Selected quad for the lemma: act_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
act_n apostle_n church_n elder_n 5,779 5 10.2377 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A88947 A modest & brotherly ansvver to Mr. Charles Herle his book, against the independency of churches. Wherein his foure arguments for the government of synods over particular congregations, are friendly examined, and clearly answered. Together, with Christian and loving animadversions upon sundry other observable passages in the said booke. All tending to declare the true use of synods, and the power of congregationall churches in the points of electing and ordaining their owne officers, and censuring their offendors. By Richard Mather teacher of the Church at Dorchester; and William Tompson pastor of the Church at Braintree in New-England. Sent from thence after the assembly of elders were dissolved that last met at Cambridg to debate matters about church-government. Mather, Richard, 1596-1669.; Tompson, William, d. 1666. 1644 (1644) Wing M1274; Thomason E37_19; ESTC R16954 50,642 62

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

place_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o council_n with_o threaten_n they_o go_v unto_o their_o own_o company_n and_o report_v what_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o vers._n 23._o and_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n with_o one_o accord_n vers._n 24._o and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v the_o place_n be_v shake_v where_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o vers._n 31._o by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o this_o company_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o all_o 5000._o or_o if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o so_o 5000._o beside_o the_o former_a number_n and_o so_o in_o all_o 8120._o yet_o still_o they_o be_v all_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o when_o after_o this_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n act_n 5._o 14._o yet_o all_o that_o time_n they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o salomon_n porch_n vers._n 12._o which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o so_o many_o but_o all_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n furthermore_o when_o after_o this_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v more_o multiply_v act_n 6._o 1._o yet_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n of_o they_o together_o to_o propose_v unto_o they_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n vers._n 2._o and_o the_o matter_n be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v seven_o who_o be_v there_o name_v vers._n 5._o which_o show_v that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v not_o so_o many_o but_o they_o may_v assemble_v and_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o hear_v matter_n propose_v and_o to_o make_v election_n of_o officer_n after_o this_o indeed_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o scatter_a by_o persecution_n except_o the_o apostle_n act_n 8._o 1._o but_o when_o a_o church_n be_v gather_v again_o by_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n that_o church_n even_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v all_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o congregation_n about_o the_o business_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o arise_v at_o antioch_n so_o it_o be_v plain_o say_v act_n 15._o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n come_v from_o antioch_n be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n vers._n 4._o and_o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v messenger_n to_o antioch_n vers._n 22._o and_o to_o that_o church_n letter_n be_v write_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n vers._n 23._o be_v all_o assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n verse_n 25._o which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n alone_o as_o a_o representative_a church_n but_o of_o other_o also_o who_o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o those_o officer_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o church_n do_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n last_o for_o that_o place_n 21._o where_o you_o say_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o the_o church_n meet_v collective_o it_o be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o that_o in_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o collective_a meeting_n be_v representative_a in_o their_o elder_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o elder_n may_v meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o so_o much_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o verse_n 18._o where_o it_o be_v say_v paul_n go_v in_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v present_a but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o all_o the_o member_n can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o but_o in_o several_a congregation_n nay_o that_o very_a place_n though_o it_o speak_v of_o many_o thousand_o jew_n that_o do_v believe_v verse_n 20._o yet_o as_o it_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v of_o that_o one_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n so_o there_o be_v good_a divine_n that_o