thereon_o and_o in_o rev._n 4._o the_o two_o gospel_n witness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o two_o candlestick_n to_o wit_n the_o two_o church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n with_o their_o two_o olive_n branch_n by_o their_o side_n to_o wit_n the_o two_o administration_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n which_o be_v always_o pour_v out_o their_o oil_n for_o light_n into_o the_o ministerial_a lamp_n of_o these_o golden_a candlestick_n here_o must_v needs_o be_v then_o much_o light_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o two_o anoint_a one_o that_o stand_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n zach._n 4.2.12_o and_o 14_o verse_n chap._n ii_o verse_n 1._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o general_a preface_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v finish_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n wherein_o be_v consider_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o these_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o be_v christ_n under_o divers_a denomination_n and_o similitude_n some_o appropriable_a only_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n some_o to_o the_o humane_a clear_o notify_v that_o that_o person_n that_o appear_v unto_o john_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o christ_n god-man_n who_o give_v these_o divine_a revelation_n unto_o john_n some_o immediate_o by_o himself_o some_o by_o his_o minister_a spirit_n the_o angel_n for_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o prophecy_n be_v give_v and_o signify_v by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o angel_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o christ_n do_v it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n what_o be_v do_v by_o another_o at_o one_o order_n and_o command_v be_v do_v by_o himself_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o vision_n he_o give_v they_o out_o to_o john_n and_z john_n he_o be_v the_o recipient_a instrument_n and_o the_o subordinate_a author_n and_o be_v command_v to_o write_v they_o and_o make_v they_o know_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o this_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n john_n be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o write_v those_o premonition_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o in_o their_o order_n shall_v be_v handle_v but_o in_o the_o way_n before_o i_o fall_v upon_o the_o particular_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a the_o enquiry_n quest_n why_o john_n be_v command_v particular_o to_o write_v to_o each_o church_n of_o the_o seven_o apart_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v for_o divers_a reason_n first_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o fault_n and_o as_o their_o defection_n be_v divers_a and_o various_a so_o ought_v they_o to_o have_v various_a and_o divers_a reprehension_n so_o likewise_o their_o grace_n and_o endowment_n be_v various_a so_o ought_v they_o to_o have_v divers_a and_o various_a encouragement_n therein_o the_o more_o obdurate_a and_o high-handed_n sinner_n aught_o to_o have_v the_o sharp_a and_o high_a reproof_n and_o censure_n but_o the_o more_o flexible_a and_o tender-hearted_a aught_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o the_o more_o tender_a hand_n of_o love_n and_o compassion_n second_o the_o several_a charge_n be_v draw_v against_o each_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o send_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_a angel_n minister_n or_o pastor_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v for_o any_o extrinsical_a power_n or_o authority_n over_o themselves_o christ_n be_v the_o common_a and_o general_a admonitor_n and_o reprehender_n of_o they_o all_o each_o of_o they_o be_v sole_o and_o single_o under_o his_o reprehensive_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v only_o receive_v command_n and_o reproof_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o the_o angel_n of_o smyrna_n for_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o the_o angel_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n etc._n etc._n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n do_v not_o receive_v command_n or_o reproof_n to_o impose_v they_o juridical_o on_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n nor_o smyrna_n on_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n or_o on_o any_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o either_o single_o by_o itself_o or_o joint_o with_o any_o of_o the_o other_o one_o two_o or_o more_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v superintendent_o or_o to_o have_v a_o prelatical_a authority_n over_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v no_o cathedral_n then_o at_o ephesus_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o six_o the_o name_n of_o archiepiscopacy_n and_o hierarchycal_a supremacy_n be_v then_o unknown_a in_o the_o little_a well-ordered_a christian_a world_n or_o rather_o common-weal_n bishop_n than_o do_v look_v no_o far_o with_o a_o eye_n of_o authority_n then_o over_o their_o own_o flock_n neither_o then_o be_v it_o know_v that_o a_o combination_n of_o some_o few_o church_n or_o rather_o officer_n of_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o classical_a elder_n provincial_a elder_n or_o national_a elder_n shall_v have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o vicinity_n ephesus_n then_o as_o unto_o outward_a authority_n be_v independent_a smyrna_n then_o be_v independent_a and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n the_o church_n can_v then_o and_o also_o now_o can_v act_v consultative_o by_o way_n of_o advice_n by_o their_o elder_n and_o brethren_n either_o joint_n or_o single_o but_o not_o juridical_o by_o way_n of_o authority_n over_o one_o and_o another_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v all_o peer_n respect_v their_o authority_n yet_o in_o their_o grace_n and_o perfection_n among_o themselves_o differ_v from_o one_o and_o another_o in_o glory_n christ_n keep_v the_o sole_a legislative_a power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o what_o he_o communicate_v thereof_o unto_o his_o church_n it_o be_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v lord_n over_o their_o sister-churche_n faith_n but_o that_o they_o may_v within_o their_o due_a bound_n exercise_v their_o wholesome_a admonition_n and_o censure_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v one_o church_n juridical_o to_o censure_v another_o sister-church_n though_o corrupt_a for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n give_v they_o christ_n keep_v