but_o if_o any_o man_n say_v unto_o you_o this_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n eat_v it_o not_o for_o his_o sake_n that_o show_v it_o and_o for_o conscience_n sake_n conscience_n i_o say_v not_o thy_o own_o but_o of_o other_o for_o why_o be_v my_o liberty_n judge_v of_o another_o man_n conscience_n yea_o some_o grow_v so_o far_o as_o to_o allow_v a_o liberty_n upon_o occasion_n to_o be_v present_a before_o a_o outward_a idol_n without_o superstition_n or_o adoration_n in_o the_o heart_n because_o that_o the_o true_a believer_n well_o inform_v know_v that_o such_o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 8.4_o that_o be_v say_v they_o neither_o such_o a_o god_n as_o some_o out_o of_o a_o superstitious_a devotion_n will_v make_v it_o nor_o such_o a_o devil_n or_o defile_v thing_n as_o other_o out_o of_o their_o superstitious_a conceit_n and_o fear_n will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v this_o practice_n they_o will_v justify_v from_o ezekiel_n presence_n before_o idol_n ezek._n 8._o throughout_o and_o paul_n present_a behold_v of_o idol_n and_o idolater_n at_o athens_n act_v 17_o 23._o and_o from_o the_o answer_n which_o elisha_n give_v to_o naamaus_n quaere_fw-la and_o scruple_n 2_o king_n 5.18_o 19_o true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o the_o great_a idol_n be_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o next_o to_o he_o our_o lust_n and_o corrupt_a desire_n col._n 3.4_o covetousness_n but_o any_o other_o thing_n by_o too_o much_o esteem_n love_n or_o fear_v of_o it_o or_o trust_v and_o confidence_n in_o it_o may_v be_v make_v a_o idol_n even_o our_o author_n minister_n &_o shepherd_n may_v be_v idolise_v zac._n 10.2_o zac._n 13.2_o your_o second_o fail_n in_o this_o first_o section_n as_o we_o say_v be_v your_o preposterous_a place_n of_o the_o christian_a liberty_n which_o you_o recite_v for_o you_o set_v freedom_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o condemn_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n before_o deliverance_n from_o bondage_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n which_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v go_v before_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o your_o three_o fail_n be_v in_o mistake_n for_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n itself_o 1_o cor._n 15.5_o 6._o which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v subdue_v whole_o in_o this_o life_n as_o you_o affirm_v than_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n can_v be_v whole_o take_v away_o or_o we_o free_v from_o it_o here_o so_o likewise_o the_o victory_n which_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o that_o of_o the_o grave_a but_o of_o hell_n which_o be_v the_o inward_a condemnation_n of_o conscience_n against_o both_o which_o the_o apostle_n triumph_v with_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o the_o victory_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o all_o true_a believer_n in_o your_o second_o section_n you_o straighten_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o much_o as_o you_o do_v christian_a freedom_n in_o the_o first_o for_o though_o the_o require_v of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v destructive_a to_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o impose_v of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o man_n upon_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n from_o which_o yourselves_o be_v not_o free_a in_o the_o next_o chapter_n and_o elsewhere_o be_v very_o injurious_a likewise_o yet_o the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v divers_a other_o way_n invade_v and_o infringe_v as_o first_o by_o violent_a mean_n to_o seek_v to_o alter_v conscientious_a man_n judgement_n and_o their_o present_a persuasion_n for_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o conscience_n to_o lighten_v and_o change_v man_n mind_n when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v phil._n 3.15_o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v this_o unto_o you_o second_o by_o like_a forcible_a mean_n to_o incite_v anothe_a to_o will_v and_o act_n against_o his_o conscience_n and_o much_o more_o by_o imprisonment_n mulct_n terror_n or_o threat_n roman_n 14.15_o 20_o 21._o for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v he_o destroy_v his_o soul_n verse_n 20_o 23._o three_o we_o may_v not_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o man_n conscience_n or_o make_v their_o heart_n sad_a with_o our_o invective_n or_o menace_v they_o causeless_o