doctrine_n a_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o god_n appointment_n jer._n 29.21_o with_o 23._o and_o hence_o by_o god_n appointment_n be_v this_o execution_n of_o god_n vengeance_n on_o they_o make_v a_o proverbial_a curse_n vers_fw-la 22._o argum_fw-la 2_o a_o second_o argument_n be_v in_o that_o it_o be_v record_v as_o a_o most_o desperate_a and_o accurse_a estate_n of_o old_a that_o they_o have_v no_o king_n or_o chief_a ruler_n in_o israel_n to_o restrain_v as_o adultery_n and_o murder_n sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n judge_n 19.1_o with_o chap._n 20._o so_o idolatry_n a_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n chap._n 17.1_o &_o 18.1_o compare_v but_o every_o man_n have_v his_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n argum_fw-la 3_o the_o three_o argument_n be_v in_o that_o it_o be_v record_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o special_a guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o ezra_n inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o special_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n that_o artaxerxes_n a_o heathen_a king_n have_v a_o heart_n to_o put_v forth_o his_o coercive_a power_n enjoin_v thing_n command_v of_o god_n and_o forbid_v with_o sanction_n of_o suitable_a punishment_n the_o evil_n whether_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o king_n or_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n whether_o concern_v religion_n or_o righteousness_n whence_o we_o argue_v that_o this_o use_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v of_o god_n of_o old_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o be_v as_o well_o of_o god_n now_o artaxerxes_n be_v indeed_o a_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o therefore_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v this_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o mere_a jewish_a judicial_a law_n because_o injoin_v punishment_n moral_a offence_n be_v punishable_a and_o yet_o not_o therefore_o of_o a_o mere_a judicial_a nature_n or_o mere_o against_o a_o judicial_a law_n beside_o this_o act_n of_o artaxerxes_n respect_v civil_a matter_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n which_o none_o will_v challenge_v as_o not_o imitable_a as_o well_o as_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o some_o object_n that_o he_o do_v this_o for_o fear_n of_o wrath_n rather_o confirm_v the_o morality_n of_o the_o use_n of_o such_o power_n than_o otherwise_o for_o what_o ground_n of_o fear_n in_o not_o put_v forth_o such_o coercive_a power_n if_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a yea_o if_o the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o coercive_a power_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n as_o our_o opposite_n say_v he_o may_v rather_o more_v ground_o have_v fear_a god_n wrath_n for_o such_o a_o high_a offence_n as_o usurpation_n of_o a_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n dislike_v and_o forbid_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o head_n of_o argument_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o from_o the_o new_a follow_v and_o they_o be_v four_o from_o the_o new_a testament_n argum_fw-la 1_o the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o rom._n 13._o if_o god_n will_v have_v every_o soul_n in_o and_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o be_v power_n ordain_v of_o god_n v._o 1._o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n v._o 2._o a_o terror_n not_o to_o good_a work_n but_o to_o evil_a v._o 3._o the_o ministry_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a v._o 4._o and_o that_o for_o conscience_n sake_n v._o 5._o then_o magistrate_n be_v to_o put_v forth_o coercive_a power_n in_o such_o matter_n of_o religion_n respect_v the_o outward_a man_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a ergo_fw-la the_o latter_a object_n all_o this_o may_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o verify_v only_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o be_v extend_v to_o matter_n of_o the_o first_o yet_o only_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o no_o proof_n of_o that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v urge_v he_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o be_v so_o to_o all_o evil_a work_n answ_n 1_o if_o all_o this_o be_v restrain_v according_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o objection_n then_o be_v none_o to_o have_v praise_n approbation_n encouragement_n from_o civil_a authority_n by_o reason_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o religion_n but_o for_o matter_n of_o righteousness_n only_o or_o if_o for_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o only_o for_o such_o as_o stand_v with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o the_o three_o verse_n must_v be_v expound_v for_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n whereof_o the_o magistrate_n be_v minister_n to_o distribute_v reward_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o walk_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o respect_v godly_a peace_n in_o way_n of_o encouragement_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o act_n of_o like_a justice_n to_o distribute_v punishment_n to_o the_o contrary_n the_o magistrate_n be_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n distribution_n a_o minister_n of_o god_n as_o well_o when_o he_o encourage_v good_a as_o when_o he_o repress_v and_o punish_v evil_a 2_o the_o objection_n will_v make_v only_a offence_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o second_o table_n or_o at_o most_o those_o that_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n which_o come_v under_o the_o view_n of_o the_o magistrate_n as_o a_o public_a minister_n of_o god_n to_o be_v evil_a work_n and_o not_o other_o sin_n of_o like_a public_a cognizance_n &_o concernment_n respect_v other_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o both_o sort_n of_o offence_n be_v evil_a he_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n indefinite_o which_o come_v to_o his_o public_a cognizance_n he_o be_v a_o terror_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la to_o both_o and_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o say_v he_o say_v evil_a work_n not_o all_o evil_a work_n for_o so_o he_o say_v he_o be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o good_a work_n but_o say_v not_o to_o all_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o if_o that_o indefinite_a good_a work_n be_v not_o equivalent_a to_o that_o general_a all_o good_a work_n he_o may_v then_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o some_o good_a work_n which_o come_v under_o his_o public_a cognizance_n 3_o we_o be_v yet_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o limitation_n where_o the_o new_a testament_n allow_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o righteousness_n so_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o far_o namely_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o law_n of_o nation_n extend_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n which_o come_v to_o his_o public_a view_n but_o restrain_v he_o from_o meddle_v further_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n of_o like_a public_a cognizance_n and_o concernment_n that_o scripture_n ground_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o restriction_n will_v be_v produce_v object_n ay_o when_o paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n their_o ruler_n be_v pagan_n and_o what_o coercive_a power_n be_v it_o likely_a they_o will_v put_v forth_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o religion_n unless_o against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o undermine_v their_o paganism_n cry_v down_o the_o same_o as_o worship_v of_o devil_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o cast_v off_o their_o heathen_a god_n as_o no_o god_n they_o do_v not_o look_v at_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o supreme_a lord_n but_o as_o a_o new_a upstart_n god_n in_o comparison_n of_o their_o roman_a god_n and_o to_o make_v penal_a law_n against_o false_a doctrine_n or_o religion_n have_v be_v to_o make_v law_n against_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o to_o make_v law_n against_o the_o present_a light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n answ_n this_o no_o way_n weaken_v but_o strengthen_v what_o we_o have_v say_v for_o if_o even_o those_o pagan_a ruler_n in_o paul_n time_n be_v by_o their_o office_n minister_n of_o god_n then_o bind_v to_o improve_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o ratify_n and_o establish_v of_o his_o law_n and_o for_o those_o of_o the_o first_o as_o well_o as_o second_o table_n and_o then_o bind_v by_o their_o office_n as_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o rule_v for_o he_o and_o the_o exact_v of_o his_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o their_o subject_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v and_o do_v thus_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n many_o of_o they_o think_v plurality_n of_o wife_n fornication_n rash_a divorce_n incestuous_a marriage_n usury_n etc._n etc._n no_o sin_n and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v if_o they_o have_v make_v law_n against_o these_o they_o have_v make_v law_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o think_v in_o their_o seduce_a blind_a conscience_n that_o these_o be_v lawful_a yet_o
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
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
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