that_o prerogative_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n he_o reprove_v and_o censure_v the_o whole_a seven_a asian_a church_n himself_o but_o suffer_v not_o one_o or_o more_o to_o do_v it_o over_o the_o rest_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o if_o christ_n have_v grant_v such_o authority_n unto_o one_o church_n over_o other_o that_o that_o church_n which_o become_v most_o potent_a and_o most_o countenance_v by_o the_o secular_a power_n though_o most_o corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n will_v undertake_v to_o censure_v the_o sound_a and_o most_o orthodox_n church_n of_o all_o as_o the_o arrian_n do_v of_o old_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o son_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a and_o their_o successor_n censure_n chastise_v and_o vex_v even_o the_o sound_a and_o most_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o idolatrous_a apostatise_v church_n of_o rome_n under_o this_o pretence_n of_o have_v authority_n over_o other_o church_n do_v even_o fulminate_v out_o her_o dire_a anathemas_n on_o all_o other_o church_n though_o the_o faithful_a and_o undefiled_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v wise_a therefore_o you_o true_a spouse_n of_o christ_n hold_v fast_o the_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v you_o free_a lest_o you_o subjugate_v your_o neck_n and_o precious_a faith_n unto_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o spiritual_a harlot_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n christ_n give_v his_o particular_a censure_n and_o reproof_n to_o each_o particular_a church_n according_a to_o their_o peculiar_a fail_n and_o error_n that_o one_o more_o corrupt_a church_n may_v not_o undertake_v to_o censure_v that_o which_o be_v less_o corrupt_a but_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v how_o a_o sound_n and_o faithful_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v carry_v itself_o towards_o a_o erroneous_a and_o backslidden_a corrupt_a church_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o their_o recovery_n and_o that_o in_o love_n and_o charity_n first_o they_o be_v to_o advise_v they_o and_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o way_n charitable_o not_o juridical_o as_o a_o church_n exercise_n towards_o her_o own_o member_n second_o they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o heal_n and_o recovery_n out_o of_o their_o spiritual_a malady_n if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v to_o their_o amendment_n they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v
deny_v the_o instrumentality_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v sure_a that_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o zion_n such_o will_v erect_v a_o babel_n and_o be_v ignorant_a where_o the_o green_a pasture_n of_o the_o gospel_n lie_v they_o will_v like_o idle_a shepherd_n either_o starve_v the_o sheep_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o at_o least_o poison_v they_o with_o unwholesome_a herbage_n and_o these_o i_o account_v as_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v false_a apostle_n and_o teacher_n by_o and_o to_o find_v they_o liar_n object_n but_o a_o objection_n may_v here_o arise_v from_o he_o that_o have_v the_o first_o call_v of_o ability_n from_o god_n that_o if_o i_o count_v it_o so_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o denominate_v he_o orthodox_n in_o his_o call_n to_o have_v the_o additional_a call_n of_o the_o church_n also_o but_o then_o say_v he_o to_o what_o church_n shall_v i_o repair_v to_o receive_v this_o call_n see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o be_v pretender_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o right_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o alone_o ordain_v authority_n be_v in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o other_o this_o be_v indeed_o locus_fw-la lubricus_fw-la a_o slippery_a question_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o deal_v with_o it_o lest_o i_o shall_v offend_v the_o contrary_n mind_v by_o ventilate_v my_o judgement_n herein_o but_o i_o profess_v ingenious_o it_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o party_n self_n interest_n nor_o by-affection_n that_o do_v lead_v i_o first_o to_o this_o undertake_n but_o only_o the_o general_a good_a of_o christian_n unto_o which_o the_o lord_n move_v my_o heart_n with_o much_o singleness_n of_o spirit_n be_v clear_o unbiased_a and_o not_o so_o overmuch_o engage_v to_o any_o of_o the_o new_a party_n of_o these_o time_n but_o that_o i_o can_v reserve_v my_o judgement_n free_a to_o close_v with_o truth_n wheresoever_o i_o can_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o but_o to_o prosecute_v my_o first_o intendment_n in_o the_o singleness_n of_o heart_n to_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o scantle_v of_o my_o judgement_n not_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o cloud_n but_o in_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n though_o for_o my_o reward_n i_o may_v have_v his_o hire_n that_o trace_v truth_n so_o near_o at_o the_o heel_n that_o have_v his_o tooth_n dash_v out_o for_o his_o pain_n but_o if_o i_o be_v a_o fool_n herein_o yet_o be_v repute_v a_o fool_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v some_o comfort_n and_o if_o i_o suffer_v loss_n herein_o yet_o this_o consideration_n will_v consolate_v magnis_fw-la tamen_fw-la excidit_fw-la ausis_fw-la first_o then_o to_o the_o business_n understand_v that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o scripture_n be_v ordinary_o take_v to_o avoid_v all_o criticise_n upon_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a gather_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v abundant_o be_v make_v good_a both_o by_o good_a authority_n and_o scripture_n now_o this_o church_n be_v either_o more_o improper_o first_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n or_o second_o more_o proper_o the_o visible_a church_n the_o invisible_a church_n comprehend_v only_o the_o elect_a and_o see_v their_o number_n to_o we_o be_v unknown_a therefore_o they_o be_v denominate_v invisible_a but_o second_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v either_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o visible_a universal_a catholic_a church_n or_o second_o for_o a_o visible_a particular_a political_a church_n now_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o church_n in_o this_o last_o notion_n for_o it_o be_v apparent_a the_o invisible_a church_n as_o invisible_a have_v not_o to_o do_v in_o visible_a and_o outward_a ordinance_n neither_o second_o the_o visible_a universal_a church_n