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
A91883 Liberty of conscience: or The sole means to obtaine peace and truth. Not onely reconciling His Majesty with His subjects, but all Christian states and princes to one another, with the freest passage for the gospel. Very seasonable and necessary in these distracted times, when most men are weary of war, and cannot finde the way to peace. Robinson, Henry, 1605?-1664?; Walwyn, William, 1600-1681, attributed name. 1643 (1643) Wing R1675; Thomason E39_1; ESTC R20544 74,273 74

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

all_o other_o that_o do_v consult_v as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v they_o be_v all_o assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n and_o so_o much_o more_o will_v it_o have_v oblige_v their_o respective_a church_n who_o they_o represent_v but_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v not_o improbable_o conjecture_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o they_o pass_v from_o antioch_n through_o cilicia_n and_o syria_n understand_v that_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o less_o disquiet_v with_o the_o same_o false_a doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n inform_v the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o much_o at_o some_o more_o private_a season_n whereupon_o they_o join_v they_o together_o in_o their_o christian_a care_n and_o direct_v their_o letter_n joint_o to_o all_o the_o gentile_n of_o antioch_n syria_n and_o cilicia_n because_o it_o be_v equal_o available_a to_o they_o all_o though_o the_o question_n be_v only_o move_v by_o those_o of_o antioch●_n five_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n answer_v of_o jerusalem_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o necessity_n of_o those_o other_o church_n submission_n unto_o their_o determination_n otherwise_o then_o infallible_o inspire_v man_n as_o appear_v by_o ver_fw-la 28._o six_o the_o result_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v not_o publish_v nor_o the_o letter_n write_v as_o from_o a_o synod_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n syria_n and_o cilicia_n for_o it_o say_v vers_fw-la 22._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 choose_v man_n etc._n etc._n and_o vers_n 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n send_v greeting_n whereas_o have_v they_o be_v assemble_v in_o pontificalibus_fw-la or_o as_o a_o synod_n they_o will_v never_o have_v term_v themselves_o by_o the_o denomination_n of_o a_o church_n and_o seventh_o they_o impose_v not_o their_o decree_n with_o anathema_n or_o upon_o the_o church_n utmost_a peril_n of_o fire_n and_o sword_n beside_o whatsoever_o be_v then_o decree_v by_o that_o pretend_a synod_n be_v only_o that_o christian_n shall_v abstain_v from_o mean_n offer_v unto_o idol_n 29._o verse_n 29._o from_o blood_n thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o fornication_n with_o a_o express_a preamble_n that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o they_o not_o lay_v 28._o verse_n 28._o any_o great_a burden_n than_o those_o necessary_a thing_n but_o the_o meat_n offer_v unto_o idol_n be_v quick_o dispense_v with_o and_o for_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v chap._n 1_o cor._n 8._o 8._o and_o 10._o chap._n we_o take_v liberty_n unto_o ourselves_o but_o if_o synod_n and_o civil_a magistrate_n will_v raise_v no_o further_o imposition_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n nor_o impose_v other_o penalty_n than_o be_v there_o specify_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o burdensome_a or_o so_o slavish_a a_o bondage_n to_o god_n saint_n and_o most_o conscientious_a christian_n as_o they_o have_v be_v fain_o to_o prevent_v by_o flight_n or_o live_v under_o to_o the_o great_a vexation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o perhaps_o not_o altogether_o without_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n but_o why_o do_v not_o synod_n begin_v all_o their_o decree_n with_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o etc._n etc._n this_o i_o think_v be_v more_o plausible_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o the_o force_n of_o their_o decree_n and_o vote_n upon_o other_o can_v be_v digest_v for_o if_o any_o man_n tell_v i_o he_o be_v sometime_o miraculous_o inspire_v i_o have_v no_o infallible_a mean_n to_o disprove_v he_o though_o it_o be_v false_a and_o sometime_o i_o may_v see_v just_a inducement_n to_o believe_v he_o but_o i_o can_v possible_o believe_v what_o he_o propound_v unto_o i_o contrary_a to_o i_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o yet_o though_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v and_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n name_n yet_o they_o fix_v not_o