do_v think_v they_o be_v not_o but_o if_o they_o be_v it_o nothing_o prejudice_v our_o cause_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o when_o james_n and_o the_o elder_n speak_v to_o paul_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v tell_v he_o the_o multitude_n must_v needs_o come_v together_o for_o they_o will_v hear_v that_o thou_o be_v come_v verse_n 22._o it_o appear_v thereby_o that_o their_o multitude_n be_v not_o such_o but_o they_o may_v all_o assemble_v and_o come_v together_o if_o any_o say_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n shall_v all_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o show_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o many_o thousand_o yea_o miriads_o be_v gather_v together_o luke_n 12._o 12._o and_o christ_n speak_v unto_o they_o all_o though_o unto_o his_o disciple_n first_o verse_n 1_o 14_o 15_o 54._o and_o that_o parish_n in_o england_n in_fw-la or_o about_o london_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o stepney_n giles_n sepulcher_n and_o other_o have_v many_o thousand_o inhabitant_n in_o they_o all_o member_n of_o one_o parishional_a church_n and_o yet_o all_o but_o one_o congregation_n and_o that_o of_o chrysostome_n on_o matth._n 24._o who_o as_o mr._n bayn_n report_v dioe_fw-la trial_n pag._n 16._o do_v esteem_v the_o company_n that_o hear_v his_o voice_n in_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v about_o 5000._o person_n and_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o scaffold_n and_o gallery_n a_o man_n lift_v up_o his_o voice_n may_v so_o speak_v as_o to_o be_v hear_v of_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n all_o which_o be_v consider_v do_v make_v it_o less_o incredible_a that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o such_o a_o great_a multitude_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o one_o ordinary_a congregation_n next_o for_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n style_v everywhere_o in_o that_o epistle_n by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n not_o church_n pag._n 13._o answ._n we_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a mistake_n that_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n be_v everywhere_o in_o that_o epistle_n style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n for_o aught_o we_o remember_v in_o that_o epistle_n it_o be_v never_o so_o style_v at_o all_o and_o yet_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o one_o church_n but_o say_v you_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o a_o church_n in_o such_o a_o city_n can_v be_v famous_a throughout_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 1._o 8._o and_o 16._o 19_o and_o yet_o but_o one_o single_a independent_a congregation_n answ._n we_o know_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a but_o it_o may_v be_v so_o for_o the_o church_n at_o thessalonica_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n and_o yet_o from_o they_o sound_v out_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n but_o also_o in_o every_o place_n their_o faith_n to_o godward_o be_v spread_v abroad_o 1_o thess._n 1._o 8._o and_o there_o may_v be_v other_o mean_n to_o make_v their_o faith_n famous_a as_o well_o as_o plurality_n of_o congregation_n as_o the_o resort_n and_o confluence_n of_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o nation_n to_o the_o place_n where_o this_o church_n dwell_v rome_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o the_o lady_n of_o kingdom_n at_o that_o time_n also_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o malice_n of_o the_o wicked_a the_o newfangledness_n of_o most_o will_v open_v the_o mouth_n of_o many_o to_o talk_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a roman_n though_o they_o be_v no_o more_o but_o one_o congregation_n those_o very_a person_n and_o family_n name_v in_o the_o apostle_n salutation_n of_o that_o church_n even_o those_o choice_a family_n be_v able_a to_o fill_v several_a congregation_n answ._n we_o dare_v not_o say_v so_o for_o there_o be_v not_o name_v above_o 30._o in_o all_o sure_o if_o 30._o family_n fill_v several_a congregation_n than_o those_o congregation_n must_v be_v very_o small_a one_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o city_n be_v at_o least_o half_a christian_a and_o cornelius_n tell_v we_o that_o beside_o himself_o there_o be_v in_o that_o church_n 45._o presbyter_n answ._n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o many_o congregation_n be_v frequent_o call_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n these_o testimony_n be_v not_o from_o scripture_n do_v not_o suit_v the_o
