in_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o first_o verse_n be_v christ_n apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v he_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o johns_n baptism_n and_o be_v indeed_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n and_o man_n of_o great_a eminency_n and_o fame_n and_o renoun_n and_o therefore_o by_o a_o great_a elegancy_n be_v call_v name_n the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o kind_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v ever_o use_v for_o to_o express_v man_n only_o of_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o desert_n for_o their_o rare_a virtue_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o revel_n 3._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o be_v take_v up_o in_o holy_a duty_n as_o the_o occasion_n require_v and_o be_v by_o themselves_o but_o may_v any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o this_o be_v think_v a_o 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primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n but_o these_o two_o truth_n be_v most_o certain_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o that_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n upon_o their_o repent_v believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v without_o any_o other_o condition_n and_o that_o upon_o offer_v themselves_o the_o second_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o instant_a time_n which_o be_v abundant_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o testimony_n and_o reason_n above_o specify_v and_o those_o express_a word_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n therefore_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n then_o but_o it_o will_v far_o more_o illustrious_o yet_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o divers_a other_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a unto_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v here_o we_o find_v addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o daily_a indefinite_o set_v down_o as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o have_v be_v tell_v which_o add_v no_o small_a emphasis_n unto_o the_o expression_n and_o all_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n without_o any_o of_o those_o condition_n the_o independent_o require_v of_o all_o their_o member_n in_o these_o our_o time_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o therefore_o he_o do_v it_o only_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n now_o what_o understanding_n man_n can_v easy_o believe_v that_o when_o there_o be_v such_o daily_a increase_n of_o believer_n make_v that_o they_o can_v all_o still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o 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lord_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v also_o afford_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o take_v order_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o competent_a yea_o a_o honourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o support_n and_o that_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o spiritual_a food_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v likewise_o minister_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n that_o they_o may_v comfortable_o and_o without_o solicitous_a care_n follow_v their_o holy_a employment_n and_o wait_v upon_o their_o several_a ministery_n so_o that_o the_o place_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n under_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o several_a congregation_n do_v assume_v unto_o 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end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o violate_v and_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v now_o come_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rise_n but_o the_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o reduce_n of_o it_o again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o re_z stablish_v of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o antichristian-brood_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o establish_v truth_n and_o peace_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o consider_v that_o place_n in_o matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n say_v christ_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o then_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n in_o these_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n and_o custom_n of_o judicature_n in_o those_o time_n in_o censure_a man_n manner_n and_o doctrine_n which_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v order_v and_o administer_v by_o a_o assembly_n and_o counsel_n of_o learned_a experience_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o by_o a_o presbytery_n consistory_n or_o college_n of_o able_a man_n for_o government_n choose_v and_o select_v out_o of_o the_o people_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n by_o such_o as_o can_v judge_v and_o discern_v of_o their_o ability_n the_o which_o assembly_n and_o company_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o do_v represent_v the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o place_n christ_n do_v establish_v the_o like_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v his_o apostle_n this_o representative_a body_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o the_o godly_a and_o holy_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n for_o otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o privilege_n for_o the_o censure_v of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_v that_o they_o have_v now_o all_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v exercise_v not_o by_o the_o promiscuous_a multitude_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n nor_o by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o two_o or_o three_o as_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v but_o by_o a_o assembly_n senate_n council_n or_o presbytery_n of_o understand_a man_n assign_v to_o that_o purpose_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n &_o this_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o several_a presbytery_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o do_v all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n in_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n in_o judas_n his_o place_n and_o in_o the_o 5._o chap._n in_o censure_v annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o chap._n in_o choose_v deacon_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n in_o determine_v the_o question_n there_o in_o hand_n all_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n &_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o church_n officer_n whatsoever_o authority_n the_o people_n may_v exercise_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o as_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o they_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o to_o censure_v in_o matter_n of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o allow_v and_o approve_v it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o our_o church_n be_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o govern_v by_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o manifest_a in_o that_o there_o be_v superior_a and_o inferior_a judge_n commander_n and_o ruler_n according_a as_o their_o year_n gravity_n and_o wisdom_n make_v they_o more_o emninent_a than_o other_o and_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o many_o place_n as_o act_n 18._o ver_fw-la 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o crispus_n the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v with_o all_o his_o household_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n or_o judge_n or_o a_o precedent_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o council_n or_o segniory_n of_o inferior_a one_o that_o have_v rule_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a justice_n or_o judge_n there_o be_v other_o judge_n join_v with_o he_o as_o all_o reason_n persuade_v and_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o order_v by_o the_o determination_n and_o abitrement_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o the_o several_a church_n or_o synagogue_n under_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o those_o ruler_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a as_o by_o common_a council_n they_o order_v and_o mat._n the_o 5._o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o behold_v there_o come_v one_o of_o