to_o their_o decree_n any_o other_o conjuration_n or_o threaten_n then_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v do_v well_o 29_o act_n 15._o 29_o gregory_n nazienzen_n can_v say_v that_o he_o never_o see_v good_a end_n of_o general_n counsel_n and_o hugo_n grotius_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n both_o eminent_a 108._o nazienz_n ad_fw-la pr●co_n epist_n 55._o grotii_fw-la apolog_fw-la cap._n 6._o p._n 108._o for_o learning_n and_o a_o friend_n to_o the_o church_n government_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n do_v notwithstanding_o affirm_v that_o he_o can_v never_o understand_v how_o synod_n can_v prove_v a_o singular_a remedy_n for_o reconcile_a difference_n in_o religion_n and_o indeed_o as_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v observe_v that_o general_n counsel_n and_o synod_n have_v seldom_o have_v good_a success_n so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o may_v easy_o appear_v that_o there_o can_v not_o much_o better_o be_v expect_v for_o common_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v send_v thither_o be_v factious_a or_o side_v at_o the_o least_o and_o the_o whole_a proceed_n according_o they_o seek_v rather_o to_o decide_v matter_n by_o a_o major_a part_n of_o voice_n then_o by_o mature_a debate_n and_o argue_v of_o the_o question_n they_o do_v take_v advantage_n as_o well_o for_o allege_v their_o own_o reason_n as_o conceal_v or_o over-shadowing_a the_o reason_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o contrary_a opinion_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v hear_v debate_v or_o thorough_o understand_v and_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v watchful_a how_o they_o may_v with_o craft_n and_o sub●●ty_n circumvent_v and_o over_o reach_v one_o another_o to_o compass_v their_o private_a interest_n or_o indirect_a end_n which_o the_o respective_a party_n that_o send_v they_o thither_o do_v principal_o aim_v at_o among_o other_o stratagem_n and_o policy_n it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o least_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o such_o time_n and_o season_n to_o make_v their_o motion_n or_o forbear_v when_o such_o or_o such_o be_v present_a or_o absent_a which_o may_v best_o further_a or_o hinder_v by_o second_v or_o contradict_v of_o their_o argument_n but_o by_o history_n and_o record_n of_o what_o pass_v betwixt_o all_o the_o protestant_a nation_n almost_o since_o the_o reformation_n it_o appear_v plain_o that_o though_o in_o some_o country_n and_o at_o some_o time_n when_o certain_a hot_a spirit_n be_v predominant_a there_o have_v be_v for_o a_o spirit_n very_o bitter_a persecute_v of_o protestant_n for_o difference_n in_o religion_n yet_o their_o opinion_n and_o intention_n when_o confiderate_o resolve_v be_v still_o settle_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o calvin_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a bishop_n of_n ancient_a 3._o instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 11._o sect_n 3._o time_n do_v not_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o fine_v imprison_a and_o civil_a punishment_n and_o for_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o this_o particular_a he_o say_v though_o he_o write_v a_o whole_a tract_n about_o punish_v of_o heretic_n 16._o ibid._n sect_n 16._o yet_o he_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o acknowledge_v so_o much_o truth_n in_o a_o few_o line_n only_o as_o confute_v the_o whole_a treatise_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n of_o force_v of_o its_o own_o so_o neither_o may_v it_o require_v such_o of_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o employ_v it_o in_o a_o coercive_a way_n and_o beza_n god_n never_o give_v power_n to_o man_n for_o impose_v law_n upon_o the_o conscience_n nor_o can_v endure_v that_o any_o body_n beside_o himself_o shall_v bear_v sway_n or_o dominion_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n de_fw-fr haeret._n à_fw-fr civil_a magist_n puniendis_fw-la the_o state_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n when_o they_o first_o begin_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o spanish_a tyranny_n declare_v that_o they_o take_v not_o up_o arm_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o appear_v by_o letter_n which_o the_o state_n of_o holland_n at_o that_o time_n write_v unto_o those_o of_o amsterdam_n quote_v by_o hugo_n grotius_n in_o his_o apology_n of_o those_o that_o govern_v holland_n 24._o cap._n 2._o p._n 24._o and_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n in_o 1618._o for_o then_o amsterdam_n and_o several_a other_o chief_a town_n be_v absolute_o popish_a for_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o all_o those_o province_n and_o several_a town_n do_v unammous_o agree_v that_o though_o they_o join_v their_o force_n against_o the_o spaniard_n and_o common_a enemy_n for_o redemption_n and_o maintenance_n of_o their_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n yet_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o all_o and_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o the_o protestant_n of_o switzerland_n and_o germany_n have_v publish_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o their_o confession_n and_o manifesto_n and_o even_o of_o latter_a year_n when_o the_o