therefore_o follow_v that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o office_n because_o the_o case_n may_v so_o be_v that_o otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v perform_v at_o all_o so_o that_o either_o no_o officer_n must_v be_v ordain_v nor_o any_o imposition_n of_o hand_n use_v at_o all_o or_o else_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o they_o that_o be_v not_o in_o office_n now_o that_o it_o can_v always_o be_v perform_v by_o officer_n three_o instance_n make_v it_o manifest_a first_o when_o there_o be_v no_o officer_n of_o any_o other_o church_n to_o be_v have_v as_o at_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n in_o a_o pagan_a country_n far_o remote_a from_o all_o church_n as_o here_o in_o america_n by_o the_o english_a and_o in_o the_o case_n which_o you_o put_v of_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n by_o shipwreck_n cast_v upon_o a_o island_n where_o no_o pastor_n be_v second_o when_o those_o that_o may_v be_v have_v be_v so_o exceed_o corrupt_a and_o the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v convenient_a to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o but_o very_o dangerous_a to_o fetch_v ordination_n only_o from_o they_o as_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n after_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o popish_a bishop_n and_o priest_n from_o who_o to_o receive_v ordination_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v either_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n may_v ordain_v minister_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o that_o popish_a bishop_n be_v true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o sure_o if_o christian_n may_v not_o have_v any_o minister_n unless_o ordain_v by_o the_o popish_a bishop_n the_o case_n be_v as_o pitiful_a as_o if_o sheep_n may_v have_v no_o shepherd_n but_o such_o be_v appoint_v to_o they_o by_o the_o wolf_n three_o when_o those_o that_o be_v more_o desirable_a have_v no_o sufficient_a call_n to_o dispense_v ordination_n in_o another_o church_n which_o be_v the_o case_n when_o they_o be_v not_o request_v thereto_o for_o sith_o ordinary_a elder_n be_v not_o like_o apostle_n to_o feed_v all_o flock_n but_o that_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o depend_v upon_o they_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o that_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o they_o can_v assume_v authority_n and_o power_n unto_o themselves_o to_o ordain_v elder_n to_o other_o church_n whereof_o themselves_o be_v neither_o elder_n nor_o member_n unless_o they_o have_v a_o call_n thereto_o by_o the_o request_n of_o that_o church_n where_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v so_o that_o by_o these_o instance_n it_o appear_v that_o sometime_o officer_n of_o other_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v sometime_o those_o that_o may_v be_v have_v be_v as_o ill_a as_o none_o and_o not_o to_o be_v depend_v on_o or_o desire_v and_o sometime_o those_o that_o be_v more_o desirable_a have_v no_o sufficient_a call_n to_o ordain_v minister_n in_o any_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o sith_o officer_n must_v not_o be_v admit_v without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n imposition_n of_o hand_n must_v be_v perform_v by_o non-officer_n but_o you_o will_v say_v we_o read_v in_o sundry_a place_n where_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v perform_v by_o elder_n and_o not_o one_o place_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o other_o whereto_o we_o answer_v that_o all_o this_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o against_o what_o we_o have_v say_v because_o which_o be_v our_o three_o particular_a to_o be_v clear_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o that_o be_v here_o allege_v be_v not_o as_o if_o ordination_n by_o non-elder_n be_v in_o every_o case_n unlawful_a but_o because_o in_o those_o time_n elder_n be_v not_o want_v for_o there_o be_v the_o apostle_n and_o apostolic_a man_n who_o be_v elder_n in_o all_o church_n and_o we_o do_v willing_o grant_v that_o where_o a_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o elder_n imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n and_o so_o much_o the_o example_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v evince_v but_o we_o have_v also_o show_v from_o numb._n 8._o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n as_o at_o the_o first_o nor_o any_o that_o can_v convenient_o be_v get_v from_o other_o church_n than_o imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v lawful_o be_v perform_v by_o other_o but_o you_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o congregation_n with_o or_o without_o a_o pastor_n to_o ordain_v elder_n because_o the_o rule_n of_o direction_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o ordination_n and_o the_o epistle_n wherein_o those_o rule_n be_v be_v not_o write_v or_o direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o crete_n but_o to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n only_o as_o their_o inscription_n speak_v answ._n if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o in_o any_o case_n meddle_v with_o ordination_n then_o by_o as_o good_a a_o reason_n a_o man_n may_v prove_v that_o ordination_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o presbytery_n nor_o to_o the_o synod_n but_o only_o to_o one_o man_n as_o the_o prelate_n will_v have_v it_o for_o a_o man_n may_v turn_v the_o reason_n against_o yourself_o and_o say_v the_o rule_n of_o direction_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o ordination_n and_o the_o epistle_n wherein_o those_o rule_n be_v be_v not_o direct_v to_o any_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n at_o ephesus_n or_o crete_n or_o anywhere_o else_o but_o only_o to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o be_v each_o of_o they_o but_o only_o one_o man_n but_o look_v how_o you_o will_v answer_v this_o plea_n for_o episcopal_a