worship_n for_o here_o in_o express_a word_n the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v be_v specify_v and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o temple_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o learned_a man_n or_o but_o of_o a_o rational_a christian_a whether_o this_o be_v a_o candid_a or_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o argue_v that_o because_o 3000._o christian_n that_o be_v new_o convert_v may_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n ergo_fw-la all_o that_o believe_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v by_o christ_n ministry_n and_o miracle_n and_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n before_o christ_n suffering_n and_o all_o that_o be_v after_o his_o resurrection_n convert_v for_o twenty_o year_n together_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v yet_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o 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follow_v their_o several_a employment_n and_o other_o in_o private_a and_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a communion_n or_o sacrament_n in_o several_a house_n from_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_o evident_a that_o then_o when_o there_o be_v new_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n they_o have_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n increase_v they_o be_v still_o distribute_v into_o more_o congregation_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v they_o have_v their_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n in_o several_a house_n and_o place_n beside_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o those_o several_a house_n they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v in_o the_o temple_n as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o say_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o 41._o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n to_o the_o 47._o but_o i_o say_v shall_v i_o silence_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o speak_v nothing_o and_o shall_v i_o grantto_n our_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o and_o that_o these_o three_o thousand_o believer_n may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n will_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o ten_o thousand_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o more_o to_o they_o and_o thirty_o thousand_o more_o to_o all_o these_o will_v any_o may_v think_v or_o believe_v that_o ten_o thousand_o man_n can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n much_o less_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thousand_o more_o add_v to_o they_o that_o they_o can_v still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n i_o think_v no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o abdicate_v his_o understanding_n will_v so_o conclude_v so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o weakness_n of_o this_o argumentation_n but_o the_o strength_n of_o truth_n for_o this_o very_a weapon_n with_o which_o they_o have_v think_v to_o have_v defend_v themselves_o and_o wound_v the_o truth_n they_o wound_v themselves_o and_o overthrow_v their_o own_o tenant_n as_o god_n willing_a i_o shall_v more_o full_o by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o out_o of_o chap._n 5._o our_o brethren_n conceive_v they_o have_v a_o very_a strong_a and_o invincible_a argument_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o after_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n be_v miraculous_o take_v away_o for_o lie_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v that_o great_a fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o as_o many_o as_o hear_v these_o thing_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wrought_v among_o the_o people_n and_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o solomon_n porch_n ergo_fw-la say_v they_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o place_n where_o they_o do_v meet_v be_v set_v down_o viz._n in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o it_o be_v further_o specify_v that_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o that_o place_n this_o be_v their_o argument_n faithful_o and_o true_o set_v down_o and_o with_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o their_o cause_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n this_o kind_n of_o argue_v have_v no_o force_n in_o it_o neither_o do_v it_o beseem_v grave_a man_n to_o trifle_v thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o they_o that_o all_o the_o beleiver_n that_o then_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o disciple_n before_o the_o passion_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o three_o thousand_o convert_v by_o the_o first_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n of_o peter_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o five_o thousand_o after_o by_o the_o second_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o after_o the_o new_a addition_n of_o so_o many_o multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n and_o the_o other_o miracle_n that_o the_o five_o chapter_n speak_v of_o shall_v i_o say_v grant_v that_o all_o these_o may_v yet_o have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n which_o all_o reason_n forbid_v i_o to_o yield_v to_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o there_o be_v addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o edification_n and_o have_v communicate_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o may_v conceive_v have_v we_o no_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o back_o it_o that_o if_o eight_o thousand_o be_v convert_v beside_o multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n with_o a_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n and_o if_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o resurrection_n there_o be_v such_o a_o great_a increase_n and_o such_o a_o multiplication_n of_o christian_n all_o understanding_n i_o say_v persuade_v that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o year_n there_o will_v be_v innumerable_a multitude_n add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n when_o the_o miraculous_a work_n of_o wonder_n with_o the_o same_o doctrine_n still_o continue_v and_o with_o all_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o
speak_v there_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o and_o ordain_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v go_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o that_o your_o fruit_n shall_v remain_v that_o be_v i_o have_v choose_v you_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o convert_v man_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o cause_v the_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v romans_z 10._o now_o this_o scripture_n be_v here_o fulfil_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v that_o be_v it_o bring_v forth_o the_o great_a fruit_n and_o increase_n of_o multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o convert_v many_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o and_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o premise_n and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o persecution_n but_o in_o the_o 21_o chapter_n 20_o verse_n there_o be_v a_o place_n that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n and_o with_o the_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v my_o first_o assertion_n in_o these_o word_n thou_o see_v brother_n say_v saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o saint_n paul_n how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n in_o this_o place_n the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v believer_n and_o have_v their_o abode_n there_o and_o not_o of_o stranger_n as_o our_o brethren_n suppose_v and_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v be_v come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n at_o which_o they_o think_v paul_n then_o be_v which_o opinion_n of_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v with_o many_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a some_o of_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o set_v down_o as_o first_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n last_v but_o one_o day_n and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o wheat-harvest_n when_o ordinary_o but_o few_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n beside_o none_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v out_o of_o the_o country_n of_o judaea_n and_o the_o confine_n of_o israel_n be_v enjoin_v to_o come_v to_o that_o feast_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o feast_n so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o dwell_v in_o such_o remote_a country_n except_o they_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o run_v about_o so_o that_o as_o i_o conceive_v be_v be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n whether_o they_o will_v come_v or_o no_o to_o all_o those_o several_a feast_n though_o i_o have_v this_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o they_o and_o best_a able_a and_o rich_a of_o they_o and_o that_o have_v time_n and_o leisure_n that_o they_o will_v spare_v neither_o pain_n nor_o cost_n so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o society_n of_o their_o brethren_n beside_o we_o read_v but_o of_o very_a few_o stranger_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n when_o paul_n be_v there_o and_o they_o be_v they_o of_o asia_n which_o be_v persecutor_n rather_o than_o believer_n as_o the_o story_n relate_v verse_n 27_o 28._o now_o the_o multitude_n of_o which_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o 22._o verse_n they_o be_v all_o believer_n and_o be_v inhabitant_n and_o such_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n and_o be_v all_o stranger_n to_o paul_n and_o such_o as_o have_v only_o hear_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o none_o of_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v of_o the_o believe_a jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o they_o be_v clear_o distinguish_v from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o myriad_n of_o believe_a jew_n be_v inform_v that_o paul_n teach_v all_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n they_o then_o be_v inform_v that_o paul_n have_v teach_v other_o the_o jew_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v they_o who_o paul_n have_v so_o teach_v and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v inform_v have_v they_o need_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o other_o what_o saint_n paul_n have_v teach_v themselves_o therefore_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o believe_a jew_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n there_o so_o that_o out_o of_o the_o text_n i_o thus_o argue_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o be_v edify_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o will_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_a all_o