may_v seem_v to_o colour_v it_o yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o deliberate_o consider_v and_o ponder_v on_o for_o the_o honour_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n truth_n and_o charity_n to_o our_o neghbour_n in_o matthews_n gospel_n cap._n 28._o 20._o it_o be_v say_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v persecution_n to_o have_v be_v express_o command_v in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o whereas_o some_o will_v infer_v it_o from_o the_o word_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v 40._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o decent_o and_o in_o order_n as_o by_o the_o coherence_n with_o the_o whole_a chapter_n it_o appear_v plain_o to_o relate_v only_o unto_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n &_o behaviour_n in_o their_o assembly_n or_o public_a meeting_n so_o it_o possible_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o power_n to_o persecute_v or_o put_v to_o death_n for_o then_o this_o conclusion_n will_v follow_v that_o the_o church_n note_n note_n of_o corinth_n have_v commission_n give_v they_o to_o put_v a_o man_n to_o death_n only_o for_o indecencie_n or_o for_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v unseemly_a or_o out_o of_o order_n but_o this_o will_v be_v both_o a_o great_a absurdity_n injustice_n and_o blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v again_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n can_v possible_o signify_v or_o imply_v a_o power_n or_o order_n of_o fine_v imprison_a and_o put_v to_o death_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n disciple_n and_o all_o christian_a church_n especial_o that_o of_o corinth_n have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o then_o you_o must_v either_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o delinquency_n to_o proceed_v against_o in_o a_o coercive_a way_n which_o be_v notorious_o false_a or_o else_o you_o must_v condemn_v they_o all_o because_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o at_o any_o time_n for_o as_o the_o precept_n or_o command_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n of_o corinth_n so_o paul_n meaning_n and_o intention_n must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o of_o all_o other_o shall_v observe_v and_o practice_v it_o full_o and_o punctual_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v a_o precedent_n to_o other_o and_o last_o that_o the_o commission_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v 8._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 1._o 2._o cap_n 9_o 10._o cap._n 10._o 11_o 8._o unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v plain_a since_o the_o whole_a epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o particular_o and_o by_o name_n but_o it_o be_v write_v for_o instruction_n and_o concern_v equal_o all_o the_o disciple_n &_o church_n of_o christ_n both_o then_o live_v and_o we_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v on_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v now_o it_o be_v gross_a and_o preposterous_a to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o paul_n give_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n such_o commission_n that_o be_v a_o order_n or_o authority_n to_o note_n note_n use_v coercive_a power_n for_o the_o better_a prevail_v that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n because_o he_o know_v they_o want_v and_o can_v not_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n thereunto_o and_o if_o the_o coercive_a be_v not_o intend_v to_o they_o much_o less_o to_o future_a church_n who_o have_v only_o receive_v the_o same_o commission_n after_o so_o many_o reversion_n and_o can_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o word_n thereof_o shall_v have_v a_o different_a or_o large_a signification_n in_o our_o favour_n than_o be_v mean_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v immediate_o direct_v and_o we_o may_v well_o presume_v that_o if_o it_o have_v signify_v a_o compulsive_a or_o lordly_a jurisdiction_n to_o have_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o christian_a church_n or_o commonwealth_n in_o after_o age_n which_o can_v be_v because_o of_o so_o