ordination_n the_o same_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o you_o and_o for_o we_o we_o can_v but_o approve_v the_o answer_n give_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o reason_v by_o the_o refuter_n of_o doctor_n downham_n sermon_n at_o lambeth_n who_o in_o his_o reply_n part_n 2._o pag._n 107._o do_v show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o church-government_n prescribe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o bishop_n alone_o nor_o elder_n alone_o but_o for_o a_o mix_a state_n wherein_o many_o presbyter_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o one_o pastor_n or_o precedent_n do_v administer_v and_o execute_v all_o matter_n with_o the_o people_n consent_n and_o approbation_n in_o which_o affirmation_n he_o allege_v the_o consent_n of_o most_o and_o best_o divine_v of_o late_a time_n instance_v in_o calvin_n and_o beza_n and_o especial_o the_o apostle_n own_o warrant_n in_o the_o close_a of_o thoses_fw-fr epistle_n with_o these_o word_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o or_o with_o you_o all_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 22._o tit._n 3._o 15._o and_o by_o this_o say_v he_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o be_v write_v special_o by_o name_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v of_o common_a use_n not_o only_o for_o other_o minister_n but_o also_o in_o some_o sort_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o then_o converse_v in_o those_o place_n now_o if_o what_o be_v write_v by_o name_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v of_o common_a use_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n than_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o you_o shall_v appropriate_v those_o rule_n only_o to_o the_o use_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n no_o more_o than_o other_o only_o to_o the_o use_n of_o prelate_n especial_o this_o be_v consider_v withal_o that_o if_o once_o the_o saint_n be_v exclude_v from_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v in_o those_o rule_n they_o that_o will_v appropriate_v they_o to_o one_o man_n have_v a_o fair_a colour_n for_o their_o plea_n than_o they_o that_o will_v appropriate_v they_o to_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n consist_v of_o many_o because_o timothy_n or_o titus_n to_o who_o those_o epistle_n be_v by_o name_n direct_v be_v not_o many_o person_n but_o either_o of_o they_o one_o only_a but_o it_o appear_v say_v you_o that_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o this_o part_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v dispense_v by_o the_o eldership_n only_o and_o that_o a_o consociate_a eldership_n pag._n 27._o answ._n that_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o the_o eldership_n we_o willing_o grant_v but_o that_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o the_o eldership_n only_o and_o that_o the_o eldership_n by_o which_o it_o be_v dispense_v be_v a_o consociate_a eldership_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o synod_n neither_o of_o these_o do_v appear_v at_o all_o nay_o we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a to_o both_o these_o may_v appear_v for_o as_o for_o the_o former_a we_o have_v show_v the_o contrary_a already_o and_o for_o the_o latter_a we_o will_v only_o
2._o and_o bid_v they_o choose_v out_o seven_o man_n fit_o qualify_v for_o the_o office_n ver._n 3._o and_o according_o the_o saying_n please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v seven_o that_o be_v there_o name_v ver._n 5._o and_o have_v so_o do_v they_o set_v they_o before_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v ordain_v they_o by_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o ver._n 6._o and_o in_o act._n 14._o 23._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n by_o election_n or_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n for_o so_o do_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o signify_v in_o every_o church_n obj._n the_o word_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n ans._n the_o word_n be_v never_o use_v for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o word_n use_v for_o that_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o betwixt_o which_o and_o this_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n as_o between_o hold_v up_o and_o lay_v down_o if_o luke_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o act_n have_v intend_v the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n it_o have_v be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o have_v use_v the_o other_o word_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o express_v such_o a_o action_n and_o frequent_o use_v by_o himself_o in_o that_o sense_n in_o this_o book_n act._n 6._o 6._o and_o 8._o 17._o and_o 9_o 17._o object_n but_o be_v it_o lay_v on_o or_o lift_v up_o that_o be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o people_n but_o of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o answ._n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v confess_v for_o who_o doubt_n but_o as_o they_o moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n and_o lay_v on_o their_o hand_n in_o ordination_n so_o they_o may_v also_o concur_v in_o the_o election_n by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o