they_o and_o to_o convent_v any_o offender_n before_o they_o and_o to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o censure_n and_o punishment_n if_o the_o crime_n lay_v against_o he_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o the_o people_n under_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n such_o a_o power_n be_v every_o presbytery_n invest_v with_o through_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o this_o mr_n knollys_n have_v acknowledge_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o this_o his_o pamphlet_n &_o in_o this_o his_o very_a answer_n concern_v diotrephes_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o and_o all_o this_o s._n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o which_o he_o be_v both_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o member_n that_o the_o presbytery_n rule_v there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n make_v their_o address_n as_o well_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o better_a rectify_v of_o abuse_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n and_o appeal_v always_o unto_o they_o and_o never_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o people_n or_o the_o multitude_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o these_o particular_n as_o first_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o direction_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2._o they_o go_v not_o to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n but_o to_o the_o apostle_n know_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v their_o guide_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o so_o in_o the_o fact_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n when_o they_o have_v purloin_v the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v order_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o common_a consent_n that_o the_o price_n of_o those_o possession_n that_o be_v sell_v shall_v be_v lay_v down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o that_o distribution_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_n contrary_a to_o this_o order_n ananias_n keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n saphira_n his_o wife_n also_o be_v privy_a to_o it_o hereupon_o the_o people_n appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n than_o lie_v and_o who_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v and_o punish_v they_o as_o they_o do_v for_o that_o their_o delinquency_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v act_n the_o 5._o they_o go_v not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o church_n but_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o of_o this_o proceed_n saint_n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a again_o when_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o this_o abuse_n they_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o of_o the_o act_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o church_n or_o people_n who_o order_v that_o business_n and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n among_o they_o to_o which_o the_o people_n assent_v this_o also_o saint_n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o and_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o other_o church_n have_v power_n to_o send_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o other_o minister_n into_o any_o other_o place_n to_o preach_v or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 8_o and_o act_n 14_o &_o 15._o for_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n to_o preach_v among_o the_o people_n there_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v except_o the_o presbitry_n have_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o they_o we_o see_v also_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n where_o they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o the_o presbitry_n at_o jerusalem_n &_o the_o presbitry_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o likewise_o send_v their_o decree_n by_o their_o minister_n through_o all_o city_n and_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v have_v they_o not_o have_v authority_n over_o the_o minister_n again_o s._n john_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n lay_v not_o in_o the_o people_n hand_n for_o we_o read_v act_n the_o 9_o when_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o &_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n st_n paul_n appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n lie_v and_o declare_v unto_o they_o how_o matter_n be_v they_o admit_v he_o into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n &_o their_o good_a like_n for_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o these_o proceed_n saint_n john_n know_v very_o well_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o council_n to_o appeal_v to_o in_o all_o church_n yea_o saint_n john_n know_v also_o that_o the_o presbytry_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o do_v upon_o any_o occasion_n convent_v they_o before_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 11._o chap._n and_o 21._o where_o peter_n be_v call_v before_o the_o presbytery_n for_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o be_v therefore_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n there_o which_o he_o do_v all_o with_o show_n there_o be_v there_o a_o stand_a court_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n the_o presbytry_n give_v saint_n paul_n a_o order_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o towards_o the_o weak_a one_o which_o he_o follow_v all_o which_o show_v that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o and_o that_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o people_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v s._n john_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o &_o therefore_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o that_o church_n also_o where_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o presbyter_n there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n to_o appeal_v unto_o or_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o spend_v time_n in_o prove_v that_o which_o to_o any_o understand_a man_n be_v as_o evident_a a_o and_o clear_a as_o almost_o any_o other_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o when_o mr_n knollys_n have_v prove_v it_o himself_o in_o formal_a word_n in_o many_o place_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n for_o he_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n establish_v in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n be_v put_v into_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v those_o presbyter_n as_o their_o guide_n and_o in_o express_a term_n page_n the_o seven_o say_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o a_o elder_a who_o he_o know_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n or_o particular_a congregation_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v member_n therein_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v diotrephes_n as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n may_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o verse_n 17._o in_o these_o word_n he_o confess_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o presbyter_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v he_o which_o do_v necessary_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o court_n there_o for_o judgement_n and_o censure_n and_o inflict_v of_o punishment_n be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o court_n or_o magistracy_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n beside_o for_o further_a illustration_n of_o his_o meaning_n he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o its_o member_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v over_o its_o member_n now_o all_o man_n that_o have_v read_v the_o first_o and_o second_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n with_o plenary_a authority_n from_o christ_n himself_o both_o to_o convent_n and_o censure_n and_o that_o with_o the_o severe_a punishment_n those_o that_o do_v public_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n now_o if_o that_o church_n that_o st._n john_n write_v unto_o be_v equal_a in_o power_n to_o that_o of_o corinth_n and_o that_o
presbyter_n or_o in_o common_a council_n with_o they_o those_o action_n i_o say_v be_v do_v and_o act_v by_o man_n which_o be_v apostle_n but_o not_o as_o they_o be_v apostle_n exclusive_o so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o act_v they_o under_o another_o notion_n neither_o will_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v it_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v preach_v take_v the_o trust_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v officer_n as_o apostle_n exclusive_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o as_o by_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o none_o may_v do_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o apostle_n which_o the_o brethren_n will_v not_o assent_v unto_o as_o for_o some_o instance_n in_o that_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n the_o apostle_n there_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n for_o in_o constitute_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o they_o act_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n but_o in_o ordain_v man_n to_o that_o office_n which_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o brethren_n will_v yield_v to_o this_o for_o if_o they_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v herein_o act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n &_o partly_o as_o presbyter_n they_o must_v then_o accord_v that_o they_o act_v either_o only_a as_o presbyter_n or_o only_o as_o apostle_n if_o only_o as_o presbyter_n thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o presbyter_n have_v power_n not_o only_o to_o ordain_v man_n but_o to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n if_o only_o as_o apostle_n than_o hence_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o presbyter_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ordain_v man_n into_o any_o office_n nor_o for_o so_o much_o as_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consult_v about_o act_n of_o government_n either_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o church_n government_n will_v speedy_o be_v overthrow_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o difficult_a thing_n in_o our_o brethren_n or_o any_o other_o man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o for_o look_v by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n they_o make_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v not_o only_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o imitation_n but_o even_o a_o proof_n of_o institution_n yet_o decline_v other_o thing_n practise_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n as_o thing_n not_o only_o by_o institution_n not_o command_v to_o we_o but_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v imitate_v by_o we_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o may_v infallible_o distinguish_v between_o what_o they_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n judge_n and_o governor_n and_o withal_o they_o may_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o what_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o synod_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o as_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o be_v to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o suffrage_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o choose_v of_o their_o deacon_n so_o for_o another_o instance_n as_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o divers_a assembly_n and_o all_o these_o congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n who_o be_v officer_n govern_v that_o joint_o and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v here_o likewise_o they_o leave_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o age_n for_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o a_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o these_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n and_o presbytery_n and_o for_o a_o three_o instance_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o assembly_n act_v not_o by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n do_v as_o when_o they_o be_v write_v of_o scripture_n but_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o scripture_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a discuss_v in_o act_n 15._o which_o we_o never_o read_v they_o do_v when_o they_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v by_o dispute_v argue_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o the_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n or_o any_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v in_o this_o action_n also_o and_o their_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n viz._n to_o congregate_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o some_o one_o place_n to_z state_z the_o question_n and_o to_o debate_v from_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o write_a word_n as_o their_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o the_o common-council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o these_o their_o proceed_n they_o must_v ever_o cleave_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o warrantable_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o as_o then_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n signify_v the_o judge_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n who_o have_v the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o their_o place_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a overseer_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o be_v assign_v in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o to_o look_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o government_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a or_o absent_a the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o this_o constitution_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o i_o be_o confident_a the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v obey_v they_o nor_o have_v relinquish_v their_o authority_n neither_o ought_v they_o but_o will_v still_o have_v keep_v that_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o several_a action_n and_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n join_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o presbyter_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o both_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v at_o any_o time_n in_o council_n with_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i_o be_o ever_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a against_o any_o man_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o parliament_n whether_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o commons_o may_v as_o well_o say_v we_o have_v make_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o any_o twenty_o of_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a council_n and_o that_o without_o disparagement_n or_o impeach_v the_o dignity_n of_o any_o when_o they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o very_a notion_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o in_o my_o contemplation_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n as_o the_o grand_a civil_a presbytery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v