reason_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n itself_o confirm_v it_o neither_o do_v the_o word_n myrias_n or_o myriad_o ever_o express_v less_o than_o ten_o thousand_o as_o may_v out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o divers_a author_n and_o true_o to_o any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n it_o will_v seem_v strange_a yea_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o jerusalem_n the_o theatre_n of_o so_o many_o miracle_n and_o where_o there_o be_v twelve_o apostle_n and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a and_o so_o many_o famous_a preacher_n and_o presbyter_n and_o who_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o their_o ministry_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o their_o powerful_a preach_n and_o a_o few_o miracle_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n convert_v above_o eight_o thousand_o people_n beside_o great_a multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n beside_o priest_n and_o who_o preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o that_o for_o above_o twenty_o year_n together_o as_o moâ—t_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v without_o interruption_n that_o in_o all_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospels_n spring_n and_o that_o in_o so_o populous_a and_o numerous_a a_o city_n that_o all_o these_o famous_a minister_n and_o teacher_n shall_v convert_v no_o more_o to_o the_o faith_n then_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o say_v all_o this_o will_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o rational_a man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n so_o it_o be_v against_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o have_v out_o of_o many_o place_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v and_o out_o of_o the_o place_n last_o cite_v which_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o all_o the_o persecution_n all_o which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n no_o not_o in_o a_o few_o whether_o therefore_o it_o have_v not_o by_o this_o and_o the_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o argument_n out_o of_o both_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o report_v myself_o to_o any_o that_o have_v not_o the_o pearl_n of_o prejudice_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o assertion_n but_o as_o in_o all_o their_o former_a discourse_n i_o faithful_o set_v down_o what_o mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n and_o confutation_n to_o those_o several_a argument_n they_o oppose_v so_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n true_o relate_v what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o reply_v by_o way_n of_o refutation_n to_o this_o my_o last_o argument_n and_o then_o i_o will_v come_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o gainsay_v and_o reply_n to_o he_o in_o order_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n
to_o any_o man_n of_o but_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o in_o those_o several_a city_n which_o be_v after_o their_o change_n of_o government_n the_o seat_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n they_o have_v many_o town_n and_o village_n and_o many_o church_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o all_o the_o which_o before_o this_o alteration_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n respective_o and_o be_v all_o vuder_n they_o and_o be_v order_v and_o moderate_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la pesbyterorum_fw-la which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o my_o brother_n burton_n by_o name_n in_o his_o vindication_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n go_v from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n relate_v and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n but_o in_o each_o of_o they_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v presbytery_n give_v charge_n to_o titus_n and_o timothy_n to_o do_v the_o same_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o church_n in_o those_o several_a city_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n enjoin_v also_o those_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n to_o observe_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o command_v the_o people_n all_o christian_n and_o believer_n in_o those_o several_a city_n under_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o all_o their_o several_a minister_n and_o guide_n set_v over_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o they_o shall_v from_o god_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v as_o we_o may_v see_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n i_o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act._n 23._o act_n 20._o 27._o 18._o tit._n 1_o verse_n 5._o 1_o tim._n 5._o verse_n 17._o heb._n 13._o verse_n 7_o 17_o 24._o and_o the_o first_o of_o pet._n 5._o 2._o jam._n 5._o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o 23._o act_n 16._o 4._o act_n 21._o 25._o all_o which_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n to_o be_v classical_o govern_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n pass_v by_o not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n of_o who_o likewise_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o seducer_n matth._n 22._o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o all_o the_o several_a sectary_n of_o this_o time_n they_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o wickedness_n for_o will_v they_o but_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o that_o sense_n the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o relate_v it_o the_o controversy_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o the_o word_n church_n in_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o either_o for_o all_o the_o catholic_a invisible_a or_o visible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n all_o combine_a together_o under_o one_o government_n either_o in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o godly_a discipline_n not_o only_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o those_o several_a city_n but_o through_o all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a government_n precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v extend_v as_o act_v the_o 15._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n send_v greeting_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o in_o syria_n and_o in_o cilicia_n so_o that_o church_n be_v most_o often_o take_v collective_o as_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n at_o this_o day_n and_o of_o basil_n and_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o when_o the_o word_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o samaria_n antioch_n philippi_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n combine_v together_o and_o all_o collective_o take_v in_o this_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o sectary_n err_v that_o they_o always_o take_v the_o word_n church_n for_o no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o of_o their_o pipkin_n congregation_n to_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o their_o ordinance_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n sufficient_o prove_v take_v the_o word_n collective_o for_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o government_n although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n consider_v apart_o and_o by_o itself_o may_v true_o and_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o essential_a ordinance_n with_o it_o as_o have_v abundant_o be_v prove_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o a_o member_n and_o a_o branch_n or_o part_n depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a particular_a church_n under_o which_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o classical_o govern_v from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o when_o all_o those_o several_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n samaria_n corinth_n philippi_n ephesus_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v and_o classical_o and_o collegiat_o govern_v as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o but_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n my_o argument_n will_v everstand_v good_a yea_o they_o be_v all_o strengthen_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n concession_n and_o his_o express_a word_n for_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o appear_v act_v the_o 2._o they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n because_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o after_o that_o time_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n multiply_v daily_o and_o that_o by_o many_o thousand_o and_o at_o last_o grow_v so_o numerous_a as_o they_o amount_v to_o many_o myriad_n or_o innumerable_a company_n as_o appear_v act_n the_o 21._o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o wilful_o deceive_v the_o poor_a people_n in_o conceal_v from_o they_o so_o apparent_a a_o truth_n but_o shall_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o word_n and_o discover_v all_o his_o juggle_n my_o discourse_n will_v swell_v into_o a_o mighty_a volume_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n his_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o a_o heap_n of_o fraud_n and_o confusion_n all_o which_o he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o severe_a account_n for_o but_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n i_o say_v of_o his_o several_a fayling_n what_o he_o grant_v be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o viz._n that_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o its_o infancy_n they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v then_o of_o necessity_n when_o that_o church_n be_v multiply_v into_o many_o ten_o thousand_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o many_o congregation_n and_o church_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o under_o one_o presbytery_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v so_o that_o now_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a every_o judicious_a reader_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n mere_o trifle_n and_o delude_v the_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a people_n