that_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o apostle_n only_o for_o elsewhere_o the_o word_n be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o be_v translate_v be_v choose_v 2_o cor._n 8._o 19_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v choose_v of_o the_o church_n even_o as_o one_o place_n mention_v a_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o timothy_n by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o paul_n hand_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o which_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o paul_n hand_n alone_o because_o another_o scripture_n mention_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1._o tim._n 4._o 14._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o people_n have_v one_o hand_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o also_o in_o these_o day_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n record_v in_o the_o act_n be_v presidential_a for_o all_o church_n in_o all_o age_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o particular_a reason_n and_o respect_n which_o for_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o minister_n can_v be_v say_v beside_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o great_a purity_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v more_o safe_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n and_o further_o if_o this_o practice_n have_v not_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v countenance_v it_o nor_o have_v direct_v the_o church_n to_o have_v use_v it_o but_o will_v have_v leave_v and_o prescribe_v some_o other_o course_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o minister_n which_o we_o see_v they_o have_v not_o do_v second_o if_o minister_n must_v not_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n then_o either_o they_o must_v be_v call_v of_o god_n immediate_o or_o minister_n without_o any_o call_n at_o all_o or_o be_v choose_v and_o appoint_v by_o some_o other_o man_n but_o not_o the_o first_o because_o such_o immediate_a call_n be_v now_o cease_v as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o extraordinary_a function_n of_o apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o these_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v nor_o the_o second_o because_o that_o be_v express_o against_o the_o scripture_n which_o say_v no_o man_n must_v take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n heb._n 5._o 4._o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o run_v when_o god_n send_v they_o not_o be_v many_o time_n and_o very_o sharp_o reprove_v in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 23._o 21._o nor_o the_o three_o for_o 1._o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o other_o man_n that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v officer_n to_o the_o church_n nor_o 2._o may_v some_o of_o the_o church_n arrogate_v this_o power_n only_o to_o themselves_o exclude_v the_o rest_n because_o that_o which_o concern_v all_o as_o this_o matter_n do_v ought_v to_o have_v approbation_n of_o all_o unless_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o thing_n only_o to_o some_o which_o for_o the_o choose_n of_o officer_n can_v be_v say_v 3._o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o right_a reason_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o for_o 1._o by_o this_o mean_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o infringe_v by_o thrust_v officer_n upon_o they_o without_o their_o consent_n and_o who_o they_o never_o choose_v also_o 2._o this_o be_v a_o strong_a engagement_n to_o the_o people_n to_o yield_v due_a reverence_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o minister_n because_o they_o be_v the_o man_n who_o themselves_o have_v choose_v whereas_o one_o thrust_v upon_o they_o against_o their_o will_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v much_o belove_v but_o rather_o contemn_v and_o hate_v and_o how_o then_o shall_v they_o profit_v by_o his_o doctrine_n final_o the_o people_n have_v a_o right_n original_o to_o choose_v their_o civil_a officer_n as_o be_v also_o practise_v at_o this_o day_n in_o many_o place_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n bring_v a_o sword_n upon_o a_o land_n the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n may_v take_v a_o man_n of_o their_o coast_n and_o set_v he_o for_o their_o watchman_n ezek._n 33._o 2._o and_o if_o so_o than_o they_o may_v well_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v such_o as_o must_v be_v watchman_n for_o their_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v much_o more_o unreasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v thrust_v upon_o they_o such_o watchman_n and_o officer_n upon_o who_o the_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o their_o soul_n do_v depend_v than_o such_o as_o upon_o who_o depend_v no_o more_o but_o their_o wealth_n or_o commodity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o your_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n there_o be_v in_o your_o book_n two_o other_o general_a head_n which_o be_v something_o insist_v on_o the_o one_o about_o clear_v such_o objection_n as_o be_v not_o reducible_a to_o your_o former_a argument_n the_o other_o of_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n in_o