with_o terror_n from_o the_o lord_n ezekiel_n 13.32_o because_o with_o lie_v you_o have_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a sad_a who_o i_o have_v not_o make_v sad_a etc._n etc._n in_o your_o three_o section_n you_o do_v deserve_o oppose_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o sin_n and_o the_o cherish_n of_o any_o the_o least_o sinful_a lust_n upon_o pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o whereas_o you_o add_v '_o that_o this_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o end_n of_o christian_a liberty_n which_o you_o there_o place_n in_o two_o thing_n deliverance_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o a_o freedom_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n you_o in_o some_o sort_n contradict_v yourselves_o in_o call_v these_o the_o end_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n which_o you_o have_v in_o the_o first_o section_n make_v two_o main_a part_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o your_o four_o section_n you_o have_v set_v good_a bound_n betwixt_o the_o subject_n or_o subordinate_n and_o the_o governor_n say_v that_o they_o who_o upon_o pretence_n of_o christian_a liberty_n shall_v oppose_v any_o lawful_a power_n or_o the_o lawful_a exercise_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v civil_a or_o eclesiastical_a resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n wherein_o your_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a and_o good_a whatever_o your_o practice_n have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n and_o he_o which_o have_v arm_a superior_n according_a to_o their_o state_n and_o degree_n with_o authority_n have_v impose_v subjection_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n with_o many_o other_o respective_a duty_n upon_o the_o inferior_n and_o subordinate_n it_o be_v true_a likewise_o that_o no_o such_o opinion_n shall_v be_v publish_v or_o practice_n maintain_v as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o know_a and_o receive_v principle_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o age_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n whether_o they_o concern_v faith_n worship_n or_o conversation_n or_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o how_o far_o the_o different_a opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o man_n may_v by_o learned_a man_n who_o yet_o want_v spiritual_a eye_n be_v judge_v erroneous_a prejudicial_a to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o publish_v and_o maintain_v they_o we_o know_v not_o we_o be_v as_o much_o for_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n in_o man_n and_o as_o far_o from_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o external_a peace_n and_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n or_o common_a wealth_n as_o yourselves_o or_o any_o other_o but_o we_o will_v not_o have_v you_o assume_v to_o yourselves_o or_o attribute_v unto_o other_o a_o power_n to_o lord_n it_o over_o man_n faith_n and_o conscience_n especial_o when_o man_n walk_v obedient_o towards_o those_o that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n and_o live_v a_o godly_a honest_a sober_a peaceable_a and_o unblamable_a life_n if_o man_n will_v do_v wicked_o and_o pretend_v a_o liberty_n in_o christ_n so_o to_o do_v let_v they_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n for_o so_o do_v but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o so_o much_o as_o by_o example_n to_o draw_v a_o weak_a brother_n a_o saint_n and_o fellow_n servant_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o no_o man_n can_v accuse_v but_o for_o his_o different_a judgement_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o conscience_n whereby_o he_o shall_v condemn_v himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v romans_z 14._o how_o much_o more_o ought_v governor_n to_o be_v tender_a and_o abstemious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o violent_a and_o coercive_a mean_n to_o precipitate_v man_n into_o such_o perilous_a and_o destructive_a course_n all_o authority_n be_v give_v of_o god_n for_o man_n welfare_n and_o much_o more_o for_o the_o preservation_n and_o not_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o brethren_n you_o which_o be_v so_o punctual_a in_o teach_v the_o subject_a his_o duty_n to_o free_v yourselves_o from_o flattery_n temporize_v or_o partiality_n may_v have_v do_v god_n and_o his_o people_n yea_o the_o governor_n themselves_o no_o disservice_n in_o mind_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n also_o and_o so_o set_v due_a limit_n and_o boundary_n