can_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o their_o representative_n convene_v for_o the_o institution_n of_o officer_n for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o conveniency_n or_o with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reasonableness_n that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n disperse_v and_o plant_v in_o the_o various_a and_o far_o distant_a corner_n and_o land_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v either_o by_o themselves_o or_o their_o represent_v officer_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o catholic_a assembly_n for_o the_o dispose_n and_o confer_v of_o all_o mediate_a call_v and_o office_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o all_o wise_a order_n and_o gubernation_n in_o and_o over_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n that_o every_o part_n of_o this_o universal_a body_n i_o mean_v every_o particular_a christian_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a for_o every_o particular_a be_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v have_v within_o their_o own_o limit_n and_o jurisdiction_n a_o full_a power_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v and_o institute_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n to_o be_v call_v catholic_a in_o respect_n of_o any_o her_o officer_n for_o we_o know_v no_o such_o office_n since_o the_o first_o apostle_n that_o be_v so_o extraordinary_a gift_v as_o to_o have_v the_o denomination_n of_o catholic_a authority_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o they_o may_v be_v account_v to_o have_v jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la fit_a to_o be_v officer_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o so_o to_o have_v a_o potential_a right_n thereunto_o yet_o actual_a they_o have_v not_o before_o their_o particular_a call_v do_v invest_v they_o into_o jus_n in_o re_fw-la as_o well_o as_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n do_v to_o jus_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o catholic_a universal_a faith_n which_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o church_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o give_v denomination_n to_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o the_o result_v and_o conclusion_n of_o combine_a church_n provincial_a or_o national_a may_v be_v only_o admit_v as_o prudential_o bind_v and_o oblige_v as_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o canon_n but_o not_o as_o have_v a_o divine_a authority_n stamp_v upon_o they_o though_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a truth_n itself_o so_o that_o such_o constitution_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v not_o sole_o virtute_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la convocation_n be_v sed_fw-la virtute_fw-la veritatis_fw-la propositae_fw-la which_o if_o the_o same_o conclusion_n be_v enjoin_v by_o a_o particular_a christian_n political_a church_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o of_o that_o church_n not_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n therein_o but_o in_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o command_v and_o institute_n they_o such_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o prudential_a ecclesiastic_a edict_n and_o ecclesiastic_a divine_a institution_n the_o one_o be_v humane_a and_o bind_v only_o prudential_o the_o other_o be_v divine_a and_o oblige_v conscientious_o these_o consideration_n be_v clear_v i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n to_o what_o particular_a visible_a church_n must_v a_o candidate_n apply_v himself_o for_o a_o mediate_a authoritative_a call_n and_o mission_n to_o receive_v it_o right_o and_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o answer_v and_o take_v leave_v here_o first_o to_o distinguish_v and_o take_v notice_n between_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o the_o esse_fw-la of_o a_o call_n there_o may_v be_v particular_a church_n which_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o to_o be_v true_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o true_a one_o that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n yet_o mix_v with_o much_o rottenness_n and_o unsoundness_n and_o as_o a_o leprous_a person_n be_v a_o man_n yet_o a_o sorry_a one_o so_o a_o church_n hold_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n thereof_o yet_o entertain_v much_o corruption_n and_o error_n may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o christian_n church_n but_o a_o sad_a one_o so_o the_o ministerial_a call_n do_v answer_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o offspring_n constitution_n do_v follow_v the_o parent_n temperature_n strong_a issue_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v of_o sickly_a parent_n fort_n creantur_fw-la fortibus_fw-la &_o as_o seneca_n so_o in_o politic_a body_n of_o particular_a church_n if_o they_o be_v find_v and_o healthy_a in_o the_o faith_n their_o off_o spring_n be_v strong_a and_o healthy_a also_o then_o their_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n will_v be_v lively_a efficacious_a and_o virtual_a if_o ootherwise_o be_v with_o they_o they_o will_v lose_v much_o of_o their_o vigour_n life_n and_o virtue_n and_o
open_v and_o shut_v there_o be_v such_o a_o excellent_a image_n erect_v like_o the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o in_o dan._n 2.32_o who_o head_n be_v of_o fine_a gold_n his_o breast_n and_o arm_n of_o silver_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a and_o noble_a say_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o his_o time_n vos_fw-fr est_fw-fr be_v in_o ecclesia_fw-la sed_fw-la ego_fw-la extra_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la episcopus_fw-la though_o he_o be_v the_o great_a champion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o christian_n temporal_a saviour_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o open_v or_o shut_v in_o christ_n church_n nor_o extort_v the_o key_n of_o david_n or_o christ_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n to_o who_o christ_n leave_v it_o for_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n as_o by_o his_o delegated_a power_n what_o they_o bind_v in_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o they_o lose_v on_o earth_n be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o to_o wield_v his_o key_n but_o those_o to_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o method_n and_o way_n of_o direction_n who_o use_v they_o contrary_a to_o this_o they_o will_v find_v they_o scorpion_n in_o their_o hand_n ready_a to_o bite_v and_o destroy_v they_o instead_o of_o