all_o will_v say_v they_o be_v all_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o bind_v to_o know_v and_o do_v otherwise_o nero_n be_v brand_v for_o a_o beastly_a person_n a_o lion_n in_o that_o he_o abuse_v that_o authority_n of_o he_o which_o of_o right_n shall_v have_v be_v improve_v for_o encouragement_n of_o paul_n in_o his_o ministry_n and_o doctrine_n to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o endeavoure_n to_o destroy_v and_o devour_v he_o 2_o tim._n 4.17_o 2_o a_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o tim._n 2.1,2_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v have_v such_o magistrate_n as_o may_v act_v authoritative_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n as_o well_o as_o of_o righteousness_n and_o honesty_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v put_v forth_o their_o power_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o object_n yea_o but_o some_o have_v say_v if_o you_o now_o allow_v civil_a ruler_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v persecute_v we_o answ_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o answer_v pray_v therefore_o in_o these_o persecute_v time_n of_o romish_a emperor_n that_o they_o may_v not_o meddle_v at_o all_o coercive_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v to_o usurp_v power_n not_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o rather_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v use_v this_o power_n which_o they_o have_v aright_o or_o as_o we_o may_v peaceable_o exercise_v act_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o honesty_n nor_o do_v he_o say_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v deal_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n negative_o that_o be_v so_o as_o authoritative_o to_o hinder_v any_o from_o disturb_v any_o christian_n in_o that_o which_o he_o take_v up_o for_o truth_n or_o piety_n or_o in_o any_o opinion_n which_o he_o may_v hold_v and_o yet_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n no_o more_o than_o he_o say_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v deal_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o honesty_n as_o to_o hinder_v any_o from_o disturbance_n in_o any_o suppose_a course_n of_o honesty_n yea_o in_o any_o act_n of_o dishonesty_n which_o may_v be_v incident_a to_o one_o that_o yet_o in_o the_o main_n be_v godly_a for_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o in_o all_o ungodliness_n or_o dishonesty_n nor_o do_v he_o say_v pray_v that_o every_o one_o may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n or_o hold_v out_o any_o opinion_n tenent_n or_o practice_n suit_v with_o his_o conscience_n so_o it_o raze_v not_o the_o foundation_n of_o godliness_n but_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o all_o godliness_n peaceable_o or_o that_o we_o may_v with_o quietness_n and_o encouragement_n so_o carry_v it_o as_o will_v stand_v with_o godliness_n itself_o yea_o with_o godliness_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o all_o godliness_n a_o three_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o isa_n 49.23_o which_o though_o a_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a yet_o respect_v the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o argument_n stand_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o civil_a ruler_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v authoritative_o act_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o be_v to_o the_o church_n as_o milk_n therefore_o it_o be_v his_o mind_n that_o in_o these_o day_n they_o shall_v act_v authoritative_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o say_v to_o act_v authoritative_o because_o to_o act_v as_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o act_v mere_o allure_o as_o some_o say_v or_o in_o a_o general_a way_n of_o countenance_n but_o coercive_o father_n act_n fatherly_a in_o command_v in_o forbid_v and_o in_o punish_v as_o well_o as_o in_o kiss_v and_o give_v good_a word_n in_o take_v the_o rod_n as_o giving_z a_o apple_n nor_o do_v he_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v nurse_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o act_v official_o in_o preach_v or_o in_o administration_n whether_o of_o church_n seal_v or_o of_o church_n censure_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o similitude_n forbid_v it_o nurse-fathers_n can_v give_v milk_n to_o the_o child_n but_o nurse-fathers_n and_o nurse-mothers_n to_o take_v authoritative_a care_n what_o milk_n either_o church-officer_n or_o any_o other_o yield_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o according_o to_o reward_v and_o encourage_v it_o to_o look_v that_o it_o be_v not_o bad_a but_o coercive_o to_o restrain_v it_o at_o least_o from_o be_v milk_v forth_o to_o the_o church_n hurt_n albeit_o if_o keep_v within_o the_o breast_n that_o breed_v it_o it_o be_v out_o of_o their_o cognizance_n nor_o be_v this_o speak_v of_o heathen_a ruler_n as_o pagan_n not_o christian_n but_o of_o such_o which_o though_o as_o civil_a ruler_n they_o command_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o righteousness_n yea_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o obey_v the_o church_n stoop_v to_o its_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n so_o they_o lick_v up_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o church_n foot_n 4_o a_o four_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o zech._n 13.2,3,4,5,6_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o as_o a_o approve_a act_n of_o the_o zealous_a member_n of_o the_o pure_a church_n to_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n a_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o in_o these_o day_n such_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v exercise_v nor_o may_v any_o here_o restrain_v these_o word_n to_o church-censure_n it_o be_v not_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o express_v church-censure_n great_a and_o lesser_a by_o take_v away_o the_o life_n wound_n and_o work_n in_o the_o hand_n but_o rather_o prove_v that_o power_n of_o civil_a authority_n to_o inflict_v death_n in_o some_o case_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o some_o other_o reproachful_a corporal_a punishment_n in_o some_o case_n of_o error_n which_o be_v not_o of_o moment_n as_o the_o other_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o argument_n prove_v the_o position_n we_o shall_v brief_o now_o take_v off_o two_o or_o three_o general_a objection_n and_o then_o come_v to_o a_o close_a of_o this_o question_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a therefore_o no_o such_o use_n now_o to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o such_o carnal_a weapon_n as_o the_o penal_a law_n or_o censure_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o late_a pamphlet_n and_o plea_n for_o liberty_n use_v against_o this_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o some_o case_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o if_o they_o be_v forcible_a they_o conclude_v universal_o even_o against_o that_o coercive_a power_n which_o our_o opposite_n allow_v to_o he_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o far_o also_o of_o the_o first_o as_o in_o thing_n against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o law_n of_o nation_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o taste_n in_o this_o argument_n for_o beside_o the_o mistake_n of_o apply_v this_o as_o if_o mean_v of_o other_o person_n then_o of_o church_n officer_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a scope_n of_o the_o text_n the_o argument_n conclude_v against_o the_o use_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n by_o civil_a ruler_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o first_o because_o spiritual_a weapon_n be_v as_o weighty_a to_o pull_v down_o strong_a hold_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o first_o of_o like_a nature_n be_v that_o objection_n christ_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n this_o if_o of_o any_o force_n exclude_v whole_o take_v away_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o both_o table_n object_n 2._o the_o church_n have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o reach_v her_o end_n in_o curb_v or_o cure_v offence_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o such_o coercive_a power_n therein_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n answ_n 1._o suppose_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o therefore_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n thereof_o yet_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o a_o civil_a society_n stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o and_o so_o far_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v yield_v or_o what_o if_o the_o church_n have_v no_o need_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o subject_n enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o not_o actual_o of_o the_o church_n as_o person_n not_o yet_o join_v to_o any_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o power_n may_v be_v most_o needful_a else_o they_o may_v vent_v thing_n as_o well_o
