favour_n from_o they_o that_o they_o allow_v they_o public_a place_n of_o meeting_n as_o well_o as_o private_a as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o paul_n word_n who_o say_v that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n now_o where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o can_v take_v up_o a_o famous_a apostle_n night_n and_o day_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o who_o cease_v not_o all_o that_o while_n to_o warn_v every_o one_o with_o tear_n act_n 20._o 31._o and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o for_o 20._o and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o extraordinary_a teacher_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o all_o of_o they_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preacher_n as_o appear_v revel_v 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o all_o these_o likewise_o continual_o employ_v there_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o employ_v the_o apostle_n paul_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n night_n and_o day_n and_o many_o other_o extraordinary_a minister_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o faithful_a and_o laborious_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v collective_o as_o well_o antecedenter_n as_o consequenter_fw-la as_o well_v as_o the_o word_n angel_n for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o both_o now_o than_o if_o the_o word_n angel_n in_o the_o independent_o opinion_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v take_v collective_o the_o word_n church_n by_o as_o good_a authority_n be_v to_o be_v so_o take_v and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v many_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o church_n in_o that_o church_n by_o all_o which_o it_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o one_o church_n may_v have_v many_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o it_o as_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n have_v and_o consequent_o be_v collegial_o and_o classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la now_o then_o when_o the_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v be_v all_o so_o govern_v it_o follow_v that_o all_o these_o church_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n for_o the_o regulate_a and_o moderate_v of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v all_o presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v all_o other_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v to_o be_v classical_o and_o presbyterial_o moderate_v so_o that_o now_o when_o it_o be_v manifest_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o independent_o own_o concession_n that_o the_o word_n church_n may_v be_v take_v as_o well_o antecedenter_v as_o consequenter_fw-la it_o matter_n nothing_o what_o master_n baines_n think_v to_o the_o contrary_a who_o judgement_n in_o this_o business_n be_v very_o erroneous_a how_o orthodox_n soever_o he_o be_v in_o his_o other_o writing_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n though_o of_o never_o so_o greatlearning_n or_o part_n no_o not_o a_o angel_n that_o shall_v ever_o by_o god_n assistance_n make_v i_o believe_v or_o embrace_v any_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o sound_a reason_n as_o this_o novel_a tenant_n and_o whimsy_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v and_o true_o so_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n who_o by_o his_o induction_n of_o so_o many_o church_n and_o by_o that_o nigh_o relation_n he_o affirm_v they_o all_o have_v each_o to_o other_o and_o among_o themselves_o conclude_v they_o be_v all_o dependent_a for_o if_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o nigh_o a_o relation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n as_o be_v between_o member_n and_o member_n in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n as_o he_o assert_v so_o that_o the_o one_o can_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o then_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v all_o dependent_a but_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o nigh_o arelation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v as_o there_o be_v between_o member_n and_o member_n so_o that_o the_o one_o can_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v all_o dependent_a for_o the_o antecedent_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o all_o intelligible_a man_n will_v assent_v unto_o it_o and_o for_o the_o assumption_n my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n confirm_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v and_o that_o due_o the_o mâ—nner_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n in_o all_o the_o city_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o in_o juda_n and_o israel_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o they_o the_o truth_n will_v easy_o be_v perceive_v and_o the_o controversy_n will_v quick_o be_v at_o a_o end_n among_o all_o sober_a mind_a christian_n now_o in_o those_o several_a city_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o under_o their_o several_a king_n and_o prince_n they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o secular_a presbytery_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n and_o noble_n who_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n under_o those_o king_n and_o prince_n extend_v as_o far_o as_o the_o several_a bound_n and_o territory_n under_o their_o several_a city_n delate_a themselves_o and_o not_o only_o within_o their_o wall_n for_o as_o at_o their_o first_o constitution_n they_o be_v so_o many_o several_a kingdom_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v and_o have_v their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o bound_n so_o into_o whosesoever_o hand_n and_o authority_n they_o be_v in_o succession_n of_o time_n devolve_v either_o by_o conquest_n donation_n agreement_n or_o compact_n they_o common_o continue_v their_o ancient_a dimension_n and_o limit_n and_o as_o far_o as_o their_o secular_a power_n extend_v itself_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o civil_a government_n and_o policy_n the_o same_o limit_n do_v the_o ecclesiastical_a ever_o observe_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n under_o they_o all_o who_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n be_v call_v citizen_n and_o the_o whole_a country_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o several_a city_n as_o all_o history_n relate_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o examine_v the_o annal_n of_o time_n all_o man_n may_v find_v that_o which_o i_o now_o say_v to_o be_v true_a for_o we_o see_v in_o the_o change_n of_o all_o government_n from_o democratiall_a to_o aristocratical_a and_o from_o both_o to_o monarchy_n that_o as_o far_o as_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n extend_v themselves_o before_o their_o changc_n the_o monarchsor_n king_n that_o either_o invade_v those_o government_n or_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o election_n or_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o people_n extend_v their_o sole_a power_n to_o the_o extreme_a limit_n of_o those_o several_a government_n and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n rule_v those_o several_a country_n which_o before_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o their_o state_n senate_n elder_n or_o judge_n as_o we_o see_v it_o happen_v not_o only_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n after_o the_o government_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v change_v into_o a_o monarchy_n but_o even_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o all_o other_o kingdom_n for_o when_o caesar_n have_v invade_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o have_v make_v himself_o perpetuus_n dictator_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a aristocracy_n extend_v its_o self_n before_o the_o change_n so_o far_o do_v his_o sole_a power_n expatiate_v and_o extend_v itself_o after_o the_o alteration_n and_o the_o same_o power_n do_v all_o the_o succeed_a emperor_n exercise_v to_o the_o extreme_a bound_n of_o that_o empire_n till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o it_o as_o all_o history_n declare_v even_o so_o when_o the_o several_a presbytery_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v through_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n change_v into_o episcopacy_n as_o far_o as_o the_o several_a presbytery_n extend_v themselves_o so_o far_o do_v the_o several_a bishop_n appoint_v over_o they_o extend_v their_o sole_a power_n and_o exercise_v their_o sole_a authority_n hence_o arise_v so_o many_o broil_n contention_n and_o digladiation_n among_o those_o several_a bishop_n about_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a sea_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o which_o all_o ecclesiastical_a story_n be_v full_a all_o the_o which_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o declare_v
that_o will_v have_v receive_v they_o yea_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o ver_fw-la 10._o of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n excommunicate_v they_o but_o do_v it_o hereby_o appear_v say_v he_o that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o have_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o nâ—_n say_v he_o but_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow_n elder_n or_o fellow_n saint_n by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n that_o in_o master_n knollys_n his_o opinion_n diotrephes_n be_v a_o saint_n saint_n diotrephes_n therefore_o let_v he_o be_v even_o such_o another_o saint_n as_o himself_o and_o his_o brethren_n be_v diotrephes_n say_v he_o love_v the_o primacy_n among_o they_o will_v be_v the_o primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o and_o why_o therefore_o shall_v the_o doctor_n marvel_v that_o his_o brethren_n shall_v now_o urge_v this_o place_n against_o the_o court_n of_o preshyters_n thus_o master_n knollys_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o answer_v most_o malicious_o and_o wicked_o calumniate_v his_o brethren_n and_o labour_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o time_n be_v like_o diotrephes_n in_o affect_v supremacy_n over_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n and_o over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o to_o enrage_v the_o people_n against_o they_o when_o it_o be_v they_o themselves_o that_o will_v bring_v all_o man_n under_o their_o slavery_n and_o have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n independent_a in_o their_o several_a congregation_n within_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o diotrephes_n but_o out_o of_o master_n knollys_n his_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o diotrephes_n have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o church_n and_o congregation_n be_v synonimae_n in_o his_o dialect_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_o evident_a from_o his_o word_n page_n the_o 7._o which_o be_v these_o therefore_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n writ_n 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 these_o be_v master_n knollys_n formal_a expression_n out_o of_o all_o which_o it_o do_v now_o evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n and_o many_o congregation_n in_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o and_o that_o diotrophe_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n among_o they_o for_o so_o master_n knollys_n do_v in_o express_a term_n acknowledge_v and_o in_o so_o speak_v contradict_v himself_o and_o vindicate_v i_o from_o the_o error_n he_o accuse_v i_o of_o who_o affirm_v i_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o that_o place_n say_v there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n diotrephes_n have_v and_o yet_o here_o he_o assert_v that_o saint_n john_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 so_o that_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n for_o i_o once_o and_o again_o and_o make_v himself_o guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n he_o charge_v i_o with_o page_n 6_o and_o page_n 7._o by_o which_o all_o man_n may_v see_v not_o only_o the_o contentiousnesse_n and_o restlessness_n of_o the_o creature_n spirit_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o man_n who_o contradict_v himself_o at_o every_o hand_n but_o may_v also_o gather_v that_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n all_o the_o which_o make_v but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n and_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o diotrephes_n aspire_v to_o the_o primacy_n among_o they_o and_o seek_v to_o stand_v singular_a by_o himself_o with_o his_o congregation_n and_o to_o be_v independent_a and_o to_o have_v no_o relation_n or_o reference_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n become_v a_o offender_n by_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o severe_o reprove_v by_o saint_n john_n for_o his_o so_o do_v in_o oppose_v his_o brethren_n in_o take_v in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o what_o member_n he_o please_v by_o his_o sole_a and_o absolute_a authority_n all_o which_o mr_n knollys_n accord_v to_o whether_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o whether_o diotrephes_n be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o affront_v a_o court_n