as_o he_o be_v precedent_n in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o many_o year_n after_o he_o continue_v still_o the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n there_o among_o the_o presbyter_n and_o know_v very_o well_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n there_o and_o what_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n there_o be_v inhabitant_n in_o that_o church_n all_o which_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o have_v his_o residence_n continual_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o paul_n come_v thither_o to_o the_o feast_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v act_v the_o 21_o chapter_n be_v inform_v by_o he_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n but_o what_o those_o disciple_n have_v hear_v concern_v his_o preach_n which_o show_v not_o only_o that_o saint_n james_n have_v his_o abode_n in_o that_o city_n but_o that_o those_o believer_n likewise_o be_v dweller_n and_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o that_o now_o he_o have_v very_o good_a acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o yea_o which_o be_v more_o at_o that_o very_a time_n that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o those_o alm_n peter_n and_o james_n be_v then_o in_o that_o city_n if_o not_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n also_o as_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n abundant_o show_v and_o without_o doubt_n they_o all_o join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o in_o a_o common-council_n order_v how_o the_o alm_n shall_v be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o deacon_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o it_o do_v most_o necessary_o follow_v what_o so_o ever_o mr._n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o scripture_n record_v that_o the_o relief_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o judaea_n &_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o metropolis_n city_n in_o judaea_n and_o in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n v._o 25._o it_o be_v relate_v that_o barnabas_n &_o paul_n return_v from_o jerusalem_n whither_o they_o have_v carry_v the_o alm_n so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o princiall_a and_o chief_a presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n among_o the_o other_o presbyter_n it_o may_v not_o be_v credit_v that_o they_o i_o say_v be_v the_o prime_a magistrate_n and_o governor_n do_v sit_v still_o and_o leave_v the_o rule_n order_v and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n to_o other_o of_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n and_o they_o of_o inferior_a rank_n but_o they_o also_o act_v their_o part_n in_o the_o government_n at_o that_o time_n as_o well_o as_o at_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v when_o the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a power_n and_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o either_o and_o when_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o joint_a consent_n and_o when_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o all_o it_o necessary_o follow_v notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o garrulity_n that_o my_o argument_n out_o of_o that_o scripture_n will_v ever_o stand_v good_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o send_n of_o the_o relief_n to_o the_o elder_n make_v good_a these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o only_a man_n in_o authority_n there_o and_o second_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n govern_v and_o rule_v it_o by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n yea_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n confirm_v i_o in_o my_o opinion_n who_o say_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o that_o all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n be_v to_o be_v transact_v and_o manage_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o and_o not_o by_o the_o determination_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a presbyter_n in_o either_o of_o those_o church_n much_o less_o by_o any_o other_o person_n or_o people_n in_o they_o but_o the_o presbyter_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v concern_v the_o confirmation_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n ground_v upon_o that_o scripture_n that_o the_o relief_n and_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o second_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o as_o he_o himself_o set_v it_o down_o in_o the_o 12._o page_z of_o his_o book_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n the_o major_a and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v say_v the_o doctor_n the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v thus_o master_n knollys_n relate_v this_o argument_n whole_o pass_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o this_o argument_n he_o first_o thus_o reply_v i_o know_v not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o brethren_n ever_o deny_v ed_z that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v so_o that_o he_o assent_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n which_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o by_o that_o argument_n so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o people_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n for_o they_o be_v not_o presbyter_n by_o office_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v his_o ambition_n to_o be_v think_v some_o body_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n that_o he_o quarrel_v the_o form_n of_o my_o syllogism_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o show_v i_o how_o i_o shall_v have_v frame_v it_o aright_o but_o all_o those_o that_o know_v indeed_o what_o real_o belong_v to_o learning_n will_v easy_o perceive_v the_o man_n do_v but_o babble_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v spend_v time_n in_o trifle_v with_o he_o about_o form_n mood_n and_o figure_n in_o syllogism_n who_o know_v no_o more_o in_o logic_n then_o the_o horse_n he_o preach_v on_o i_o may_v be_v think_v as_o vain_a as_o himself_o therefore_o entreat_v he_o hereafter_o to_o learn_v his_o grand-dame_n to_o suck_v and_o not_o i_o to_o make_v syllogism_n pass_v by_o all_o those_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v set_v down_o what_o he_o have_v far_a to_o reply_v to_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o 13._o page_n and_o then_o answer_v to_o that_o and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v with_o he_o i_o will_v come_v to_o i._n s._n that_o learned_a gentleman_n and_o profound_a clerk_n master_n knollys_n to_o this_o argument_n thus_o far_a answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o as_o apostle_n act._n 15._o and_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n first_o because_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o and_o over_o all_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 28._o but_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o some_o one_o church_n only_o as_o ephesus_n act._n 20._o 28._o or_o philippi_n phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o this_o the_o doctor_n often_o insert_v in_o his_o book_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o they_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbyter_n page_n 12._o and_o second_o because_o this_o will_v make_v the_o presbyter_n independent_a indeed_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a on_o christ_n by_o who_o holy_a spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o and_o though_o the_o doctor_n say_v the_o presbyter_n may_v say_v so_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n be_v mention_v there_o the_o
doctor_n may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act_v 15._o 4._o 12._o 22._o 23_o 25_o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o and_o the_o doctor_n may_v as_o well_o have_v affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o thus_o master_n knollys_n please_v his_o own_o humour_n in_o heap_v up_o a_o senseless_a and_o confuse_a multitude_n of_o word_n and_o that_o only_a to_o delude_v the_o people_n but_o shall_v i_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o all_o the_o error_n of_o this_o his_o babble_n and_o nonsense_n and_o give_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o they_o true_o i_o may_v make_v a_o very_a large_a discourse_n i_o will_v therefore_o study_v brevity_n and_o answer_v he_o in_o a_o few_o word_n though_o i_o will_v omit_v nothing_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v say_v thus_o much_o that_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o vain_a frivolous_a and_o fond_a as_o by_o the_o sequel_n will_v appear_v but_o whereas_o he_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a beg_v the_o question_n and_o a_o fond_a trifle_n in_o a_o serious_a and_o weighty_a matter_n when_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o that_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v not_o only_o call_v presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n real_o as_o well_o as_o virtual_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z deny_v not_o and_o that_o they_o act_v also_o as_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v as_o ordinary_a ruler_n and_o officer_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o also_o in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n for_o otherwise_o their_o example_n can_v not_o indeed_o have_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyte_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n if_o in_o either_o of_o they_o they_o have_v act_v as_o extraordinary_a man_n by_o a_o transcendent_a and_o superlative_a power_n and_o by_o a_o inimitable_a authority_n and_o as_o man_n immediate_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o when_o they_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_a tribe_n and_o all_o their_o brethren_n of_o new_a england_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o take_v the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n in_o their_o new_a church_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o accord_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o take_v their_o example_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n of_o gather_v into_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n all_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n have_v act_v and_o manage_v they_o only_o as_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o by_o a_o special_a dispensation_n from_o heaven_n and_o as_o only_o peculiar_a unto_o themselves_o as_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a governor_n so_o that_o while_o master_n knollys_n fight_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o against_o i_o he_o with_o the_o same_o weapon_n wound_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n who_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o extraordinary_a man_n take_v their_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o elder_n and_o of_o call_v synod_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o discover_n of_o his_o ignorance_n and_o futility_n as_o for_o his_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n that_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n because_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o say_v have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n they_o be_v foolish_a and_o vain_a and_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o enervate_a or_o weaken_v of_o my_o argument_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v as_o the_o learned_a well_o know_v that_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o ruler_n therefore_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n they_o do_v nothing_o ordinary_a or_o for_o the_o imitation_n of_o other_o church_n governor_n i_o say_v this_o can_v never_o follow_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n neither_o will_v any_o judicious_a man_n thus_o argue_v because_o the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a man_n and_o officer_n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o the_o act_n of_o ordinary_a governor_n whereas_o when_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o it_o it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o of_o do_v the_o like_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ever_o to_o consider_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n to_o have_v act_v as_o ordinary_a governor_n and_z ruler_n and_o for_o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n grollish_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v independent_a in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a upon_o christ_n by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o in_o every_o sentence_n i_o may_v say_v word_n there_o be_v a_o error_n for_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o independent_a at_o all_o no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n but_o they_o be_v ever_o tie_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o that_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v john_n 5._o search_n the_o scripture_n and_o luke_n 14._o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o yea_o saint_n peter_n 2_o epist_n chap._n 1._o v._n 19_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o we_o do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o 24._o of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n make_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n profess_v that_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o they_o so_o that_o when_o peter_n swarve_v from_o that_o rule_n &_o begin_v among_o the_o galatian_n to_o halt_v &_o temporize_v paul_n resist_v he_o to_o his_o face_n and_o accuse_v he_o open_o of_o prevarication_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o so_o far_o they_o be_v from_o be_v independent_o that_o they_o be_v always_o to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v not_o to_o move_v but_o as_o he_o direct_v act._n 16._o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n to_o they_o at_o any_o time_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n 11._o where_o peter_n be_v question_v and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v in_o his_o answer_n for_o satisfaction_n the_o other_o apostle_n also_o be_v subject_n unto_o that_o presbytery_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v spend_v their_o time_n among_o the_o gentile_n yea_o paul_n himself_o receive_v order_n from_o the_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n act_v 21._o and_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v not_o only_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o all_o other_o church_n also_o and_o be_v send_v on_o their_o message_n at_o any_o time_n for_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v