to_o â—_o the_o end_n with_o ind_n verse_n 23._o iv_o for_o the_o better_a attain_n of_o those_o end_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v by_o admonition_n suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o a_o season_n and_o by_o excommunication_n from_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o demerit_n of_o the_o person_n 3.10_o person_n 1_o thess_n 5.12_o 2_o the_o 3.6_o 14_o 15._o 1_o cor_fw-la 5.4_o 5_o 23._o matth._n 18.17_o thus_o 3.10_o chap._n xxx_o of_o church_n censure_v examine_v here_o brethren_n if_o we_o first_o agree_v what_o the_o true_a church_n be_v that_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v and_o then_o who_o be_v those_o governor_n or_o superior_n in_o who_o hand_n especial_o that_o power_n lie_v we_o shall_v not_o we_o hope_v be_v think_v over_o censorious_a in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a than_o which_o you_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o section_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o of_o no_o other_o though_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o creature_n and_o such_o a_o head_n he_o be_v both_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n whether_o upon_o earth_n alone_o or_o in_o heaven_n also_o and_o of_o each_o particular_a church_n yea_o of_o every_o member_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o truth_n but_o those_o saint_n or_o church_n which_o be_v only_o beget_v in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o not_o as_o yet_o teach_v &_o lead_v to_o the_o son_n have_v the_o father_n only_o for_o their_o head_n and_o king_n for_o the_o present_a it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o christ_n appoint_v a_o government_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o and_o for_o his_o true_a church_n which_o consist_v not_o of_o formalist_n and_o outward_a professor_n for_o the_o great_a part_n but_o of_o true_a saint_n which_o obey_v and_o follow_v christ_n daily_o in_o his_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n but_o he_o have_v ordain_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o his_o gospel_n for_o national_a and_o visible_a church_n who_o religion_n stand_v in_o outward_a profession_n and_o formality_n main_o or_o only_o therefore_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o such_o church_n whether_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a or_o mix_v of_o both_o be_v but_o prudential_a and_o humane_a although_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o both_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n that_o to_o titus_n and_o many_o other_o scripture_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o presbytery_n or_o joint_a society_n of_o elder_n in_o complete_a congregation_n of_o such_o saint_n but_o if_o they_o be_v great_a a_o superintendent_n bishop_n over_o they_o if_o we_o will_v follow_v the_o constitution_n and_o pattern_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o pure_a primitive_a church_n so_o that_o both_o these_o in_o their_o right_a state_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la three_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v or_o to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o special_a member_n or_o society_n of_o the_o church_n right_o call_v and_o constitute_v but_o we_o rather_o call_v those_o governor_n or_o overseer_n with_o the_o apostle_n than_o officer_n as_o you_o do_v for_o that_o word_n among_o governor_n signify_v agent_n instrument_n and_o minister_n under_o other_o or_o inferior_n rather_o then_o superior_n howbeit_o christ_n have_v thousand_o of_o saint_n in_o several_a nation_n which_o living_n dispersedly_z here_o and_o there_o either_o convenient_o can_v or_o actual_o do_v not_o reduce_v themselves_o into_o one_o or_o more_o congregation_n and_o so_o want_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o government_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o comfort_n and_o edification_n likewise_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o europe_n and_o elsewhere_o who_o nevertheless_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a and_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n we_o know_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o be_v some_o congregation_n that_o by_o consent_n meet_v together_o and_o erect_v a_o government_n among_o themselves_o the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v but_o formalist_n and_o as_o their_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n