quest_n whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o of_o the_o first_o table_n have_v power_n civil_o to_o command_v or_o forbid_v thing_n respect_v the_o outward_a man_n which_o be_v clear_o command_v and_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n and_o to_o inflict_v suitable_a punishment_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o transgression_n against_o the_o same_o and_o all_o this_o with_o reference_n to_o godly_a peace_n answ_n the_o want_n of_o a_o right_n state_v of_o this_o question_n touch_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v occasion_v a_o world_n of_o error_n tend_v to_o infringe_v the_o just_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n we_o shall_v therefore_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o the_o question_n and_o then_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o affirmative_a by_o command_v forbid_v and_o punish_v we_o mean_v the_o coercive_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o be_v see_v in_o such_o act_n by_o matter_n of_o religion_n command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n respect_v the_o outward_a man_n we_o understand_v indefinite_o whether_o those_o of_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n his_o power_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o such_o matter_n of_o religion_n only_o which_o be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n or_o against_o the_o fundamental_n of_o religion_n all_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o religion_n which_o may_v be_v express_v by_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o not_o only_o these_o therefore_o we_o say_v not_o bare_o thus_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o first_o table_n but_o join_v therewith_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o all_o ambiguity_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v as_o well_o of_o matter_n which_o be_v pure_o evangelicall_n so_o far_o as_o express_v by_o the_o outward_a man_n at_o well_o as_o of_o other_o thing_n and_o we_o say_v command_a or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n mean_v of_o the_o whole_a word_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n exception_n be_v only_o make_v of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v mere_o ceremonial_a or_o otherwise_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a polity_n and_o clear_v to_o be_v abolish_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o which_o limitation_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n to_o thing_n command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n we_o exclude_v any_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n either_o in_o command_v any_o new_a thing_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v beside_o or_o against_o the_o word_n or_o in_o forbid_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n 1_o hence_o he_o be_v not_o to_o mould_v up_o and_o impose_v what_o erastian_n form_n of_o church_n polity_n he_o please_v because_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o form_n command_v now_o of_o god_n he_o can_v therefore_o command_v what_o form_n he_o will_n 2_o hence_o he_o be_v not_o to_o force_v all_o person_n into_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o seal_n because_o he_o be_v not_o thus_o command_v 3_o hence_o he_o be_v not_o to_o limit_v to_o thing_n indifferent_a which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n without_o apparent_a expediency_n or_o inexpediency_n of_o attend_v the_o same_o by_o that_o expression_n clear_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n we_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v clear_a either_o by_o express_a word_n or_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o say_v clear_o command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n not_o simple_o that_o which_o the_o magistrate_n or_o other_o think_v to_o be_v clear_o command_v or_o forbid_v for_o they_o may_v think_v thing_n command_v to_o be_v forbid_v and_o thing_n forbid_v to_o be_v command_v but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o in_o such_o sort_n clear_a in_o the_o word_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o these_o day_n since_o christ_n ascension_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o command_v and_o forbid_v such_o thing_n so_o clear_v in_o the_o word_n albeit_o the_o facto_fw-la ofttimes_o he_o do_v not_o suitable_o inflict_a punishment_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o transgression_n this_o clause_n need_v not_o much_o explication_n be_v so_o plain_a of_o itself_o some_o thing_n command_v and_o forbid_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v of_o a_o small_a nature_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v true_a which_o be_v often_o say_v that_o de_fw-fr minimis_fw-la non_fw-la curate_n lex_fw-la i._n e._n man_n law_n look_v not_o after_o small_a matter_n but_o other_o thing_n command_v or_o forbid_v in_o god_n law_n be_v momentous_a and_o of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o though_o small_a in_o themselves_o yet_o weighty_a in_o the_o consequence_n or_o circumstance_n and_o in_o this_o case_n if_o he_o inflict_v a_o slight_a paper_n punishment_n when_o the_o offence_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n or_o contrariwise_o when_o he_o inflict_v that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o capital_a punishment_n when_o the_o offence_n be_v of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n he_o do_v not_o punish_v suitable_o there_o be_v sundry_a rule_n in_o the_o word_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o sort_n as_o touch_v the_o punishment_n of_o blasphemy_n idolatry_n heresy_n profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o sundry_a other_o like_a matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o which_o magistrate_n of_o old_a have_v hold_v and_o other_o now_o may_v observe_v proportion_n in_o make_v other_o particular_a law_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n with_o sanction_n of_o punishment_n and_o inflict_v the_o same_o they_o inflict_v suitable_a punishment_n only_o let_v it_o be_v here_o remember_v that_o though_o we_o grant_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n his_o power_n thus_o to_o command_v forbid_v and_o punish_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n clear_o reâ—ealed_v in_o the_o word_n yeâ—_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o he_o may_v and_o must_v do_v and_o another_o thing_n when_o and_o how_o he_o must_v exercise_v his_o power_n to_o all_o person_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n for_o some_o such_o person_n may_v not_o be_v at_o all_o acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a god_n or_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o the_o word_n but_o as_o yet_o be_v pagan_n now_o touch_v such_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v take_v care_n that_o the_o best_a mean_n be_v seasonable_o and_o wise_o use_v with_o they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o bring_v they_o first_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o falsehood_n &_o vanity_n of_o their_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v etc._n etc._n and_o afterward_o as_o there_o be_v cause_n to_o put_v forth_o act_n of_o his_o coercive_a power_n towards_o they_o as_o scripture-rule_n and_o example_n will_v allow_v other_o though_o they_o be_v christian_n yet_o such_o as_o be_v not_o clear_o instruct_v or_o enlighten_v in_o matter_n clear_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n in_o this_o case_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v to_o inform_v and_o convince_v and_o not_o to_o proceed_v sudden_o till_o all_o just_a mean_n be_v use_v to_o leave_v he_o convince_v of_o which_o it_o be_v more_o meet_a for_o the_o magistrate_n than_o for_o the_o offend_a person_n to_o judge_v who_o it_o may_v be_v will_v never_o say_v he_o be_v convince_v we_o live_v in_o time_n wherein_o many_o man_n be_v perverse_o carry_v and_o will_v regard_v no_o reason_n but_o go_v full_a against_o the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o of_o common_a sense_n too_o sometime_o rather_o than_o confess_v the_o truth_n when_o convince_v of_o it_o such_o a_o obstinate_a fool_n be_v not_o to_o be_v answer_v according_a to_o his_o folly_n by_o any_o further_o reason_v pro._n 26.4_o a_o whip_n be_v fit_a say_v solomon_n for_o such_o a_o back_n by_o this_o which_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v touch_v the_o act_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o impertinency_n and_o invalidity_n of_o many_o objection_n against_o this_o his_o power_n will_v appear_v as_o 1._o that_o thereby_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v make_v the_o church_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n which_o will_v be_v true_a if_o he_o may_v command_v or_o forbid_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o first_o command_v or_o forbid_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o church_n lawgiver_n which_o we_o say_v he_o may_v not_o 2._o that_o thereby_o he_o be_v make_v to_o have_v dominion_n over_o man_n faith_n when_o he_o do_v no_o more_o by_o our_o position_n but_o press_v they_o to_o that_o faith_n which_o he_o that_o have_v indeed_o dominion_n over_o the_o same_o have_v prescribe_v 3._o that_o thereby_o tyranny_n be_v exercise_v over_o man_n tender_a conscience_n and_o true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n be_v