now_o as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o two_o party_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o dispute_n and_o set_v down_o the_o occasion_n of_o bring_v all_o these_o army_n into_o the_o field_n with_o the_o word_n of_o their_o challenge_n and_o declare_v also_o the_o two_o sort_n of_o enemy_n i_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o will_v according_a to_o my_o promise_n ad_fw-la aram_fw-la veritatis_fw-la brief_o lie_v down_o the_o title_n by_o which_o they_o all_o pretend_v a_o right_n to_o independency_n and_o show_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o the_o which_o they_o do_v all_o of_o they_o now_o as_o pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la dimicare_fw-la against_o their_o christian_a brethren_n who_o they_o ordinary_a stile_n presbytyrant_n but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o must_v say_v thus_o much_o that_o before_o there_o be_v any_o break_n out_o to_o open_a hostility_n all_o thing_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v carry_v in_o a_o amicable_a and_o lovely_a way_n and_o the_o controversy_n be_v dispute_v con_v and_o pro_fw-la in_o a_o legal_a manner_n every_o one_o bring_v in_o their_o evidence_n for_o their_o way_n and_o cause_n and_o that_o in_o forâ—â—onscientiâ—_n before_o judge_n of_o the_o spiritual_a law_n where_o all_o the_o advocate_n for_o the_o independent_a cause_n be_v full_o hear_v speak_v and_o plead_v for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o party_n whatsoever_o they_o now_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o free_o to_o bring_v in_o their_o witness_n which_o be_v full_o likewise_o hear_v now_o they_o have_v but_o one_o witness_n to_o speak_v of_o that_o make_v for_o their_o cause_n and_o he_o be_v find_v doubtful_a in_o his_o expression_n and_o the_o truth_n also_o of_o his_o testimony_n be_v full_o examine_v it_o be_v abundant_o make_v appear_v by_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o contrary_a party_n that_o shall_v his_o affidavit_fw-la be_v allow_v of_o as_o clear_v in_o every_o particular_a and_o punctilio_fw-la of_o it_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o prove_v any_o just_a title_n they_o have_v to_o their_o independency_n nay_o though_o they_o have_v many_o such_o whereupon_o the_o court_n can_v neither_o in_o justice_n or_o equity_n admit_v of_o that_o witness_n his_o testimony_n and_o all_o those_o that_o have_v any_o understanding_n in_o cause_n of_o this_o nature_n when_o they_o shall_v hear_v the_o debate_n full_o on_o both_o side_n will_v i_o be_o most_o confident_a conclude_v that_o shall_v the_o judge_n have_v allow_v of_o their_o witness_n testimony_n and_o so_o have_v grant_v the_o independent_o their_o cause_n that_o they_o have_v be_v unrighteous_a judge_n and_o there_o have_v be_v then_o just_a cause_n of_o appeal_n to_o some_o high_a court_n and_o tribunal_n but_o the_o judge_n in_o conscience_n have_v give_v sentence_n according_a to_o law_n and_o justice_n against_o the_o independent_a party_n and_o they_o notwithstanding_o still_o challenge_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o independency_n although_o i_o say_v it_o be_v make_v apparent_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o can_v not_o just_o challenge_v or_o claim_v any_o right_n thereunto_o by_o the_o charter_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o his_o church_n they_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o groundless_a challenge_n and_o be_v resolve_v that_o they_o will_v be_v either_o soli_fw-la aut_fw-la nulli_fw-la will_v admit_v of_o no_o fair_a accommodation_n as_o can_v sufficient_o be_v prove_v by_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n break_v out_o into_o open_a hostility_n and_o war_n against_o their_o brethren_n and_o all_o this_o contrary_a unto_o covenant_n and_o agreement_n as_o be_v brief_o set_v down_o in_o the_o schismatic_n sift_v set_v forth_o by_o mr._n john_n vicarâ—_n and_o let_v fly_v their_o arrow_n and_o quill_n at_o we_o and_o with_o the_o poison_n and_o venom_n of_o they_o wound_v and_o slay_v not_o a_o few_o invade_v our_o frontier_n and_o territory_n beat_v up_o our_o quarter_n plunder_v and_o spoil_v of_o we_o of_o our_o best_a and_o fat_a sheep_n and_o lamb_n make_v ever_o and_o anon_o false_a alarm_n upon_o we_o and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n send_v we_o challenge_n to_o the_o terrify_n of_o many_o in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o force_v some_o to_o run_v into_o the_o river_n and_o jordan_n round_o about_o stark_o naked_a over_o head_n and_o ear_n like_o mad_a man_n and_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o winter_n to_o the_o kill_n and_o murder_v of_o certain_a of_o they_o yea_o they_o begin_v to_o rob_v we_o of_o our_o wife_n of_o our_o child_n and_o of_o our_o servant_n and_o indeed_o of_o our_o very_a substance_n so_o that_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v constrain_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n to_o come_v out_o to_o meet_v they_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n both_o which_o will_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o speedy_o if_o these_o rover_n may_v go_v on_o without_o control_n and_o resistance_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o this_o combat_n the_o presbyterian_o hitherto_o have_v use_v no_o other_o weapon_n but_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o main_a battle_n i_o shall_v here_o set_v down_o the_o ground_n and_o warrant_n by_o which_o they_o challenge_v a_o title_n and_o right_a to_o independency_n and_o withal_o i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o plead_n before_o they_o come_v to_o hostility_n with_o the_o name_n of_o some_o of_o their_o chief_a advocate_n and_o patron_n who_o live_v sometime_o in_o the_o low-countries_n among_o the_o country_n courtier_n there_o where_o they_o become_v excellent_a proficient_n in_o their_o art_n and_o where_o they_o learn_v this_o lesson_n perfect_o well_o viz._n how_o to_o spread_v their_o bread_n with_o the_o independent_o butter_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o skill_n and_o learning_n which_o make_v their_o tongue_n in_o all_o their_o plead_n run_v very_o glib_a and_o these_o be_v all_o very_a well_o feed_v plead_v their_o cause_n in_o manner_n and_o form_n as_o follow_v the_o court_n be_v set_v the_o chief_a judge_n or_o prolocutor_n after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o debate_n and_o cause_n desire_v the_o advocate_n for_o far_a satisfaction_n and_o for_o farrh_a proof_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o plea_n to_o bring_v in_o their_o witness_n and_o evidence_n with_o their_o reason_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o great_a charter_n of_o heaven_n by_o which_o they_o will_v prove_v their_o title_n and_o right_a to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o evince_v there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o that_o this_o church_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o than_o one_o congregation_n be_v independent_a promise_a and_o that_o faithful_o withal_o the_o other_o judge_n that_o if_o they_o can_v by_o sufficient_a evidence_n witness_n and_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n the_o charter_n of_o the_o great_a king_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o controversy_n than_o shall_v speedy_o be_v decide_v between_o they_o and_o that_o they_o will_v yield_v the_o cause_n than_o the_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o honest_o whereupon_o first_o thomas_n goodwin_n a_o sturdy_a advocate_n produce_v for_o witness_v the_o first_o v._o of_o the_o 2._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n in_o these_o word_n when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v they_o be_v all_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n ergo_fw-la say_v he_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o believer_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n thus_o do_v he_o plead_v and_o evidence_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o tell_v how_o the_o other_o advocate_v argue_v their_o cause_n i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o greek_a word_n in_o roman_a character_n that_o the_o most_o unlearned_a may_v read_v they_o and_o i_o will_v afterward_o give_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a interpretation_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o show_v how_o both_o these_o advocate_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o sectary_n be_v mistake_v in_o that_o witness_n and_o testimony_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o only_a evidence_n they_o build_v their_o whole_a new_a babel_n upon_o and_o show_v withal_o how_o they_o with_o violence_n force_v that_o witness_n to_o speak_v otherwise_o then_o he_o mean_v and_o that_o the_o word_n take_v according_a to_o the_o original_n and_o according_a to_o all_o solid_a reason_n bring_v in_o no_o such_o evidence_n nor_o carry_v no_o such_o sense_n or_o