many_o absurd_a consequence_n which_o follow_v thereupon_o yet_o dato_fw-la &_o non_fw-la concesso_fw-la in_o such_o case_n i_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n though_o they_o themselves_o have_v want_v coercive_a mean_n and_o power_n will_v not_o withstand_v infallible_o have_v leave_v some_o ground_n or_o warrant_v insert_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v convey_v successive_o unto_o posterity_n for_o their_o better_a direction_n in_o 〈…〉_o nesse_n of_o such_o concernment_n and_o so_o great_a obscurity_n in_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v object_v but_o if_o the_o point_n be_v intricate_a or_o dubious_a the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o proceed_v no_o further_o than_o we_o have_v a_o precept_n or_o precedent_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n to_o warrant_v we_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o be_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n almighty_n the_o discipline_n of_o his_o house_n and_o tender_a conscience_n of_o his_o dear_a saint_n in_o the_o gospel_n we_o meet_v with_o bishop_n a_o presbytery_n elder_n deacon_n apostle_n evangelist_n disciple_n prophet_n strange_a tongue_n and_o interpreter_n 8_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 12_o 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o 5._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 8_o 5._o 1._o 7._o act_n 6._o beginning_n luke_n 10._o 1_o 23._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 10._o eph_n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13._o rom._n 12._o 8_o of_o tongue_n elder_n that_o rule_v well_o and_o labour_n in_o the_o ministry_n some_o to_o take_v care_n of_o poor_a widow_n other_o for_o exhortation_n pastor_n teacher_n for_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n until_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v but_o what_o spirit_n of_o truth_n do_v we_o ever_o meet_v with_o which_o say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o be_v give_v for_o the_o corporal_a imprison_n banish_v or_o put_v to_o death_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o saint_n as_o of_o latter_a time_n too_o too_o often_o have_v be_v practise_v where_o find_v we_o in_o the_o gospel_n order_n or_o authority_n to_o convent_n accuse_v and_o arraign_v man_n with_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o opinion_n only_o this_o be_v but_o traditional_a and_o far_o short_a from_o be_v canno●icall_a and_o christian_a it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v here_o a_o precept_n for_o endeavour_v to_o accomplish_v a_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o saint_n or_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o be_v neither_o universal_a nor_o national_a unity_n as_o appear_v afterward_o where_o he_o say_v unto_o the_o same_o ephesian_n walk_v not_o as_o other_o gentile_n walk_v in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n much_o less_o be_v any_o constraint_n or_o compulsion_n order_v 17._o verse_n 17._o or_o intend_v to_o be_v use_v for_o then_o both_o they_o and_o all_o other_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v bind_v to_o make_v all_o other_o walk_v with_o they_o in_o unity_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o walk_v unto_o the_o gallows_n and_o the_o apostle_n admonition_n in_o such_o case_n will_v have_v be_v both_o more_o proper_a and_o effectual_a which_o the_o ephesian_n as_o such_o church_n commander_n pretend_v if_o he_o have_v ●aid_v walk_v not_o as_o other_o gentile_n who_o because_o they_o will_v not_o walk_v with_o you_o in_o unity_n of_o religion_n and_o uniformity_n of_o discipline_n be_v deserve_o compel_v to_o walk_n unto_o the_o gallows_n have_v it_o not_o often_o be_v instill_v into_o the_o ear_n of_o prince_n as_o hansan_n the_o great_a favourite_n do_v unto_o king_n ahasue●us_n concern_v the_o jew_n god_n people_n who_o be_v then_o afflict_v in_o captivity_n and_o so_o abject_o contempt_n 〈…〉_o le_fw-fr that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v dangerous_a to_o the_o state_n and_o ye●_n proud_a haman_n ●stner_n 3._o 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n only_o because_o a_o conscientious_a mordecai_n be_v scrupulous_a and_o can_v not_o ●ow_o and_o do_v reu●ience_n to_o he_o as_o the_o king_n command_v 〈…〉_o ed_z h●●●●jesty_n 〈…〉_o a_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a people_n scatter_v ab_fw-la 〈…〉_o 〈◊〉_d 〈…〉_o sperse_v into_o all_o province_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o law_n be_v divers_a from_o all_o people_n neither_o keep_v they_o the_o king_n law_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o king_n profit_n to_o suffer_v they_o in_o which_o respect_n if_o it_o please_v his_o majesty_n that_o letter_n may_v be_v write_v for_o their_o destruction_n he_o promise_v to_o pay_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n of_o silver_n into_o the_o king_n treasury_n hereupon_o the_o king_n con●ented_v to_o the_o edict_n that_o all_o of_o they_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n shall_v be_v massacre_v and_o for_o hamans_n good_a counsel_n remit_v the_o ten_o thousand_o