the_o covenant_n of_o grace._n discover_v the_o great_a work_n of_o a_o sinner_n reconciliation_n to_o god._n by_o john_n cotton_n minister_n at_o boston_n in_o new_a england_n whereunto_o be_v add_v certain_a query_n tend_v to_o accommodadation_n between_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o congregationall_a church_n also_o a_o discussion_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o same_o author_n london_n print_v by_o m._n s._n for_o francis_n eglesfield_n and_o john_n allen_n at_o the_o marigold_n and_o rise_v sun_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1655._o to_o the_o true_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a my_o ever_o honour_a and_o much_o esteem_v friend_n m_o ris_z catharine_n hodson_n the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n if_o either_o religion_n or_o civility_n have_v any_o virtue_n to_o oblige_v certain_o i_o be_o much_o your_o debtor_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o compliment_n which_o usual_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o the_o vain_a assentation_n to_o promise_v any_o adequate_a satisfaction_n for_o those_o many_o favour_n you_o be_v please_v to_o make_v i_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o design_n of_o these_o few_o line_n be_v to_o testify_v to_o yourself_o and_o the_o world_n that_o i_o be_o real_o thankful_a or_o hearty_o desire_v to_o be_v so_o the_o follow_a treatise_n which_o concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o commend_v rather_o to_o your_o practice_n then_o protection_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o orphan_n entertain_v it_o for_o the_o father_n sake_n and_o i_o shall_v undertake_v you_o shall_v gain_v no_o mean_a satisfaction_n for_o your_o pain_n the_o two_o small_a tract_n at_o the_o end_n be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o first_o the_o reverend_a author_n undertake_v a_o good_a office_n which_o be_v to_o become_v umpire_n betwixt_o dissent_v brethren_n next_o to_o their_o not_o fall_v out_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v to_o agree_v i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o if_o man_n do_v more_o attend_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v less_o particular_a in_o their_o end_n the_o quarrel_n about_o the_o way_n will_v not_o be_v so_o endless_a as_o to_o that_o latter_a tract_n about_o the_o magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n touch_v the_o first_o table_n of_o late_a day_n it_o have_v fall_v much_o under_o question_n wise_a and_o good_a man_n who_o have_v attend_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o single_a eye_n have_v look_v upon_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a rom._n 13.4_o under_o the_o name_n of_o evil_n comprehend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aristot_n eth._n 5._o 13._o whatsoever_o be_v commit_v about_o holy_a thing_n child_n be_v command_v obedience_n to_o their_o parent_n in_o all_o thing_n col._n 3.20_o felius_fw-la inquit_fw-la augustinus_n reges_fw-la si_fw-la svam_fw-la potestatem_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la cultuum_fw-la maximè_fw-la dilatandum_fw-la majestati_fw-la ejus_fw-la famulam_fw-la faciant_fw-la de_fw-fr civet_n dei_fw-la 5._o c._n 14._o all_o thing_n comprehend_v holy_a thing_n and_o the_o command_n of_o a_o father_n be_v less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n that_o which_o relate_v in_o this_o little_a book_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o commend_v to_o your_o special_a meditation_n every_o truth_n have_v its_o value_n but_o not_o of_o equal_a concernment_n unto_o all_o among_o all_o the_o parcel_n of_o sacred_a word_n none_o more_o just_o challenge_v our_o serious_a study_n and_o affectionate_a inquisition_n than_o this_o mystery_n that_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n colos_n 1.26_o comprehend_v in_o the_o covenant_n or_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o constellation_n of_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n communicate_v the_o most_o beneficial_a influence_n of_o rich_a everlasting_a and_o undeserved_a mercy_n by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o need_v of_o lose_v heavy_a load_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o city_n of_o refuge_n and_o sure_a sanctuary_n to_o which_o distress_a soul_n have_v always_o flee_v and_o find_v security_n when_o the_o â—…owes_n and_o the_o wave_n of_o temptation_n have_v beat_v upon_o they_o here_o they_o have_v successful_o cast_v the_o anchor_n of_o their_o hope_n for_o the_o mountain_n shall_v depart_v and_o the_o hill_n be_v remove_v but_o my_o kindness_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o neither_o shall_v the_o covenant_n of_o my_o peace_n be_v remove_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o oh_o thou_o afflict_a and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v i_o will_v etc._n etc._n isai_n 54.10,11,12_o they_o only_o know_v how_o much_o sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n the_o gen._n 33.9,11_o esau_n look_v upon_o his_o substance_n and_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v much_o or_o abundance_n jacob_n look_v upon_o his_o portion_n in_o jehovah_n &_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v all_o thing_n thus_o it_o shall_v be_v translate_v large_a content_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v who_o have_v taste_v the_o grace_n of_o that_o covenant_n the_o spiritual_a sense_n which_o you_o have_v of_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v so_o right_o exercise_v that_o your_o experience_n exceed_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o knowledge_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o administer_v but_o this_o covenant_n be_v our_o grand_a charter_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o our_o hope_n for_o another_o life_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o perusal_n of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n bespeak_v a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n upon_o your_o meditation_n in_o it_o i_o question_v not_o but_o still_o you_o pursue_v that_o thrive_a course_n in_o religion_n which_o many_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o in_o and_o that_o be_v to_o keep_v off_o from_o unedifying_a dispute_n and_o question_n which_o have_v add_v nothing_o to_o christianity_n but_o discord_n scruple_n and_o a_o loss_n of_o the_o vital_n of_o godliness_n beside_o the_o expense_n of_o precious_a hour_n which_o you_o have_v improve_v to_o more_o considerable_a advantage_n you_o run_v well_o let_v nothing_o hinder_v you_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v wrought_v that_o you_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n live_v as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n for_o the_o land_n of_o immanuel_n be_v a_o excellent_a soil_n the_o pure_a air_n be_v above_o where_o the_o spirit_n breathe_v free_o and_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v a_o condition_n proportionable_a to_o itself_o in_o as_o much_o as_o nothing_o can_v fit_v it_o but_o that_o which_o bear_v some_o similitude_n to_o its_o be_v your_o warfare_n be_v not_o yet_o accomplish_v as_o you_o must_v wrestle_v with_o god_n by_o prayer_n so_o you_o must_v wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr supercoelestibus_fw-la eph_n 6.12_o vide_fw-la mat._n 10.32_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mei_fw-la causââ—…_n illius_fw-la causa_fw-la vide_fw-la mat._n 26.21_o all_o you_o shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o