and_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n see_v we_o read_v of_o none_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n before_o he_o and_o whether_o those_o that_o now_o seek_v to_o establish_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n in_o every_o congregation_n within_o themselves_o independent_a be_v not_o rather_o like_o diotrephes_n than_o those_o godly_a minister_n that_o desire_v the_o government_n in_o common_a according_a to_o god_n holy_a word_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o consider_v and_o whether_o or_o no_o mr_n knollys_n do_v not_o palpable_o contradict_v himself_o in_o all_o this_o his_o discourse_n for_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o diotrephes_n have_v his_o particular_a congregation_n and_o oppose_v the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o that_o he_o do_v evil_a in_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o those_o brethren_n he_o cast_v out_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o know_v or_o i_o can_v prove_v whether_o this_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o to_o say_v and_o unsay_v and_o mere_o to_o trifle_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o intelligible_a man_n i_o conceive_v that_o all_o man_n that_o be_v but_o of_o ordinary_a capacity_n when_o they_o shall_v well_o consider_v my_o argument_n and_o mr_n knollys_n his_o reply_n unto_o it_o will_v say_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o transgressor_n and_o a_o offender_n against_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o other_o presbyter_n the_o apostle_n will_v never_o have_v say_v wherefore_o if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o by_o we_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v saint_n john_n himself_o and_o the_o other_o presbyter_n for_o he_o include_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o diotrephes_n prate_v against_o and_o oppose_v now_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o elder_a for_o so_o he_o call_v himself_o and_o mr_n knollys_n acknowledge_v it_o and_o confess_v also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o elder_n in_o that_o church_n and_o against_o all_o those_o do_v diotrephes_n prate_v with_o malicious_a word_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o authority_n which_o mr_n knollys_n do_v not_o gainsay_v yea_o he_o affirmrth_n it_o that_o diotrephes_n will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n above_o his_o brethren_n whether_o fellow-elders_a or_o fellow-saint_n he_o will_v be_v primate_n say_v he_o and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o preeminency_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o it_o and_o brethren_n of_o it_o do_v it_o not_o then_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o mr_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o that_o affront_v the_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n without_o speak_n of_o malicious_a word_n against_o they_o &_o lord_v it_o over_o the_o church_n and_o take_n in_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n and_o rule_v after_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n and_o with_o a_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n within_o himself_o in_o his_o congregation_n and_o violate_v that_o order_n of_o government_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o that_o church_n be_v not_o in_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n judgement_n to_o assume_v that_o authority_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o open_o to_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o to_o affront_v all_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v ridiculous_a in_o any_o man_n to_o affirm_v i_o be_o confident_a all_o intelligible_a christian_n will_v say_v there_o be_v never_o any_o opposition_n of_o any_o court_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n if_o this_o be_v not_o and_o yet_o mr_n knollys_n say_v it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o know_v or_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o diotrephes_n assume_v that_o power_n to_o himself_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n or_o that_o he_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o yet_o acknowledge_v the_o thing_n in_o formal_a word_n whether_o
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
this_o truth_n be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o perceive_v by_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o wilful_o blind_v themselves_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v hourly_a experience_n furnish_v man_n with_o precedent_n of_o it_o for_o if_o any_o delinquent_n be_v find_v out_o they_o be_v not_o hail_v before_o the_o people_n but_o before_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a hew_v and_o cry_v that_o be_v send_v to_o any_o parish_n but_o it_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o constable_n or_o his_o deputy_n and_o to_o such_o in_o that_o town_n or_o village_n as_o be_v in_o place_n or_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o people_n trouble_v not_o themselves_o with_o it_o yea_o they_o will_v ordinary_o say_v it_o concern_v they_o not_o it_o be_v not_o their_o place_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o business_n of_o state_n that_o they_o affirm_v belong_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n secular_a and_o in_o the_o state_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n those_o in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o manage_v the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o people_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o all_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v but_o so_o many_o corporation_n a_o stand_a presbytery_n and_o order_n of_o minister_n and_o ruler_n in_o each_o of_o they_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n of_o they_o all_o within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n lay_v the_o which_o government_n they_o be_v ever_o to_o manage_v and_o order_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o joint_a agreement_n with_o which_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o with_o the_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o intermeddle_v for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o confound_v that_o order_n god_n have_v establish_v in_o each_o church_n and_o this_o all_o well-instructed_n christian_n know_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n not_o any_o that_o i_o ever_o read_v of_o oppose_a that_o government_n before_o diotrephes_n who_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o his_o temerity_n by_o st._n john_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a leave_v they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n so_o that_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o howsoever_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o sant_n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o their_o time_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n steward_n and_o angel_n of_o those_o respective_a church_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o those_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n where_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o church_n as_o those_o that_o have_v the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n a_o place_n that_o the_o independent_o so_o much_o abuse_v howsoever_o paul_n epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o officer_n only_o and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n concern_v the_o incestuous_a person_n both_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o out_o and_o the_o take_n of_o he_o in_o again_o upon_o his_o repentance_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 2_o epistle_n and_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n say_v sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v the_o punishment_n inflict_v of_o many_o so_o that_o all_o the_o people_n do_v not_o censure_v he_o or_o inflict_v that_o punishment_n upon_o he_o but_o many_o to_o wit_v the_o presbyter_n and_o those_o in_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n and_o this_o agreeable_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o master_n knollys_n be_v mighty_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n of_o this_o place_n and_o that_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n in_o say_v that_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 as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v archippus_n coloss_n 4._o 17._o so_o the_o church_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n may_v as_o warrantable_o admonish_v he_o these_o be_v his_o word_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o double_a yea_o a_o treble_a fallacy_n for_o first_o he_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o another_o sense_n then_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o which_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o for_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o presbytery_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n and_o he_o only_o understand_v it_o for_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o by_o this_o he_o deceive_v the_o reader_n 2_o by_o church_n he_o understand_v the_o people_n the_o presbyter_n exclude_v and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n whereas_o indeed_o though_o in_o all_o those_o church_n there_o be_v a_o power_n yet_o it_o lay_v soe_o in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o they_o only_o be_v invest_v with_o it_o and_o the_o people_n be_v ever_o to_o stand_v to_o their_o order_n so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o this_o business_n be_v a_o mere_a non_fw-la sequiturâ—unc_fw-la and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o error_n that_o ensue_v from_o groundless_a principle_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a consequence_n paul_n write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v these_o word_n say_v unto_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o 1._o and_o 5._o say_v vers_n 5._o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o those_o church_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n this_o i_o assert_v do_v not_o follow_v in_o all_o good_a reason_n no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o any_o ambassador_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n now_o or_o if_o any_o message_n shall_v be_v send_v unto_o any_o corporation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n command_v such_o service_n from_o it_o to_o the_o state_n that_o the_o people_n in_o this_o kingdom_n or_o the_o people_n in_o those_o corporation_n shall_v intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n but_o all_o sound_a understanding_n man_n will_v say_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a and_o grave_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o manage_v public_a affair_n and_o to_o the_o major_a and_o aldermèn_fw-fr and_o the_o common-council_n of_o each_o corporation_n to_o transact_v and_o order_v the_o public_a business_n and_o affair_n and_o for_o this_o only_a reason_n because_o they_o be_v the_o man_n in_o those_o several_a place_n that_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v invest_v with_o authority_n over_o they_o and_o it_o only_o belong_v unto_o they_o to_o order_v all_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n who_o god_n and_o the_o people_n have_v call_v and_o appoint_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n the_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n but_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o they_o as_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o who_o only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o take_v in_o according_a to_o divine_a authority_n yea_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o god_n never_o give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o people_n in_o any_o church_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n only_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n now_o when_o master_n knollys_n by_o church_n understand_v a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n and_o the_o people_n in_o it_o and_o not_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n he_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o his_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o abuse_v not_o only_a himself_o but_o all_o those_o poor_a delude_a people_n that_o follow_v he_o yea_o he_o destroy_v his_o own_o principle_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o i_o s._n do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n in_o every_o church_n master_n knollys_n his_o word_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v often_o cite_v before_o and_o i_o s._n his_o word_n be_v these_o page_n 11._o in_o assert_v that_o the_o
persbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v say_v he_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o i_o sure_a not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v thus_o he_o but_o of_o these_o word_n in_o their_o due_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n of_o those_o several_a church_n lay_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o only_o have_v the_o order_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o those_o church_n as_o the_o steward_n over_o they_o and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o accusation_n and_o examine_v matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o to_o proceed_v against_o offender_n by_o censure_n and_o punishment_n upon_o evidence_n and_o proof_n make_v against_o they_o as_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v sufficient_o evince_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o their_o minister_n and_o their_o fellow_n member_n as_o to_o censure_v they_o or_o to_o exercise_v any_o act_n of_o government_n over_o they_o neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n in_o write_v unto_o the_o colossian_n and_o bid_v they_o say_v to_o archippus_n that_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o his_o ministry_n and_o in_o write_v unto_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o shall_v cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n investe_fw-ge the_o people_n in_o either_o of_o those_o church_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o either_o presbyter_n or_o their_o fellow_n member_n for_o the_o power_n of_o reproof_n and_o censure_n with_o authority_n belong_v primary_o and_o principal_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n as_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n show_v in_o the_o which_o all_o minister_n be_v teach_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o several_a place_n who_o to_o admonish_v and_o how_o who_o to_o ordain_v and_o who_o to_o cast_v out_o and_o how_o to_o exercise_v all_o other_o act_n of_o government_n as_o those_o of_o ordination_n excommunication_n and_o censure_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o minister_n be_v to_o perform_v their_o office_n judicial_o &_o authoritative_o not_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n which_o any_o christian_a upon_o just_a occasion_n observe_v all_o the_o vital_a circumstance_n of_o a_o well_o order_v reproof_n and_o action_n as_o of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n may_v do_v for_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n which_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o minister_n do_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o church_n as_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n and_o man_n in_o place_n and_o power_n and_o the_o people_n do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n and_o only_a out_o of_o christian_a duty_n and_o not_o with_o any_o authority_n they_o have_v over_o the_o people_n and_o if_o their_o brethren_n will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o to_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o they_o and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o then_o to_o refer_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n to_o tell_v and_o inform_v their_o several_a presbytery_n of_o it_o the_o people_n be_v confine_v within_o these_o limet_n only_o and_o be_v not_o to_o exceed_v and_o go_v out_o of_o these_o bound_n whereas_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n by_o their_o place_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o order_v they_o and_o censure_v they_o which_o the_o people_n have_v not_o neither_o with_o any_o good_a reason_n will_v it_o follow_v if_o any_o private_a christian_a may_v admonish_v a_o minister_n fail_v in_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o he_o for_o this_o one_o member_n and_o brother_n have_v not_o over_o another_o as_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o another_o man_n servant_n as_o saint_n paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o although_o all_o christian_n be_v command_v coloss_n the_o 3._o and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n to_o admonish_v one_o another_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o have_v rule_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o they_o because_o the_o scripture_n witness_v the_o contrary_a but_o the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o rebuke_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v and_o censure_n as_o ambassador_n steward_n and_o governor_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o over_o they_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n and_o end_n not_o only_o to_o beseech_v and_o entreat_v they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v refractory_a and_o disorderly_a to_o punish_v and_o censure_v they_o and_o that_o by_o their_o place_n as_o they_o be_v officer_n and_o as_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n whereas_o other_o christian_n do_v their_o duty_n only_o out_o of_o love_n as_o brethren_n and_o not_o as_o magistrate_n so_o that_o what_o the_o people_n do_v either_o in_o admonish_v or_o exhort_v it_o be_v out_o of_o charity_n or_o what_o they_o do_v in_o choose_v of_o officer_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v either_o by_o denomination_n of_o they_o or_o in_o approve_v and_o assent_v unto_o what_o the_o presbytery_n do_v as_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o people_n power_n to_o hinder_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o offender_n if_o he_o be_v prove_v scandalous_a or_o of_o receive_v any_o into_o the_o church_n or_o into_o any_o office_n of_o the_o same_o if_o they_o be_v think_v fit_a and_o worthy_a of_o it_o for_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n for_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o these_o be_v all_o action_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o order_v thing_n in_o their_o hand_n which_o i_o affirm_v be_v never_o give_v to_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o those_o place_n quote_v by_o mr_n knollys_n to_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o people_n over_o either_o their_o minister_n or_o fellow-member_n be_v not_o for_o his_o purpose_n as_o bâ—ing_v misapply_v and_o abuse_v as_o they_o be_v daily_o by_o the_o independent_a brethren_n so_o that_o to_o all_o rational_a and_o understand_a man_n from_o this_o reproof_n of_o diotrephes_n give_v by_o s._n john_n and_o this_o his_o censure_v of_o he_o for_o usurp_a sole_a authority_n to_o himself_o and_o prate_v malicious_a word_n against_o saint_n john_n and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n he_o write_v to_o these_o two_o conclusion_n do_v necessary_o follow_v the_o first_o that_o all_o such_o as_o affect_v a_o absolute_a jurisdiction_n in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n within_o itself_o independent_a without_o any_o reference_n or_o relation_n to_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n and_o do_v speak_v malicious_a word_n against_o their_o fellow-minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o do_v cast_v out_o who_o they_o please_v and_o bring_v in_o who_o they_o will_v at_o pleasure_n upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o do_v rule_v after_o a_o arbitrary_a way_n all_o such_o violate_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o oppose_v that_o government_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o all_o church_n by_o his_o bless_a word_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n that_o diotrephes_n be_v and_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o will_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o it_o but_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v such_o the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o all_o such_o minister_n and_o congregation_n as_o give_v the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n either_o whole_o exclude_v the_o minister_n or_o join_v the_o people_n with_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o thus_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o call_v wherein_o they_o be_v call_v be_v prevaricator_n and_o offender_n against_o divine_a institution_n for_o god_n have_v give_v the_o key_n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o enjoin_v the_o people_n to_o obey_v they_o but_o such_o be_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o leave_v their_o station_n and_o call_v wherein_o they_o be_v call_v ergo_fw-la they_o be_v all_o prevaricator_n and_o offender_n against_o divine_a institution_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v fit_a by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o reply_v unto_o all_o that_o mr_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v against_o my_o argument_n draw_v from_o diotrephes_n and_o in_o defence_n of_o their_o congregationall_a practice_n there_o yet_o remain_v one_o whible_a cavil_n more_o in_o this_o his_o answer_n
it_o i_o be_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o i_o be_o of_o any_o point_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o man_n may_v argue_v after_o this_o way_n the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v miracle_n and_o sâ—ake_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o their_o scholar_n and_o disciple_n do_v the_o same_o do_v you_o likewise_o and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v true_a presbyter_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o thus_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v argue_v against_o all_o their_o prophet_n as_o against_o isaiah_n jeremy_n ezekiel_n etc._n etc._n moses_n and_o elias_n fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n do_v you_o so_o and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o send_v to_o we_o of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n of_o these_o time_n may_v argue_v thus_o also_o god_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o speak_v all_o strange_a tongue_n and_o divers_a language_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n but_o you_o and_o your_o congregation_n have_v neither_o apostle_n prophet_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o you_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o you_o can_v do_v no_o miracle_n ergo_fw-la you_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o speak_v by_o direction_n from_o god_n his_o infallible_a truth_n and_o gospel_n who_o speech_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o time_n and_o to_o one_o speaker_n but_o many_o speak_v one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 27._o 28_o 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o they_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o you_o have_v none_o in_o your_o congregation_n so_o miraculous_o inspire_v with_o sundry_a language_n and_o divers_a tongue_n nor_o you_o do_v not_o speak_v infallible_a truth_n by_o direction_n from_o god_n nor_o you_o can_v cure_v disease_n nor_o do_v miracle_n ergò_fw-la your_o religion_n be_v not_o the_o same_o religion_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n show_v we_o these_o miracle_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n otherwise_o we_o may_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o acknowledge_v you_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n again_o they_o may_v argue_v thus_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n preach_v free_o and_o labour_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o be_v helpful_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o and_o be_v not_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o and_o speak_v ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la by_o direction_n from_o god_n but_o your_o minister_n in_o your_o congregation_n do_v not_o preach_v free_o nor_o labour_v not_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n nor_o be_v not_o helpful_a to_o to_o other_o necessity_n but_o be_v rather_o burdensome_a and_o exact_v from_o other_o nor_o they_o do_v no_o miracle_n nor_o speak_v not_o immediate_o by_o inspiration_n and_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la but_o by_o study_n and_o out_o of_o their_o book_n and_o be_v confine_v to_o time_n and_o speak_v not_o in_o strange_a tongue_n and_o language_n one_o after_o another_o by_o interpreter_n ergò_fw-la your_o minister_n be_v not_o god_n minister_n nor_o your_o congregation_n the_o true_a church_n nor_o your_o people_n true_a christian_n for_o you_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v there_o be_v a_o pamphlet_n late_o come_v out_o and_o high_o esteem_v and_o prise_v among_o many_o full_a of_o such_o consequence_n as_o these_o which_o if_o they_o hold_v good_a against_o the_o presbyter_n they_o may_v also_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v of_o equal_a validity_n to_o overthrow_v not_o only_o all_o christian_a congregation_n but_o indeed_o all_o christian_a religion_n but_o brief_o to_o answer_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n as_o man_n miraculous_o and_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o as_o wonder-working_a man_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o we_o consider_v in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o their_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o strange_a tongue_n and_o gift_n of_o heal_a etc._n etc._n and_o those_o we_o conceive_v be_v to_o continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o church_n then_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n himself_o proclaim_v those_o bless_a that_o believe_v without_o see_v of_o miracle_n speak_v unto_o thomas_n john_n 20._o 29._o because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o say_v he_o thou_o believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v so_o that_o miracle_n now_o be_v not_o ordinary_a and_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o we_o consider_v likewise_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a