consider_v that_o there_o have_v be_v thousand_o of_o those_o which_o thus_o reject_v and_o violate_v the_o gospel_n which_o then_o have_v not_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n according_a to_o the_o note_n note_n law_n of_o moses_n and_o yet_o paul_n for_o all_o this_o do_v not_o blame_v those_o christian_n for_o omit_v to_o do_v corporal_a execution_n on_o they_o or_o leave_v any_o order_n that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n shall_v afterward_o have_v such_o power_n when_o they_o become_v christian_n and_o if_o paul_n tell_v titus_n that_o a_o bishop_n must_v not_o be_v soon_o angry_a nor_o a_o striker_n and_o peter_n bid_v the_o elder_n take_v the_o oversight_n 3._o tit._n 1._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2_o 3._o of_o god_n flock_n not_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o as_o ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n how_o shall_v a_o presbyter_n that_o be_v a_o striker_n or_o that_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v justify_v or_o how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v less_o than_o a_o striker_n that_o pass_v sentence_n of_o condemnation_n to_o banishment_n imprisonment_n and_o death_n or_o not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n that_o impose_v law_n upon_o their_o conscience_n but_o do_v these_o persecuter_n of_o god_n and_o good_a man_n consider_v that_o to_o be_v persecute_v be_v a_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o consequent_o to_o persecute_v a_o infallible_a character_n of_o unsound_a christian_n and_o the_o church_n malignant_a in_o charity_n we_o ought_v to_o think_v they_o may_v likely_o be_v reclaim_v i_o shall_v therefore_o entreat_v they_o for_o their_o own_o direction_n to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v to_o the_o galathian_o viz._n now_o we_o brethren_n 29._o gal._n 4._o 28_o 29._o as_o isaac_n be_v be_v the_o child_n of_o promise_n but_o as_o then_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n persecute_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n even_o so_o it_o be_v now_o this_o text_n declare_v how_o the_o true_a church_n and_o true_a believer_n be_v child_n of_o the_o promise_n figure_v out_o in_o abel_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n persecute_v by_o cain_n 41._o gen._n 4._o 8._o cap._n 16._o 11_o 12._o cap._n 17._o 41._o ishmael_n esau_n and_o their_o posterity_n child_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n teach_v we_o in_o express_a word_n that_o as_o those_o which_o persecute_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o the_o elect_a or_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n so_o now_o the_o best_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v persecute_v under_o the_o gospel_n which_o will_v yet_o appear_v more_o plain_o to_o such_o as_o have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v if_o they_o reflect_v likewise_o upon_o these_o other_o scripture_n he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o message_n that_o we_o hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n 12._o 1_o joh._n 3._o 10_o 11_o 12._o that_o we_o shall_v love_v one_o another_o not_o as_o cain_n who_o be_v of_o the_o wicked_a one_o and_o slay_v his_o brother_n and_o wherefore_o slay_v he_o he_o because_o his_o work_n be_v evil_a and_o his_o brother_n righteous_a and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n 20._o matth._n 10._o 16._o joh._n 16._o 20._o i_o send_v you_o as_o sheep_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n you_o shall_v weep_v and_o lament_v but_o the_o world_n shall_v rejoice_v but_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o persecution_n for_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o true_a church_n than_o that_o church_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n that_o do_v most_o persecute_v other_o which_o i_o believe_v note_n note_n will_v be_v deny_v by_o all_o protestant_n or_o else_o they_o must_v condemn_v themselves_o in_o suffer_v the_o papist_n to_o go_v beyond_o they_o in_o persecute_v other_o and_o second_o if_o persecution_n be_v a_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n it_o will_v instigate_v and_o encourage_v all_o state_n and_o church_n to_o double_a and_o increase_v their_o persecution_n until_o each_o of_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o most_o exquisite_a degree_n