heal_v and_o cure_v remember_v the_o example_n of_o uzziah_n and_o tremble_v 2_o chron._n 26.16_o be_v it_o not_o the_o downfall_n to_o popery_n when_o spiritual_a man_n turn_v layick_n and_o bishop_n become_v prince_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n secular_a prince_n handle_v the_o spiritual_a key_n open_v and_o shut_v as_o they_o please_v make_v law_n edict_n and_o rule_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n prerogative_n only_o what_o undo_v our_o late_a episcopal_a hierarchy_n in_o england_n but_o mix_v sacred_a thing_n with_o profane_a make_v christ_n and_o caesar_n law_n all_o one_o the_o bishop_n he_o be_v make_v a_o temporal_a lord_n to_o act_v in_o the_o parliamentary_a and_o civil_a affair_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o in_o requital_n hereof_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n he_o be_v make_v supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enact_v what_o law_n he_o please_v as_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v to_o who_o he_o will_v by_o his_o high_a court_n of_o delegate_n and_o high_a commission_n etc._n etc._n such_o a_o church_n such_o a_o head_n a_o civil_a church_n a_o civil_a head_n such_o a_o church_n such_o law_n such_o officer_n such_o key_n such_o pow-ar_a all_o prudential_o and_o all_o of_o the_o present_a world_n wisdom_n and_o fabricate_a and_o therefore_o not_o strange_a that_o the_o fabric_n last_v no_o long_o but_o fall_v witâ—in_o few_o age_n after_o the_o first_o structure_n thereof_o and_o be_v it_o not_o now_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o church_n among_o we_o may_v be_v lull_v asleep_o as_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o constantine_n by_o overmuch_o indulgence_n and_o temporal_a honour_n cast_v upon_o she_o and_o her_o minister_n though_o i_o be_o not_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o just_a maintenance_n and_o temporal_a comfort_n yet_o i_o be_o jealous_a of_o they_o that_o all_o be_v not_o lambskin_n that_o appear_v so_o about_o they_o but_o that_o somewhat_o if_o not_o too_o much_o of_o the_o fox_n tail_n lie_v undiscovered_a within_o what_o mean_v else_o the_o bleat_n of_o the_o cattle_n i_o mean_v their_o press_v after_o preferment_n extraneous_a as_o to_o their_o church_n as_o head_n of_o university_n state-chaplain_n great_a parsonage_n commissioner_n and_o tryer_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o want_n of_o christ_n own_o key_n do_v often_o open_v to_o person_n against_o who_o christ_n have_v shut_v and_o shut_v against_o some_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v open_v so_o fallible_a be_v man_n that_o open_v with_o the_o wooden_a key_n of_o their_o own_o politic_n the_o lord_n deliver_v our_o sovereign_a magistrate_n from_o the_o snare_n of_o these_o spiritual_a machiavilian_o or_o machiavilian_a doctor_n that_o do_v teach_v the_o magistrate_n to_o lay_v his_o politic_n as_o rule_n to_o christ_n church_n that_o will_v have_v he_o open_a where_o christ_n shut_v and_o shut_v where_o christ_n open_v it_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a unto_o both_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n to_o move_v or_o act_v out_o of_o their_o own_o proper_a sphere_n but_o act_v in_o their_o own_o orb_n the_o one_o in_o his_o civil_a government_n and_o state_n the_o other_o in_o his_o spiritual_a policy_n and_o church_n so_o both_o become_v gracious_a and_o honourable_a in_o their_o respective_a government_n and_o dominion_n quest._n but_o what_o shall_v not_o christian_n magistrate_n do_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n or_o execute_v no_o part_n of_o their_o authority_n therein_o which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v first_o the_o magistrate_n may_v exercise_v his_o authority_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o several_a respect_n first_o in_o protect_v encourage_v and_o countenance_v the_o church_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o defend_v their_o liberty_n therein_o and_o so_o become_v nurse_n father_n unto_o the_o church_n second_o as_o christ_n do_v approve_v and_o command_v obedience_n from_o all_o to_o magistrate_n and_o their_o law_n as_o for_o god_n sake_n rom._n 13._o so_o magistrate_n shall_v approve_v and_o command_v christ_n law_n and_o government_n to_o be_v observe_v of_o all_o within_o their_o respective_a boundary_n and_o jurisdiction_n three_o if_o any_o prove_v turbulent_a seditious_a or_o factious_a in_o the_o church_n under_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n and_o so_o become_v a_o peace-breaker_n in_o the_o commonweal_n the_o magistrate_n may_v restrain_v he_o by_o his_o civil_a power_n four_o if_o any_o church_n member_n become_v a_o blasphemer_n a_o idolater_n a_o open_a delinquent_n against_o the_o first_o table_n or_o transgressor_n of_o the_o second_o the_o magistrate_n may_v chastise_v he_o for_o it_o over_z and_o above_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n not_o as_o require_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o civil_a law_n that_o equal_o reach_v all_o person_n that_o transgress_v they_o whether_o ecclesiastiques_n or_o other_o 2._o but_o second_o in_o the_o negative_a i_o answer_v that_o magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v nor_o be_v competent_a judge_n as_o magistrate_n of_o controversal_a point_n opinion_n doctrine_n or_o of_o thing_n mere_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n christ_n never_o endue_v the_o magistrate_n with_o such_o a_o power_n therefore_o the_o argument_n be_v very_o prevalent_a a_o negative_a that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o power_n the_o church_n alone_o under_o christ_n be_v endue_v with_o that_o power_n of_o try_v doctrine_n suppress_v error_n in_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n now_o to_o who_o this_o rule_n be_v give_v the_o foresay_a power_n be_v give_v but_o the_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n only_o and_o not_o to_o magistrate_n mat._n 18._o therefore_o the_o say_a power_n of_o try_v doctrine_n and_o suppress_v error_n be_v commit_v only_o to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o magistrate_n object_n but_o may_v not_o magistrate_n suppress_v error_n and_o use_v their_o authority_n to_o that_o end_n when_o they_o be_v thereunto_o well_o advise_v by_o a_o learned_a assembly_n of_o divine_n or_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v such_o adviser_n herein_o do_v first_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o call_n in_o their_o master_n service_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n plain_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v not_o provide_v