scandal_n which_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o their_o widow_n in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n where_o they_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o particular_a congregation_n assume_v not_o the_o authority_n into_o their_o hand_n of_o redress_v the_o abuse_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o right_n to_o the_o government_n but_o appeal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n for_o remedy_n who_o order_v that_o whole_a business_n by_o joint_a consent_n to_o which_o all_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n of_o the_o acts._n the_o three_o appeal_n we_o find_v act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n and_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n saint_n paul_n forth_o with_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o know_v have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o make_v know_v his_o cause_n unto_o they_o they_o forthwith_o admit_v he_o into_o church-fellow-ship_n with_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o indeed_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o in_o the_o admit_v of_o member_n of_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o and_o therefore_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o appeal_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n whether_o to_o fly_v to_o wit_v the_o to_o presbytery_n if_o they_o be_v injure_v by_o the_o people_n or_o debar_v from_o any_o church-priviledge_n by_o they_o for_o they_o only_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n to_o who_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a or_o unworthy_a and_o this_o be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_v and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v three_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n in_o the_o mother-church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o presbytery_n upon_o any_o abuse_n so_o that_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o their_o witness_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n this_o truth_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o that_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v plenary_a power_n over_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o can_v call_v they_o at_o any_o time_n to_o a_o account_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o eleven_o of_o the_o act_n where_o peter_n be_v convent_v &_o questionedbefore_n they_o and_o be_v force_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o preach_v unto_o they_o which_o he_o willing_o yield_v unto_o know_v it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o question_v any_o yea_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n can_v send_v the_o very_a apostle_n &_o minister_n to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n or_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o message_n as_o we_o see_v they_o send_v peter_n and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o other_o minister_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v evident_a act_n the_o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o and_o therefore_o all_o these_o example_n sufficient_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o every_o church_n make_v their_o appeal_n to_o their_o several_a presbytery_n if_o there_o arise_v any_o controversy_n and_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o and_o if_o there_o arise_v any_o difference_n between_o church_n and_o church_n or_o between_o presbytery_n and_o presbytery_n about_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n than_o they_o make_v their_o appeal_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o those_o controversy_n to_o counsel_n and_o synod_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o act_v the_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v so_o that_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a can_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o those_o that_o shall_v but_o with_o due_a deliberation_n serious_o examine_v the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v and_o those_o that_o follow_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n will_v wonder_v that_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o learning_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v shall_v ever_o dare_v say_v that_o appeal_n can_v be_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n whereas_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o clear_a and_o evident_a than_o this_o of_o appeal_n yea_o this_o method_n of_o deal_v and_o manner_n of_o handle_v of_o business_n of_o public_a offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o they_o be_v ratify_v by_o the_o very_a light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o all_o the_o government_n under_o the_o very_a heathen_n and_o paul_n make_v use_v of_o it_o by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n to_o caesar_n tribunal_n and_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v bring_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a where_o we_o know_v they_o have_v appeal_n from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o nay_o if_o christian_n now_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o the_o pagan_a nation_n and_o sure_o christ_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o either_o the_o jewish_a or_o ethnic_n kingdom_n be_v and_o therefore_o by_o all_o reason_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n matth._n the_o 13._o and_o beside_o the_o precedent_n i_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v appeal_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o appeal_n be_v sufficient_o establish_v and_o ratify_v so_o that_o i_o hope_v that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o brief_o set_v down_o may_v satisfy_v any_o rational_a man_n but_o before_o i_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o people_n or_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a i_o must_v say_v something_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o a_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a cavil_n of_o master_n knollys_n which_o be_v this_o if_o the_o doctor_n can_v prove_v these_o appeal_n say_v he_o i_o ask_v he_o whether_o that_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o as_o independent_a as_o the_o brethren_n and_o their_o church_n against_o who_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v and_o if_o so_o than_o such_o a_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n by_o the_o doctor_n own_o confession_n and_o affirmation_n the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o fond_a cavil_n have_v be_v enough_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o to_o any_o solid_a man_n and_o true_o have_v not_o i_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o trifle_a creature_n as_o he_o be_v in_o serious_a business_n who_o count_v every_o word_n he_o scrible_v a_o oracle_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v by_o it_o with_o silence_n as_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o all_o his_o other_o wrangle_n be_v except_o it_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o know_v not_o his_o own_o principle_n nor_o no_o good_a learning_n but_o for_o answer_v all_o such_o as_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o independent_o know_v that_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o settle_a belief_n that_o all_o church_n and_o counsel_n be_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o same_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o be_v hear_v that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n gal._n 1._o and_o this_o word_n have_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n isay_n 8._o and_o proclaim_v all_o man_n that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o that_o to_o be_v in_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o my_o opinion_n no_o church_n or_o council_n in_o the_o world_n be_v independent_a and_o therefore_o all_o such_o church_n and_o counsel_n as_o have_v not_o either_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o follow_v their_o own_o vain_a and_o idle_a fantasy_n and_o affect_v independency_n in_o my_o opinion_n they_o in_o so_o order_v their_o church_n do_v not_o according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n now_o when_o the_o
independent_a government_n be_v such_o they_o be_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o that_o government_n only_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o have_v both_o precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o god_n word_n upon_o which_o they_o depend_v and_o this_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o not_o that_o which_o master_n knollys_n will_v grollish_o put_v upon_o i_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o piece_n of_o nonsense_n of_o he_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o his_o answer_n and_o that_o which_o i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n in_o any_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v they_o have_v and_o for_o instance_n produce_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o colosse_n understand_v by_o church_n the_o people_n who_o he_o say_v have_v power_n over_o the_o member_n miserable_o mistake_v himself_o and_o abuse_v the_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a soul_n by_o it_o as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v to_o those_o that_o can_v discern_v thing_n that_o differ_v or_o be_v but_o a_o little_a acquaint_v in_o matter_n of_o government_n either_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a for_o if_o man_n do_v once_o but_o right_o understand_v what_o a_o church_n be_v according_a to_o the_o description_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o new-testament_n and_o consider_v withal_o of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o church_n which_o by_o saint_n paul_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n they_o will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o governor_n and_o ruler_n be_v compare_v unto_o the_o head_n and_o all_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o eye_n ear_n hand_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o other_o member_n in_o the_o body_n and_o that_o all_o the_o other_o member_n under_o they_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o rule_v by_o the_o head_n and_o other_o more_o noble_a part_n and_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o direction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n some_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o other_o to_o be_v rule_v in_o it_o and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v ever_o to_o obey_v for_o none_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n leave_v their_o station_n unless_o they_o by_o violence_n be_v cut_v off_o as_o all_o rational_a creature_n do_v very_o well_o know_v for_o the_o head_n be_v ever_o the_o head_n the_o eye_n be_v ever_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n be_v ever_o the_o ear_n and_o the_o hand_n be_v ever_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n for_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 27._o now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n &c_n &c_n intimate_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n and_o help_v in_o government_n in_o the_o church_n every_o of_o they_o keep_v their_o station_n to_o wit_n they_o that_o be_v once_o apostle_n teacher_n or_o governor_n do_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n ever_o so_o to_o be_v and_o never_o lose_v their_o place_n but_o always_o to_o the_o day_n of_o their_o death_n remain_v and_o continue_v still_o to_o be_v apostle_n prophet_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o ephesian_n vers_fw-la 11._o where_o saint_n paul_n say_v he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o come_v all_o into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n we_o find_v not_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o of_o those_o true_a minister_n be_v at_o any_o time_n degrade_v or_o lose_v any_o thing_n either_o of_o their_o title_n or_o of_o their_o authority_n but_o as_o god_n have_v put_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o have_v give_v they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o make_v they_o steward_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n so_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v the_o head_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n we_o find_v likewise_o that_o in_o every_o several_a church_n of_o the_o new-testament_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n ordain_v as_o act_v the_o 14._o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o several_a church_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n that_o the_o people_n and_o member_n of_o those_o church_n be_v command_v to_o obey_v their_o presbyter_n as_o their_o guide_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o heb._n 13._o as_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v we_o find_v likewise_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o precedent_n of_o all_o other_o church_n that_o the_o people_n there_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n among_o themselves_o assume_v not_o the_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n but_o apply_v themselves_o and_o make_v their_o address_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o they_o order_v every_o thing_n according_a as_o they_o think_v good_a and_o that_o the_o people_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n we_o find_v further_o that_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n as_o question_v any_o offender_n for_o the_o censure_a and_o punish_v of_o they_o for_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o excommunication_n it_o be_v do_v either_o by_o the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o office_n and_o not_o by_o the_o multitude_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o cor._n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 6._o a_o place_n so_o much_o abuse_v by_o the_o independent_o sufficient_a say_v the_o apostle_n to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o censure_n which_o be_v inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o inflict_v by_o all_o the_o people_n but_o by_o such_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n lay_v which_o be_v the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o many_o or_o of_o many_o and_o true_o if_o we_o will_v but_o due_o read_v the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n which_o be_v write_v to_o they_o and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_v set_v down_o in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v only_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o several_a church_n through_o all_o nation_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n as_o the_o ruler_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o to_o obey_v again_o if_o we_o look_v but_o into_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n revel_v 2._o &_o 2._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o epistle_n christ_n write_v unto_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o several_a church_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n lay_v and_o who_o have_v both_o the_o praise_n of_o well_o do_v and_o blame_v of_o any_o evil_a either_o commit_v or_o tolerate_v by_o they_o for_o see_v they_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o steward_n and_o guide_n of_o those_o church_n and_o to_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o same_o all_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o malversation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o member_n in_o they_o be_v impute_v unto_o they_o as_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o not_o use_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o those_o abuse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n that_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n