be_v none_o of_o the_o pure_a so_o their_o government_n be_v but_o arbitrary_a or_o prudentiall_a also_o but_o here_o brethren_n you_o be_v very_o defective_a in_o three_o thing_n among_o other_o first_o in_o not_o show_v what_o officer_n or_o governor_n each_o true_a congregation_n in_o christ_n shall_v have_v second_o by_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v choose_v and_o three_o by_o who_o the_o respective_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v administer_v for_o the_o first_o we_o find_v that_o a_o compotent_fw-la congregation_n in_o one_o city_n or_o place_n have_v their_o elder_n as_o teacher_n councillor_n and_o ruler_n appoint_v over_o they_o act_n 14.23_o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n we_o read_v also_o act_v 6.16_o that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v increase_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o some_o of_o the_o widow_n have_v be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n of_o alm_n and_o distribution_n there_o be_v deacon_n man_n of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o wisdom_n choose_v to_o be_v both_o treasurer_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o alm_n and_o so_o be_v assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a especial_o yet_o do_v they_o upon_o occasion_n declare_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n also_o and_o afterward_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v superintendent_n bishop_n set_v over_o the_o great_a church_n as_o james_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 21.18_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o or_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v present_a and_o tymothy_n at_o ephesus_n as_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o tenor_n of_o both_o the_o epistle_n write_v unto_o he_o by_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o subscription_n to_o the_o second_o and_o final_o titus_n over_o the_o church_n in_o crete_n a_o very_a spacious_a island_n titus_n 1.5_o as_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n the_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o congregation_n but_o by_o the_o superior_n both_o in_o growth_n and_o place_n and_o such_o as_o be_v first_o call_v and_o choose_v by_o the_o lord_n thus_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v elder_n in_o all_o the_o church_n which_o they_o have_v convert_v as_o before_o act_v 14.23_o and_o the_o superintendent_n bishop_n have_v the_o same_o power_n titus_n 1.15_o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o greet_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n see_v 1_o timothy_n 3._o throughout_o 1_o timothy_n 5.22_o and_o though_o the_o apostle_n give_v leave_v to_o the_o congregation_n to_o choose_v out_o wise_a and_o faithful_a man_n of_o which_o thing_n they_o can_v judge_v to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o keep_n and_o dispense_n of_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n under_o themselves_o especial_o as_o almoner_n yet_o they_o give_v they_o that_o authority_n by_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o act_v 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o nor_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n shall_v choose_v their_o teacher_n and_o elder_n and_o much_o less_o that_o the_o vulgar_a in_o every_o parish_n shall_v make_v their_o election_n of_o minister_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v many_o a_o weak_a if_o not_o a_o wild_a and_o mad_a choice_n in_o too_o many_o place_n or_o parish_n as_o to_o the_o three_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v admonish_v or_o rebuke_v by_o the_o bishop_n 1_o timothy_n 5.1_o 19_o 20._o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v suspend_v by_o those_o who_o ordain_v they_o to_o wit_n the_o bishop_n and_o presbytery_n 1_o timothy_n 4.14_o 2_o timothy_n 1.6_o the_o common_a people_n be_v to_o be_v admonish_v according_a to_o their_o several_a age_n and_o degree_n either_o by_o the_o bishop_n 1_o timothy_n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o or_o by_o the_o other_o ruler_n and_o elder_n or_o final_o by_o the_o congregation_n 1_o timothy_n 5.14_o 15._o but_o excommunication_n or_o deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n shall_v be_v execute_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n though_o consider_v and_o resolve_v upon_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o elder_n first_o 1_o cor._n 5.3.4.5_o and_o the_o like_a we_o say_v of_o absolution_n or_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n again_o 2_o cor._n 21.12_o these_o thing_n premise_v we_o may_v admit_v that_o which_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o commit_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o your_o
