be_v not_o safe_a after_o vow_n to_o make_v enquiry_n if_o a_o man_n conscience_n grow_v once_o so_o wide_a as_o to_o let_v such_o truth_n pass_v through_o either_o for_o error_n or_o trifle_n he_o may_v persuade_v himself_o there_o be_v not_o a_o truth_n in_o all_o the_o bible_n if_o he_o be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o that_o he_o will_v stick_v at_o but_o that_o meeting_n with_o a_o press_v suitable_a tentation_n he_o will_v let_v it_o slip_v through_o after_o they_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o cleave_v to_o truth_n not_o only_o by_o retain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o by_o give_v assent_n to_o it_o in_o our_o judgement_n but_o also_o by_o give_v a_o modest_a and_o faithful_a profession_n and_o confession_n of_o that_o truth_n on_o all_o hazard_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o this_o be_v command_v 1_o pet_n 3._o 15._o be_v ready_a alwise_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meakness_n and_o fear_n and_o rome_n 10._o 10._o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n this_o be_v necessary_a both_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n truth_n be_v a_o piece_n of_o his_o name_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o confess_v rev_n 2._o 13_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n and_o its_o necessary_a also_o in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o salvation_n for_o whosoever_o say_v our_o saviour_n will_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o will_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n this_o now_o as_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o do_v not_o justify_v unseasonable_a confession_n contrary_a to_o matth_n 7._o 6_o cast_v not_o your_o pearl_n before_o swine_n lest_o they_o trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o turn_v again_o and_o rend_v you_o so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o reprove_v those_o who_o there_fw-mi not_o or_o will_v not_o give_v a_o confession_n of_o the_o truth_n even_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o much_o more_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o truth_n either_o express_o or_o interpretatiu_o that_o be_v when_o they_o