own_a disciple_n who_o have_v the_o best_a and_o frequent_a instruction_n not_o only_o hesitate_v that_o be_v doubt_v but_o be_v right_o down_o scandalize_v at_o the_o messiah_n the_o second_o be_v because_o other_o do_v under_o the_o form_n of_o johns_n baptism_n fight_v against_o the_o true_a baptism_n and_o the_o baptizer_n the_o lord_n jesus_n these_o his_o reason_n i_o affirm_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mere_a calumny_n and_o a_o false_a accusation_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v but_o his_o own_o wicked_a and_o groundless_a surmise_n and_o if_o every_o man_n from_o his_o own_o fictious_a and_o fond_a conceit_n and_o suppose_a premise_n may_v take_v the_o liberty_n thus_o to_o vent_v himself_o i_o know_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n but_o may_v be_v call_v in_o question_n yea_o overthrown_a and_o i_o know_v no_o christian_n nor_o saint_n but_o may_v at_o any_o time_n be_v unsainted_a and_o unchristian_v our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o the_o 7._o of_o luke_n vers_fw-la 32_o 33_o 34._o compare_v those_o of_o his_o time_n unto_o little_a child_n sit_v in_o the_o market_n place_n and_o call_v one_o to_o another_o and_o say_v we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o weep_v for_o john_n the_o baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_a bread_n nor_o drink_v wine_n and_o you_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o you_o say_v behold_v a_o gluttonous_a man_n and_o a_o wine_n bibber_n afriend_v of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o all_o her_o child_n by_o which_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o see_v nothing_o can_v please_v the_o gentleman_n of_o his_o time_n now_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o age_n in_o the_o world_n or_o company_n of_o man_n in_o it_o that_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o these_o little_a child_n than_o this_o of_o we_o and_o the_o people_n in_o it_o especial_o the_o independent_o may_v be_v who_o be_v please_v with_o nothing_o and_o can_v least_o of_o all_o endure_v any_o uniformity_n in_o the_o church_n against_o which_o they_o profess_o both_o write_v and_o preach_v and_o as_o those_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n do_v speak_v against_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o against_o christ_n himself_o so_o at_o this_o very_a day_n among_o we_o there_o be_v many_o that_o make_v nothing_o of_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n profess_v they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o or_o christ_n disciple_n and_o i._o s._n peremptory_o affirm_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o be_v no_o christian_n and_o that_o his_o ministry_n be_v imperfect_a and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v all_o man_n will_v judge_v that_o the_o independent_o may_v well_o be_v compare_v to_o those_o of_o christ_n time_n who_o unchurch_n all_o but_o themselves_o but_o say_v i._n s._n they_o be_v johns_n own_o disciple_n that_o both_o doubt_v and_o hesitate_v and_o be_v right_o down_o scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o his_o say_n he_o produce_v the_o 3._o of_o john_n vers_fw-la 26._o i_o will_v therefore_o set_v down_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n with_o the_o forego_v verse_n which_o will_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n verse_n 25._o then_o there_o arise_v say_v the_o evangelist_n a_o question_n between_o some_o of_o johns_n disciple_n and_o the_o jew_n about_o purify_n and_o they_o come_v unto_o john_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n he_o that_o be_v with_o thou_o beyond_o jordan_n to_o who_o thou_o bear_v witness_v behold_v the_o same_o baptize_v and_o all_o man_n come_v to_o he_o these_o be_v the_o word_n out_o of_o which_o i._o s._n ground_n all_o his_o accusation_n against_o johns_n disciple_n by_o which_o he_o will_v prove_v they_o no_o christian_n but_o if_o man_n will_v but_o due_o weigh_v and_o examine_v the_o text_n they_o will_v easy_o perceive_v there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o very_a similitude_n of_o the_o illation_n and_o consequence_n i._o s._n infer_v from_o thence_o for_o first_o the_o question_n there_o start_v be_v not_o between_o johns_n disciple_n and_o christ_n but_o between_o the_o disciple_n of_o john_n and_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v between_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o john_n disciple_n who_o be_v enemy_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n as_o well_o as_o of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o question_v all_o they_o do_v ever_o and_o anon_o ask_v john_n and_o christ_n by_o what_o authority_n they_o preach_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o so_o here_o the_o jew_n they_o question_v with_o johns_n disciple_n concern_v his_o ministry_n as_o by_o all_o conjecture_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v &_o about_o legal_a purification_n of_o which_o they_o be_v very_o studious_a and_o great_a observer_n to_o which_o the_o pharisee_n have_v add_v many_o of_o their_o own_o as_o we_o may_v see_v matth_n the_o 15._o and_o mark_v the_o 7._o and_o therefore_o they_o contend_v with_o johns_n disciple_n about_o purify_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o johns_n baptism_n and_o wash_n see_v they_o have_v so_o much_o rinse_n and_o purify_n already_o among_o they_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o contention_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o johns_n disciple_n arise_v upon_o this_o that_o johns_n disciple_n much_o magnify_v the_o baptism_n of_o their_o master_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o pharisee_n they_o extol_v as_o much_o their_o purification_n think_v they_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o error_n of_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o have_v often_o by_o the_o prophet_n be_v confute_v as_o in_o isa_n 1._o and_o many_o other_o place_n now_o john_n that_o he_o may_v revoke_v all_o man_n from_o this_o error_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o rest_v in_o corporal_a washing_n and_o in_o outward_a performance_n exhort_v they_o to_o look_v unto_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o all_o those_o ceremony_n be_v but_o the_o shadow_n and_o be_v all_o fulfil_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o faith_n whole_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n as_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o chapter_n do_v sufficient_o show_v now_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o this_o dispute_n the_o evangelist_n relate_v in_o the_o 26._o verse_n that_o they_o come_v unto_o john_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n he_o that_o be_v with_o thou_o beyond_o jordan_n to_o who_o thou_o bear_v witness_v behold_v the_o same_o baptize_v and_o all_o man_n come_v to_o he_o out_o of_o which_o word_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o i._o s._n shall_v gather_v that_o johns_n disciple_n not_o only_o hesitate_v but_o be_v right_o down_o scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n but_o i_o see_v very_o good_a ground_n why_o the_o contrary_a may_v be_v conclude_v if_o they_o be_v johns_n disciple_n and_o that_o they_o dear_o esteem_v christ_n and_o much_o honour_v he_o rather_o than_o that_o they_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o but_o first_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o johns_n disciple_n come_v unto_o he_o only_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o some_o come_v unto_o john_n they_o come_v unto_o he_o say_v the_o scripture_n which_o they_o it_o be_v not_o specify_v for_o johns_n disciple_n and_o the_o jew_n contend_v and_o the_o jew_n be_v put_v in_o the_o last_o place_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o they_o be_v the_o jew_n rather_o than_o johns_n disciple_n that_o come_v unto_o he_o as_o be_v last_o speak_v of_o &_o mention_v and_o if_o they_o be_v the_o jew_n than_o they_o be_v the_o know_v and_o profess_a enemy_n both_o of_o john_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v none_o of_o johns_n disoiple_n as_o i._o s._n fond_o persuade_v himself_o for_o they_o be_v continual_a enemy_n and_o adversary_n to_o they_o both_o so_o that_o if_o they_o come_v unto_o john_n they_o come_v unto_o he_o by_o way_n of_o complaint_n and_o as_o be_v scandalize_v &_o then_o they_o be_v not_o johns_n follower_n and_o scholar_n for_o they_o be_v better_o teach_v then_o to_o be_v scandalize_v at_o christ_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o i._o s._n for_o disputation_n sake_n that_o they_o be_v johns_n own_o disciple_n which_o yet_o can_v clear_o be_v prove_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o those_o word_n that_o they_o either_o doubt_v or_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o true_a messiah_n as_o i._o s._n vain_o and_o impious_o conclude_v for_o if_o any_o shall_v hear_v some_o one_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n great_o magnify_v one_o of_o his_o brethren_n and_o fellow_n minister_n as_o to_o be_v a_o man_n send_v from_o heaven_n and_o shall_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o rare_a preacher_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o
that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o that_o they_o give_v they_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o representative_a body_n and_o presbytery_n be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n by_o which_o word_n all_o authority_n be_v put_v into_o the_o true_a minister_n hand_n so_o that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o presbyter_n among_o themselves_o as_o paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o charter_n and_o warrant_n also_o grant_v unto_o they_o of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o of_o ordain_v church_n officer_n and_o that_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o which_o by_o god_n be_v never_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o howsoever_o paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 6._o for_o the_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o somethat_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o their_o controversy_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n for_o he_o limit_n they_o to_o go_v no_o far_o then_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o least_o esteem_n and_o howsoever_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o impediment_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministery_n and_o that_o without_o interruption_n they_o may_v preach_v the_o gospel_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o deconess_n yet_o they_o prescribe_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v choose_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o authority_n of_o ordain_v they_o still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o say_v they_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o when_o they_o have_v choose_v such_o say_v the_o scripture_n they_o put_v they_o before_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o so_o that_o howsoever_o they_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o liberty_n to_o choose_v yet_o it_o be_v with_o limitation_n not_o a_o absolute_a liberty_n for_o if_o they_o have_v choose_v man_n that_o have_v not_o be_v of_o approve_a honesty_n well_o gift_v and_o wise_a and_o qualify_v as_o they_o appoint_v it_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o apostle_n to_o reject_v their_o choice_n for_o they_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o they_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o ratify_v their_o election_n so_o that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n then_o nor_o have_v not_o to_o this_o day_n no_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a deacon_n or_o deaconesse_n that_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n much_o less_o have_v they_o power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n indeed_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n they_o have_v a_o liberty_n give_v they_o of_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o petty_a man_n among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v without_o the_o presbytery_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o ordination_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o yet_o read_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n or_o congregation_n have_v any_o hand_n at_o all_o in_o choose_v of_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n neither_o be_v they_o fit_v for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n external_a carriage_n and_o manner_n and_o another_o thing_n of_o his_o sufficiency_n for_o his_o endowment_n and_o ability_n of_o learning_n and_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n only_o can_v do_v and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v in_o special_a give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o and_o they_o only_o know_v how_o right_o to_o examine_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o science_n and_o such_o art_n as_o be_v requisite_a beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o be_v little_a enough_o for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o minister_n complete_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o sacred_a employment_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o the_o presbytery_n than_o do_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o choice_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 23._o it_o appear_v but_o i_o say_v in_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o company_n this_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o in_o that_o it_o be_v also_o sufficient_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o people_n which_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o their_o minister_n be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v see_v through_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o that_o it_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v speak_v and_o will_v yet_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v far_o elucidate_v 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 and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a who_o be_v send_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n by_o their_o direction_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o we_o see_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o the_o act_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o also_o make_v their_o appeal_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o govern_v by_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o minister_n to_o who_o order_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o that_o carry_v the_o most_o appearance_n of_o any_o argument_n they_o produce_v to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n and_o tenant_n for_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n raise_v from_o the_o several_a meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o people_n and_o from_o the_o multitude_n come_v to_o they_o about_o the_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n by_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a at_o any_o time_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o consist_v most_o of_o they_o in_o homonymy_n and_o mere_a paralogisme_n which_o indeed_o beseem_v not_o the_o gravity_n of_o reverend_a man_n and_o in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v undecent_a in_o a_o suck_a sophister_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o blameworthy_a in_o they_o who_o by_o such_o fallacy_n labour_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o brethren_n one_o from_o another_o i_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o they_o act_n 2._o 46._o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o believer_n and_o new_a convert_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n from_o these_o word_n the_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o