i_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aâ—ovi_fw-la or_o because_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o nature_n of_o satan_n be_v to_o tempt_v and_o we_o have_v that_o in_o our_o nature_n fit_v to_o comply_v with_o any_o temptation_n let_v he_o be_v conqueror_n or_o conquer_v he_o be_v restless_a he_o may_v go_v away_o for_o a_o season_n till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o let_v out_o his_o chain_n and_o then_o he_o come_v again_o be_v we_o faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n provide_v for_o we_o now_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n 1_o pet._n 5.10_o who_o have_v call_v we_o into_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o christ_n jesus_n after_o you_o have_v suffer_v a_o while_n make_v you_o perfect_a establish_v strengthen_v settle_v you_o so_o pray_v your_o very_a much_o oblige_v friend_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o gospel_n w._n retchfordâ—_n to_o the_o reader_n if_o either_o author_n or_o matter_n may_v tend_v to_o commend_v any_o treatise_n i_o may_v take_v occasion_n from_o both_o these_o respect_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o high_a commendation_n of_o all_o these_o three_o ensue_a treatise_n the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o who_o commendation_n be_v in_o the_o gate_n of_o all_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o epistle_n of_o commendation_n from_o any_o other_o the_o name_n of_o mr._n john_n cotton_n the_o author_n of_o the_o two_o former_a be_v like_o a_o precious_a ointment_n pour_v forth_o and_o although_o his_o bless_a soul_n be_v now_o amid_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v above_o yet_o his_o holy_a work_n and_o labour_v leave_v
infringe_v when_o as_o he_o de_fw-mi jure_fw-la command_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o if_o man_n have_v any_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o submit_v thereto_o and_o in_o faithful_a submit_v to_o which_o be_v true_a liberty_n of_o conscience_n conscience_n be_v never_o in_o a_o â—…er_n or_o better_a estate_n of_o liberty_n here_o on_o earth_n than_o when_o most_o engage_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o god_n commandment_n 4._o that_o thereby_o christian_n become_v servant_n of_o man_n when_o the_o magistrate_n only_o be_v to_o enjoin_v what_o his_o master_n and_o they_o have_v command_v or_o to_o forbid_v the_o contrary_a and_o consequent_o in_o submit_v thereto_o be_v but_o servant_n to_o christ_n in_o man_n 5._o that_o thereby_o man_n be_v make_v hypocrite_n and_o time-servers_a as_o if_o to_o command_v man_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o to_o forbid_v the_o contrary_a be_v to_o make_v man_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n as_o be_v time-servers_a and_o hypocrite_n 6._o that_o thereby_o a_o sluice_n be_v open_v to_o let_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o corrupt_a opinion_n into_o the_o church_n suppose_v the_o magistrate_n be_v of_o any_o false_a religion_n or_o corrupt_v in_o his_o judgement_n yea_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o set_v up_o a_o pope_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n for_o religion_n must_v turn_v as_o he_o turn_v when_o as_o the_o question_n be_v touch_v the_o magistrate_n power_n of_o command_v or_o forbid_v not_o what_o he_o in_o a_o popelike_a way_n shall_v please_v or_o what_o his_o own_o spirit_n shall_v like_o best_a but_o what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n and_o the_o position_n subject_v he_o to_o the_o word_n as_o to_o the_o supreme_a law_n and_o do_v not_o set_v he_o up_o popelike_a above_o the_o scripture_n or_o allow_v he_o to_o make_v his_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o to_o make_v humane_a traditional_a cannon_n to_o be_v as_o much_o of_o force_n as_o scripture_n to_o bind_v man_n conscience_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o position_n rather_o condemn_v any_o such_o power_n as_o gular_a usurp_a &_o not_o approve_v of_o god_n which_o swerve_v from_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n namely_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o that_o object_v will_v rather_o follow_v that_o if_o there_o must_v be_v no_o king_n or_o civil_a power_n among_o god_n profess_a israel_n coercive_o to_o restrain_v forbid_v evil_n in_o religion_n than_o every_o man_n will_v hold_v and_o do_v as_o he_o listen_v as_o if_o every_o one_o be_v a_o pope_n and_o than_o micah_n idolatry_n and_o any_o other_o abomination_n may_v be_v set_v up_o 7._o that_o thereby_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v put_v upon_o many_o intricate_a perplexity_n &_o hazard_n of_o conscience_n how_o to_o judge_v in_o and_o of_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o magistrate_n from_o that_o use_n of_o his_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o first_o table_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v hinder_v he_o from_o the_o like_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n none_o be_v ignorant_a what_o perplex_v intricacy_n there_o be_v in_o these_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o former_a as_o conscientious_a magistrate_n find_v by_o daily_a experience_n yet_o such_o as_o object_v this_o will_v not_o deny_v this_o power_n in_o the_o latter_a and_o why_o then_o in_o the_o former_a the_o objection_n prove_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o know_v of_o god_n mind_n in_o his_o place_n and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v object_v against_o church-officer_n power_n in_o church_n or_o the_o power_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n in_o their_o family_n it_o will_v have_v prove_v the_o same_o but_o it_o follow_v not_o its_o difficult_a for_o a_o man_n in_o authority_n to_o know_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o duty_n in_o his_o place_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n in_o his_o place_n they_o which_o inaugurate_v joash_n to_o be_v king_n 2_o chron._n 23.11_o they_o put_v upon_o he_o the_o testimony_n as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n use_v to_o be_v expound_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n as_o a_o king_n not_o only_o to_o know_v the_o testimony_n or_o book_n of_o god_n law_n but_o authoritative_o to_o establish_v what_o be_v write_v in_o it_o 8._o that_o thereby_o person_n be_v put_v upon_o act_v with_o doubt_v conscience_n the_o magistrate_n injunction_n be_v ofttimes_o not_o clear_a to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v thereby_o compel_v to_o sin_n when_o the_o position_n affirm_v this_o power_n in_o matter_n clear_v in_o the_o word_n which_o if_o not_o clear_v to_o this_o or_o that_o subject_n in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n that_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n by_o his_o own_o ignorance_n of_o matter_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o know_v to_o bring_v any_o such_o snare_n upon_o his_o conscience_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o may_v desire_v the_o magistrate_n to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o clear_v up_o the_o matter_n enjoin_v or_o forbid_v to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o hinder_a but_o that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o command_v or_o forbid_v that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v even_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v shall_v not_o then_o be_v urge_v upon_o man_n conscience_n by_o church-officer_n or_o church-censure_n be_v execute_v against_o obstinate_a gainsayers_a because_o through_o error_n in_o judgement_n and_o corruption_n in_o conscience_n man_n will_v say_v thâ—…nd_v after_o all_o mean_v use_v for_o convictâ—…_n they_o may_v still_o affirm_v that_o they_o think_v otherwise_o or_o at_o best_o that_o they_o still_o doubt_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n yea_o albeit_o the_o matter_n be_v fundamental_a 9_o that_o hereby_o christian_n be_v discourage_v from_o seek_v more_o light_a or_o hinder_v from_o embrace_v or_o follow_v such_o new_a light_n as_o the_o saint_n expect_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n when_o as_o its_o evident_a that_o the_o command_a and_o forbid_v thing_n clear_v in_o the_o word_n to_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n do_v neither_o express_v what_o light_a man_n have_v from_o the_o word_n nor_o discourage_v from_o more_o light_n in_o &_o from_o the_o same_o as_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n so_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o 10._o that_o thereby_o conscientious_a man_n especial_o will_v come_v to_o suffer_v because_o magistrate_n may_v think_v thing_n command_v or_o forbid_v of_o god_n and_o according_o