a_o armoury_n sufficient_a in_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n to_o overthrow_v error_n as_o well_o as_o mean_n for_o their_o discovery_n be_v not_o this_o to_o run_v for_o carnal_a weapon_n whilst_o they_o lie_v by_o those_o make_v by_o god_n spiritual_a one_o and_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o power_n principality_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n second_o if_o magistrate_n act_n thus_o upon_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o they_o must_v not_o only_o see_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o act_n upon_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o do_v also_o hereby_o become_v but_o the_o executioner_n of_o their_o assembly_n decree_n what_o more_o do_v the_o popish_a prince_n when_o they_o execute_v the_o edict_n of_o the_o romish_a conclave_n and_o what_o otherwise_o do_v pilate_n when_o he_o become_v the_o executioner_n of_o the_o priest_n sentence_n upon_o christ_n in_o crucify_a he_o a_o seamark_n to_o all_o to_o take_v notice_n on_o this_o account_n three_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o suppress_v error_n because_o christ_n have_v other_o law_n ordinance_n and_o way_n to_o suppress_v they_o
prophecy_n than_o they_o that_o go_v before_o we_o and_o no_o discredit_n to_o they_o be_v they_o ever_o so_o godly_a and_o learned_a i_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o and_o no_o mean_a one_o that_o be_v go_v before_o on_o this_o theme_n be_v not_o without_o their_o maculae_fw-la and_o defect_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o they_o have_v appear_v of_o too_o private_a and_o narrow_a a_o spirit_n in_o their_o interpret_n and_o apply_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n unto_o their_o own_o time_n interest_n and_o design_n as_o if_o the_o action_n and_o revolution_n of_o every_o petty_a city_n and_o commonweal_n yea_o the_o end_n design_n and_o period_n of_o every_o person_n that_o divine_a providence_n exalt_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n somewhat_o beyond_o the_o common_a boundary_n of_o the_o ordinary_a lord_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v comprise_v predict_v foretold_v and_o prophesy_v of_o in_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n make_v strange_a and_o wild_a application_n of_o the_o vision_n and_o mystery_n of_o this_o book_n and_o where_o this_o conceit_n work_v strong_o it_o will_v work_v mad_o too_o when_o once_o it_o be_v elevate_v to_o that_o height_n and_o get_v a_o power_n than_o there_o must_v be_v no_o oppose_v of_o those_o end_n and_o design_n that_o such_o opinionist_n pretend_v as_o just_a collection_n from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n which_o they_o interpret_v according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o have_v only_o a_o be_v as_o wild_a chimera_n in_o their_o own_o deceive_a imagination_n this_o be_v that_o rock_n whereon_o some_o have_v former_o make_v shipwreck_n and_o perish_v thereon_o and_o other_o now_o adays_o be_v sail_v with_o a_o full_a gale_n towards_o the_o same_o charybdis_n and_o if_o god_n in_o mercy_n prevent_v not_o will_v thereon_o split_v and_o perish_v also_o but_o to_o return_v here_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o answer_n cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi or_o to_o what_o end_v i_o undertake_v this_o exercitation_n on_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n this_o last_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o dangerous_a rock_n be_v not_o the_o least_o end_n that_o i_o set_v before_o i_o in_o this_o undertake_n which_o end_v for_o better_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v here_o more_o particular_o set_v down_o in_o order_n 1._o my_o first_o be_v next_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o truth_n for_o the_o keep_v the_o saint_n foot_n straight_o in_o not_o stumble_v by_o a_o false_a interpret_n and_o apply_v of_o this_o book_n of_o prophecy_n and_o in_o vain_o endeavour_v the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o pull_n down_o all_o authority_n that_o oppose_v such_o pretender_n to_o their_o own_o utter_a ruin_n and_o undo_n without_o repentance_n 2._o that_o christ_n true_a saint_n may_v be_v comfort_v and_o support_v under_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n own_o true_a and_o real_a kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o come_v not_o this_o of_o weakness_n which_o be_v partly_o spiritual_a partly_o carnal_a but_o that_o of_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n when_o all_o his_o enemy_n shall_v be_v make_v his_o footstool_n and_o break_a and_o rule_v by_o his_o rod_n of_o iron_n which_o will_v be_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o appearance_n and_o come_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o not_o before_o 3._o in_o profit_v myself_o and_o other_o myself_o in_o write_v other_o in_o read_n as_o it_o be_v once_o say_v by_o augustine_n prodest_fw-la scribendo_fw-la &_o scribendo_fw-la prodest_fw-la we_o have_v all_o as_o aquinas_n testify_v long_v desire_n conjungi_fw-la cum_fw-la svo_fw-la principio_fw-la to_o be_v conjoin_v with_o our_o principle_n 4._o to_o redeem_v the_o time_n have_v spend_v many_o precious_a hour_n and_o day_n in_o folly_n and_o be_v example_n unto_o other_o in_o evil_n do_v so_o there_o be_v all_o reason_n we_o shall_v redeem_v the_o time_n and_o god_n call_v in_o this_o day_n of_o light_n both_o from_o myself_o and_o all_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v pattern_n unto_o other_o in_o well_o do_v if_o that_o possible_o we_o may_v redeem_v the_o lose_a time_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o folly_n last_o that_o god_n may_v have_v his_o end_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o creation_n we_o be_v bear_v not_o alone_o for_o ourselves_o but_o for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o generation_n to_o serve_v god_n therein_o faithful_o in_o all_o the_o relation_n that_o he_o call_v we_o to_o god_n have_v not_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n to_o spend_v away_o all_o our_o precious_a day_n in_o sport_n pastime_n and_o folly_n or_o about_o the_o more_o profitable_a affair_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o too_o too_o many_o be_v but_o to_o sacrifice_v some_o competent_a part_n thereof_o unto_o the_o service_n of_o our_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o our_o friend_n neighbour_n relation_n and_o posterity_n may_v take_v encouragement_n and_o example_n by_o we_o to_o live_v more_o unto_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o their_o creator_n have_v thus_o lay_v down_o my_o