by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v one_o entire_a platform_n for_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o part_n as_o so_o many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o another_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o cor._n 12._o again_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n if_o it_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o other_o church_n then_o in_o this_o that_o all_o other_o church_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o some_o one_o church_n because_o act_n 15._o thing_n in_o question_n be_v there_o debate_v and_o determine_v and_o send_v to_o other_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o church_n at_o that_o time_n in_o those_o thing_n be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v inspire_v in_o which_o respect_n their_o resolution_n be_v with_o authority_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o that_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n since_o the_o apostle_n can_v ever_o say_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n then_o at_o jerusalem_n remain_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n a_o pattern_n for_o other_o church_n for_o a_o pattern_n must_v be_v in_o all_o thing_n imitable_a and_o perfect_a last_o for_o appeal_v so_o much_o agitate_a and_o press_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o before_o and_o elsewhere_o as_o in_o my_o vindication_n to_o vindicate_v the_o right_a use_n of_o that_o in_o point_n of_o church_n matter_n and_o so_o i_o pass_v brief_o from_o your_o first_o question_n to_o your_o second_o which_o be_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o officer_n i_o have_v set_v down_o my_o brother_n burtons_n expression_n at_o large_a that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v how_o fair_o i_o deal_v with_o hâ—m_n â—s_n for_o his_o censure_n upon_o all_o my_o argument_n that_o go_v before_o by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o first_o proposition_n that_o they_o be_v rather_o word_n and_o tautoligy_n than_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o toil_v myself_o and_o my_o reader_n i_o pass_v it_o by_o as_o neither_o regard_v his_o pr_v yse_n nor_o sleighting_n who_o be_v never_o yet_o constant_a to_o the_o principle_n either_o of_o humanity_n or_o religion_n but_o like_o the_o chameleon_n he_o speak_v of_o page_n 3._o receive_v impression_n of_o sundry_a form_n changeable_a according_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o that_o he_o never_o spare_v any_o man_n in_o his_o rage_n so_o it_o may_v true_o be_v aver_v of_o he_o that_o he_o never_o spare_v any_o in_o his_o fury_n &_o passion_n neither_o live_v nor_o dead_a upon_o the_o least_o conceive_a displeasure_n against_o they_o no_o not_o those_o he_o be_v most_o oblige_v to_o as_o all_o that_o have_v be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o his_o frothy_a pamphlet_n and_o language_n can_v testify_v for_o he_o spare_v not_o the_o king_n himself_o nor_o parliament_n upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o the_o one_o of_o which_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v not_o only_o oblige_v in_o all_o loyalty_n as_o a_o subject_n but_o as_o a_o special_a servant_n and_o to_o the_o other_o if_o ever_o any_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o duty_n and_o veneration_n he_o be_v who_o be_v bind_v unto_o that_o great_a council_n for_o his_o liberty_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o life_n and_o for_o his_o honour_n and_o good_a name_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v spare_v neither_o but_o have_v most_o unchristian_o and_o undutiful_o and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o asperse_v they_o upon_o all_o occurrence_n and_o therefore_o if_o at_o pleasure_n he_o can_v vilipend_v sleight_n traduce_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o dignity_n i_o may_v not_o think_v myself_o aggrieve_v if_o he_o most_o unbrother_o in_o his_o scribble_n abuse_v i_o yea_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o for_o this_o his_o so_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o i_o think_v myself_o honour_v by_o it_o and_o account_v it_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v have_v learn_v that_o lesson_n of_o my_o heavenly_a master_n that_o when_o man_n revile_v i_o reproach_n i_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a of_o i_o false_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n that_o i_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o so_o they_o have_v do_v by_o all_o the_o prophet_n matth._n 5._o luke_n the_o 6._o and_o paul_n take_v such_o deal_n from_o the_o false_a teacher_n of_o his_o time_n for_o matter_n of_o triumph_n 2_o cor._n 12._o verse_n 10._o say_v i_o take_v pleasure_n in_o infirmity_n in_o reproach_n in_o necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a this_o i_o apply_v unto_o myself_o who_o have_v suffer_v as_o much_o from_o he_o and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n in_o reproach_n in_o persecution_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o revile_v and_o blast_a language_n as_o their_o daily_a pamphlet_n and_o word_n can_v witness_v as_o any_o man_n now_o live_v and_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o that_o i_o maintain_v the_o truth_n against_o error_n and_o oppose_v the_o novelty_n and_o groundless_a opinion_n of_o the_o time_n all_o the_o which_o will_v the_o more_o aggravate_v their_o judgement_n because_o they_o do_v as_o immoderate_o praise_v i_o as_o can_v be_v prove_v before_o they_o know_v my_o differ_a opinion_n from_o they_o as_o they_o do_v now_o malicious_o and_o causeless_o vituperate_v i_o and_o the_o lord_n know_v that_o i_o be_o not_o change_v in_o my_o opinion_n in_o any_o know_a truth_n from_o what_o i_o both_o believe_v and_o to_o my_o power_n practise_v above_o these_o thirty_o year_n neither_o have_v i_o any_o reason_n to_o vary_v from_o my_o principle_n they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o unerring_a word_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o for_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o his_o party_n slight_v of_o i_o and_o my_o endeavour_n i_o wave_v they_o as_o mere_a grollery_n know_v that_o my_o book_n have_v be_v read_v by_o more_o judicious_a man_n then_o either_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n and_o have_v have_v the_o approbation_n of_o learned_a man_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o argument_n for_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o candour_n and_o fair_a deal_n in_o he_o as_o to_o lay_v down_o my_o reason_n that_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n but_o conceal_v they_o all_o and_o make_v a_o syllogism_n of_o his_o own_o or_o else_o have_v borrow_v it_o from_o some_o of_o his_o american_n friend_n and_o fetch_v it_o out_o of_o the_o new_a world_n for_o i_o never_o read_v the_o like_a in_o either_o europian_n or_o asian_a writer_n no_o nor_o in_o any_o african_a author_n &_o yet_o that_o country_n be_v famous_a for_o monster_n and_o usual_o esteem_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o nursery_n of_o prodigious_a birth_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o syllogism_n i_o never_o see_v bring_v forth_o by_o any_o of_o that_o nation_n as_o this_o of_o his_o frame_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o every_o suck_a sophister_n will_v be_v ready_a true_o to_o say_v of_o it_o as_o he_o false_o speak_v of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n &_o christ_n disciple_n that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n the_o same_o i_o say_v will_v any_o but_o a_o novice_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n conclude_v of_o his_o syllogism_n that_o it_o have_v neither_o form_n mood_n or_o figure_n and_o that_o i_o can_v easy_o make_v evident_a be_v it_o not_o for_o mispend_v of_o precious_a time_n and_o that_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o displease_v the_o good_a old_a father_n in_o discover_v his_o nakedness_n and_o infirmity_n who_o if_o he_o be_v so_o high_o offend_v with_o i_o because_o he_o conceive_v i_o mean_v he_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o baskethilted_n beard_n how_o much_o will_v he_o be_v enrage_v if_o i_o shall_v discover_v his_o ignorance_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n in_o the_o art_n of_o logic_n which_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n he_o be_v so_o great_a a_o master_n in_o but_o leave_v that_o i_o will_v come_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o must_v needs_o blame_v he_o for_o his_o sacrilege_n and_o unjust_a deal_n who_o at_o one_o time_n rob_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o by_o they_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v then_o the_o only_a visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n and_o proclaim_v by_o christ_n himself_o john_n 4._o to_o be_v 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
apostle_n and_o not_o as_o member_n for_o that_o present_a of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o antioch_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o they_o that_o be_v send_v as_o messenger_n by_o command_n and_o appointment_n as_o they_o be_v be_v not_o great_a than_o those_o that_o send_v they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n all_o orthodox_n divine_v use_v against_o peter_n supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n act_n 8._o 14._o send_v he_o and_o john_n to_o samaria_n and_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n have_v authority_n over_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o he_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v concern_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a out_o of_o the_o second_o verse_n of_o the_o 15_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n &_o disputation_n with_o they_o that_o then_o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o this_o question_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n every_o one_o may_v observe_v these_o conclusion_n follow_v first_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n use_v not_o any_o transcendent_a extraordinary_a and_o apostolical_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n neither_o do_v they_o challenge_v unto_o themselves_o a_o infallible_a authority_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o that_o difference_n which_o they_o may_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v then_o and_o there_o act_v as_o apostle_n and_o put_v forth_o their_o apostolical_a power_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o it_o be_v in_o terminis_fw-la say_fw-la that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v no_o small_a dissension_n and_o disputation_n with_o they_o intimate_v by_o those_o word_n that_o they_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n do_v which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v if_o they_o have_v act_v there_o as_o apostle_n and_o with_o a_o infallible_a authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o conclusion_n may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n to_o prove_v that_o paul_n &_o barnabas_n act_v there_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o be_v not_o only_o at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o that_o church_n but_o member_n of_o the_o same_o the_o second_o conclusion_n that_o may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v send_v as_o the_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o the_o same_o command_v lay_v upon_o they_o that_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o other_o now_o if_o they_o of_o antioch_n have_v look_v upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o extraordinary_a messenger_n endue_v with_o apostolical_a authority_n they_o will_v have_v make_v some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o certain_a other_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o place_n but_o send_v they_o all_o with_o equal_a authority_n and_o with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o message_n and_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o it_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o of_o antioch_n in_o this_o employment_n look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n the_o three_o thing_n observable_a be_v this_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n with_o those_o certain_a other_o be_v send_v as_o well_o to_o the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o question_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n for_o so_o run_v the_o text_n they_o be_v all_o send_v unto_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o as_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o to_o such_o as_o sit_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o commission_n writ_n or_o charter_n and_o govern_v with_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o agreement_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o ordinary_a presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o synod_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o that_o text_n but_o there_o be_v many_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o because_o the_o presbyter_n all_o of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o along_o through_o the_o whole_a debate_n act_v as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n be_v send_v unto_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o assemble_v themselves_o according_o v._o 6._o so_o they_o do_v decree_n and_o write_v the_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 22._o 23._o and_o act._n 16._o 4._o they_o be_v call_v also_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o act._n 21._o the_o presbyter_n say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v manifest_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o in_o that_o synod_n sit_v and_o act_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o sit_v by_o the_o same_o commission_n or_o writ_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o name_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a rashness_n in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o as_o presbyter_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o confute_v the_o scripture_n and_o all_o this_o to_o delude_v the_o poor_a people_n many_o argument_n more_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o be_v no_o more_o then_o guide_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n then_o the_o other_o presbyter_n but_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v only_o name_v one_o more_o which_o be_v this_o in_o that_o they_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n dispute_v con_n and_o pro_fw-la argue_v and_o reason_v what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o what_o they_o shall_v judge_v of_o that_o business_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o 7._o verse_n and_o many_o more_o place_n in_o that_o chapter_n by_o their_o deliberate_a suffrage_n and_o discourse_n in_o that_o council_n and_o have_v by_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o any_o synod_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n upon_o the_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_n