presbyter_n that_o that_o be_v permanent_a and_o to_o continue_v in_o all_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v transact_v over_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n who_o presbyter_n have_v that_o power_n give_v unto_o they_o neither_o will_v the_o learned_a brethren_n deny_v it_o whatsoever_o the_o ignorant_a may_v do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o i_o say_v before_o if_o we_o look_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o signiory_n or_o corporation_n invest_v with_o authority_n of_o govern_v and_o rule_v and_o such_o a_o counsel_n and_o company_n of_o man_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n under_o christ_n be_v lay_v and_o to_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o their_o jurisdiction_n extend_v and_o as_o far_o as_o by_o common_a consent_n it_o may_v make_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o committee_n their_o limit_n and_o bound_n prefix_v they_o as_o at_o this_o dayall_a committee_n through_o the_o kingdom_n have_v in_o their_o several_a hundred_o rape_n wapentake_n and_o city_n to_o who_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o those_o place_n that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v do_v or_o transact_v must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o council_n of_o the_o whole_a committee_n not_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o several_o consider_v by_o themselves_o can_v make_v a_o order_n but_o that_o order_n only_o be_v bind_v which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n of_o they_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o assemble_v together_o even_o so_o all_o those_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a and_o joint_a council_n of_o the_o several_a presbyter_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o order_n the_o apostle_n establish_v appoint_v in_o every_o city_n a_o presbytery_n and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o order_v the_o church_n they_o set_v they_o all_o to_o their_o several_a employment_n the_o presbyter_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o particular_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v neither_o be_v it_o ever_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n be_v join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o commission_n so_o that_o they_o that_o oppose_v this_o government_n resist_v god_n ordinance_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o that_o they_o enjoin_v all_o the_o several_a congregation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o owe_v unto_o they_o double_a honour_n especial_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v they_o must_v yield_v unto_o they_o not_o only_o due_a reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o council_n and_o just_a command_n in_o the_o
true_a church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v nay_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 2._o which_o they_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v no_o more_o a_o true_a form_v church_n nor_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n than_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v for_o they_o describe_v a_o church_n unto_o we_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o saint_n or_o believer_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o in_o number_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v together_o into_o one_o body_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n so_o as_o that_o assembly_n or_o church_n must_v not_o be_v fluid_a but_o fix_v in_o its_o member_n and_o officer_n have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o its_o own_o with_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o independent_a and_o enjoy_v all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o independent_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o far_o as_o by_o their_o practice_n and_o writing_n we_o can_v gather_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o church_n want_v this_o form_n according_a to_o their_o language_n be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o by_o this_o their_o model_n the_o church_n itself_o of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a mould_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o i_o shall_v here_o brief_o in_o some_o particular_n show_v and_o more_o large_o demonstrate_v when_o i_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burton_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o independent_o that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o five_o thousand_o after_o that_o it_o be_v then_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n they_o acknowledge_v they_o want_v deacon_n and_o presbyter_n and_o they_o confess_v withal_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o due_a place_n they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n so_o that_o then_o they_o have_v not_o a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o withal_o the_o independent_o affirm_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n and_o saint_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v inhabitant_n of_o other_o church_n through_o judaea_n for_o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o other_o church_n there_o and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o belong_v unto_o the_o other_o church_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v also_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o there_o be_v more_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o yea_o he_o confess_v that_o in_o its_o infancy_n the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v that_o they_o tie_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o by_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o count_v such_o a_o covenant_n the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n from_o all_o which_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o definition_n or_o description_n of_o the_o independent_o church_n be_v erroneous_a or_o if_o it_o be_v orthodox_n than_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n formewhen_o they_o say_v it_o be_v for_o first_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o yet_o though_o in_o several_a and_o distinct_a place_n and_o assembly_n they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n second_o they_o have_v no_o fix_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o nor_o no_o presbytery_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o if_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v stranger_n and_o have_v their_o habitation_n in_o other_o city_n as_o they_o say_v than_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v neither_o in_o their_o officer_n nor_o member_n anâ—_n yet_o a_o true_a church_n not_o in_o the_o elder_n nor_o deacon_n for_o they_o then_o have_v none_o at_o all_o nor_o in_o their_o member_n for_o they_o confess_v many_o of_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o do_v not_o inhabit_v and_o dwell_v there_o and_o therefore_o not_o fix_v member_n and_o for_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v notfixt_v but_o as_o noah_n dove_n be_v send_v out_o by_o he_o and_o return_v with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o her_o mouth_n &_o at_o the_o next_o time_n depart_v and_o go_v her_o way_n so_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v the_o universal_a messenger_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v send_v out_o into_o all_o nation_n with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o their_o mouth_n that_o trophy_n of_o peace_n and_o glad_a tiding_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o howsoever_o for_o a_o time_n they_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n yet_o all_o man_n know_v that_o be_v not_o their_o abide_a place_n for_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v officer_n there_o but_o be_v to_o go_v out_o into_o all_o country_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o when_o the_o persecution_n come_v according_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n than_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v scatter_v and_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v in_o jerusalem_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v â—ound_v but_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a those_o member_n be_v not_o fix_v but_o fluid_v when_o they_o run_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n to_o save_v themselves_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n those_o great_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o their_o language_n all_o alone_a without_o either_o sheep_n or_o lamb_n they_o also_o be_v not_o fix_v but_o be_v afterward_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o teach_v and_o baptize_v as_o i_o say_v before_o withal_o the_o independent_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o want_v ed_z that_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n excommunication_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o presbytery_n in_o it_o nor_o no_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o good_a neither_o can_v they_o then_o enjoy_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o better_a than_o those_o that_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o the_o baptismeof_o john_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n which_o the_o independent_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o by_o their_o definition_n &_o they_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n ergo_fw-la they_o do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o now_o the_o independent_o require_v for_o the_o mould_v up_o of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n no_o more_o than_o be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o i._o s._n and_o the_o independent_o babble_n about_o the_o form_n and_o mould_n of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v to_o little_a purpose_n yea_o mere_a vainty_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o it_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o think_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o mould_v up_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o mother-church_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n according_a to_o the_o independent_o learning_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v then_o she_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o any_o external_a explicit_a particular_a covenant_n nor_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o requisite_n that_o they_o now_o require_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o its_o due_a place_n but_o now_o to_o return_v and_o come_v
likewise_o want_v nothing_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n but_o have_v plenary_a authority_n within_o itself_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o complete_a a_o church_n within_o itself_o as_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n by_o all_o which_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v and_o that_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o perfection_n in_o one_o day_n and_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n now_o i_o shall_v never_o beleevethat_o those_o glorious_a church_n found_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n in_o every_o city_n in_o the_o which_o they_o have_v their_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n and_o all_o other_o officer_n appoint_v they_o the_o which_o church_n also_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o complete_a church_n and_o in_o the_o which_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o well_o set_v up_o upon_o his_o throne_n as_o any_o of_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o impiety_n to_o think_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o gather_v church_n and_o how_o to_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o they_o and_o how_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o perfection_n in_o one_o day_n at_o their_o first_o constitution_n as_o well_o as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o who_o notwithstanding_o do_v all_o proclaim_v they_o but_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n both_o in_o the_o gather_n and_o constitute_v of_o their_o new_a church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o independent_a congregation_n be_v all_o complete_v at_o their_o first_o sound_v and_o constitution_n and_o be_v all_o complete_a within_o themselves_o as_o have_v plenary_a authority_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o much_o more_o have_v all_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n absolute_a jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o at_o their_o first_o constitution_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a from_o the_o reproof_n give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n by_o s._n paul_n who_o blame_v they_o for_o not_o cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o from_o the_o reproof_n give_v to_o some_o of_o the_o 7_o church_n of_o asia_n by_o christ_n himself_o for_o otherwise_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a at_o their_o first_o constitution_n may_v have_v reply_v and_o answer_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n and_o that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o complete_o mould_v up_o at_o their_o first_o sound_n and_o that_o