end_n in_o this_o undertake_n i_o have_v this_o more_o to_o acquaint_v thou_o with_o this_o exercitation_n be_v send_v forth_o as_o my_o first-born_a in_o this_o kind_n in_o public_a unto_o the_o world_n the_o second_o be_v intend_v also_o on_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o divine_a prophecy_n if_o god_n do_v continue_v but_o his_o wont_a mercy_n and_o encouragement_n thereunto_o this_o first_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o doctrinal_a and_o therefore_o i_o have_v herein_o follow_v a_o method_n with_o observation_n and_o note_n which_o the_o second_o will_v not_o so_o commodious_o admit_v the_o great_a work_n of_o that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o each_o prophecy_n and_o how_o the_o mystery_n figure_n and_o character_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v understand_v and_o apply_v to_o their_o proper_a time_n period_n state_n interest_n and_o revolution_n represent_v by_o they_o but_o this_o first_o be_v more_o practical_a and_o treat_v of_o divers_a question_n that_o be_v under_o dispute_n now_o in_o these_o day_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o let_v this_o see_v the_o light_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o try_v how_o it_o will_v taste_v upon_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o godly_a ingenious_a for_o if_o it_o savour_v well_o with_o they_o it_o will_v suffice_v and_o be_v a_o far_a encouragement_n unto_o the_o second_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v not_o please_v all_o in_o this_o write_n neither_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o writer_n with_o who_o all_o have_v be_v satisfy_v for_o according_a to_o the_o poet_n ad_fw-la capio_fw-la lectoris_fw-la habent_fw-la sva_fw-la fata_fw-la libelli_fw-la book_n do_v either_o hit_v or_o miss_v as_o the_o reader_n judgement_n be_v neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o in_o my_o thought_n to_o endeavour_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o so_o prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n or_o at_o least_o so_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n and_o servility_n in_o the_o world_n to_o captivate_v one_o reason_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o overween_a folly_n it_o be_v also_o far_o beneath_o my_o design_n to_o accommodate_v my_o write_n to_o the_o popular_a applause_n and_o as_o the_o tragedian_n say_v populo_fw-la ut_fw-la placerent_fw-la who_o common_o weigh_v not_o the_o matter_n by_o the_o truth_n and_o scriptural_a reason_n but_o by_o their_o own_o irregular_a fancy_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o be_o far_o from_o their_o humour_n who_o nil_fw-la rectum_fw-la reputant_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la placuit_fw-la sibi_fw-la ducunt_fw-la next_o i_o shall_v acquaint_v the_o ingenious_a reader_n that_o if_o any_o of_o my_o conclusion_n recede_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n i_o can_v willing_o wish_v all_o such_o a_o abortion_n in_o the_o very_a birth_n but_o if_o any_o thereof_o seem_v only_o to_o discede_fw-la from_o the_o common_a receive_v opinion_n let_v the_o ingenious_a consider_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v not_o want_v a_o protector_n or_o a_o sufficient_a defence_n and_o apologie_n i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o add_v in_o this_o way_n of_o apologize_v unto_o the_o reader_n but_o if_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n unto_o the_o truth_n herein_o discuss_v i_o wish_v he_o a_o far_a increase_n of_o divine_a light_n if_o he_o be_v malevolent_a thereunto_o all_o the_o harm_n i_o wish_v he_o be_v a_o better_a spirit_n and_o a_o more_o enlighten_v judgement_n if_o he_o be_v supine_n and_o negligent_a i_o wish_v he_o to_o add_v diligence_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o right_a enquiry_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a i_o wish_v he_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o true_a
to_o overturn_v all_o its_o opposite_n that_o assert_n that_o true_a real_a grace_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o pre-requisite_a as_o the_o condition_n unto_o baptism_n among_o many_o other_o argument_n of_o he_o against_o m._n blake'_v dogmatical_a faith_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v use_n of_o his_o four_o and_o five_o and_o eleven_o argument_n page_n 96._o of_o his_o apology_n and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o place_n for_o far_a satisfaction_n where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o argument_n both_o from_o authority_n and_o scripture_n levy_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o comport_v with_o this_o truth_n his_o four_o argument_n be_v they_o that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v true_a believer_n to_o justification_n but_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v then_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n flesh_n and_o devil_n therefore_o this_o abrenunciation_n have_v be_v practise_v always_o in_o 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word_n that_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o judas_n and_o simon_n magus_n faith_n which_o be_v only_o dogmatical_a and_o formal_a though_o rot_a in_o the_o root_n gives_z right_a of_o admission_n i_o answer_v first_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o give_v admission_n to_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n which_o so_o qualifi_v the_o person_n as_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o admit_v he_o as_o be_v one_o that_o seem_v sound_a in_o believe_v for_o judas_n be_v always_o reckon_v among_o the_o twelve_o before_o his_o traitorous_a betray_a act_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o simon_n be_v say_v to_o have_v believe_v also_o act_v 8.13_o now_o the_o church_n can_v but_o give_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a can_v deny_v admission_n either_o to_o simon_n or_o any_o other_o that_o desire_v it_o for_o charity_n think_v no_o evil_a and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o all_o and_o it_o be_v a_o old_a rule_n de_fw-fr occultis_fw-la non_fw-la judicat_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o second_o this_o be_v not_o a_o entitul_a and_o have_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o a_o foedere_fw-la for_o that_o alone_o be_v save_a faith_n which_o god_n in_o his_o covenant_n make_v the_o condition_n pre-requisite_a to_o such_o a_o right_a of_o admission_n which_o be_v before_o assert_v and_o prove_v and_o that_o that_o give_v right_a coram_fw-la deo_fw-la give_v a_o true_a title_n also_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la