ought_v especial_o to_o maintain_v piety_n justice_n and_o peace_n according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n of_o each_o commonwealth_n 1â—_n commonwealth_n psalm_n 2_o 10_o 11_o 12._o 1_o tim_n 2_o 2_o psal_n 82_o 3._o 2_o sa_o 23_o 2d_o 1_o pet_n 2_o 1â—_n so_o for_o that_o end_n they_o may_v lawful_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n wage_n war_n upon_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n 16_o occasion_n luke_n 3_o 14_o rom_n 13_o 4_o mat_n 8_o 9_o 12_o act_v 10.1_o 2_o rev_n 17_o 14_o 16_o iii_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o assume_v to_o himself_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n &_o sacrament_n or_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 5.1_o heaven_n 2_o chron_n 26.18_o 19_o mat_n 10.17_o and_o math_n 16.19_o 1_o cor_n 12.28.29_o eph_n 4.12_o 1_o cor_n 14.12_o ro_n 10.15_o heb_fw-mi 5.1_o yet_o he_o have_v authority_n and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o take_v order_n that_o unity_n and_o peace_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v keep_v pure_a and_o entire_a that_o all_o blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n be_v suppress_v all_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n in_o worship_n and_o discipline_n prevent_v or_o reform_v and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n due_o settle_v administer_v and_o observe_v 15.12.13_o observe_v isa_n 49.23_o psa_fw-la 122.9_o ezra_n 7.23_o 25_o 22_o 27_o 28._o lev_n 24.16_o deut_n 13.5_o 6_o 12._o 2_o kin_n 18.4_o 1_o chro_fw-la 13_o 1._o to_o 9_o 2_o kin_n 23.1_o to_o 26._o 2_o chron_n 34.33_o 2_o chro_fw-la 15.12.13_o for_o the_o better_a effect_v whereof_o he_o have_v power_n to_o call_v synod_n to_o be_v present_a at_o they_o and_o to_o provide_v whatsoever_o be_v transact_v in_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n 2.4.5_o god_n 2_o chr._n 19.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o 2_o chr_n 29._o &_o 30_o i_o mat_n 2.4.5_o iv_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o pray_v for_o magistrate_n 2._o magistrate_n 1_o tim_n 2_o â—_o 2._o to_o honour_v their_o person_n 17._o person_n 1_o pet_n 2_o 17._o to_o pay_v they_o tribute_n and_o other_o due_n 13.6.7_o due_n rom_n 13.6.7_o to_o obey_v their_o lawful_a command_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o authority_n for_o conscience_n sake_n 3.1_o sake_n ro_n 13.5_o titus_n 3.1_o infidelity_n or_o difference_n in_o religion_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o magistrate_n just_a and_o legal_a authority_n nor_o free_v the_o people_n from_o their_o due_a obedience_n to_o he_o 16._o he_o 1_o pet_n 2.13_o 14_o 16._o from_o which_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v not_o exempt_v 10_o exempt_v ro_n 13.1_o 1_o kin_n 2.35_o act_n 25.9_o 10_o 11._o 2_o pet_n 2.1_o 10_o 11._o jud_v 1.8_o 9_o 10_o much_o less_o have_v the_o pope_n any_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o in_o their_o dominion_n or_o over_o any_o of_o their_o people_n and_o least_o of_o all_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o dominion_n or_o life_n if_o he_o shall_v judge_v they_o to_o be_v heretic_n or_o upon_o any_o other_o pretence_n whatsoever_o 17_o whatsoever_o 2_o the._n 2_o 4â—_n re_n 13_o 15_o 16_o 17_o chap._n xxiii_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n examine_v antiquum_fw-la obtinetis_fw-la fratres_fw-la for_o in_o handle_v a_o office_n of_o order_n yourselves_o be_v confuse_v in_o this_o chapter_n of_o magistracy_n you_o not_o only_o fail_v as_o you_o do_v elsewhere_o in_o not_o distinguish_v but_o for_o want_v of_o the_o same_o you_o affirm_v some_o thing_n unadvised_o especial_o in_o the_o two_o last_o section_n yet_o do_v we_o not_o blame_v you_o for_o not_o give_v we_o the_o common_a distribution_n of_o magistracy_n into_o his_o three_o kind_n or_o form_n as_o monarchy_n aristocracy_n and_o democracy_n nor_o for_o omit_v another_o distribution_n of_o it_o into_o simple_a or_o compound_v government_n which_o last_o may_v consist_v of_o some_o two_o or_o all_o three_o and_o this_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v none_o of_o the_o worst_a form_n of_o government_n nor_o will_v we_o tax_v you_o for_o seem_v to_o approve_v of_o monarchy_n in_o