may_v do_v now_o i_o affirm_v have_v the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n act_v by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n a_o when_o they_o write_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o as_o presbyter_n they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v any_o disputation_n nor_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a debate_n and_o consultation_n what_o they_o shall_v write_v and_o judge_v of_o that_o matter_n but_o will_v speedy_o have_v dispatch_v the_o business_n and_o by_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o that_o infallible_a spirit_n they_o be_v lead_v with_o they_o will_v have_v decide_v the_o matter_n and_o either_o have_v say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a do_v or_o take_v notice_n that_o what_o we_o write_v be_v the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n dictate_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o will_v never_o have_v go_v to_o consult_v with_o other_o about_o it_o or_o debate_v the_o matter_n by_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o when_o they_o do_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o from_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v as_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o other_o presbyter_n have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o master_n knollys_n his_o babble_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o part_n of_o his_o fond_a cavil_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o his_o grollery_n concern_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o master_n knollys_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o make_v they_o equal_a with_o the_o elder_n in_o authority_n misconceive_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o brethren_n there_o his_o word_n be_v these_o page_z 13._o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o may_v have_v also_o consider_v that_o the_o brethren_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o multitude_n how_o many_o soever_o the_o doctor_n can_v make_v of_o they_o be_v present_a as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n act._n 15._o 4._o 12._o 22_o 23._o 25._o 27_o 28._o and_o so_o have_v make_v the_o brethren_n the_o multitude_n even_o the_o whole_a church_n independent_a also_o
name_n of_o the_o king_n or_o emperor_n and_o for_o any_o magistrate_n or_o any_o court_n to_o issue_n out_o any_o writ_n warrant_v mandate_n or_o summons_n in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n make_v they_o fall_v into_o a_o praemunire_n and_o make_v they_o guilty_a laesae_fw-la majestatis_fw-la so_o that_o all_o warrant_v run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o king_n or_o emperor_n and_o whosoever_o fail_v in_o this_o kind_n as_o not_o to_o command_v in_o the_o king_n or_o emperor_n name_n do_v make_v himself_o a_o delinquent_n and_o this_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v be_v one_o of_o the_o charge_n against_o the_o prelate_n of_o canterbury_n that_o he_o issue_v out_o writ_n and_o summons_n in_o his_o own_o name_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o court._n now_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a king_n of_o his_o church_n that_o immortal_a and_o mighty_a potentate_n in_o who_o name_n all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a issue_v out_o all_o their_o warrant_n and_o mandate_n speak_v ever_o to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n in_o those_o day_n and_o god_n never_o change_v the_o stile_n of_o issue_v out_o his_o warrant_n neither_o do_v christ_n resign_v his_o regal_a dignity_n or_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v still_o their_o king_n and_o he_o keep_v the_o same_o tenure_n still_o all_o through_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o through_o the_o old_a command_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n say_v matth._n 28_o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o all_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amen_n by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o be_v limit_v what_o to_o preach_v they_o may_v not_o exceed_v their_o bound_n they_o must_v teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n command_v they_o but_o christ_n never_o teach_v his_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o his_o true_a minister_n to_o issue_v out_o any_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o name_n for_o that_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o all_o false_a teacher_n neither_o do_v he_o ever_o teach_v they_o to_o issue_n out_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n name_n or_o say_v unto_o they_o at_o at_o any_o time_n what_o you_o do_v in_o all_o administration_n let_v it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n name_n christ_n i_o say_v teach_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o that_o be_v but_o the_o new_a blasphemous_a stile_n of_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n and_o of_o our_o new_a church_n officer_n who_o j._n s._n say_v must_v exercise_v their_o authority_n &_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o christ_n our_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n as_o in_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v so_o in_o mark_n 16._o v._o 17._o in_o my_o name_n say_v he_o they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o s._n peter_n accor_v to_o his_o master_n command_n in_o his_o sermon_n in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n preach_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n and_o new_a convert_n say_v nothing_o to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o 38._o verse_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n hâ—e_n be_v a_o faithful_a officer_n and_o do_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n name_n he_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o our_o new_a divinity_n and_o in_o the_o 3._o chapter_n when_o he_o cure_v the_o cripple_n verse_n the_o 6._o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n say_v he_o rise_v and_o walk_v and_o so_o saint_n paul_n have_v learn_v his_o lesson_n well_o who_o when_o he_o cast_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o divination_n out_o of_o the_o damsel_n in_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 18._o say_v unto_o it_o i_o command_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o and_o he_o come_v out_o at_o the_o same_o hour_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o those_o day_n in_o the_o church_n name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o king_n jesus_n christ_n to_o omit_v many_o other_o place_n we_o have_v a_o special_a command_n in_o the_o 3._o of_o the_o coloss_n verse_n 17._o whatsoever_o you_o do_v say_v the_o apostle_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_n to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o in_o christ_n their_o king_n name_n yea_o the_o apostle_n 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the_o church_n servant_n at_o pleasure_n and_o their_o executioner_n this_o be_v our_o american_n divinity_n so_o that_o whereas_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o bless_a apostle_n to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n these_o our_o confide_a brethren_n and_o our_o itinerary_n illdependent_a predicant_o have_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a stile_n of_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o not_o in_o christ_n the_o king_n name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o absolute_a monarchy_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o which_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o command_n and_o in_o his_o name_n they_o have_v change_v this_o monarchy_n into_o so_o many_o thousand_o suck_v democrasies_n or_o rather_o so_o many_o anarchy_n in_o all_o the_o which_o they_o transact_v all_o thing_n and_o send_v out_o all_o their_o writ_n &_o warrant_n in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o several_a new_a church_n and_o so_o have_v dis-throned_n christ_n who_o notwithstanding_o they_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o as_o king_n in_o his_o church_n but_o whether_o in_o this_o their_o so_o deal_v with_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o people_n and_o subject_n they_o be_v not_o more_o independent_o and_o arrogant_o blasphemous_a than_o the_o pope_n himself_o or_o any_o prelate_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o sad_a thought_n &_o deep_a consideration_n of_o all_o such_o as_o true_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o desire_v from_o their_o soul_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o
of_o their_o conversion_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v require_v there_o neither_o have_v the_o people_n any_o hand_n in_o the_o admit_v of_o they_o but_o the_o apostle_n by_o themselves_o and_o by_o their_o sole_a authority_n manage_v the_o whole_a business_n for_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o prick_v in_o their_o heart_n apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o apostle_n say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o admit_v they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n be_v these_o only_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o bless_a apostle_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o our_o new_a model_n nor_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a congregation_n but_o by_o the_o way_n let_v i_o tell_v the_o illdependents_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n have_v then_o a_o just_a ground_n of_o make_v such_o condition_n if_o ever_o any_o have_v for_o they_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n have_v say_v howsoever_o these_o soul_n be_v not_o miracle_n proof_n but_o that_o they_o be_v wound_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o they_o and_o by_o the_o sermon_n of_o peter_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o by_o and_o by_o to_o confide_v in_o they_o and_o to_o admit_v they_o into_o church_n fellowship_n unless_o they_o will_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o unless_o also_o they_o will_v make_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o a_o public_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o enter_v also_o into_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n for_o observe_v all_o the_o law_n of_o membership_n and_o that_o they_o come_v in_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n that_o these_o condition_n may_v have_v be_v require_v by_o any_o it_o may_v then_o especial_o have_v be_v because_o all_o those_o have_v have_v their_o hand_n in_o crucify_a of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n as_o peter_n tell_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v all_o be_v well_o suspect_v that_o howsoever_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v all_o strike_v into_o a_o tremble_a condition_n yet_o that_o they_o can_v not_o judge_v upon_o so_o short_a a_o time_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v well_o have_v urge_v all_o the_o former_a condition_n and_o chief_o because_o they_o have_v our_o saviour_n own_o example_n fresh_o before_o their_o eye_n in_o the_o second_o of_o john_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o he_o will_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o man_n which_o have_v be_v convince_v by_o his_o miracle_n although_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o that_o i_o say_v in_o that_o regard_n when_o christ_n will_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n may_v much_o more_o have_v pretend_v in_o all_o these_o regard_n that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o confide_v in_o these_o man_n until_o they_o have_v have_v better_a experience_n of_o they_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n but_o when_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o none_o of_o all_o the_o disciple_n so_o much_o as_o urge_v any_o condition_n upon_o they_o beyond_o the_o commission_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n to_o wit_n repentance_n faith_n and_o baptism_n the_o example_n of_o this_o church_n be_v for_o ever_o bind_v to_o all_o church_n that_o they_o in_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o member_n shall_v do_v the_o same_o and_o they_o that_o propound_v other_o condition_n do_v no_o less_o then_o accuse_v the_o apostle_n of_o injustice_n and_o imprudency_n as_o of_o take_v that_o authority_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n from_o the_o people_n and_o of_o so_o sudden_o and_o without_o any_o deliberation_n admit_v of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n which_o ought_v according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n ever_o to_o be_v do_v with_o great_a caution_n who_o say_v in_o his_o 14._o page_n multa_fw-la cautela_fw-la non_fw-la nocet_fw-la add_v moreover_o that_o in_o thing_n weighty_a we_o can_v be_v too_o wary_a in_o regard_n they_o look_v not_o so_o much_o at_o circumstance_n in_o conversion_n as_o the_o substance_n and_o in_o regard_n also_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o provident_a care_n for_o prevent_a inconvenience_n and_o scandal_n see_v turpius_fw-la ejiciâ—ur_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la admittitur_fw-la hospes_fw-la it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o guest_n to_o be_v keep_v out_o then_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o all_o which_o his_o expression_n and_o by_o their_o daily_a practice_n they_o do_v no_o less_o then_o proclaim_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o the_o apostle_n take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o and_o be_v not_o so_o prudent_a in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o accuse_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n of_o deficiency_n why_o do_v they_o not_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o why_o do_v they_o impose_v new_a law_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o other_o condition_n then_o either_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o or_o his_o holy_a apostle_n do_v which_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o blasphemous_a wickedness_n both_o in_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n that_o exercise_n this_o new_a government_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o conscientious_a and_o solid_a christian_n this_o one_o example_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a precedent_n for_o all_o church_n imitation_n for_o ordinary_a admission_n of_o member_n into_o church-fellowship_n but_o i_o will_v produce_v other_o admission_n in_o the_o same_o church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o want_n of_o witness_n to_o corroborate_v this_o truth_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n beside_o this_o first_o admission_n in_o terminis_fw-la it_o be_v say_v there_o 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 of_o member_n upon_o addition_n for_o they_o be_v daily_o add_v say_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o former_a condition_n for_o we_o learn_v of_o no_o other_o viz._n of_o repent_v believe_a and_o be_v baptize_v here_o we_o find_v nothing_o of_o walk_v sometime_o before_o their_o admission_n here_o be_v nothing_o of_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n nothing_o of_o bring_v in_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n nothing_o of_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n nothing_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n jesus_n while_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n who_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o rule_n lie_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o before_o it_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n fine_a white_a finger_n which_o he_o say_v in_o his_o learned_a epistle_n that_o some_o of_o his_o friend_n will_v not_o have_v he_o foul_a with_o i_o i_o say_v while_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n church_n lie_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o before_o it_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n finger_n and_o into_o the_o paw_n and_o clutch_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n all_o christ_n disciple_n and_o precious_a one_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n without_o that_o heavy_a burden_n of_o those_o condition_n they_o have_v most_o arrogant_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o which_o in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o have_v not_o only_o put_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o a_o combustion_n but_o most_o blasphemous_o this_fw-mi throne_a christ_n prefer_v their_o own_o vain_a tradition_n before_o his_o most_o holy_a law_n and_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n name_n and_o enslave_v his_o people_n while_o notwithstanding_o they_o pretend_v they_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o they_o preach_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o people_n which_o be_v most_o impious_o to_o juggle_v on_o all_o side_n but_o now_o to_o go_v on_o to_o the_o other_o precedent_n of_o admit_v member_n in_o that_o church_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o have_v it_o record_v verse_n 4._o that_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o and_o all_o these_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o into_o the_o communion_n