for_o according_a to_o a_o charitative_a judgement_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o will_n of_o such_o as_o desire_v admission_n be_v both_o true_a real_a and_o sanctify_a or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o desire_v it_o though_o oftentimes_o the_o sequel_n manifest_v that_o they_o be_v deceive_v therein_o and_o hereby_o it_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o the_o church_n door_n be_v wide_a than_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a do_v exceed_v the_o triumphant_a and_o be_v far_o enlarge_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o elect._n and_o herein_o this_o shall_v suffice_v observe_v 5._o that_o false_a teacher_n be_v most_o arrogant_a and_o pretend_v high_a to_o gift_n and_o mission_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n find_v it_o so_o in_o their_o false_a teacher_n and_o corinth_n also_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o who_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n say_v they_o be_v apostle_n they_o will_v needs_o get_v the_o honour_n of_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o calling_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o on_o trial_n they_o be_v find_v liar_n they_o be_v of_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n that_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o precedency_n and_o be_v above_o john_n himself_o and_o the_o true_a apostle_n gaudent_fw-la preesse_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la prosunt_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la grande_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la putant_fw-la preesse_fw-la &_o insolentius_fw-la &_o arrogantius_fw-la principes_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la locum_fw-la appertivisse_fw-la they_o be_v like_o those_o in_o jer._n 8.8_o who_o say_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o while_o their_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o lie_n and_o vanity_n and_o as_o those_o in_o ezek._n 13.6_o who_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v yet_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o a_o vain_a vision_n and_o a_o lie_a divination_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o demand_v why_o shall_v those_o false_a teacher_n denominate_v themselves_o to_o be_v apostle_n see_v the_o number_n be_v only_o limit_v to_o twelve_o i_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v denominate_v the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o century_n after_o christ_n the_o apostolical_a time_n though_o the_o twelve_o be_v dead_a for_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o be_v so_o near_o the_o fountain_n as_o church_n history_n manifest_v and_o our_o bishop_n jewel_n offer_v to_o join_v issue_n with_o the_o papist_n so_o far_o as_o the_o five_o century_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n as_o hold_v the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n second_o i_o answer_v this_o apostolical_a office_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o peculiar_a faculty_n of_o the_o twelve_o as_o to_o debar_v all_o other_o from_o that_o denomination_n and_o though_o i_o grant_v they_o be_v christ_n apostle_n catexochen_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o other_o that_o be_v send_v for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n signify_v in_o the_o greek_a in_o christ_n embassy_n unto_o the_o world_n may_v appropriate_v that_o title_n unto_o themselves_o as_o paul_n very_o often_o in_o his_o epistle_n have_v just_o vindicate_v his_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o may_v not_o barnabas_n with_o other_o that_o be_v send_v upon_o the_o same_o message_n with_o paul_n and_o the_o rest_n appropriate_v the_o same_o title_n and_o that_o just_o to_o themselves_o 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liberty_n for_o tender_a conscience_n in_o point_n disputable_a and_o therein_o be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v against_o their_o judgement_n by_o any_o outward_a power_n to_o external_a conformity_n for_o that_o indeed_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o uniformity_n but_o not_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o way_n to_o make_v hypocrite_n not_o saint_n yet_o nevertheless_o i_o shall_v not_o offer_v to_o open_v my_o mouth_n for_o a_o licentious_a liberty_n of_o pernicious_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v blasphemous_a idolatrous_a against_o god_n or_o his_o worship_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v such_o bear_v their_o censure_n and_o punishment_n not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o gospel_n warrant_n but_o that_o of_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n also_o he_o be_v custos_fw-la utriusque_fw-la tabulae_fw-la and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o bear_v the_o sword_n not_o in_o vain_a but_o i_o will_v always_o forelay_v this_o caution_n that_o none_o who_o life_n be_v sober_a and_o godly_a and_o desire_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o in_o this_o present_a world_n for_o difference_n in_o judgement_n shall_v be_v ensnare_v hereby_o but_o for_o a_o very_a little_a space_n shall_v we_o suffer_v a_o jezebel_n and_o impudent_a immodest_a or_o idolatrous_a false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o bear_v with_o it_o a_o hour_n for_o that_o which_o god_n have_v real_o declare_v himself_o against_o from_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v adversary_n to_o it_o also_o and_o that_o which_o god_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o and_o be_v against_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o tolerate_v false_a teacher_n in_o a_o church_n appear_v clear_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o in_o that_o they_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o his_o authority_n say_v the_o lord_n send_v they_o and_o speak_v unto_o they_o when_o the_o lord_n never_o appear_v to_o they_o second_o they_o cross_v god_n in_o his_o design_n god_n call_v his_o people_n to_o holiness_n peace_n and_o unity_n but_o false_a teacher_n set_v up_o some_o ungodly_a doctrine_n or_o practice_n to_o the_o undo_n of_o soul_n three_o they_o sadden_fw-mi the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a by_o their_o lie_n and_o vanity_n four_o they_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n servant_n they_o deceive_v they_o and_o entice_v they_o into_o the_o snare_n of_o their_o abomination_n five_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o such_o assembly_n as_o do_v embrace_v they_o or_o own_v they_o and_o final_o