and_o height_n of_o cruelty_n and_o tyranny_n again_o though_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v never_o so_o much_o practise_v it_o be_v condemn_v by_o all_o man_n in_o every_o body_n but_o themselves_o for_o who_o be_v there_o that_o blame_v himself_o for_o persecute_v other_o or_o who_o will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v persecute_v himself_o and_o so_o far_o be_v persecution_n from_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n that_o nothing_o in_o humane_a appearance_n can_v possible_o hinder_v it_o so_o much_o for_o the_o papist_n have_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n and_o great_a portion_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n into_o their_o power_n by_o vigour_n of_o their_o persecution_n hinder_v the_o bless_a gospel_n from_o be_v true_o teach_v in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o purity_n thereof_o and_o as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o best_a church_n have_v be_v in_o error_n sometime_o able_a to_o digest_v milk_n only_o not_o capable_a of_o strong_a meat_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o principal_n of_o persecution_n 2._o 1._o cor._n 3._o 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o grow_v strong_a or_o come_v into_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n again_o because_o that_o according_a to_o such_o discipline_n such_o as_o teach_v any_o new_a truth_n or_o but_o a_o further_a measure_n of_o former_a trut_fw-mi his_o shall_v be_v persecute_v as_o it_o happen_v unto_o paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n under_o the_o calumny_n of_o sedition_n heresy_n blasphemy_n or_o innovation_n for_o object_n act_n 6._o 13_o act_n 24._o 5_o 14_o object_n paul_n himself_o be_v reduce_v to_o say_v i_o worship_v god_n after_o the_o manner_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n and_o whereas_o some_o will_v object_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v weak_a as_o be_v new_o plant_v but_o that_o christian_n now_o adays_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o strength_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o truth_n i_o dare_v not_o subscribe_v thereunto_o and_o for_o whatever_o fail_n error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n such_o man_n shall_v prove_v to_o answ_n answ_n have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n corinth_n jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n galatia_n or_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o through_o weakness_n and_o carnality_n they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n it_o will_v full_o easy_o appear_v that_o as_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n their_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 2_o 3._o heb._n 5_o 12._o diversity_n and_o preheminencie_n of_o gift_n and_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v be_v far_o more_o efficacious_a mean_n then_o at_o any_o time_n be_v since_o enjoy_v so_o none_o of_o our_o protestant_a church_n at_o present_a especial_o nationall_n but_o will_v justify_v the_o primitive_a in_o our_o own_o great_a error_n both_o for_o discipline_n and_o doctrine_n it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o liberty_n be_v give_v for_o man_n to_o to_o teach_v what_o they_o will_v there_o will_v appear_v more_o false_a teacher_n then_o ever_o yet_o it_o be_v better_a that_o many_o false_a doctrine_n be_v publish_v especial_o with_o a_o good_a intention_n and_o out_o of_o weakness_n only_o than_o that_o one_o sound_v truth_n shall_v be_v forcible_o smother_v or_o wilful_o conceal_v and_o by_o the_o incongruity_n and_o absurdity_n which_o accompany_v erroneous_a and_o unsound_a doctrine_n the_o truth_n appear_v still_o more_o glorious_a and_o win_v other_o to_o the_o love_n thereof_o neither_o be_v this_o comply_v with_o weak_a conscience_n or_o the_o tollerate_n of_o several_a opinion_n any_o other_o sort_n of_o libertinism_n than_o what_o paul_n practise_v when_o he_o suffer_v all_o thing_n lest_o he_o shall_v hinder_v the_o gospsl_n and_o 22._o 1_o cor_fw-la 9_o 12_o 21._o 22._o be_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o that_o he_o may_v save_v some_o at_o which_o very_a time_n he_o profess_v himself_o notwithstanding_o to_o live_v not_o without_o law_n to_o god_n but_o under_o law_n to_o christ_n and_o peter_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v live_v as_o free_v but_o not_o use_v our_o liberty_n for_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 16._o and_o if_o you_o demand_v whether_o heretic_n then_o may_v not_o be_v reclaim_v object_n object_n i_o answer_v that_o you_o both_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o endeavour_v their_o reclaim_n answ_n answ_n not_o by_o compulsive_a course_n but_o with_o brotherly_a and_o christian_a admonition_n and_o instruction_n by_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o other_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a way_n as_o be_v warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o for_o such_o as_o say_v we_o have_v try_v all_o saire_fw-fr mean_n