20._o vers_fw-la the_o 7._o and_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o deny_v this_o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n in_o private_a house_n as_o by_o the_o many_o place_n be_v manifest_a which_o i_o cite_v but_o a_o little_a before_o beside_o the_o sacrament_n of_o break_v bread_n be_v no_o temple-ordinance_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n for_o if_o they_o be_v so_o high_o displease_v with_o the_o apostle_n for_o preach_v jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o it_o appear_v act_n 4._o 2._o they_o will_v not_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o have_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n there_o and_o if_o paul_n be_v so_o assault_v act_v 21._o 28._o for_o be_v but_o suppose_v to_o have_v bring_v greek_n into_o the_o temple_n what_o will_v these_o man_n have_v do_v if_o one_o shall_v have_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a ordinance_n and_o a_o new_a worship_n and_o service_n and_o that_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o legal_a right_n sure_o the_o jew_n will_v never_o have_v suffer_v it_o neither_o do_v the_o brethren_n contend_v for_o this_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o not_o every_o day_n yet_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n at_o least_o they_o meet_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o be_v never_o without_o preach_v as_o we_o see_v in_o act_n 20._o 7._o and_o in_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v in_o which_o it_o be_v say_v they_o daily_o break_v bread_n together_o and_o that_o in_o several_a and_o particular_a house_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v for_o a_o few_o house_n can_v not_o have_v hold_v so_o many_o thousand_o as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v and_o if_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v contain_v under_o one_o roof_n yet_o they_o must_v be_v force_v to_o be_v in_o diverse_a and_o several_a chamber_n or_o room_n so_o that_o what_o be_v do_v and_o speak_v in_o the_o one_o the_o other_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v still_o several_a congregation_n as_o under_o the_o roof_n of_o paul_n there_o be_v diverse_a meeting_n place_n where_o man_n may_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v call_v several_a church_n and_o they_o that_o meet_v there_o several_a congregation_n though_o under_o one_o roof_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o place_n under_o one_o covert_n make_v always_o a_o distinct_a assembly_n as_o it_o be_v daily_o see_v in_o the_o several_a committee_n at_o westminster_n where_o every_o committee_n of_o both_o house_n have_v their_o several_a room_n and_o equal_a authority_n and_o be_v yet_o all_o but_o one_o parliament_n though_o distribute_v into_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n so_o here_o they_o have_v several_a assembly_n and_o that_o in_o several_a house_n as_o be_v declare_v and_o reason_n itself_o without_o any_o testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n will_v persuade_v this_o for_o the_o apostle_n they_o all_o preach_v and_o that_o daily_a and_o they_o must_v have_v several_a room_n to_o preach_v in_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v do_v in_o order_n and_o they_o must_v have_v several_a auditory_n or_o assembly_n or_o else_o they_o shall_v preach_v to_o the_o wall_n so_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n will_v all_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n all_o hair_n of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n to_o avoid_v disorder_n and_o that_o there_o be_v several_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n the_o place_n above_o specify_v do_v declare_v and_o tell_v we_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o resolve_v not_o to_o oppose_v all_o truth_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o receive_a opinion_n but_o may_v evident_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytery_n as_o the_o many_o committee_n in_o both_o house_n be_v in_o divers_a room_n and_o make_v divers_a assembly_n and_o have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n among_o themselves_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o parliament_n and_o all_o those_o several_a committee_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o great_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v all_o the_o parliament_n and_o all_o this_o without_o confusion_n yea_o with_o most_o excellent_a order_n and_o decency_n this_o be_v the_o last_o argument_n i_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o above_o cite_v scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o concern_v this_o argument_n mr_n knollys_n before_o he_o come_v to_o answer_v it_o make_v a_o little_a suck_a preamble_n his_o word_n be_v these_o but_o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o have_v one_o argument_n which_o be_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n then_o all_o the_o other_o which_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v page_n 64._o thus_o he_o his_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n be_v as_o follow_v i_o will_v set_v down_o all_o his_o own_o word_n which_o be_v these_o now_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v how_o the_o doctor_n prove_v his_o minor_n which_o he_o say_v it_o manifest_a from_o act_n 2._o 46._o and_o chapter_n the_o 5._o 12._o 42._o and_o chapter_n 3._o 11._o 12._o and_o many_o more_o place_n that_o may_v be_v produoe_v page_n 64_o 65_o 66._o in_o all_o which_o discourse_n the_o doctor_n give_v you_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o supposition_n and_o conclusion_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o minor_a proposition_n which_o be_v his_o manner_n of_o discourse_v through_o his_o book_n this_o argument_n say_v he_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o deny_v the_o assumption_n or_o minor_a proposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o deny_v it_o be_v because_o the_o scripture_n produce_v by_o the_o doctor_n do_v not_o in_o express_a word_n declare_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o scripture_n quote_v do_v in_o express_a word_n declare_v the_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o doctor_n will_v prove_v for_o act_v the_o 2._o verse_n 42._o 46._o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o they_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o act_v the_o 3._o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o all_o the_o people_n can_v together_o to_o they_o in_o the_o porch_n which_o be_v call_v solomon_n act_v the_o 5._o 12._o and_o they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o solomon_n porch_n so_o that_o these_o scripture_n produce_v by_o the_o doctor_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o meet_v together_o in_o several_a place_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n where_o they_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n do_v express_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o wit_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d domatim_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d per_fw-la singulas_fw-la domos_fw-la and_o thus_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v â—â—re_o together_o act_v the_o 2._o v._o 42_o 44_o 46._o yea_o the_o doctor_n himself_o say_v in_o his_o minor_a proposition_n the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n do_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o they_o break_v from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o refutation_n of_o what_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v touch_v the_o first_o proposition_n thus_o profound_a mr_n knollys_n confute_v my_o argument_n i_o have_v set_v down_o all_o his_o word_n at_o large_a and_o as_o he_o earnest_o desire_v the_o reader_n serious_o to_o consider_v my_o argument_n so_o i_o in_o like_a manner_n entreat_v he_o that_o he_o will_v but_o look_v back_o upon_o it_o and_o advise_o weight_n whether_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o that_o or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o argument_n and_o in_o all_o my_o discourse_n but_o my_o own_o supposition_n and_o conclusion_n for_o proof_n of_o what_o
i_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o then_o the_o controversy_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o independent_o say_v that_o i_o ever_o yet_o talk_v with_o now_o my_o brother_n burton_n a_o old_a disciple_n and_o father_n among_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o that_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n great_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n require_v seven_o deacon_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v that_o i_o labour_v to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n now_o all_o man_n know_v where_o there_o be_v seven_o treasurer_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o two_o or_o three_o treasurer_n will_v have_v serve_v any_o one_o congregation_n though_o it_o have_v consist_v of_o many_o more_o than_o five_o thousand_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o now_o that_o there_o be_v seâ—en_v at_o the_o first_o appoint_v it_o show_v a_o mighty_a vast_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o if_o in_o its_o infancy_n there_o be_v so_o many_o ordain_v how_o many_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v afterward_o in_o future_a time_n make_v when_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n daily_o increase_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o argument_n against_o himself_o to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v that_o all_o the_o independent_o deny_v now_o if_o his_o brethren_n do_v not_o true_o conclude_v of_o he_o and_o say_v as_o they_o do_v when_o he_o write_v his_o protestation_n protest_v of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v ashamed_a that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o that_o business_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v leave_v that_o dispute_n to_o those_o that_o have_v many_o year_n study_v the_o question_n i_o shall_v be_v much_o