of_o all_o thing_n see_v what_o saint_n james_n say_v in_o his_o five_o chapter_n to_o all_o church_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v any_o man_n sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o the_o apostle_n james_n here_o send_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o every_o church_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n delegated_a unto_o they_o for_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o who_o office_n only_o it_o be_v to_o pronounce_v pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o sick_a upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o so_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n place_n and_o office_n to_o admit_v they_o again_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n upon_o their_o cordial_a and_o untain_v repentance_n and_o that_o without_o ask_v the_o church_n any_o leave_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o not_o the_o church_n so_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o those_o epistle_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v to_o the_o precedent_n of_o every_o several_a presbytrie_n establish_v and_o constitute_v in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o counsel_n or_o college_n of_o godly_a minister_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o city_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n not_o one_o but_o many_o and_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n many_o presbyter_n a_o college_n of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o every_o church_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a ver_fw-la 28._o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o they_o constitute_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o for_o order_v sake_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o must_v have_v a_o precedent_n who_o by_o the_o way_n of_o excellency_n and_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o other_o be_v call_v a_o angel_n as_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n rev._n 12._o 1._o declare_v say_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o in_o our_o dialect_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n of_o distinguish_v the_o precedent_n of_o those_o counsel_n from_o the_o other_o judge_n in_o those_o assembly_n we_o say_v master_n speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o commons_o or_o of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o say_v master_n prolocutor_n and_o if_o any_o have_v occasion_n to_o write_v to_o either_o house_n or_o to_o the_o assembly_n they_o direct_v their_o letter_n to_o the_o speaker_n or_o to_o the_o prolocutor_n who_o communicate_v they_o to_o each_o assembly_n as_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o each_o society_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o precedent_n by_o that_o their_o place_n of_o honour_n and_o eminency_n have_v any_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n then_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o in_o the_o cast_a voice_n when_o the_o party_n upon_o any_o occasion_n be_v for_o number_v equal_a and_o for_o appoint_v of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o for_o the_o methodical_a and_o orderly_a carriage_n of_o the_o business_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o observe_v wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o precedent_n there_o be_v a_o college_n or_o council_n or_o a_o court_n nature_n dictate_v this_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n prove_v it_o and_o withal_o by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o counsel_n or_o college_n to_o who_o god_n himself_o write_v and_o direct_v his_o letter_n for_o redress_v of_o abuse_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o rectify_v of_o thing_n amiss_o and_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o order_v thing_n according_a to_o direction_n and_o to_o punish_v and_o cast_v out_o offender_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o the_o great_a council_n and_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o make_v not_o the_o people_n acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o please_v themselves_o and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n church_n by_o the_o first_o constitution_n every_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o six_o church_n in_o all_o the_o which_o the_o presbyter_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n word_n without_o take_v the_o people_n into_o council_n with_o they_o who_o be_v not_o where_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o those_o example_n i_o have_v now_o produce_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v and_o from_o the_o commission_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o their_o voice_n either_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n in_o any_o church_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o any_o for_o their_o delinquency_n much_o less_o have_v they_o authority_n to_o require_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o exact_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n or_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n before_o admission_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n for_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o god_n word_n much_o less_o any_o command_n only_o in_o act_n the_o sixth_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v that_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a encumbrance_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o preach_v give_v the_o people_n liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o deacon_n but_o still_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n which_o always_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v exercise_v it_o or_o no_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n have_v ordain_v they_o unless_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v have_v be_v man_n so_o qualify_v as_o they_o have_v appoint_v for_o otherwise_o it_o lay_v in_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v ordain_v they_o or_o no._n but_o that_o ever_o the_o congregation_n or_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o extant_a in_o god_n word_n but_o that_o the_o woman_n shall_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n either_o for_o receive_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o peter_n key_n it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n 14._o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o church_n where_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n follow_v in_o express_a word_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v unto_o they_o to_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v under_o obedience_n as_o also_o say_v the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o will_v learn_v any_o thing_n
of_o colosse_n and_o to_o all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n as_o mr_n knollys_n confess_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v then_o these_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o his_o argumentation_n the_o first_o that_o saint_n john_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n and_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n to_o appeal_v unto_o for_o mr_n knollys_n say_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v that_o that_o church_n have_v power_n to_o judge_n diotrephes_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o contradict_v himself_o for_o in_o the_o six_o page_n he_o affirm_v that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o any_o such_o court_n 2_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n w_n ch_n whole_o overthrow_v the_o tenant_n of_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a so_o that_o one_o church_n have_v not_o one_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o another_o church_n another_o manner_n of_o government_n peculiar_a unto_o itself_o and_o distinct_a from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v alike_o by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n and_o have_v equal_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n in_o all_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v but_o each_o of_o they_o a_o particular_a church_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n and_o be_v all_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o there_o several_a presbytry_n and_o last_o that_o this_o order_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o when_o saint_n diotrephes_n labour_v to_o violate_v in_o assume_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o congregation_n both_o he_o and_o all_o these_o that_o follow_v his_o step_n deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o as_o prevaricator_n against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n of_o all_o well_o order_v church_n and_o christian_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v reply_v by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v for_o proof_n that_o saint_n john_n know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v unto_o in_o his_o time_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o which_o mr_n knollys_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o i_o to_o do_v to_o wit_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n as_o well_o as_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n may_v have_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o their_o precinct_n hundred_o or_o division_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v there_o than_o they_o have_v appeal_n to_o some_o other_o high_a presbytery_n or_o council_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n these_o appeal_v master_n knollys_n say_v i_o can_v make_v good_a to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n although_o the_o have_a recourse_n by_o appeal_n from_o inferior_n to_o superior_n and_o from_o one_o court_n to_o another_o be_v so_o evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v also_o so_o apparent_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n more_o obvious_a to_o all_o understand_a man_n yet_o master_n knollys_n peremptory_o assert_v that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v good_a out_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v there_o any_o truth_n never_o so_o perspicuous_a he_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n therefore_o for_o the_o gratify_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o all_o such_o as_o with_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o without_o any_o prejudice_n shall_v read_v the_o ensue_a line_n i_o shall_v in_o this_o place_n add_v something_o more_o full_o and_o distinct_o to_o that_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o forego_n page_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o mention_v page_n 10._o and_o sufficient_o evince_v they_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n i_o shall_v first_o produce_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o bring_v forth_o some_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o unerring_a word_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v also_o ratify_v the_o use_n of_o appeal_n by_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v the_o more_o willing_o do_v in_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v do_v again_o and_o again_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o only_o because_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v good_a that_o appeal_v be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o for_o proof_n ofthi_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13_o vers_fw-la 15._o wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o appeal_v high_o to_o two_o or_o three_o more_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o appeal_v yet_o high_o tell_v it_o then_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o precinct_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o appeal_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o truth_n itself_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o appeal_n and_o for_o precedent_n of_o appeal_n there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o new-testament_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o old_a to_o begin_v with_o that_o in_o the_o 5._o of_o the_o act_n which_o we_o find_v record_v after_o christ_n ascension_n in_o the_o question_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n whereas_o by_o conjoynt_v argrement_n it_o be_v appoint_v and_o order_v among_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v common_a and_o that_o sell_v their_o possession_n they_o shall_v bring_v the_o price_n of_o they_o and_o lay_v it_o also_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n which_o very_a expression_n signify_v and_o denote_v what_o great_a authority_n and_o power_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o in_o and_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o court_n there_o as_o all_o the_o carriage_n of_o that_o business_n do_v abundant_o prove_v i_o say_v therefore_o when_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o when_o it_o be_v find_v out_o that_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n have_v not_o deal_v faithful_o in_o that_o business_n nor_o according_a to_o public_a agreement_n but_o have_v consent_v together_o to_o deceive_v their_o brethren_n and_o by_o that_o have_v scandalize_v the_o gospel_n the_o church_n or_o people_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o this_o abuse_n take_v not_o the_o matter_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o challenge_v not_o any_o power_n unto_o themselves_o for_o the_o punish_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o well_o know_v their_o place_n then_o and_o that_o the_o government_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o they_o appeal_v therefore_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o make_v their_o complaint_n unto_o they_o and_o exhibit_v their_o article_n against_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n as_o both_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n whereupon_o they_o be_v convent_v before_o the_o apostle_n as_o delinquent_n peter_n then_o be_v there_o precedent_n and_o chief_a judge_n and_o find_v they_o guilty_a sentence_v they_o both_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n with_o death_n by_o which_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n not_o only_o of_o a_o appeal_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a court_n of_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o have_v in_o it_o plenary_a power_n from_o christ_n for_o the_o trial_n and_o punish_v of_o all_o offender_n and_o of_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n if_o scandalous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o mother_n church_n and_o therefore_o be_v inferior_a to_o none_o of_o the_o daughter-churche_n and_o to_o this_o court_n of_o presbyter_n be_v all_o appeal_v ever_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o precinct_n as_o this_o one_o instance_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v and_o that_o other_o precedent_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n where_o we_o have_v a_o second_o appeal_n upon_o a_o other_o public_a