that_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o aften_o in_o the_o three_o person_n singular_a as_o if_o one_o supreme_a for_o monarch_n and_o tyrant_n be_v not_o always_o termini_fw-la convertibiles_fw-la but_o the_o distinction_n which_o we_o most_o require_v and_o want_v be_v three_o especial_o the_o first_o of_o alawful_a and_o usurp_a magistracy_n the_o second_o of_o a_o supreme_a and_o a_o subordinate_a and_o the_o three_o of_o a_o mere_a civil_a and_o a_o christian_a or_o spiritual_a kind_n of_o governor_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o of_o absolute_a and_o conditional_a another_o of_o elective_a and_o hereditary_a with_o many_o other_o which_o we_o omit_v likewise_o your_o first_o section_n hold_v true_a of_o lawful_a magistrate_n that_o they_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o public_a good_a and_o that_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o have_v arm_v they_o with_o the_o sword_n but_o not_o always_o of_o usurper_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v god_n appoint_v minister_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o wrath_n as_o his_o scourge_n your_o second_o section_n be_v true_a first_o in_o this_o that_o christian_n may_v accept_v and_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o magistracy_n and_o second_o of_o such_o christian_a magistrate_n it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v understand_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o maintain_v piety_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n and_o peace_n according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n of_o their_o respective_a commonwealth_n but_o especial_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o final_o it_o be_v true_a of_o they_o aswell_o aâ—_n of_o the_o mere_a civil_a magistrate_n that_o they_o may_v make_v war_n upon_o just_a and_o great_a occasion_n though_o hierom_n and_o some_o of_o the_o father_n be_v of_o another_o opinion_n yet_o be_v not_o this_o true_a of_o the_o inferior_a magistrate_n make_v a_o offensive_a war_n against_o the_o supreme_a as_o most_o writer_n conclude_v in_o your_o three_o section_n you_o monopolise_v and_o be_v very_o partial_a if_o not_o plain_o injurious_a to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a or_o inspire_a person_n in_o deny_v he_o authority_n to_o administer_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n what_o say_v you_o to_o moses_n to_o joshua_n to_o melchezedech_n to_o samuel_n and_o david_n be_v not_o solomon_n call_v a_o preacher_n be_v not_o the_o two_o witness_n of_o the_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n both_o prophet_n revel_v 11.3_o 4_o 5._o give_v we_o leave_v to_o ask_v you_o these_o question_n first_o whether_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n see_v rev._n 1.6_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o second_o whether_o the_o priest_n office_n be_v so_o limit_v and_o restrain_v now_o to_o person_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o uzziah_n 2_o chro_fw-la 26.18_o and_o of_o uzzah_n 1_o chron._n 15.2_o three_o who_o bring_v in_o this_o distinction_n of_o laity_n and_o clergy_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n last_o whence_o have_v you_o your_o authority_n so_o to_o administer_v the_o word_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o use_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o you_o do_v in_o peculiar_a you_o may_v have_v jus_o civil_a or_o ecclesiasticum_fw-la for_o it_o but_o not_o jus_o divinum_fw-la a_o humane_a or_o ecclesiastical_a title_n but_o not_o a_o divine_a right_n and_o may_v not_o he_o that_o derive_v it_o unto_o you_o have_v a_o share_n therein_o if_o he_o have_v gift_n and_o qualification_n for_o it_o now_o what_o you_o affirm_v incontinent_o in_o that_o section_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o take_v order_n that_o peace_n and_o unity_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n that_o all_o blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n be_v suppress_v that_o all_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n in_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v prevent_v or_o reform_v that_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v due_o settle_v administer_v and_o observe_v and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n he_o have_v power_n to_o call_v synod_n to_o be_v present_a at_o they_o and_o to_o provide_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v transact_v in_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n all_o this_o say_v we_o be_v true_a of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n only_o and_o not_o of_o the_o only_a civil_a governor_n but_o we_o pray_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o thing_n by_o the_o way_n which_o have_v pass_v from_o you_o in_o that_o section_n the_o first_o be_v this_o you_o there_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o see_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v keep_v pure_a which_o indeed_o can_v never_o be_v corrupt_v and_o second_o you_o say_v it_o be_v his_o office_n to_o see_v that_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v due_o settle_v administer_v and_o observe_v which_o be_v true_a