ratify_v they_o by_o their_o authority_n which_o god_n do_v never_o command_v or_o forbid_v when_o as_o the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v magistrate_n enjoin_v what_o they_o think_v but_o what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v the_o press_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n command_v what_o he_o requi_v and_o forbid_v the_o contrary_a be_v any_o just_a or_o proper_a cause_n of_o suffer_v to_o man_n true_o conscientious_a the_o magistrate_n may_v indeed_o through_o mistake_n command_n or_o forbid_v thing_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o first_o but_o the_o second_o table_n but_o this_o do_v not_o deprive_v civil_a magistracy_n therefore_o of_o coercive_a power_n as_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o so_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o table_n but_o in_o this_o case_n christian_n must_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v in_o either_o albeit_o withal_o the_o magistrate_n do_v break_v his_o rule_n 11._o that_o thereby_o we_o shall_v encourage_v and_o harden_v papist_n and_o turk_n in_o their_o cruel_a persecution_n of_o the_o saint_n whereas_o for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o command_v or_o forbid_v according_a to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v not_o persecution_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o of_o itself_o tend_v to_o persecution_n power_n to_o press_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n do_v not_o give_v warrant_n to_o suppress_v or_o oppress_v the_o same_o the_o time_n be_v evil_a indeed_o when_o the_o press_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n shall_v be_v count_v persecution_n 12._o that_o thence_o be_v cause_v all_o the_o war_n in_o christendom_n at_o this_o day_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o press_a man_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n either_o of_o the_o second_o or_o fiâ—st_a table_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o any_o cause_n of_o war_n but_o the_o lust_n rather_o of_o such_o as_o abuse_v their_o power_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n by_o this_o already_o speak_v we_o have_v see_v the_o ruin_n of_o twelve_o of_o our_o opposite_n castle_n in_o the_o air_n imaginarily_o frame_v to_o withstand_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n coercive_a power_n in_o
be_v commend_v for_o lay_v the_o force_n of_o his_o command_n upon_o those_o under_o his_o power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n gen._n 18_o 19_o and_o if_o he_o have_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o master_n yet_o less_o will_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o way_n to_o a_o ruler_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n than_o of_o a_o family_n but_o rather_o more_o job_n as_o a_o civil_a ruler_n as_o a_o king_n in_o a_o army_n of_o person_n under_o his_o command_n do_v not_o leave_v each_o of_o they_o to_o choose_v out_o their_o own_o way_n of_o religion_n or_o justice_n but_o he_o choose_v it_o he_o determinative_o set_v it_o down_o for_o they_o i_o sit_v as_o king_n in_o a_o army_n i_o choose_v out_o their_o way_n etc._n etc._n job_n 29.25_o the_o king_n of_o ninivey_n with_o his_o prince_n do_v not_o bare_o commend_v that_o duty_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o his_o people_n as_o very_o convenient_a to_o be_v attend_v yet_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n to_o omit_v the_o same_o but_o he_o positive_o command_v the_o same_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n may_v be_v prevent_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d jonah_n 3.7_o the_o word_n be_v use_v for_o a_o coercive_a command_n or_o decree_n ezra_n 4.21_o &_o 6.11_o dan._n 3.10,11_o &_o 29._o &_o 6.7,8,9_o &_o 13._o and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n of_o ninivey_n have_v so_o much_o influence_n into_o the_o people_n act_n jonah_n 3.5,6_o &_o 7._o verse_n compare_v be_v implicit_o commend_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o commendation_n of_o the_o repentance_n of_o the_o man_n of_o ninevey_n and_o so_o of_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o ninevey_n who_o heart_n be_v so_o thorough_o touch_v as_o to_o improve_v their_o authority_n to_o further_a that_o civil_a work_n of_o ninevy_n repentance_n the_o example_n of_o moses_n joshua_n david_n solomon_n asa_n jehosaphat_n hezekiah_n josiah_n nehemiah_n etc._n etc._n be_v obvious_a to_o every_o ordinary_a eye_n which_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n object_n they_o of_o old_a be_v type_n therefore_o their_o example_n be_v not_o now_o of_o force_n for_o our_o imitation_n answ_n we_o suppose_v the_o objection_n intend_v not_o by_o type_n and_o exemplar_n for_o imitation_n as_o type_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n be_v use_v 1_o cor._n 10.6_o compare_v with_o 11._o for_o this_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o objector_n but_o rather_o it_o mean_v a_o type_n strict_o take_v namely_o that_o they_o in_o that_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n do_v but_o shadow_n out_o christ_n kingly_a power_n but_o of_o this_o the_o opposite_n give_v only_o a_o barren_a assertion_n without_o proof_n and_o that_o will_v not_o carry_v it_o but_o we_o shall_v answer_v it_o more_o particular_o 1_o then_o such_o may_v as_o well_o say_v those_o ruler_n do_v shadow_n out_o christ_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o therein_o imitable_a which_o none_o will_v affirm_v solomon_n type_v out_o christ_n in_o subdue_a of_o enemy_n relieve_v the_o oppressed_a procure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n psal_n 72._o must_v not_o prince_n therefore_o do_v the_o like_a 2_o those_o that_o make_v that_o objection_n they_o use_v to_o put_v it_o thus_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n be_v such_o type_n but_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o abraham_n nor_o job_n nor_o nehemiah_n who_o by_o a_o coercive_a law_n enjoin_v the_o sanctify_a of_o the_o sabbath_n neh._n 13._o nor_o the_o king_n of_o ninevey_n nor_o be_v that_o wicked_a king_n of_o israel_n ahab_n a_o type_n of_o christ_n which_o shall_v have_v put_v that_o blaspheme_a benhadad_n to_o death_n whence_o that_o sharp_a reproof_n of_o he_o for_o not_o do_v it_o 1_o king_n 20._o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o darius_n &_o nebuchadnezar_n decree_v this_o way_n which_o be_v record_v in_o way_n of_o commendation_n thereof_o ezra_n 6._o and_o dan._n 3.29_o 3_o solomon_n himself_o who_o if_o any_o be_v type_n of_o christ_n therein_o he_o be_v set_v it_o down_o by_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o moral_a duty_n of_o each_o king_n indefinite_o that_o howsoever_o the_o facto_fw-la many_o do_v otherwise_o yet_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la he_o scatter_v away_o all_o evil_a with_o his_o eye_n prov._n 20.8_o mean_v all_o public_a evil_n which_o come_v within_o his_o ken_n as_o a_o king_n or_o public_a person_n whether_o the_o evil_a be_v against_o the_o first_o or_o second_o table_n unless_o any_o make_v exception_n and_o say_v that_o either_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n come_v under_o the_o magistrate_n view_v or_o though_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o evil_a 4_o it_o be_v a_o state_v doctrine_n in_o the_o time_n of_o job_n who_o by_o the_o most_o judicious_a be_v think_v to_o live_v before_o moses_n and_o it_o be_v attest_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n as_o idolatry_n be_v iniquity_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o judge_n job_n 31.26,27,28_o as_o well_o as_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o adultery_n ibid._n vers_fw-la 9_o and_o 11._o object_n those_o ruler_n of_o old_a do_v thus_o as_o member_n of_o the_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o same_o person_n be_v member_n of_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o always_o so_o now_o answ_n 1_o then_o at_o least_o where_o magistrate_n be_v member_n of_o church_n they_o may_v in_o these_o day_n exercise_n such_o power_n 2_o though_o they_o be_v member_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o put_v forth_o their_o coercive_a power_n civil_o not_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o state_n else_o it_o have_v be_v to_o confound_v church_n and_o state_n yea_o to_o make_v god_n which_o direct_v to_o it_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o confusion_n 3_o they_o be_v to_o punish_v such_o to_o who_o they_o stand_v in_o no_o church_n relation_n at_o all_o but_o mere_o civil_a for_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n hence_o ahab_n be_v blame_v for_o not_o punish_v benhadad_o blaspheme_v