and_o answ_n reply_n answ_n none_o but_o coercive_a will_v prevail_v if_o they_o have_v order_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o how_o can_v they_o be_v sure_a that_o forcible_a mean_n will_v have_v better_a success_n and_o how_o much_o more_o unblamable_a be_v they_o that_o use_v they_o when_o they_o neither_o have_v commission_n nor_o assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v prevail_v our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n 19_o joh._n 15._o 19_o will_v love_v his_o own_o but_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o and_o lest_o this_o shall_v not_o prove_v a_o sufficient_a item_n to_o they_o and_o we_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o plain_o how_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n 12._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 12._o must_v suffer_v persecution_n whereto_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o induce_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n among_o other_o blessing_n pronounce_v this_o unto_o they_o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o 12._o matth._n 5._o 11._o 12._o and_o shall_v say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o persecute_v they_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v before_o you_o and_o lest_o such_o poor_a distress_a christian_n shall_v be_v to_o seek_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o so_o great_a a_o temptation_n and_o distress_n the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n by_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n instruct_v 12_o rom._n 12._o 14._o mat._n 5._o 44._o joh._n 5._o 16._o &_o 15._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 12_o we_o to_o bless_v such_o as_o persecute_v we_o so_o that_o in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o scripture_n we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o persecution_n give_v we_o as_o a_o sign_n to_o know_v the_o church_n malignant_a by_o and_o to_o be_v persecute_v as_o a_o love_n token_n and_o most_o peculiar_a livery_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o distinguish_v true_a from_o false_a believer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o then_o there_o must_v be_v no_o true_a church_n among_o christian_n and_o that_o all_o of_o they_o do_v persecute_v one_o another_o more_o or_o less_o object_n object_n it_o will_v notwithstanding_o follow_v that_o such_o christian_a state_n and_o church_n as_o answ_n answ_n persecute_v most_o be_v most_o corrupt_v and_o though_o i_o can_v hope_v for_o their_o sake_n which_o still_o retain_v it_o with_o less_o rigour_n that_o every_o small_a degree_n of_o persecute_v christian_n which_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o opinion_n may_v not_o hinder_v such_o to_o be_v true_a christian_n though_o imperfect_a and_o fail_v in_o this_o particular_a yet_o my_o earnest_a desire_n be_v that_o all_o such_o as_o be_v causer_n counselor_n or_o instrument_n promote_a or_o not_o endeavour_v and_o dissuade_v persecution_n will_v serious_o consider_v with_o themselves_o whether_o the_o thus_o persecute_v one_o another_o by_o christian_a church_n which_o differ_v in_o opinion_n though_o it_o shall_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v true_a church_n yet_o if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v find_v at_o least_o a_o error_n and_o exceed_v great_a blemish_n in_o they_o all_o even_o those_o that_o use_v it_o seldome_a and_o in_o mild_a manner_n express_o forbid_v in_o so_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o continual_o declame_v against_o by_o the_o whole_a proceed_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o apostle_n and_o most_o conscientious_a and_o true_o mortify_v christian_n famous_a for_o great_a piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o their_o respective_a generation_n st._n john_n say_v that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n 21._o joh._n 3._o 19_o 20_o 21._o rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v light_a neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n methinks_v we_o may_v well_o resemble_v the_o true_a professor_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o those_o that_o seek_v the_o light_n that_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o teach_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o contrariwise_o such_o to_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o hypocrite_n