deceive_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v by_o some_o of_o that_o way_n many_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a of_o they_o for_o judgement_n have_v already_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o he_o and_o that_o for_o his_o very_a vindiciae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la or_o rather_o falsitatis_fw-la and_o for_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o this_o employment_n as_o be_v a_o man_n of_o more_o passion_n and_o choler_n then_o ground_v reason_n and_o argumentation_n and_o therefore_o will_v spoil_v their_o cause_n but_o now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o convenient_a place_n as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n all_o together_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n which_o concession_n of_o his_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o they_o call_v it_o yet_o say_v he_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n which_o though_o say_v he_o you_o call_v so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o as_o not_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n so_o that_o he_o distinguish_v between_o church_n and_o congregation_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o make_v they_o synonima_n as_o other_o man_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n usual_o do_v and_o think_v by_o this_o his_o grollery_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o all_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o convince_v they_o the_o question_n therefore_o between_o i_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o a_o congregation_n and_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n communicate_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v say_v that_o although_o i_o call_v they_o so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o and_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o gratify_v my_o kind_a brother_n &_o to_o show_v how_o willing_a i_o be_o to_o please_v his_o humour_n i_o do_v undertake_v that_o work_n now_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v &_o evince_n that_o those_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n be_v so_o many_o several_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o my_o elevenor_n twelve_o sheet_n spend_v about_o this_o argument_n prove_v no_o waste_n paper_n and_o then_o also_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o he_o must_v turn_v presbyterian_a dependent_a if_o he_o have_v any_o honesty_n in_o he_o this_o then_o be_v my_o task_n to_o maintain_v and_o prove_v that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n or_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a assistance_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v good_a although_o he_o have_v sufficient_o himself_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n by_o the_o very_o grant_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o by_o the_o way_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o premise_v thus_o much_o if_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v orthodox_n divinity_n viz._n that_o the_o sever_n of_o themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o into_o many_o several_a congregation_n in_o several_a private_a house_n for_o the_o partake_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o edify_v make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n the_o communicate_v and_o participate_v notwithstanding_o in_o all_o the_o which_o ordinance_n in_o all_o age_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o formal_a church_n or_o a_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v then_o i_o affirm_v the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n as_o be_v found_v and_o build_v upon_o that_o one_o rock_n jesus_n christ_n that_o only_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o ensue_v upon_o his_o principle_n viz._n if_o the_o sever_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n make_v they_o not_o several_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n teach_v because_o it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n then_o the_o sever_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n through_o the_o world_n make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o so_o by_o his_o learning_n there_o shall_v now_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o enjoy_v all_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o each_o of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a divinity_n then_o let_v all_o man_n turn_v expectant_n and_o seeker_n for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o the_o world_n
example_n of_o gather_a church_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n whereas_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v but_o one_o way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n whether_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o a_o extraordinary_a for_o they_o that_o be_v make_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a and_o those_o likewise_o that_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n may_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o admission_n into_o it_o be_v member_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o the_o independent_o own_o principle_n and_o as_o for_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n i_o have_v prove_v it_o from_o the_o foregoing_a example_n and_o the_o primitive_a practice_n that_o it_o be_v upon_o condition_n only_o of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n and_o christ_n require_v no_o more_o and_o for_o the_o extraordinary_a way_n if_o it_o be_v evince_v that_o that_o be_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o upon_o no_o other_o condition_n than_o all_o man_n may_v see_v into_o what_o a_o desperate_a condition_n of_o rebellion_n all_o the_o independent_o have_v by_o their_o new_a way_n plunge_v themselves_o into_o and_o may_v withal_o well_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o those_o cavil_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n knollys_n make_v against_o my_o follow_a argument_n now_o that_o they_o may_v see_v how_o and_o upon_o what_o condition_n all_o christian_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a their_o pain_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v all_o direct_v in_o what_o they_o do_v by_o the_o special_a command_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o far_o more_o worthy_a of_o imitation_n than_o our_o independent_o practice_n now_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o when_o the_o angel_n appear_v unto_o cornelius_n in_o the_o ten_o of_o the_o act_n he_o send_v he_o unto_o joppa_n to_o call_v for_o one_o simon_n who_o surname_n be_v peter_n he_o do_v not_o send_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o joppa_n and_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o peter_n come_v to_o cornelius_n and_o that_o he_o have_v recite_v unto_o he_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o vision_n and_o that_o he_o be_v command_v by_o the_o angel_n to_o send_v for_o he_o it_o be_v further_a also_o declare_v what_o peter_n there_o do_v and_o that_o he_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o and_o after_o a_o sermon_n make_v unto_o cornelius_n and_o all_o that_o be_v assemble_v there_o with_o he_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o come_v with_o peter_n be_v astonish_v at_o it_o for_o they_o hear_v they_o speak_v with_o divers_a tongue_n and_o magnify_v god_n then_o answer_v peter_n can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o he_o command_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o we_o see_v first_o that_o peter_n be_v send_v unto_o and_o not_o the_o church_n second_o that_o he_o admit_v cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n and_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o never_o consult_v with_o the_o church_n to_o ask_v their_o leave_n or_o voice_n but_o conclude_v the_o business_n with_o a_o interrogation_n which_o have_v a_o great_a force_n of_o bind_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o hinder_v any_o believer_n from_o come_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o who_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n evident_o appear_v as_o in_o these_o so_o that_o if_o either_o the_o minister_n come_v into_o their_o house_n or_o they_o go_v into_o the_o minister_n and_o make_v sufficient_a testimony_n by_o themselves_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o fear_v god_n of_o what_o nation_n soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v by_o the_o minister_n to_o be_v admit_v the_o congregation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o hinder_v any_o such_o nay_o they_o may_v not_o it_o be_v more_o than_o belong_v unto_o they_o neither_o do_v those_o that_o come_v with_o peter_n intermeddle_v in_o that_o business_n or_o require_v a_o covenant_n at_o their_o hand_n or_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n again_o when_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n be_v purpose_v to_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o the_o eunuch_n in_o the_o 8._o of_o the_o act_n he_o send_v philip_n the_o evangelist_n unto_o he_o who_o he_o find_v read_v in_o his_o chariot_n the_o pprophecy_n of_o jsaiah_n and_o after_o that_o he_o have_v interpret_v unto_o he_o that_o prophesy_v and_o preach_v unto_o he_o jesus_n and_o baptism_n in_o his_o name_n it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o they_o come_v unto_o a_o certain_a water_n the_o eunuch_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v hinder_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o philip_n say_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o he_o command_v the_o chariot_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o they_o go_v down_o both_o into_o