god_n as_o if_o a_o god_n of_o the_o hill_n but_o not_o of_o the_o valley_n hence_o nehemiah_n resolution_n to_o punish_v even_o any_o of_o those_o stranger_n which_o shall_v profane_v the_o sabbath_n chap._n 13._o 4_o job_n and_o those_o judge_n mention_v in_o his_o time_n as_o bind_v to_o punish_v idolatry_n be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n object_n if_o you_o make_v the_o example_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n act_v coercive_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o magistrate_n imitation_n why_o do_v not_o you_o make_v the_o levite_n a_o pattern_n also_o to_o minister_n now_o to_o act_v as_o they_o do_v civil_o in_o civil_a censure_n answ_n 1_o it_o be_v not_o clear_a that_o the_o levites_n d_o d_o act_v any_o further_a than_o by_o counsel_n or_o at_o most_o by_o some_o general_a consent_n to_o that_o which_o the_o prince_n be_v formal_o to_o act._n 2_o if_o the_o levite_n do_v act_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o state_n by_o a_o peculiar_a liberty_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o this_o can_v invalidate_v the_o ruler_n power_n then_o act_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o by_o a_o peculiar_a liberty_n also_o unless_o the_o objection_n can_v be_v bottom_v on_o the_o proportion_n betwixt_o the_o levite_n then_o and_o the_o ruler_n then_o thus_o that_o as_o the_o levite_n which_o by_o special_a liberty_n proper_a to_o those_o time_n and_o so_o not_o imitable_a now_o do_v intermeddle_v in_o matter_n peculiar_a to_o magistrate_n so_o the_o magistrate_n than_o do_v intermeddle_v in_o matter_n peculiar_a to_o the_o priest_n by_o a_o liberty_n proper_a to_o those_o time_n and_o this_o will_v be_v cross_a to_o express_v text_n 2_o chron._n 26.16_o where_o vzzias_n meddle_v with_o priestly_a matter_n of_o offer_v incense_n be_v make_v a_o transgression_n against_o the_o lord_n for_o which_o he_o be_v afterward_o ruin_v 3_o we_o make_v the_o levite_n intermeddle_v juditial_o in_o civil_a matter_n therefore_o not_o imitable_a because_o what_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v that_o way_n be_v by_o a_o liberty_n peculiar_a to_o that_o time_n but_o we_o make_v the_o example_n of_o the_o civil_a ruler_n act_v their_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n imitable_a because_o not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o appear_v in_o that_o what_o power_n they_o that_o way_n exercise_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n do_v job_n and_o other_o judge_n in_o his_o time_n by_o divine_a direction_n and_o approbation_n put_v forth_o yea_o the_o judicial_a act_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n in_o punish_v ahab_n and_o zedekiah_n with_o death_n not_o for_o their_o adultery_n only_o a_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n but_o for_o their_o false_a
of_o nature_n and_o nation_n or_o suppose_v he_o in_o conscience_n deny_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n or_o such_o and_o such_o book_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o we_o must_v only_o depend_v on_o revelation_n and_o herein_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n leave_v he_o now_o he_o in_o conscience_n think_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o establish_v this_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o all_o other_o which_o to_o he_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o conscience_n to_o oppose_v all_o contrary_a doctrine_n what_o then_o will_v become_v of_o subject_n liberty_n the_o word_n be_v not_o make_v the_o rule_n to_o regulate_v this_o ruler_n conscience_n according_a as_o we_o say_v it_o shall_v for_o if_o that_o be_v so_o his_o rule_n there_o be_v a_o remedy_n and_o way_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o rule_n but_o his_o conscience_n judgement_n and_o fantasy_n touch_v the_o rule_n that_o be_v by_o this_o tenent_n make_v his_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o he_o must_v be_v leave_v free_o to_o act_v without_o restraint_n the_o mischief_n necessary_o follow_v this_o if_o once_o cry_v up_o we_o leave_v to_o such_o of_o our_o opposite_n sad_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o nature_n &_o power_n of_o synod_n the_o second_o question_n quest_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o warrant_v synod_n answ_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v to_o consideration_n three_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o five_o reason_n argument_n argum_fw-la 1_o take_a from_o act_n 15._o a_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n in_o time_n of_o controversy_n and_o danger_n concern_v weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o consider_v dispute_v find_v out_o and_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o establish_v of_o peace_n among_o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o act_n 15._o but_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n in_o time_n of_o controversy_n and_o danger_n concern_v weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o consider_v dispute_v find_v out_o and_o clear_v of_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o establish_v of_o peace_n among_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la a_o synod_n be_v found_v upon_o act_n 15._o distin_n 1_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o this_o argument_n three_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v and_o some_o objection_n to_o be_v satisfy_v the_o first_o distinction_n be_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o question_n the_o other_o with_o the_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o objection_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o text._n the_o necessity_n of_o synod_n be_v either_o 1_o absolute_a 2_o respective_a synod_n be_v not_o necessary_a absolute_o i._n e._n unto_o the_o being_n but_o respective_o i._n e._n unto_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n distin_n 2_o in_o this_o synod_n some_o thing_n be_v first_o extraordinary_n and_o not_o exemplary_a some_o whereof_o be_v certain_o so_o and_o the_o rest_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o unto_o divers_a as_o 1_o the_o quality_n of_o some_o of_o the_o member_n sc_n apostle_n v._o 6.23_o 2_o the_o style_n v._o 28._o 3_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o sentence_n as_o immediate_o and_o political_o bind_v at_o least_o as_o some_o expound_v the_o place_n 4_o the_o object_n upon_o who_o they_o impose_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o decree_n viz._n absent_a church_n vers_fw-la 23._o chap._n 16.4_o some_o of_o which_o be_v neither_o call_v nor_o have_v ordinary_a member_n or_o messenger_n there_o other_o be_v ordinary_a ergo_fw-la exemplary_a as_o 1_o the_o public_a meeting_n of_o church-messenger_n elder_n and_o other_o brethren_n 2_o the_o propound_v of_o matter_n to_o be_v consider_v 3_o the_o dispute_v of_o they_o v._o 7._o 4_o the_o joint_a resolution_n of_o the_o question_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n v._o 15_o 16._o 5_o the_o declaration_n and_o delivery_n thereof_o unto_o the_o church_n to_o be_v accept_v of_o and_o keep_v by_o they_o act_v 16._o v._o 4._o 6_o order_n in_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v elder_n and_o member_n of_o every_o church_n ergo_fw-la here_o be_v assemble_v elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o all_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o some_o respect_n it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o universal_a counsel_n distin_n 3_o hence_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v extraordinary_a so_o it_o may_v warrant_v the_o great_a counsel_n look_v upon_o what_o be_v ordinary_a therein_o and_o so_o it_o warrant_v the_o small_a counsel_n in_o this_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v the_o substantial_o matter_n and_o form_n circumstantials_n constant_o such_o as_o necessary_o accompany_v every_o synod_n occasional_o which_o accompany_v the_o synod_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la i_o e._n according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o time_n and_o this_o place_n that_o which_o be_v command_v as_o continual_o bind_v act_v 15._o be_v the_o circumstantial_o of_o a_o synod_n the_o constant_a circumstantial_o and_o such_o occasional_o as_o be_v to_o edification_n pro_fw-la hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la these_o two_o last_o distinction_n right_o apply_v may_v satisfy_v many_o light_a objection_n which_o we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o argum_fw-la 2_o take_a by_o proportion_n from_o gal._n 2.2_o if_o in_o time_n of_o controversy_n about_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n who_o know_v the_o truth_n before_o they_o