both_o which_o thopugh_o we_o may_v observe_v sundry_a thing_n which_o be_v worth_a your_o second_o review_n yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o our_o intention_n be_v chief_o to_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o your_o argument_n but_o not_o to_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o every_o objection_n which_o you_o propose_v and_o consider_v withal_o that_o those_o consideration_n from_o the_o order_n unity_n peace_n and_o strength_n of_o government_n with_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o you_o as_o we_o suppose_v as_o convince_a but_o only_o as_o probable_a ground_n against_o that_o way_n which_o you_o deal_v against_o therefore_o for_o these_o and_o some_o other_o reason_n have_v speak_v to_o that_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o main_a substance_n of_o your_o book_n we_o will_v here_o for_o this_o time_n surcease_v pray_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n for_o christ_n jesus_n his_o sake_n to_o pour_v out_o his_o rich_a blessing_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n upon_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n and_o to_o guide_v all_o his_o servant_n there_o and_o here_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v we_o such_o heart_n and_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n till_o antichristianism_n be_v utter_o root_v out_o and_o zion_n be_v restore_v especial_o in_o england_n to_o her_o former_a beiuty_n and_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o a_o bride_n adorn_v for_o her_o husband_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v all_o glory_n and_o praise_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la
reference_n unto_o than_o the_o church_n must_v have_v power_n to_o inflict_v corporal_a punishment_n even_o to_o the_o take_v away_o of_o life_n itself_o because_o that_o judicatory_n have_v such_o power_n last_o no_o other_o place_n can_v be_v show_v where_o our_o saviour_n use_v the_o word_n church_n for_o a_o single_a congregation_n ans._n nor_o can_v any_o other_o place_n be_v show_v where_o he_o use_v the_o word_n church_n for_o a_o synod_n nor_o that_o he_o ever_o use_v the_o word_n at_o all_o but_o only_o here_o and_o in_o matth._n 16._o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n in_o which_o place_n he_o mean_v a_o synod_n no_o more_o than_o a_o single_a congregation_n but_o for_o the_o scripture_n language_n nothing_o be_v more_o manifest_a then_o as_o it_o never_o anywhere_o use_v the_o word_n church_n for_o a_o single_a congregation_n unless_o happy_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o so_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a therein_o then_o to_o call_v many_o congregation_n in_o a_o province_n or_o city_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n pag._n 12._o ans._n we_o be_v willing_a to_o consider_v of_o both_o these_o particular_n and_o first_o of_o the_o former_a wherein_o you_o do_v acknowledge_v though_o a_o perhaps_o or_o happy_o that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o the_o word_n church_n be_v take_v for_o a_o single_a congregation_n but_o you_o may_v acknowledge_v it_o undoubted_o and_o without_o any_o perhaps_o at_o all_o because_o it_o be_v say_v ver._n 23._o of_o that_o chapter_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o other_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o speak_v how_o he_o that_o prophesy_v edifi_v the_o church_n how_o interpret_n be_v that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v edify_v how_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n ver._n 4_o 5_o 35._o yea_o in_o ver._n 26_o 27_o 28._o he_o give_v they_o this_o direction_n that_o when_o they_o come_v together_o and_o every_o one_o have_v a_o psalm_n a_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n if_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n must_v keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n by_o all_o which_o he_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o name_n church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o company_n that_o do_v assemble_v and_o come_v together_o for_o performance_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n now_o a_o company_n come_v together_o be_v a_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o the_o name_n of_o church_n be_v here_o give_v to_o a_o congregation_n but_o beside_o this_o chapter_n there_o be_v many_o other_o place_n where_o the_o word_n church_n be_v also_o use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n for_o instance_n take_v these_o among_o many_o act._n 14._o 27._o and_o 11._o 26._o and_o 15._o 4_o 22_o 30._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 18_o 20_o 22_o 33._o 3_o joh._n 6._o in_o which_o place_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o assemble_v with_o the_o church_n of_o gather_v the_o church_n together_o of_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o bear_v witness_n before_o the_o church_n of_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n of_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n of_o gather_v the_o multitude_n together_o and_o the_o like_a which_o place_n do_v abundant_o show_v that_o a_o company_n that_o be_v gather_v together_o into_o one_o place_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o