that_o hate_v the_o light_n lest_o their_o belove_a error_n and_o counterfeit_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v discover_v reprove_v and_o forsake_v indeed_o many_o a_o man_n have_v be_v over_o confident_a and_o deliver_v up_o his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v in_o a_o bad_a cause_n but_o this_o shall_v make_v such_o as_o have_v a_o good_a one_o to_o gather_v so_o much_o more_o courage_n to_o themselves_o and_o not_o decline_v any_o lawful_a trial_n or_o disputation_n whereby_o falsehood_n will_v be_v vanquish_v and_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n shine_v out_o so_o much_o more_o amiable_a and_o bright_a as_o before_o it_o have_v great_a opposition_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o world_n betwixt_o two_o which_o be_v at_o law_n together_o when_o either_o of_o they_o use_v mean_n to_o prolong_v the_o suit_n and_o prevent_v what_o possible_o he_o can_v the_o come_n to_o a_o judgement_n may_v we_o not_o say_v and_o that_o just_o too_o that_o such_o a_o man_n have_v a_o bad_a cause_n or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v not_o all_o his_o proof_n and_o evidence_n in_o readiness_n especial_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o he_o know_v he_o have_v a_o judge_n who_o both_o understand_v his_o cause_n full_o and_o will_v infallible_o do_v he_o justice_n sure_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v and_o that_o more_o warrantable_o concern_v religion_n and_o difference_n in_o opinion_n about_o any_o point_n thereof_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n prevail_v sometime_o and_o that_o not_o a_o little_a even_o in_o a_o bad_a cause_n but_o never_o fail_v when_o they_o maintain_v a_o good_a one_o we_o may_v see_v it_o in_o the_o act_n that_o both_o peter_n and_o john_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o jesus_n 13._o act._n 4._o 13._o christ_n speed_v the_o better_a for_o their_o boldness_n which_o when_o the_o scribe_n elder_n annas_n and_o all_o high_a priest_n kindred_n see_v and_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a man_n they_o marvel_v and_o take_v knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v be_v with_o jesus_n and_o behold_v the_o man_n which_o be_v heal_v stand_v with_o they_o they_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o it_o and_o how_o wonderful_o the_o cause_n prosper_v hereupon_o appear_v in_o that_o four_o chapter_n to_o the_o act_n which_o be_v well_o worth_a read_v out_o and_o can_v by_o a_o heart_n true_o sanctify_v be_v pass_v over_o without_o great_a admiration_n st._n paul_n confirm_v it_o 25._o eph._n 3._o 12_o phil._n 3._o 19_o 20._o 25._o unto_o the_o ephesian_n say_v that_o through_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o have_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n and_o to_o the_o philippian_n he_o have_v yet_o a_o full_a expression_n where_o he_o say_v i_o know_v according_a to_o my_o earnest_a expectation_n and_o hope_v that_o in_o nothing_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a but_o that_o with_o all_o boldness_n as_o always_o so_o now_o also_o christ_n shall_v be_v magnify_v in_o my_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o life_n or_o death_n and_o have_v this_o confidence_n i_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v abide_v and_o continue_v with_o you_o all_o for_o your_o furtherance_n and_o joy_n of_o faith_n sure_o as_o all_o true_a believer_n have_v the_o same_o good_a cause_n and_o gospel_n so_o can_v they_o not_o possible_o fare_v worse_o if_o they_o have_v but_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o confidence_n as_o paul_n be_v now_o 2_o jam._n 2_o 2_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n can_v be_v without_o work_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o glorious_a work_n of_o all_o be_v to_o seek_v the_o propagation_n of_o it_o in_o such_o mean_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o warrantable_a and_o likely_a by_o the_o precept_n and_o precedent_n of_o our_o only_a wise_a saviour_n and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n to_o prove_v successful_a oh_o let_v we_o not_o then_o defer_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o any_o long_o do_v we_o suspect_v that_o error_n shall_v vanquish_v truth_n this_o be_v so_o vain_a that_o no_o man_n will_v confess_v so_o much_o but_o for_o their_o full_a conviction_n if_o they_o be_v so_o conceit_v let_v they_o take_v notice_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v to_o the_o corinthian_n we_o can_v do_v 8._o 2_o cor._n 13_o 8._o any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n we_o may_v plot_v contrive_v and_o endeavour_v whatsoever_o our_o own_o deprave_a nature_n will_v suggest_v we_o to_o against_o it_o but_o great_a be_v