come_v on_o to_o the_o synod_n and_o one_o of_o they_o be_v great_a than_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o testify_a to_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v less_o than_o the_o find_n out_o testify_v to_o carrying_z on_z of_o the_o truth_n if_o warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n by_o themselves_o or_o by_o church-messenger_n either_o of_o which_o be_v a_o synod_n to_o the_o find_v our_o testify_v to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrantable_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o such_o time_n of_o controversy_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n one_o of_o who_o be_v great_a than_o all_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o testify_a to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n gal._n 2.2_o ergo_fw-la in_o such_o time_n of_o controversy_n the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n by_o themselves_o or_o by_o the_o church-messenger_n either_o of_o which_o be_v a_o synod_n for_o the_o find_v out_o testify_v to_o and_o better_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o truth_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o argument_n proceed_v from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o lesser_a thus_o if_o the_o truth_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n have_v need_v of_o the_o help_n of_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o apostle_n then_o in_o like_a time_n it_o have_v much_o more_o need_n of_o the_o assemble_v together_o of_o church_n if_o apostle_n at_o such_o time_n have_v need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o other_o apostle_n than_o church_n in_o like_a time_n have_v need_n of_o the_o help_n of_o other_o church_n such_o assembly_n the_o example_n whereof_o be_v record_v and_o approve_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n argum_fw-la 3_o but_o the_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o the_o qualify_a people_n of_o god_n for_o the_o consider_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n be_v such_o assembly_n the_o example_n whereof_o be_v record_v &_o commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n erg_fw-mi the_o orderly_a assembly_n of_o qualify_a person_n for_o the_o consider_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o time_n of_o weighty_a controversy_n be_v warrant_v out_o of_o the_o script_n prove_v minor_n prove_v ezra_n 7.14_o ezra_n inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n id_fw-la est_fw-la consult_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n 13.2_o david_n consult_v with_o the_o congregation_n concern_v the_o carry_n of_o the_o ark_n to_o its_o place_n 2_o chr._n 30.2_o hezekiah_n have_v take_v counsel_n of_o all_o his_o prince_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n on_o in_o jerusalem_n to_o keep_v the_o passeover_n in_o the_o second_o month_n the_o approve_a example_n of_o the_o godly_a of_o imitable_a and_o useful_a nature_n in_o practical_a case_n be_v a_o rule_n unto_o we_o reason_n 1_o from_o the_o cause_n when_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o synod_n remain_v there_o opportunity_n be_v have_v the_o warrantable_a use_n of_o synod_n remain_v but_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o cause_n of_o synod_n remain_v ergo_fw-la under_o the_o gospel_n the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v warrantable_a the_o cause_n of_o synod_n be_v either_o prevent_v remove_v of_o or_o recover_v from_o
offend_v be_v a_o society_n or_o some_o public_a person_n equivalent_a 2_o in_o case_n the_o party_n in_o such_o act_n of_o judgement_n be_v free_v from_o error_n which_o be_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o apostle_n guide_v in_o their_o administration_n by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n object_n 5._o this_o synod_n act_v 15._o lexi_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d septuag_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vid._n schindl_n lexi_fw-la so_o speak_v as_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n clear_v and_o declare_v by_o it_o as_o a_o burden_n upon_o the_o church_n v._o 28._o which_o our_o ordinary_a synod_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v power_n to_o do_v resp_n the_o notion_n or_o term_n burden_n may_v be_v take_v political_o i._n e._n for_o a_o truth_n impose_v by_o virtue_n of_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n this_o though_o the_o apostle_n as_o apostle_n may_v do_v yet_o if_o they_o do_v so_o in_o this_o place_n which_o we_o rather_o conceive_v not_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o consequent_o not_o exemplary_a or_o the_o word_n burden_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o charge_v of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v and_o yield_v obedience_n in_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o truth_n discuss_v clear_v and_o orderly_o command_v to_o they_o in_o which_o sense_n if_o we_o take_v it_o here_o according_a as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o divers_a place_n elsewhere_o pro._n 30.1_o &_o 21.1_o rev._n 2.24_o than_o the_o stile_n or_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v exemplary_a of_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n the_o three_o question_n quest_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n resp_n the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v decisive_n directive_n &_o declarative_a of_o the_o truth_n by_o clear_v and_o evidence_v the_o same_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n non_o coactive_a yet_o more_o than_o discretive_a for_o the_o better_a understanding_n hereof_o consider_v that_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v 1_o decisive_n in_o determine_v by_o way_n of_o discussion_n and_o disputation_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o so_o consequent_o resolve_v the_o question_n in_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n act_v 15.16,28_o &_o 16.4_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o synod_n 2_o discretive_a in_o discern_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o be_v determine_v this_o belong_v to_o every_o believer_n 3_o coactive_a or_o judicial_a for_o we_o omit_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o official_a judgement_n in_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n determine_v authoritative_o so_o as_o to_o impose_v it_o with_o authority_n and_o to_o censure_v the_o disobedient_a with_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o mat._n 18.17_o this_o belong_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n superior_a in_o some_o respect_n inferior_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v superior_a in_o respect_n of_o direction_n inferior_a in_o respect_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o it_o have_v none_o quere_z how_o and_o how_o far_o do_v the_o sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n bind_v answ_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o synod_n declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o the_o synod_n the_o synod_n declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n bind_v not_o political_o but_o formal_o only_a i._n e._n in_o foro_fw-la interiori_fw-la i._n e._n it_o bind_v the_o conscience_n and_o that_o by_o way_n of_o the_o high_a institution_n that_o be_v mere_o doctrinal_a the_o political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o the_o synod_n be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a by_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o bind_v not_o only_o formal_o but_o political_o in_o foro_fw-la exteriori_fw-la i._n e._n it_o bind_v the_o outward_a man_n so_o as_o the_o disobedient_a in_o matter_n of_o offence_n be_v subject_a unto_o church_n censure_n affirmative_o towards_o their_o own_o member_n negative_o by_o non_fw-la communion_n as_o concern_v other_o whether_o church_n or_o member_n 3._o supremi_fw-la magistratuâ—_n approbatio_fw-la est_fw-la supremum_fw-la ut_fw-la soquuntar_fw-la arrestum_fw-la fr._n hom._n disp_n 18._o th._n 4._o &_o disp_a 17._o thes_n 3._o civil_a by_o the_o magistrate_n strengthen_v the_o truth_n thus_o declare_v by_o the_o synod_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n either_o by_o his_o mere_a authoritative_a suffrage_n assent_n and_o testimony_n if_o the_o matter_n need_v no_o more_o or_o by_o his_o authoritative_a sanction_n of_o it_o by_o civil_a punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n so_o require_v in_o this_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n together_o in_o their_o respective_a political_a imposition_n of_o the_o truth_n clear_v and_o declare_v by_o the_o synod_n we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o place_n