they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n but_o none_o of_o these_o church_n pretend_v any_o such_o thing_n neither_o can_v they_o for_o saint_n paul_n have_v give_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n by_o name_n a_o caveat_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o wolf_n that_o will_v rise_v up_o among_o they_o after_o his_o departure_n and_o have_v arm_v they_o likewise_o with_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o twenty_o of_o the_o act_n and_o that_o church_n execute_v its_o power_n in_o find_v out_o of_o false_a teacher_n and_o be_v praise_v for_o it_o though_o the_o other_o be_v blame_v so_o that_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o their_o duty_n and_o not_o execute_v of_o their_o discipline_n be_v that_o that_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o exercise_v that_o power_n that_o be_v give_v they_o in_o cast_v out_o of_o those_o corrupt_a member_n from_o among_o they_o this_o i_o say_v be_v their_o fail_n and_o for_o this_o be_v they_o blame_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o discipline_n or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a at_o their_o first_o constitution_n but_o their_o negligence_n and_o their_o not_o do_v their_o duty_n be_v their_o sin_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n inferior_a to_o any_o other_o church_n in_o power_n or_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n bold_o and_o without_o all_o reason_n affirm_v for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o story_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n his_o wife_n the_o which_o if_o it_o can_v take_v away_o the_o very_a life_n of_o offender_n as_o it_o do_v they_o for_o lie_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o it_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o any_o corrupt_a member_n and_o scandalous_a person_n if_o they_o have_v have_v any_o among_o they_o as_o all_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o well_o ground_a christian_a but_o that_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o excommunicate_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o want_n of_o discipline_n or_o power_n in_o that_o church_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o open_a delinquent_n and_o scandalous_a person_n for_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o will_v suffer_v none_o in_o the_o least_o to_o transgress_v it_o without_o question_v they_o nay_o if_o they_o conceive_v but_o a_o offence_n in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o they_o will_v call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act_n the_o â—1_n where_o they_o question_v peter_n for_o go_v in_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o learned_a and_o judicious_a christian_n that_o the_o punishment_n also_o that_o be_v inflict_v upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n strike_v so_o great_a a_o terror_n of_o offend_v into_o all_o the_o ghurch_n as_o it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n declare_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o in_o public_a be_v vicious_a and_o therefore_o that_o make_v they_o all_o afraid_a of_o public_a open_a and_o scandal_n withal_o it_o be_v record_v that_o they_o be_v all_o true_a believer_n and_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n and_o be_v all_o true_a convert_n and_o saint_n indeed_o now_o no_o church_n use_v to_o cast_v out_o saint_n and_o man_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a conversation_n and_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o goodness_n and_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a which_o when_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o excommunication_n or_o at_o least_o they_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o exercise_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n at_o that_o time_n for_o discipline_n in_o any_o church_n be_v as_o magistracy_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o good_a but_o to_o the_o wicked_a as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v rom._n the_o 13._o it_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o well_o doer_n and_o as_o the_o magistrate_n use_v the_o sword_n only_o against_o offender_n and_o delinquent_n so_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n exercise_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n only_o in_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a member_n which_o be_v sole_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o read_v not_o of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o public_a and_o scandalous_a person_n there_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n beside_o all_o man_n know_v that_o discipline_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o other_o and_o be_v but_o the_o result_n and_o effect_n of_o discipline_n as_o the_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v another_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o court_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o that_o court_n be_v a_o other_o and_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o authority_n make_v it_o 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want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n i_o beeleeve_v they_o will_v exercise_v some_o more_o of_o their_o authority_n to_o teach_v such_o a_o one_o better_a manner_n or_o more_o wit_n even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o have_v discipline_n in_o that_o church_n though_o we_o read_v not_o of_o the_o put_n of_o it_o in_o execution_n as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o ephesus_n neither_o will_v any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v that_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n because_o i_o say_v we_o read_v only_o of_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v commend_v for_o it_o and_o some_o of_o the_o other_o seven_o church_n be_v blame_v for_o not_o cast_v out_o their_o corrupt_a member_n and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o at_o that_o time_n exercise_v their_o authority_n neither_o read_v we_o of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n colosse_n nor_o among_o the_o thessalonian_o nor_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o antioch_n nor_o in_o samaria_n will_v any_o man_n therefore_o say_v that_o all_o these_o church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n because_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o they_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o fanatical_a as_o to_o make_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o so_o brainsick_a a_o premise_v much_o less_o will_v any_o intelligible_a christian_n argue_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v say_v we_o read_v not_o of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n ergo_fw-la it_o have_v it_o not_o this_o will_v indeed_o prove_v a_o non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la and_o such_o a_o consequenct_n or_o conclusion_n can_v least_o of_o all_o have_v be_v make_v from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o such_o a_o antecedent_n then_o from_o any_o of_o the_o other_o church_n because_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n within_o itself_o but_o a_o legislative_a power_n also_o who_o give_v law_n to_o all_o other_o church_n both_o for_o the_o order_n and_o rule_v of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o exercise_v of_o their_o discipline_n in_o every_o particular_a and_o that_o by_o god_n appointment_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n say_v the_o prophet_n isa_n 23._o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n give_v power_n to_o all_o the_o daughter_n church_n and_o that_o both_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o power_n be_v radical_o in_o it_o and_o in_o that_o church_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o authority_n the_o stream_n of_o the_o which_o flow_v to_o all_o the_o other_o church_n of_o the_o world_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n think_v it_o give_v away_o all_o its_o power_n and_o do_v not_o keep_v a_o reserve_n donec_fw-la ad_fw-la triarios_fw-la redierit_fw-la res_fw-la i_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o independent_o will_v much_o blame_v my_o brother_n burton_n for_o this_o his_o rashness_n in_o affirm_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n when_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v all_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n bequeath_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v mat._n 28._o verse_n 18._o 19_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o john_n the_o 20._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v loe_o here_o be_v plenary_a authority_n give_v unto_o all_o the_o apostle_n who_o as_o they_o have_v the_o key_n promise_v they_o in_o the_o sixteenth_o of_o matthew_n here_o they_o now_o receive_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n both_o of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o the_o key_n import_v as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v and_o the_o very_a independent_o do_v not_o deny_v now_o this_o power_n be_v not_o only_o give_v unto_o they_o but_o unto_o all_o faithful_a minister_n their_o successor_n to_o who_o christ_n make_v a_o promise_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n matth._n 28._o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v ever_o relinquish_v their_o power_n and_o therefore_o they_o want_v not_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n grollish_o affirm_v who_o begin_v now_o to_o doubt_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o dote_v but_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o just_a occasion_n without_o all_o controversy_n they_o will_v have_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n but_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n and_o have_v no_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n which_o they_o want_v not_o though_o they_o exercise_v it_o not_o for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o punish_v offender_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o and_o i_o believe_v that_o the_o independent_o will_v blame_v any_o of_o their_o scholar_n and_o member_n if_o they_o shall_v say_v their_o new_a congregat_v church_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n though_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o in_o some_o of_o they_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n for_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o power_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n in_o a_o church_n for_o as_o it_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o a_o court_n of_o justice_n have_v not_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o hang_v and_o draw_v though_o perhaps_o after_o it_o be_v erect_v they_o either_o have_v no_o occasion_n of_o execute_v that_o authority_n that_o be_v give_v or_o they_o out_o of_o clemency_n will_v for_o a_o time_n show_v mercy_n and_o use_v lenity_n towards_o offender_n not_o take_v the_o extremity_n of_o the_o law_n the_o more_o with_o humanity_n and_o kindness_n to_o reclaim_v they_o even_o so_o in_o all_o well_o constitute_v church_n the_o not_o execute_v of_o the_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n or_o the_o not_o have_v just_a occasion_n of_o put_v that_o power_n in_o execution_n do_v not_o prove_v a_o want_n of_o that_o power_n and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o new_a congregation_n shall_v so_o argue_v against_o their_o new_a church_n officer_n i_o believe_v they_o will_v soon_o make_v use_n of_o their_o key_n to_o shut_v such_o a_o member_n out_o of_o their_o church_n door_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n false_o complain_v that_o truth_n be_v late_o shut_v out_o of_o aldermanburic_n church_n door_n and_o true_o if_o one_o of_o their_o whibble_a congregation_n have_v no_o want_n of_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n though_o they_o execute_v it_o not_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v so_o temerarious_a and_o unadvised_a as_o to_o think_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v evacuate_v or_o enervate_v or_o that_o they_o have_v not_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n when_o there_o be_v great_a power_n in_o it_o then_o in_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o who_o have_v all_o the_o apostle_n among_o they_o and_o as_o christ_n and_o john_n disciple_n all_o of_o they_o arm_v with_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o when_o the_o magazine_n and_o treasury_n of_o all_o power_n reside_v continual_o in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n when_o all_o other_o church_n derive_v their_o power_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n from_o that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o to_o this_o i_o now_o say_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o judicious_a man_n will_v easy_o consent_v and_o agree_v and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n say_v that_o neither_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n nor_o none_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v complete_a within_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o must_v