undo_v poor_a soul_n for_o ever_o without_o repentance_n quest_n if_o a_o free_a toleration_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v so_o great_a a_o evil_n in_o a_o church_n the_o question_n will_v be_v in_o who_o power_n be_v it_o lawful_o and_o juridical_o to_o remove_v they_o answ_n doubtless_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o thyatira_n that_o have_v the_o check_n and_o against_o who_o alone_a christ_n lay_v the_o charge_n for_o tolerate_v the_o woman_n jezebel_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o remove_v the_o evil_a from_o among_o they_o for_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v lay_v the_o charge_n of_o this_o sin_n against_o thyatira_n for_o tolerate_v jezebel_n be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o church_n power_n there_o within_o themselves_o to_o remedy_n remove_v and_o eject_v that_o false_a prophetess_n christ_n never_o blame_v any_o one_o of_o those_o seven_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v suffer_v in_o another_o not_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thyatira_n nor_o thyatira_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o sardis_n or_o laodicea_n but_o every_o one_o be_v charge_v particular_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n neither_o be_v the_o more_o pure_a church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n or_o philadelphia_n empower_v command_v or_o authorise_v either_o joint_n in_o a_o combination_n as_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n or_o single_o as_o a_o prelatical_a superintendent_n over_o the_o rest_n to_o remove_v or_o reform_v the_o evil_n among_o the_o rest_n but_o every_o one_o be_v commend_v apart_o for_o their_o respective_a grace_n and_o every_o one_o by_o itself_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v and_o reform_v apart_o from_o their_o sinful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n and_o some_o age_n after_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o a_o lording_n episcopacy_n or_o presbytery_n over_o many_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o once_o but_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v then_o full_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o all_o alike_o and_o of_o one_o extent_n within_o their_o own_o boundary_n and_o that_o superiority_n in_o church_n come_v in_o with_o the_o defection_n and_o fall_v away_o which_o be_v foment_v and_z nourish_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o bishop_n till_o at_o last_o it_o become_v pure_o antichristian_a we_o know_v all_o church_n be_v sister_n and_o therefore_o equal_a in_o power_n and_o privilege_n under_o one_o spiritual_a head_n that_o be_v christ_n gal._n 1.18_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la equal_v can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o equal_n unless_o by_o usurpation_n or_o tyranny_n or_o otherwise_o by_o compact_n if_o it_o be_v only_o by_o compact_n and_o agreement_n as_o when_o among_o ourselves_o and_o equal_n we_o choose_v our_o parliament_n man_n to_o be_v our_o legislator_n and_o ruler_n but_o if_o so_o church_n that_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n get_v a_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o sister_n church_n call_v it_o what_o you_o will_v either_o classical_a provincial_a or_o national_a sure_o at_o best_a it_o be_v but_o of_o a_o prudential_a and_o civil_a institution_n and_o to_o give_v it_o a_o divine_a stamp_n be_v more_o than_o it_o will_v bear_v peruse_v cap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o last_o past_o where_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n thou_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o thou_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n m._n perkins_n on_o that_o vers_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n god_n give_v a_o full_a juridical_a power_n either_o to_o admit_v or_o keep_v out_o examine_v or_o cast_v out_o suspend_v or_o do_v any_o other_o juridical_a act_n or_o act_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n write_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o respective_a church_n as_o distinct_a church_n without_o dependency_n upon_o any_o but_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n king_n and_o sovereign_n actâ—_n 15.22_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o rom._n 1.6_o 1._o col._n 1_o 2_o 24._o ephes_n 5.24_o they_o be_v all_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n under_o one_o head_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n to_o one_o husband_n sister_n of_o one_o mother_n cant._n 8.8_o none_o of_o they_o be_v servant_n or_o slave_n to_o the_o other_o not_o hagar_n but_o sarahs_n free_a and_o equal_a all_o of_o they_o be_v spouse_n of_o christ_n of_o equal_a privilege_n and_o authority_n all_o of_o they_o be_v golden_a candlestick_n shine_v church_n among_o who_o christ_n equal_o walk_v rev._n 1.12_o all_o have_v equal_a and_o like_a power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v admit_v and_o reject_v receive_v or_o deny_v and_o for_o one_o church_n to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o another_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o diotrephes-like_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o prelatical_a humour_n which_o do_v very_o little_o comport_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o scripture_n mat_n 16.16_o act_n 9.26.14.23_o rev._n 2.2_o act._n 1.15_o 6_o 2_o 3._o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2.5_o 6._o quest_n 2._o but_o another_o question_n may_v hence_o arise_v whether_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n chief_a officer_n pastor_n or_o minister_n can_v alone_o remove_v this_o jezebel_n legal_o and_o judicial_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fraternity_n which_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o he_o or_o whither_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v single_o in_o the_o officer_n and_o eldership_n or_o joint_o in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n elder_n and_o brethren_n together_o i_o answer_v first_o understand_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v the_o sign_n be_v put_v for_o the_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o key_n the_o ensign_n of_o authority_n for_o authority_n itself_o and_o this_o authority_n be_v either_o first_o supreme_a and_o monarchical_a and_o this_o reside_v only_o in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v sole_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o he_o be_v head_n of_o the_o body_n and_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n and_o open_v and_o no_o