the_o water_n both_o philip_n and_o the_o eunuch_n and_o he_o baptize_v he_o here_o we_o see_v that_o philip_n and_o not_o the_o church_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o eunuch_n and_o that_o philip_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o upon_o the_o eunuch_n his_o own_o testimony_n without_o any_o reference_n unto_o any_o church_n or_o without_o consult_v with_o any_o congregation_n admit_v he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n and_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o be_v neither_o a_o public_a confession_n require_v of_o he_o by_o any_o of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o covenant_n exact_v by_o the_o people_n and_o so_o when_o saul_n in_o the_o 9_o of_o the_o act_n be_v fall_v down_o out_o of_o astonishment_n and_o afterward_o be_v convert_v as_o the_o story_n there_o full_o declare_v the_o whole_a manner_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n send_v one_o ananias_n a_o disciple_n and_o minister_n unto_o he_o he_o do_v not_o send_v the_o church_n unto_o he_o neither_o do_v ananias_n when_o he_o come_v to_o saul_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o will_v consult_v with_o the_o church_n to_o see_v whether_o they_o will_v admit_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o member_n for_o thou_o have_v great_o waste_v the_o church_n and_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v their_o approbation_n and_o consent_n and_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o first_o walk_n with_o the_o church_n some_o time_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v thy_o conversation_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v make_v a_o confession_n of_o thy_o faith_n public_o before_o the_o congregation_n and_o give_v in_o thy_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thy_o conversion_n and_o enter_v in_o a_o private_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o so_o be_v receive_v and_o admit_v but_o without_o all_o this_o ado_n he_o baptise_n paul_n and_o admit_v he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n and_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o this_o form_a church_n &_o that_o by_o his_o sole_a authority_n and_o he_o be_v receive_v immediate_o among_o the_o disciple_n at_o damascus_n without_o any_o reluctation_n or_o so_o much_o as_o any_o scruple_n and_o straightway_o he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v both_o ordain_v and_o put_v in_o office_n without_o the_o approbation_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o business_n but_o only_o stand_v amaze_v and_o say_v be_v not_o this_o he_o that_o destroy_v they_o which_o call_v on_o this_o name_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o come_v hither_o for_o that_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o bind_v unto_o the_o high_a priest_n the_o minister_n in_o those_o day_n when_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n they_o only_o admit_v member_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n but_o in_o these_o our_o day_n wherein_o people_n have_v get_v itch_a ear_n and_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o humour_n such_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n they_o teach_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o bring_v forth_o new_o bear_v light_n to_o the_o darken_n of_o truth_n itself_o and_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o a_o confusion_n
person_n the_o three_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o state_n be_v this_o to_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n at_o pleasure_n either_o foreign_a or_o domestical_a upon_o any_o just_a occasion_n and_o to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o militia_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o those_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n this_o authority_n lie_v they_o be_v repute_v and_o indeed_o be_v the_o supreme_a ruler_n in_o that_o state_n the_o four_o essential_a property_n of_o superlative_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o any_o government_n or_o state_n be_v this_o to_o have_v a_o court_n of_o ultimate_a resort_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v fly_v for_o relief_n and_o to_o the_o which_o all_o appeal_v by_o all_o person_n from_o all_o part_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o all_o inferior_a court_n be_v make_v upon_o any_o unjustice_n do_v they_o there_o or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o grievance_n by_o any_o one_o in_o authority_n and_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o end_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n and_o difference_n or_o to_o redress_v all_o abuse_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o oppress_v so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o authority_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v say_v to_o exercise_v the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a governor_n and_o moderator_n in_o that_o state_n the_o five_o and_o last_o paâ—t_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o press_v and_o stamp_v money_n and_o coin_n and_o set_v the_o valution_n upon_o they_o or_o any_o other_o money_n that_o be_v currant_n in_o their_o country_n or_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o those_o state_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o have_v the_o exchequer_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o revenue_n of_o they_o and_o to_o who_o all_o the_o tribute_n subsidy_n assessment_n custom_n benevolence_n and_o collection_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o the_o common_a relief_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n or_o state_n be_v send_v and_o who_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o wisdom_n in_o those_o man_n hand_n i_o say_v that_o this_o power_n â—esideth_v of_o dispose_v the_o treasury_n or_o revenue_n they_o and_o they_o only_o be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o ruler_n in_o that_o state_n as_o at_o this_o day_n it_o reside_v with_o all_o the_o former_a essential_a property_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o all_o which_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o all_o sovereign_a power_n reside_v in_o they_o only_o and_o be_v sole_o exercise_v and_o manage_v by_o they_o so_o that_o if_o master_n knollys_n shall_v say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v now_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a court_n because_o the_o contribution_n collection_n and_o excise_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v now_o at_o their_o dispose_n i_o believe_v the_o great_a council_n will_v teach_v he_o a_o little_a more_o wit_n and_o all_o those_o his_o brethren_n that_o shall_v join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o his_o argumentation_n a_o little_a better_a manner_n now_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v thing_n together_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o whatsoever_o can_v prove_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o all_o secular_a government_n to_o be_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n which_o exercise_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a officer_n and_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o it_o that_o the_o government_n and_o sovereign_a power_n in_o that_o church_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n only_o so_o that_o it_o will_v then_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o my_o argument_n will_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o master_n knolly_n fond_a cavil_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o these_o two_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o church_n be_v the_o only_a governor_n in_o those_o church_n and_o that_o from_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o because_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o say_v will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n necessary_o follow_v the_o second_o truth_n that_o will_v result_v out_o of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n both_o which_o master_n knollys_n vain_o deny_v will_v follow_v from_o my_o argument_n but_o for_o the_o far_a elucidation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v unto_o all_o man_n i_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o essential_a property_n and_o part_n of_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o that_o church_n and_o show_v that_o they_o reside_v only_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o for_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n the_o legislative_a power_n it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o commit_v only_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o for_o so_o say_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chapter_n the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 2._o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n that_o he_o remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v commandment_n unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n unto_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o john_n 14._o verse_n 26._o and_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n he_o call_v his_o apostle_n his_o friend_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n verse_n 15._o and_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v bring_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o their_o memory_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n in_o the_o 26._o verse_n christ_n say_v when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o from_o the_o 28._o of_o matth._n verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o mark_n the_o 16._o verse_n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o john_n the_o 20._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o legislative_a power_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o preach_v or_o write_v that_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christ_n subject_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n also_o to_o abrogate_v old_a law_n and_o to_o enact_v and_o establish_v new_a one_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 15._o and_o act._n 16._o yea_o they_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o example_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act._n 5._o yea_o they_o raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v the_o lame_a and_o heal_v the_o sick_a with_o their_o very_a shadow_n and_o all_o this_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o ratify_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o to_o show_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n withal_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o erect_v new_a office_n and_o create_v new_a officer_n not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o that_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o