and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o according_o determine_v that_o difference_n and_o question_n by_o the_o write_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o command_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n it_o any_o difference_n of_o opinion_n rise_v among_o the_o church_n or_o if_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n how_o holy_a and_o godly_a so_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o broach_v they_o and_o what_o pretence_n so_o ever_o they_o make_v that_o they_o have_v they_o from_o divine_a authority_n i_o say_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n king_n and_o prince_n and_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n may_v call_v a_o council_n or_o synod_n of_o divine_n together_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n there_o debate_v thing_n by_o dispute_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o determine_v the_o question_n and_o send_v their_o decree_n which_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o other_o church_n so_o i_o affirm_v also_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v that_o church_n be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n and_o christian_a church_n in_o they_o that_o minister_n out_o of_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o representative_a body_n may_v meet_v together_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o their_o magistrate_n and_o dispute_v those_o question_n by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n and_o find_v by_o search_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v may_v determine_v the_o question_n according_o and_o give_v out_o their_o decree_n groun_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n with_o authority_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o those_o church_n under_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o as_o the_o people_n than_o do_v patient_o wait_v till_o the_o determine_n of_o that_o difference_n without_o make_v of_o any_o rent_n schism_n or_o separation_n one_o from_o another_o and_o do_v then_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o decree_n without_o any_o reluctation_n but_o observe_v they_o all_o willing_o after_o the_o debate_n so_o ought_v all_o people_n in_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o follow_v their_o example_n with_o patience_n to_o wait_v without_o make_v any_o rent_n and_o division_n till_o thing_n be_v full_o discuss_v and_o determine_v in_o any_o such_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o then_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o submit_v themselves_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o other_o church_n for_o a_o example_n of_o imitation_n so_o long_o as_o they_o enjoin_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o differ_v and_o dissent_v opinion_n between_o church_n and_o church_n and_o upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o in_o christian_a country_n or_o any_o old_a one_o revive_v as_o it_o have_v its_o pattern_n from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n which_o be_v leave_v for_o our_o imitation_n that_o all_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n shall_v follow_v it_o so_o this_o way_n of_o rule_v be_v ground_v upon_o most_o excellent_a reason_n as_o most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n of_o which_o we_o have_v many_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o this_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o some_o other_o for_o as_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n have_v be_v ever_o govern_v by_o general_a counsel_n and_o have_v ever_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n and_o counsel_n to_o superior_a upon_o either_o public_a grievance_n or_o upon_o any_o difference_n between_o province_n and_o province_n and_o county_n and_o county_n or_o between_o corporation_n and_o corporation_n or_o city_n and_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o oppression_n or_o impeachment_n or_o encroachment_n of_o each_o on_o the_o other_o liberty_n or_o through_o injustice_n or_o injury_n do_v to_o each_o of_o they_o from_o some_o that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n be_v inferior_a to_o no_o other_o kingdom_n upon_o earth_n but_o in_o that_o also_o the_o several_a corporation_n that_o be_v under_o it_o which_o be_v so_o many_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o appeal_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a or_o above_o name_v occasion_n and_o although_o they_o all_o enjoy_v equal_a privilege_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o several_a province_n county_n corporation_n and_o city_n in_o any_o kingdom_n do_v so_o as_o they_o can_v several_o and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v give_v a_o law_n each_o to_o other_o yet_o as_o in_o a_o general_a council_n in_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n when_o the_o knight_n and_o baron_n and_o burgess_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o representative_a body_n in_o a_o parliament_n or_o diet_n may_v be_v so_o assemble_v together_o not_o only_o redress_v any_o abuse_n and_o punish_v delinquents_n but_o also_o for_o the_o better_a government_n of_o those_o several_a doâ—inâ—ons_n for_o the_o future_a give_v law_n to_o each_o province_n county_n city_n and_o corporation_n yea_o and_o unto_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o enact_v penal_a statute_n both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a country_n under_o they_o according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n which_o be_v christ_n kingdom_n although_o in_o it_o the_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n among_o themselves_o can_v give_v law_n to_o each_o other_o severally_z and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o can_v not_o prescribe_v to_o each_o other_o a_o rule_n or_o law_n to_o walk_v by_o with_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o a_o exemplary_a way_n by_o well_o do_v yet_o all_o these_o several_a church_n join_v together_o in_o a_o general_a council_n as_o they_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o and_o have_v from_o each_o of_o they_o deligate_v and_o send_v their_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o so_o many_o burgess_n of_o their_o several_a city_n and_o corporation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o upon_o any_o grievance_n and_o have_v by_o debate_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o difference_n in_o question_n by_o dispute_n and_o by_o disquisition_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v his_o pleasure_n in_o his_o good_a word_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n may_v in_o any_o christian_a council_n so_o call_v and_o order_v their_o business_n as_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v give_v out_o their_o decree_n and_o those_o bind_n once_o to_o all_o those_o several_a church_n that_o be_v under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o all_o these_o several_a church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n a_o precedent_n and_o a_o pattern_n for_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n corinth_n philippi_n samaria_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o each_o of_o those_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o they_o feed_v they_o all_o and_o govern_v they_o all_o in_o common_a so_o in_o that_o also_o both_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n who_o say_v they_o must_v all_o come_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a platform_n i_o say_v as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n feed_v those_o several_a church_n in_o common_a so_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o
authority_n within_o themselves_o for_o this_o purpose_n and_o they_o have_v usual_o choice_n enough_o of_o man_n fit_a for_o their_o employment_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n who_o collective_o take_v be_v all_o collegiat_o and_o classical_o govern_v and_o depend_v upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v single_a congregation_n only_o as_o the_o independent_o will_v persuade_v the_o delude_a people_n they_o can_v never_o have_v do_v for_o the_o many_o reason_n both_o now_o and_o in_o the_o forego_n discourse_v specify_v so_o that_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o sufficient_o now_o appear_v to_o any_o rational_a man_n that_o no_o particular_a congregation_n can_v enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n within_o itself_o without_o dependency_n upon_o other_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o itself_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n which_o can_v in_o any_o particular_a congregation_n be_v enjoy_v without_o it_o be_v presbyterate_v to_o use_v their_o own_o expression_n that_o be_v to_o say_v except_o it_o have_v their_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o church_n officer_n within_o itself_o annex_v to_o it_o for_o they_o among_o the_o independent_o that_o hold_v that_o excommunication_n must_v be_v inflict_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n understand_v it_o then_o only_o to_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o entire_a and_o a_o whole_a congregation_n when_o it_o consist_v of_o their_o elder_n &_o their_o other_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o people_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o people_n without_o the_o elder_n can_v excommunicate_v any_o nor_o the_o elder_n without_o the_o people_n and_o they_o of_o the_o independent_a party_n on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o they_o do_v not_o all_o agree_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o church_n government_n which_o have_v retard_v the_o bring_n in_o of_o their_o new_a noddle_n lest_o that_o by_o it_o they_o shall_v loose_v many_o of_o their_o disciple_n and_o follower_n which_o they_o well_o know_v will_v soon_o break_v of_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o humour_v they_o in_o their_o new_a mould_n and_o therefore_o they_o cunning_o juggle_v with_o the_o people_n and_o fain_a pretence_n when_o indeed_o if_o they_o have_v mean_v christianly_o and_o honest_o they_o will_v long_o since_o have_v bring_v in_o their_o new_a noddle_n of_o church_n government_n but_o fear_v what_o will_v ensue_v and_o which_o will_v not_o be_v for_o their_o profit_n and_o honour_n they_o have_v hitherto_o make_v delay_n to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o the_o seduce_a of_o many_o but_o i_o say_v those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n that_o hold_v that_o this_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n only_o and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o hand_n exclude_v the_o people_n from_o their_o vote_n and_o that_o for_o many_o inconvenience_n as_o they_o suppose_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o remove_v for_o all_o that_o as_o will_v by_o and_o by_o appear_v yet_o i_o say_v on_o all_o side_n they_o agree_v that_o without_o the_o presbyter_n consent_v none_o can_v be_v excommunicate_v be_v they_o never_o so_o scandalous_a so_o that_o so_o long_o as_o any_o congregation_n be_v without_o their_o presbyter_n and_o officer_n they_o can_v enjoy_v this_o ordinance_n also_o neither_o can_v they_o ordain_v they_o within_o themselves_o without_o help_n from_o other_o church_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o therefore_o they_o want_v this_o ordinance_n till_o their_o new_a supply_n and_o that_o they_o must_v crave_v from_o other_o church_n when_o their_o officer_n be_v dead_a and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v still_o be_v dependent_a but_o now_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o their_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v again_o recrute_v and_o make_v up_o again_o or_o presbyterate_v and_o complete_a in_o respect_n of_o both_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o that_o it_o consist_v of_o ten_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o or_o it_o may_v be_v of_o a_o few_o more_o which_o be_v a_o pretty_a full_a church_n and_o congregation_n among_o they_o what_o inconvenience_n and_o they_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n will_v forth_o with_o ensue_v upon_o it_o yea_o under_o how_o intolerable_a a_o yoke_n of_o slavery_n will_v many_o oppress_a christian_n by_o this_o mean_n groan_v under_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o be_v unjust_o and_o wrongful_o injure_v by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o any_o other_o court_n or_o church-tribunall_n for_o redress_n or_o relief_n let_v they_o be_v never_o so_o much_o wrong_v or_o injure_v or_o damnify_v by_o they_o for_o if_o the_o formidable_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n pass_v once_o against_o any_o person_n be_v it_o right_n or_o wrong_n they_o throw_v and_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o communion_n not_o only_o among_o themselves_o but_o the_o whole_a visible_a catholic_a church_n and_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o the_o devil_n therefore_o if_o this_o ordinance_n of_o excommunication_n be_v once_o inflict_v upon_o any_o member_n by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o some_o of_o the_o ii-dependents_a will_v have_v it_o or_o by_o two_o or_o three_o presbyter_n only_o as_o other_o contend_v the_o misery_n and_o grievance_n be_v never_o the_o less_o nor_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o that_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n