pass_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-counsel_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o place_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o people_n office_n and_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v and_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v this_o their_o just_a authority_n be_v guilty_a of_o contumacy_n and_o be_v high_a offender_n and_o delinquent_n for_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o government_n upon_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o subject_n who_o may_v not_o without_o a_o public_a call_v intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n as_o god_n peculiar_a servant_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o steward_n counsellor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o man_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o soul_n all_o people_n under_o their_o several_a presbytery_n so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o much_o to_o reverence_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o this_o according_a to_o god_n command_n for_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o slight_v as_o the_o fag_n end_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o many_o black_a mouth_n and_o profane_a lip_n speak_v of_o they_o for_o the_o presbyter_n they_o have_v their_o authority_n as_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o king_n and_o state_n have_v they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o more_o supreme_a orb_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v venerate_v as_o man_n watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o contumelious_a speech_n against_o they_o deserve_v severe_a punishment_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v deserve_v better_a from_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n not_o only_o in_o their_o desire_v a_o perfect_a and_o through_o reformation_n in_o both_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o in_o that_o they_o have_v stand_v now_o so_o cordial_o to_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o more_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o before_o they_o and_o have_v cleave_v most_o faithful_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n to_o that_o great_a conncell_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o deserve_v well_o yea_o better_a not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o all_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o their_o memory_n ought_v to_o be_v famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o this_o their_o good_a service_n and_o that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n if_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o shall_v now_o labour_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o promise_v unto_o themselves_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n and_o peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o also_o immortal_a praise_n from_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v take_v leave_n to_o make_v this_o digression_n i_o will_v now_o to_o my_o business_n and_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n there_o act_v as_o presbyter_n among_o the_o presbyter_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v rule_v and_o govern_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n the_o mayor_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o major_a the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a as_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 14._o where_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n say_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o to_o preach_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o which_o presbytery_n paul_n be_v one_o that_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o and_o ordain_v he_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n the_o first_o vers_n 6_o where_o put_v timothy_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o duty_n he_o say_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n so_o that_o paul_n join_v in_o this_o public_a action_n of_o ordination_n though_o a_o apostle_n yet_o act_v as_o a_o presbyter_n and_o count_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o as_o any_o of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o now_o ordain_v the_o minister_n may_v say_v as_o well_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o to_o any_o new_a ordain_v minister_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n as_o man_n ordinary_o in_o a_o jury_n may_v assume_v that_o unto_o themselves_o that_o all_o may_v do_v as_o be_v actor_n in_o common_a so_o peter_n likewise_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n ch_n 5._o verse_n 1_o 2_o call_v himself_o a_o fellow-presbyte_a and_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n style_v he_o so_o also_o the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o elect_a lady_n etc._n etc._n the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o well_o belove_a gajus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o his_o presbytership_n do_v not_o exclude_v his_o apostleship_n nor_o the_o act_n at_o any_o time_n of_o a_o presbyter_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o apostolical_a power_n for_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n he_o wrore_v scripture_n by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o yet_o continue_v still_o a_o presbyter_n so_o that_o for_o the_o major_n although_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v yet_o for_o a_o further_a corroboration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o reject_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o point_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o because_o as_o they_o say_v apostleship_n contain_v all_o office_n in_o it_o yea_o they_o further_o assert_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n the_o only_a difference_n they_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v be_v in_o the_o extent_n from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n transact_v by_o the_o apostle_n proper_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n because_o in_o such_o act_n there_o be_v no_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n to_o many_o much_o less_o to_o all_o church_n but_o when_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n over_o many_o congregation_n be_v found_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n andpresident_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n over_o many_o for_o answer_v first_o i_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n in_o my_o opinion_n take_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o beseem_v they_o and_o usurp_v a_o kind_n of_o unlimited_a authority_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v make_v what_o please_v they_o exemplary_a only_o and_o reject_v whatsoever_o agree_v not_o with_o their_o opinion_n and_o humour_n though_o they_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o transact_v by_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n and_o accord_n and_o leave_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n to_o follow_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o any_o of_o their_o other_o act_n and_o so_o they_o pick_v and_o choose_v at_o pleasure_n and_o
in_o so_o do_v under_o reformation_n be_v it_o speak_v i_o say_v they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o beseem_v they_o for_o they_o can_v make_v the_o apostle_n joint_a govern_v of_o one_o congregation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o many_o minister_n govern_v one_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v yet_o under_o but_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n as_o under_o a_o grand_a common-presbytery_a this_o at_o pleasure_n they_o reject_v and_o make_v it_o no_o way_n exemplary_a and_o bind_v but_o for_o a_o further_a answer_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o many_o assembly_n as_o one_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o as_o one_o church_n joint_o and_o in_o common_a be_v not_o ground_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o union_n of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n into_o one_o church_n which_o union_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n rule_v and_o govern_v many_o congregation_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o govern_v many_o assembly_n joint_o as_o one_o church_n be_v the_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o that_o government_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o this_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o reformation_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o government_n they_o do_v as_o presbyter_n and_o for_o imitation_n neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n only_o grant_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n save_v in_o the_o extent_n but_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n act_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o apostle_n wherever_o they_o come_v leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o although_o they_o join_v with_o they_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a expression_n out_o of_o which_o their_o concession_n my_o argument_n yea_o the_o whole_a syllogism_n be_v not_o only_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v but_o the_o truth_n do_v more_o evident_o shine_v forth_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n right_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n as_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n peculiar_o belong_v by_o god_n institution_n and_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o command_v then_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n to_o ordain_v either_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o excommunicate_a or_o cast_v out_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o make_v member_n who_o they_o please_v nor_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o presbyter_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ever_o leave_v unto_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o while_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o plain_o overthrow_v it_o for_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n the_o right_a therefore_o of_o the_o key_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n who_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n although_o his_o epistle_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n only_o execute_v that_o act_n of_o government_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o people_n also_o assent_v unto_o it_o even_o as_o we_o see_v daily_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n when_o the_o king_n or_o counsel_n write_v unto_o any_o city_n or_o corporation_n though_o their_o mandate_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o corporation_n for_o the_o raise_v either_o of_o man_n or_o money_n or_o about_o any_o other_o employment_n of_o public_a concernment_n the_o mayor_n alderman_n and_o common_a council_n and_o the_o officer_n under_o they_o only_o manage_v the_o business_n for_o that_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o do_v yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v themselvesto_fw-la what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v and_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o that_o employment_n as_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n only_o to_o obey_v and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o presbyter_n only_o exercise_v the_o government_n and_o order_v all_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n injunction_n and_o the_o people_n assent_v unto_o it_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o order_n and_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o man_n in_o every_o assembly_n but_o the_o very_a woman_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n as_o member_n challenge_v a_o power_n and_o right_a both_o in_o the_o elect_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v which_o before_o these_o our_o time_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n when_o as_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o the_o key_n as_o i_o have_v often_o prove_v peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o man_n nor_o woman_n aught_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o short_a time_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o gross_a a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o other_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o as_o corporation_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o on_o their_o now_o suck_v independent_a new_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n consist_v of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o member_n such_o as_o many_o of_o those_o be_v whereas_o those_o several_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o another_o notion_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o daily_o increase_v and_o keep_v still_o the_o name_n and_o denomination_n of_o such_o a_o church_n either_o from_o the_o place_n city_n country_n or_o nation_n or_o several_a language_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o latin_a church_n or_o from_o the_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n rome_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n yet_o they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n &_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o precinct_n as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n though_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v count_v but_o one_o church_n as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o conceive_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n cause_v through_o this_o mistake_n that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o original_a