second_o section_n to_o wit_n to_o elder_n and_o governor_n call_v of_o god_n but_o not_o of_o man_n alone_o but_o that_o remit_v and_o retain_v of_o sin_n be_v both_o ministerial_a under_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o principal_o place_v in_o the_o church_n representative_a or_o the_o superior_n and_o elder_n act_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o both_o fit_v and_o call_v to_o that_o high_a office_n matthew_n 16.19_o matthew_n 18.17_o 18._o john_n 20.20_o 21.22_o in_o your_o three_o section_n you_o lay_v down_o good_a ground_n why_o there_o shall_v be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o spiritual_a censure_n in_o use_n and_o therein_o you_o seem_v to_o lay_v no_o small_a or_o weak_a foundation_n of_o reduce_v the_o true_a saint_n now_o disperse_v into_o congregation_n under_o spiritual_a able_a and_o faithful_a overseer_n and_o those_o under_o some_o superintendent_n choose_v of_o god_n of_o which_o some_o may_v be_v find_v if_o well_o seek_v out_o your_o four_o and_o last_o section_n by_o officer_n right_a overseer_n and_o governor_n such_o as_o we_o have_v describe_v be_v understand_v we_o willing_o embrace_v with_o this_o caution_n that_o you_o will_v with_o st._n judas_n verse_n 23._o rather_o pull_v man_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n then_o persecute_v they_o with_o a_o faggot_n for_o difference_n of_o judgement_n chap._n xxxi_o of_o synod_n and_o counsel_n for_o the_o better_a government_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o assembly_n as_o be_v common_o call_v synod_n or_o counsel_n 6._o counsel_n act_n 15.2_o 4_o 6._o ii_o as_o magistrate_n may_v lawful_o call_v a_o synod_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o fit_a person_n to_o consult_v and_o advise_v with_o about_o matter_n of_o religion_n 11.14_o religion_n isa_n 49.23_o 1_o tim_n 2.1_o 1._o 2_o cro_n 19.8_o 9_o 10._o 2_o chro_n 29.30_o chap_a mat_n 2.4.5_o pro_fw-la 11.14_o so_o if_o magistrate_n be_v open_a enemy_n to_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n of_o themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n or_o they_o with_o other_o fit_a person_n upon_o delegation_n from_o their_o church_n may_v meet_v together_o in_o such_o assembly_n 25._o assembly_n act_n 15.2_o 4_o 22_o 23_o 25._o iii_o it_o belong_v to_o synod_n and_o counsel'_v ministerial_o to_o determine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o set_v down_o rule_v and_o direction_n for_o the_o better_a order_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church_n to_o receive_v complaint_n in_o case_n of_o male_a administration_n and_o authoritatiu_o to_o determine_v the_o same_o which_o decree_n and_o determination_n if_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o reverence_n and_o submission_n not_o only_o for_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o word_n but_o also_o for_o the_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v as_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v thereunto_o in_o his_o word_n 20_o word_n act_n 15.15_o 19_o 24_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o act_n 6_o 4._o matth_n 18_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o iv_o all_o synod_n or_o counsel_n since_o the_o apostle_n day_n whether_o general_a or_o particular_a may_v err_v and_o many_o have_v err_v therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n but_o to_o be_v use_v as_o a_o help_n in_o both_o 1.24_o both_o ep_v 2.20_o act_n 17.1_o 1_o cor_n 2.5_o 2_o cor_fw-la 1.24_o v._o synod_n or_o counsel_n be_v to_o handle_v or_o conclude_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v ecclesiastical_a and_o be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o civil_a affair_n which_o concern_v the_o commonwealth_n unless_o by_o way_n of_o humble_a petition_n in_o case_n extraordinary_a or_o by_o way_n of_o advice_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o conscience_n if_o they_o be_v thereunto_o require_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n 18.36_o magistrate_n luke_n 12.13_o 14._o joh_n 18.36_o chap._n xxxi_o of_o synod_n and_o counsel_n examine_v in_o compliance_n with_o your_o first_o section_n we_o grant_v that_o there_o may_v be_v great_a cause_n of_o spiritual_a consultation_n and_o that_o either_o about_o temporal_a thing_n as_o moses_n go_v twice_o to_o the_o lord_n about_o the_o daughter_n of_o zelophebad_n number_n 27.