the_o less_o avoidable_o as_o will_v daily_o appear_v for_o if_o all_o the_o congregation_n pass_v this_o sentence_n many_o of_o the_o member_n who_o have_v their_o vote_n be_v private_a man_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n unlearned_a and_o unexperienced_a through_o want_n of_o year_n part_n education_n and_o breed_n and_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o allegation_n and_o probation_n they_o be_v many_o time_n so_o intricate_a so_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v the_o rule_n unto_o the_o case_n for_o the_o inflict_a of_o a_o just_a censure_n and_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n also_o to_o bear_v a_o peculiar_a hatred_n or_o ill_a will_n unto_o their_o person_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v sway_v by_o their_o passion_n to_o do_v unjustice_n or_o may_v be_v overawe_v by_o fear_n or_o threaten_n of_o some_o other_o in_o the_o congregation_n who_o be_v the_o enemy_n to_o the_o party_n in_o question_n so_o that_o they_o be_v powerful_a man_n rich_a in_o estate_n among_o they_o and_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o indigent_a people_n who_o dependency_n may_v be_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o be_v either_o child_n servant_n workman_n or_o tenant_n of_o which_o most_o of_o the_o congregation_n consist_v and_o they_o dare_v not_o displease_v they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v their_o friend_n as_o many_o time_n it_o happen_v for_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o go_v with_o the_o strong_a side_n may_v pass_v this_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o most_o unjust_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v &_o this_o must_v go_v for_o currant_n if_o the_o most_o voice_n carry_v it_o and_o from_o they_o the_o party_n unjust_o deal_v with_o have_v no_o appeal_n but_o if_o they_o be_v obstinate_o bend_v against_o he_o must_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o condition_n under_o this_o heavy_a doom_n which_o i_o believe_v in_o every_o understand_a man_n judgement_n will_v seem_v a_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n for_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o elder_n only_o of_o this_o particular_a congregation_n have_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o above_o two_o or_o three_o and_o many_o time_n none_o of_o the_o learn_a wise_a and_o honest_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v bear_v and_o therefore_o be_v liable_a and_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o same_o temptation_n that_o the_o other_o be_v because_o of_o particular_a relation_n and_o their_o dependence_n on_o their_o congregation_n for_o their_o maintenance_n and_o support_v who_o they_o ordinary_o dare_v not_o displease_v for_o they_o know_v the_o fickleness_n of_o the_o people_n and_o how_o little_a a_o thing_n will_v disgust_v they_o and_o alienate_v their_o affection_n from_o they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o cause_n also_o of_o withdraw_v their_o contribution_n and_o supply_n by_o which_o they_o support_v themselves_o and_o their_o family_n and_o common_o when_o any_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n fall_v of_o from_o a_o minister_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a in_o his_o place_n yet_o he_o will_v withdraw_v many_o yea_o of_o themselves_o the_o unstable_a people_n will_v take_v occasion_n by_o other_o example_n to_o slight_v and_o neglect_v their_o minister_n as_o hourly_a experience_n teach_v we_o for_o humour_n not_o they_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v go_v yea_o but_o
and_o officer_n much_o less_o in_o synod_n that_o employment_n belong_v whole_o to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o each_o church_n who_o god_n have_v make_v ruler_n in_o his_o church_n over_o they_o and_o command_v the_o people_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o heb._n 13._o and_o therefore_o that_o all_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n affect_v a_o independency_n and_o challenge_v their_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n be_v all_o transgressor_n against_o both_o precept_n and_o example_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o mr_n knollys_n his_o vain_a jangle_n against_o my_o three_o proposition_n and_o now_o i_o will_v brief_o answer_v to_o what_o sir_n i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v to_o it_o who_o word_n be_v these_o pag._n 11._o in_o assert_v that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v say_v he_o sure_a not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v but_o we_o distinguish_v say_v he_o between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a say_v he_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o ay_o the_o officer_n ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v ay_o pronounce_v excommunication_n they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v executative_a power_n as_o you_o demand_v pag._n 93._o but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o as_o those_o place_n allege_v by_o yourself_o show_v express_o act._n 15._o for_o though_o ver_fw-la 2._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o be_v send_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o yet_o ver_fw-la 4._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o apostle_n and_o elder_n therefore_o they_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n also_o and_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n ver_fw-la 25._o import_v a_o multitude_n meet_v together_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o that_o multitude_n else_o it_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o resolution_n that_o it_o be_v convene_v and_o issue_v forth_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o only_a the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v mention_v as_o come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o question_n verse_n 6._o yet_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 22._o that_o it_o please_v not_o only_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o therefore_o the_o church_n also_o come_v together_o to_o consult_v or_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o a_o cnmmittee_n first_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n as_o not_o count_v it_o so_o safe_a perhaps_o to_o admit_v the_o weak_a to_o the_o same_o while_o it_o be_v intricate_a and_o then_o report_v it_o and_o have_v their_o assistance_n and_o concurrence_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o brethren_n i_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n ver_fw-la 23._o and_o so_o in_o ordination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ay_o election_n by_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a thus_o speak_v i._n s._n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o my_o three_o proposition_n the_o error_n of_o who_o expression_n shall_v i_o but_o only_o name_v they_o all_o several_o they_o will_v take_v up_o some_o time_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o paper_n but_o shall_v i_o undertake_v the_o full_a confutation_n of_o they_o all_o and_o discover_v all_o the_o impiety_n evil_a and_o wickedness_n that_o lie_v couch_v in_o these_o his_o word_n i_o may_v make_v a_o just_a volumn_n and_o spend_v some_o month_n in_o the_o employment_n for_o grosser_n error_n my_o eye_n never_o behold_v and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o contrary_a unto_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o church_n but_o to_o the_o very_a dignity_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o the_o independent_o most_o shameful_o disthrone_v as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v god_n assist_v i_o while_o notwithstanding_o they_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n of_o set_v he_o up_o king_n in_o his_o church_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n though_o the_o independent_o seem_v to_o hate_v popery_n their_o doctrine_n be_v popery_n itself_o only_o the_o upside_o of_o it_o turn_v down_o and_o the_o rear_v make_v the_o front_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o their_o tenant_n but_o that_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n be_v more_o shameful_o erroneous_a as_o will_v be_v make_v evident_a and_o more_o derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o more_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n all_o the_o which_o assertion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v a_o little_a more_o evident_o manifest_a i_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o and_o examine_v some_o of_o the_o passage_n in_o this_o his_o answer_n for_o to_o discover_v but_o half_a the_o error_n of_o it_o they_o will_v weary_v the_o reader_n to_o hear_v they_o and_o to_o speak_v but_o the_o verity_n he_o that_o shall_v have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o whible_n and_o unlearned_a fellow_n as_o i._o s._n and_o hanserdo_v knollys_n be_v have_v need_n to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o intolerable_a patience_n but_o before_o i_o begin_v with_o he_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v whether_o i._o s._n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o interfer_v tautology_n and_o great_a confusion_n crime_n he_o lay_v to_o my_o charge_n to_o use_v some_o of_o his_o own_o language_n page_n 15._o and_o 16._o if_o not_o contradiction_n and_o be_v not_o great_a of_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o a_o very_a catechumenos_fw-la and_o one_o that_o have_v as_o well_o need_v of_o instruction_n as_o of_o refutation_n for_o as_o much_o as_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v unmeet_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v polemical_o exercise_v before_o he_o be_v positive_o principled_a these_o thing_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o reader_n consideration_n and_o now_o i_o go_v to_o my_o work_n in_o assert_v say_v i_o s._n that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v that_o church_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n who_o do_v you_o hit_v not_o the_o independent_o as_o you_o call_v they_o say_v he_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o rule_v but_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n which_o yet_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o i._o the_o officer_n ordain_v they_o excommunicate_v i._o â—_o pronounce_v excommunication_n they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n and_o dispute_n they_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 12._o page_n in_o ordination_n say_v he_o election_n belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n but_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a thus_o profound_a i._n s._n i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n here_o to_o take_v notice_n what_o he_o grant_v and_o what_o he_o deny_v and_o how_o at_o every_o turn_n he_o juggle_v first_o he_o grant_v that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o ordinary_o other_o church_n and_o say_v that_o my_o argument_n hit_v not_o the_o independent_o for_o they_o as_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o assert_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v stay_v here_o there_o have_v be_v some_o ingenuity_n in_o he_o but_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n he_o blast_v yea_o blow_v down_o all_o that_o he_o have_v former_o set_v up_o and_o that_o with_o a_o windy_a vain_a american_n distinction_n which_o he_o have_v borrow_v out_o of_o some_o of_o those_o monstrous_a pamphlet_n that_o come_v from_o thence_o call_v the_o way_n and_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v fraught_v with_o