wherein_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n walk_v together_o orderly_o referve_v ecclesiastical_a bind_a power_n to_o the_o particular_a church_n where_o either_o there_o be_v no_o magistrate_n or_o the_o magistrate_n be_v want_v in_o his_o duty_n as_o also_o civil_a power_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n where_o the_o church_n be_v want_v to_o their_o duty_n the_o four_o question_n quest_n 4._o to_o who_o belong_v the_o power_n of_o call_v a_o synod_n answ_n for_o satisfaction_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v propound_v one_o distinction_n and_o answer_v three_o query_n distin_n the_o power_n of_o call_v synod_n be_v either_o single_a authoritative_a belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n ministerial_a belong_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n mix_v when_o both_o proceed_v orderly_a and_o joint_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o several_a power_n argument_n prove_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o call_v synod_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n 1_o because_o the_o magistrate_n be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la i._n e._n charge_v with_o the_o custody_n of_o both_o table_n that_o he_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v grant_v that_o he_o be_v keeper_n of_o the_o former_a be_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o the_o first_o question_n 2_o from_o the_o record_a and_o approve_a example_n of_o godly_a king_n in_o the_o scripture_n david_n 1_o chron._n 23.2_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o josiah_n 2_o kin._n 23.1,2_o 3_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o great_a assembly_n though_o synodical_a assemble_v be_v spiritual_a yet_o mere_a assemble_v of_o a_o multitude_n together_o which_o a_o synodical_a assembly_n presuppose_v be_v a_o civil_a act_n and_o therefore_o can_v in_o good_a policy_n be_v suffer_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n 4_o from_o the_o necessary_a though_o not_o essential_a requisite_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o synod_n as_o place_n time_n manner_n of_o meeting_n peace_n all_o which_o need_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n of_o violent_a disturbance_n the_o church_n as_o such_o have_v no_o civil_a power_n to_o defend_v they_o can_v but_o want_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n that_o they_o may_v meet_v and_o transact_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o synod_n in_o safety_n and_o quietness_n 5_o from_o the_o proportion_n that_o the_o magistrate_n con-coactive_a or_o call_v power_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v with_o his_o confirmation_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o same_o reason_n that_o warrant_v his_o confirm_a power_n for_o the_o better_a strengthen_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o synod_n warrant_v his_o call_a power_n for_o the_o better_a be_v of_o the_o synod_n argument_n prove_v the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o call_v synod_n which_o may_v be_v fit_o call_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n because_o church_n therein_o have_v no_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o to_o belong_v unto_o the_o particular_a church_n 1_o from_o that_o famous_a example_n act_v 15._o where_o the_o synod_n meet_v and_z site_z without_o the_o call_n of_o civil_a authority_n there_o be_v then_o no_o christian_a magistrate_n 2_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o synod_n as_o proper_o such_o first_o reside_v with_o ariseth_z from_z and_o last_o return_v to_o particular_a church_n 3_o because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n tend_v not_o to_o the_o be_v but_o to_o the_o better_a be_v of_o synod_n and_o add_v thereunto_o be_v accumulative_a not_o privative_a i._n e._n it_o add_v strength_n to_o it_o but_o take_v not_o any_o power_n from_o it_o hence_o a_o synod_n may_v in_o ease_n be_v without_o any_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n but_o can_v be_v without_o some_o consent_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a of_o the_o church_n 4_o because_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v invest_v the_o church_n with_o sufficient_a ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o the_o best_a ecclesiastical_a manner_n to_o attain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a end_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n of_o themselves_o by_o joint_a consent_n to_o call_v a_o synod_n query_n query_n 1_o in_o what_o case_n may_v the_o magistrate_n proceed_v to_o call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o magistrate_n in_o case_n the_o church_n be_v defective_a and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n just_a cause_n so_o require_v may_v call_v a_o synod_n and_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n thereunto_o but_o notwithstanding_o the_o refusal_n he_o may_v proceed_v to_o call_v a_o assembly_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o a_o synod_n meet_v for_o namely_o to_o consider_v of_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n in_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n but_o such_o a_o assembly_n call_v and_o gather_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o proper_o that_o which_o be_v usual_o understand_v by_o a_o synod_n for_o though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o call_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o at_o least_o the_o implicit_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n because_o church-messenger_n who_o necessary_o presuppose_v a_o explicit_a which_o order_n call_v for_o or_o implicit_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o synod_n query_n 2_o in_o what_o case_n may_v the_o church_n call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n answ_n in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n be_v defective_a and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n just_a cause_n providence_n and_o prudence_n concur_v the_o church_n may_v both_o call_v and_o constitute_v a_o synod_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n can_v constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n although_o the_o magistrate_n can_v constitute_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v because_o the_o essentials_n of_o a_o synod_n together_o with_o such_o other_o cause_n as_o be_v require_v to_o the_o be_v though_o not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o better_a be_v of_o a_o synod_n arise_v out_o of_o particular_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a enumeration_n of_o the_o cause_n thereof_o the_o essential_a cause_n remote_a the_o authoritative_a call_n of_o the_o magistrate_n next_o the_o ministerial_a call_n of_o the_o church_n the_o material_a cause_n the_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n i._n e._n qualify_a church-messenger_n the_o formal_a cause_n the_o meeting_n together_o of_o such_o church-messenger_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o final_a cause_n to_o confider_v of_o and_o clear_v the_o truth_n in_o question_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n query_n 3_o in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n and_o church_n be_v both_o willing_a to_o proceed_v orderly_o in_o the_o joint_a exercise_n of_o their_o several_a power_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o either_o of_o they_o to_o call_v a_o synod_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o answ_n no_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v now_o by_o way_n of_o a_o mix_v call_v i._n e._n orderly_o and_o joint_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o several_a power_n that_o which_o learned_a parker_n speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n concern_v call_v of_o synod_n hold_v also_o in_o this_o case_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n their_o power_n be_v divers_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o exercise_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v divers_a nor_o divide_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o as_o before_z the_o church_n desire_n the_o magistrate_n command_v church_n act_n in_o a_o way_n of_o liberty_n the_o magistrate_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n moses_n and_o aaron_n shall_v go_v together_o and_o kiss_v one_o another_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o god._n finis_fw-la courteous_a reader_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o the_o far_a distance_n of_o his_o love_a friend_n the_o publisher_n of_o this_o book_n some_o fault_n may_v have_v escape_v the_o press_n for_o the_o which_o the_o printer_n desire_v excuse_v vale._n