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n and_o number_n 36.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n or_o in_o thing_n of_o religion_n as_o moses_n require_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v first_o to_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n leviticus_n 24.12_o and_o second_o to_o he_o that_o gather_v stick_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n numb_a 15.32_o 33_o etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o be_v consult_v with_o in_o those_o great_a difficulty_n and_o that_o either_o immediate_o as_o moses_n do_v in_o the_o place_n aforesaid_a and_o daniel_n with_o the_o other_o three_o child_n dan._n 2._o or_o else_o by_o some_o person_n who_o have_v the_o judgement_n of_o urim_n and_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n numb_a 27.21_o ezra_n 2.63_o 1_o maccab._n 4.4_o especial_o if_o any_o such_o person_n be_v to_o be_v find_v of_o which_o there_o have_v be_v some_o in_o all_o or_o most_o age_n if_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n speak_v true_a chap._n 7.27_o and_o in_o all_o age_n wisdom_n enter_v into_o holy_a soul_n make_v they_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o prophet_n which_o be_v consonant_n to_o what_o the_o father_n promise_v isa_n 29.21_o and_o to_o our_o saviour_n engagement_n mat._n 28.20_o behold_v i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o in_o case_n no_o such_o person_n may_v be_v find_v there_o may_v be_v synod_n and_o counsel_n call_v for_o consultation_n sake_n and_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v still_o too_o difficult_a it_o must_v be_v reserve_v for_o god_n future_a resolution_n ezra_n 2.63_o as_o to_o your_o second_o section_n we_o grant_v that_o magistrate_n may_v call_v a_o synod_n of_o minister_n or_o other_o fit_a person_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o wise_a and_o it_o be_v good_a that_o person_n of_o all_o different_a mind_n in_o religion_n may_v be_v free_o hear_v and_o their_o argument_n well_o weigh_v and_o full_a answer_n give_v in_o write_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o our_o controversy_n may_v grow_v to_o a_o end_n and_o so_o truth_n with_o love_n and_o peace_n take_v place_n but_o in_o this_o case_n if_o any_o inspire_a prophet_n may_v be_v have_v at_o home_n or_o consult_v abroad_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o receive_v resolution_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o he_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o do_v in_o this_o age_n either_o by_o word_n or_o writing_n then_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o hundred_o ordinary_a divine_n often_o produce_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n but_o wrest_v or_o mistake_v the_o sense_n we_o grant_v likewise_o that_o such_o ordinary_a minister_n and_o person_n may_v be_v send_v from_o their_o own_o to_o other_o church_n yet_o can_v they_o act_v only_o within_o their_o own_o sphere_n as_o rational_a learned_a or_o devout_a person_n not_o as_o inspire_v man_n but_o that_o ordinary_a minister_n may_v by_o their_o office_n when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o enemy_n call_v each_o other_o or_o assemble_v into_o a_o public_a synod_n we_o doubt_v yet_o doubtless_o they_o may_v meet_v private_o and_o advise_v yea_o pray_v together_o to_o your_o three_o section_n we_o grant_v that_o synod_n may_v handle_v controversy_n of_o fact_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n direction_n for_o a_o outward_a worship_n and_o the_o better_a govern_v of_o a_o visible_a church_n as_o also_o hear_v complaint_n in_o case_n of_o male_a administration_n and_o determine_v they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o authoritate_fw-la sibi_fw-la commissa_fw-la especial_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o regeneration_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v which_o decree_n and_o determination_n if_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v 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