office_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o the_o 14._o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o appoint_v they_o first_o in_o the_o mother-church_n jerusalem_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n say_v the_o prophet_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n yea_o they_o give_v those_o officer_n their_o name_n and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a office_n as_o be_v manifest_a act_v the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n they_o also_o have_v the_o power_n of_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n with_o the_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n to_o all_o such_o as_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o denounce_v war_n and_o death_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o judgement_n to_o those_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o thess_n 1._o verse_n 8._o and_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n likewise_o as_o to_o their_o ultimate_n and_o extreme_a refuge_n and_o relief_n and_o help_n all_o appeal_n be_v make_v as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o fifteen_o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o and_o in_o the_o 9_o and_o in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o same_o book_n as_o to_o the_o supreme_a tribunal_n upon_o earth_n in_o god_n matter_n in_o who_o hand_n all_o the_o high_a power_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n for_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n then_o reside_v and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o great_a concernment_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n his_o church_n but_o also_o to_o decide_v and_o determine_v they_o and_o put_v a_o final_a period_n unto_o they_o the_o which_o example_n of_o they_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o precedent_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n for_o minister_n to_o do_v the_o like_a upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n as_o in_o that_o controversy_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o christian_n at_o antioch_n through_o false_a teacher_n by_o who_o that_o heresy_n be_v broach_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n shall_v be_v observe_v and_o that_o believer_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o it_o by_o which_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o weak_a lewes_z who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v alienate_v from_o the_o believe_a gentile_n because_o they_o do_v neglect_v those_o ceremony_n whereupon_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a schism_n and_o rent_n among_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o for_o the_o decide_n and_o determine_v of_o this_o controversy_n the_o christian_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o know_v that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o both_o dogmatic_a diatacticall_a and_o critical_a yea_o authoritative_a and_o command_a who_o enter_v into_o a_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o there_o debate_v the_o business_n by_o reason_n argument_n and_o disputation_n and_o find_v by_o disquisition_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n what_o he_o have_v reveal_v concern_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o new_a covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n they_o determine_v the_o whole_a matter_n according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n not_o pretend_v any_o new_a revelation_n or_o new_a light_n or_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o superlative_a assistance_n in_o the_o decide_n that_o debate_n but_o only_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a sovereign_a power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o give_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o all_o doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o all_o his_o faithful_a minister_n his_o servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n they_o first_o show_v and_o put_v forth_o their_o dogmatic_a power_n confute_v and_o convince_a the_o heresy_n and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n second_o they_o declare_v their_o diatacticall_a authority_n make_v a_o practical_a canon_n or_o law_n for_o avoid_v of_o scandal_n and_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o three_o they_o exercise_v their_o critical_a power_n and_o judiciary_n authority_n verse_n 24._o condemn_a and_o brand_a those_o teacher_n with_o that_o infamous_a and_o black_a mark_n of_o liar_n subverter_n of_o soul_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n four_o and_o last_o they_o sufficient_o manifest_v their_o imparative_fw-it and_o authoritative_a power_n in_o send_v those_o decree_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n with_o do_v this_o and_o live_v v._o 29._o for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n import_v all_o which_o be_v act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v which_o when_o they_o reside_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o there_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o government_n likewise_o remain_v and_o reside_v whole_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o they_o exercise_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n ever_o run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n last_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o that_o church_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o all_o the_o other_o church_n have_v for_o they_o bring_v the_o money_n always_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o their_o foot_n as_o it_o appear_v act._n 4._o and_o afterward_o all_o the_o money_n and_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o all_o church_n as_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n lay_v which_o they_o never_o give_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o relinquish_v but_o upon_o all_o occasion_n give_v direction_n to_o their_o several_a deacon_n how_o to_o distribute_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o common_a emolument_fw-fr of_o the_o poor_a saint_n for_o otherwise_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v the_o alm_n and_o benevolence_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n in_o judaea_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v the_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o those_o church_n and_o to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o they_o belong_v and_o who_o only_o and_o whole_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o now_o then_o when_o the_o contribution_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o and_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n which_o they_o ever_o exercise_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o for_o it_o be_v send_v unto_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o common_a to_o dispose_v of_o they_o now_o before_o this_o relief_n be_v send_v thither_o and_o long_o after_o that_o as_o the_o story_n of_o the_o act_n declare_v most_o of_o the_o apostle_n reside_v there_o and_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v presbyter_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o relate_v that_o the_o alm_n and_o relief_n be_v send_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n say_v they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n now_o they_o be_v all_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v send_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a and_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o dialect_n of_o holy_a write_v through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o act_n we_o shall_v find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o there_o be_v any_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o act_n of_o government_n that_o either_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o some_o more_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o make_v mention_n of_o to_o be_v the_o chief_a moderator_n and_o prime_a agent_n in_o the_o business_n which_o be_v never_o carry_v by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o or_o by_o the_o multitude_n or_o people_n and_o it_o it_o be_v credible_o believe_v that_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n reside_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o judaea_n till_o after_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o and_o for_o the_o apostle_n saint_n james_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o most_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o he_o continue_v precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n his_o whole_a life_n time_n