congregation_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v but_o a_o little_a village_n and_o therefore_o not_o like_a to_o be_v many_o congregation_n yet_o they_o be_v style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n rom._n 16._o 1._o and_o though_o cenchrea_n be_v but_o the_o port_n of_o corinth_n and_o not_o far_o from_o it_o like_o radcliffe_n or_o lymehouse_n to_o london_n as_o some_o have_v observe_v yet_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o itself_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a church_n of_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o corinth_n be_v much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o a_o single_a congregation_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o how_o then_o can_v that_o stand_v which_o be_v here_o affirm_v by_o you_o that_o the_o word_n be_v never_o so_o use_v unless_o happy_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o manifest_a but_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a then_o to_o call_v many_o congregation_n in_o a_o province_n or_o city_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n we_o may_v rather_o say_v that_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v so_o frequent_a as_o nothing_o more_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o questionable_a whether_o it_o be_v ever_o so_o use_v at_o all_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n sure_o it_o be_v more_o frequent_a to_o call_v many_o congregation_n in_o a_o province_n or_o nation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n and_o not_o by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a which_o do_v strong_o imply_v that_o if_o they_o be_v many_o congregation_n than_o they_o be_v not_o one_o church_n but_o many_o for_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v how_o the_o scripture_n mention_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 1._o of_o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o of_o judea_n 1_o thess._n 2._o 14._o gal._n 1._o 21._o of_o galilee_n and_o of_o samaria_n act_n 9_o 31._o of_o syria_n and_o cilitia_n act_n 15._o 41._o and_o of_o asia_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 19_o in_o which_o one_o province_n there_o be_v seven_o famous_a church_n at_o once_o mention_v revel._n 1._o 4._o beside_o other_o that_o be_v mention_v elsewhere_o now_o as_o all_o these_o instance_n do_v sufficient_o show_v that_o something_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n then_o to_o call_v many_o congregation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o consideration_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o different_a speech_n in_o scripture_n that_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o congregation_n it_o shall_v frequent_o give_v they_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o and_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o province_n or_o country_n where_o be_v many_o congregation_n it_o shall_v call_v they_o so_o usual_o by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n sure_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v strong_o employ_v thereby_o that_o one_o congregation_n of_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o church_n but_o if_o they_o be_v many_o congregation_n than_o they_o be_v many_o church_n and_o not_o one_o only_o but_o you_o will_v give_v four_o instance_n where_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n be_v give_v to_o many_o congregation_n jerusalem_n rome_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n and_o concerning_o jerusalem_n the_o number_n of_o disciple_n that_o be_v there_o be_v 8120_o act_n 1._o 15._o with_o 2._o 41._o and_o 4._o 4._o and_o afterward_o abundant_o large_a it_o be_v impossible_a all_o the_o member_n shall_v meet_v but_o by_o way_n of_o distribution_n into_o several_a congregation_n pag._n 12._o answ._n how_o large_a soever_o that_o church_n be_v in_o those_o place_n you_o allege_v yet_o if_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n than_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o as_o they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n so_o they_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n now_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a first_o of_o all_o that_o when_o they_o be_v but_o 120._o they_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o make_v a_o speech_n to_o they_o all_o about_o the_o election_n of_o another_o apostle_n in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n as_o he_o be_v record_v to_o have_v do_v act_n 115._o next_o of_o all_o when_o 3000_o be_v add_v to_o they_o act_n 2._o yet_o all_o that_o multitude_n before_o they_o be_v convert_v do_v all_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n vers._n 6._o and_o peter_n stand_v up_o lift_v up_o his_o voice_n and_o speak_v unto_o they_o all_o vers._n 14._o and_o when_o they_o be_v convert_v both_o they_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o many_o but_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v all_o together_o vers._n 44._o and_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n vers._n 46._o and_o when_o after_o this_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o 5000._o act_n 4._o 4._o yet_o all_o this_o company_n do_v still_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o