read_v this_o book_n i_o will_v here_o again_o repeat_v his_o answer_n to_o my_o argument_n with_o his_o distinction_n the_o jndependent_o say_v he_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n part_v to_o rule_v but_o say_v he_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o this_o latter_a belong_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v be_v better_a but_o all_o error_n be_v like_a unto_o sin_n it_o seldom_o go_v single_a and_o alone_a for_o here_o i._n s._n commit_v a_o multiforme_a error_n in_o rob_v not_o only_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n but_o in_o rob_v also_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n himself_o of_o his_o dignity_n and_o royalty_n and_o make_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o peculiar_a servant_n but_o the_o vassal_n and_o slave_n of_o the_o people_n who_o they_o call_v the_o church_n so_o that_o according_a to_o i._o s._n his_o learning_n all_o the_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o people_n dispose_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o act_v as_o the_o church_n direct_v they_o and_o they_o must_v do_v it_o always_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o hysteron_fw-gr proteron_fw-gr divinity_n of_o the_o independent_o in_o all_o which_o they_o deal_v most_o wicked_o on_o every_o side_n so_o that_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o speak_v the_o minister_n fair_o they_o abuse_v they_o to_o their_o face_n for_o here_o i._n s._n by_o that_o distinction_n of_o he_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o independent_o give_v great_a honour_n to_o the_o minister_n in_o say_v that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v they_o proper_o and_o that_o only_a power_n and_o interest_n belong_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n before_o he_o have_v pass_v two_o step_n by_o his_o own_o description_n of_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n which_o he_o grant_v unto_o the_o people_n he_o give_v away_o all_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o little_a before_o not_o only_o from_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o christ_n himself_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o which_o he_o call_v the_o church_n say_v that_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a according_a to_o his_o divinity_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o the_o slave_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n he_o in_o the_o 12._o page_n say_v that_o the_o very_a apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o as_o a_o committee_n to_o prepare_v the_o dispute_n and_o then_o to_o report_v it_o for_o the_o assistance_n nnd_v concurrence_n of_o the_o multitude_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n by_o all_o which_o if_o hegive_v not_o the_o people_n by_o his_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n a_o great_a authority_n than_o he_o give_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o to_o christ_n himself_o let_v every_o ingenious_a man_n judge_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o horrid_a impiety_n but_o abominable_a in_o justice_n &_o sacrilege_n yea_o every_o man_n may_v plain_o perceive_v &_o that_o out_o of_o his_o own_o word_n and_o from_o the_o language_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o he_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o all_o authority_n under_o that_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n for_o in_o say_v in_o the_o same_o pag._n that_o in_o ordination_n election_n of_o 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main_a and_o essential_a business_n require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o church-officer_n and_o as_o they_o teach_v their_o follower_n and_o they_o give_v the_o power_n of_o election_n to_o the_o church_n or_o people_n and_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n it_o matter_n not_o with_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v ordain_v or_o have_v any_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o no_o that_o be_v in_o their_o dialect_n but_o a_o compliment_n or_o a_o needless_a ceremony_n for_o so_o i_o have_v hear_v they_o speak_v the_o which_o ordination_n also_o though_o they_o say_v it_o belong_v unto_o officer_n notwithstanding_o the_o church_n and_o people_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o exercise_v it_o at_o any_o time_n and_o to_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n if_o they_o think_v it_o fit_a as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o new_a gather_v church_n daily_o teach_v all_o man_n yea_o we_o may_v gather_v as_o much_o out_o of_o i._o s._n his_o own_o expression_n that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n as_o well_o as_o of_o election_n reside_v in_o the_o people_n and_o lie_v in_o their_o hand_n who_o say_v that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n where_o there_o be_v officer_n in_o a_o church_n constitute_v and_o complete_a intimate_v that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o church-officer_n they_o themselves_o may_v then_o ordain_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n by_o all_o which_o their_o language_n and_o proceed_n if_o by_o their_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n they_o do_v not_o assume_v &_o arrogate_v all_o power_n to_o themselves_o and_o take_v it_o into_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o plenary_a authority_n over_o all_o minister_n in_o church_n and_o state_n i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o confer_v authority_n on_o any_o people_n it_o be_v most_o notorious_o know_v that_o our_o independent_a gentleman_n will_v place_v all_o authority_n in_o the_o people_n and_o will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n in_o church_n and_o state_n all_o dependent_a upon_o they_o and_o expect_v their_o election_n and_o ordination_n from_o they_o and_o they_o only_o will_v be_v independent_a and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v gather_v not_o only_o from_o their_o word_n and_o practice_n and_o out_o of_o all_o their_o pamphlet_n but_o even_o from_o i._o s._n his_o own_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n which_o he_o say_v belong_v unto_o the_o people_n have_v thus_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n sufficient_o elucidate_v that_o by_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n and_o by_o their_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n they_o assume_v all_o authority_n to_o themselves_o while_o they_o pretend_v they_o give_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o the_o minister_n i_o will_v now_o set_v forth_o their_o wickedness_n in_o show_v how_o they_o rob_v christ_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o the_o apostle_n also_o and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o their_o dignity_n and_o power_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v all_o other_o ordinary_a presbyter_n of_o their_o due_a honour_n and_o authority_n and_o i_o will_v first_o begin_v with_o their_o deal_n towards_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n all_o those_o that_o know_v how_o the_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n aâ—e_v govern_v know_v that_o all_o their_o counsel_n ambassador_n judge_n ruler_n and_o officer_n under_o they_o either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n or_o war_n in_o all_o their_o act_n of_o government_n and_o in_o all_o their_o precept_n and_o mandate_n whether_o imparative_fw-it or_o prohibitive_n and_o in_o all_o their_o court_n of_o judicature_n transact_v and_o pass_v all_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o writ_n and_o summons_n in_o the_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
that_o he_o may_v be_v our_o sole_a monarch_n and_o eternal_a king_n and_o may_v perpetual_o rule_v in_o his_o church_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o alone_a name_n and_o according_a to_o his_o own_o appointment_n to_o the_o judgement_n i_o say_v of_o all_o such_o cordial_a subject_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o their_o serious_a thought_n and_o censure_n i_o leave_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o weighty_a business_n i_o be_o confident_a they_o will_v conclude_v their_o blasphemy_n be_v yet_o never_o parallel_v by_o the_o very_a pope_n himself_o or_o by_o any_o of_o his_o shaveling_n who_o be_v never_o yet_o so_o notorious_o usurp_v and_o injurious_a to_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n as_o to_o send_v out_o their_o mandate_n in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o all_o thing_n issue_v out_o in_o in_o nomine_fw-la domini_fw-la hence_o come_v up_o the_o proverb_n when_o they_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o pope_n that_o they_o usual_o say_v in_o nomine_fw-la domini_fw-la incipit_fw-la omne_fw-la malum_fw-la for_o he_o always_o pretend_v to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n for_o that_o stile_n notwithstanding_o do_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n ever_o observe_v and_o keep_v continual_o ever_o set_v forth_o his_o grollery_n in_o nomine_fw-la domini_fw-la whereas_o our_o independent_a brethren_n act_v all_o their_o baggatelly_n and_o trifle_a business_n in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o several_a church_n their_o officer_n ever_o say_v when_o they_o carry_v or_o bring_v any_o learned_a message_n one_o from_o a_o other_o that_o they_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o they_o do_v they_o will_v have_v they_o know_v they_o do_v it_o as_o officer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n name_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v among_o they_o in_o the_o transact_n of_o their_o church_n affair_n so_o that_o we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o 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of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a and_o enjoin_v they_o and_o urge_v they_o as_o the_o statute_n ordinance_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n yea_o i_o may_v here_o far_o show_v how_o they_o practise_v contrary_a unto_o christ_n the_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n command_v for_o whereas_o he_o send_v out_o his_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o bebaptize_v in_o token_n of_o their_o beliese_n and_o repentance_n which_o whosoever_o shall_v accept_v of_o and_o embrace_v they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v receive_v into_o church_n fellowship_n the_o illdefendents_n notwithstanding_o regard_n not_o christ_n command_n but_o unto_o it_o add_v their_o own_o vain_a tradition_n for_o the_o which_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o all_o holy_a writ_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o well_o reform_a church_n and_o they_o force_v man_n to_o conform_v unto_o they_o or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o admission_n howsoever_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o do_v as_o much_o as_o christ_n their_o king_n command_v they_o to_o do_v and_o whereas_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n lay_v the_o government_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o none_o but_o his_o minister_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v the_o key_n the_o ildependents_a not_o only_o dispense_v with_o this_o law_n at_o pleasure_n but_o absolute_o oppose_v it_o for_o contrary_a unto_o this_o law_n be_v their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n lie_v in_o the_o people_n and_o that_o be_v their_o part_n and_o that_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o church_n name_n and_o so_o they_o spoil_v the_o minister_n of_o their_o power_n and_o invest_v the_o people_n with_o it_o and_o give_v law_n unto_o the_o people_n of_o god_n yea_o unto_o the_o lawgiver_n christ_n himself_o whether_o all_o these_o deal_n therefore_o of_o the_o illdependents_n with_o many_o more_o paslage_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o may_v be_v produce_v if_o not_o worse_o be_v not_o to_o disthrone_v christ_n when_o they_o slight_v his_o law_n and_o prefer_v their_o own_o tradition_n before_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o revile_v and_o reproach_v his_o servant_n and_o officer_n offer_v all_o the_o indignity_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v against_o man_n to_o they_o all_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o godly_a again_o i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o discern_a spirit_n to_o consider_v and_o judge_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o the_o sectary_n and_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o conclave_n in_o this_o point_n whenas_o they_o both_o assume_v all_o authority_n to_o themselves_o and_o take_v it_o from_o the_o minister_n and_o make_v they_o but_o their_o executioner_n sure_o they_o will_v find_v they_o both_o equal_o guilty_a and_o both_o antichristian_a in_o rebel_n in_o all_o thing_n against_o christ_n for_o christ_n say_v to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o that_o despise_v his_o minister_n despise_v he_o and_o they_o that_o despise_v and_o slight_a christ_n in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o disthrone_v he_o and_o therefore_o when_o all_o the_o independent_o daily_o practise_v all_o the_o malifice_n above_o mention_v and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a manner_n and_o strain_n pretend_v they_o what_o they_o will_v of_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n they_o plain_o disthrone_v he_o &_o dishonour_v he_o which_o may_v yet_o further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v some_o of_o their_o other_o passage_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a pillar_n in_o their_o house_n and_o church_n those_o atlas_n that_o some_o of_o they_o confide_v so_o much_o in_o for_o their_o strength_n and_o so_o much_o extol_v for_o the_o preach_v up_o of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o for_o the_o set_n of_o he_o up_o upon_o his_o throne_n i_o say_v some_o of_o these_o as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v have_v upon_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o their_o pamphlet_n set_v this_o title_n against_o jesus_n worship_n now_o although_o it_o be_v praise_v worthy_a in_o any_o in_o maintenance_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n and_o service_n to_o write_v against_o all_o idolatricall_a or_o superstitious_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o jesus_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n no_o way_n beseem_v any_o christian_n to_o write_v aghasted_n god_n worship_n and_o jesu-worship_n which_o be_v both_o command_v because_o that_o some_o fail_v and_o err_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o either_o god_n the_o father_n or_o god_n the_o son_n yea_o it_o will_v have_v be_v think_v in_o any_o christian_a nation_n a_o unsufferable_a thing_n to_o have_v tolerate_v the_o very_a read_n or_o publish_v of_o any_o book_n with_o such_o a_o title_n and_o inscription_n though_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o may_v have_v be_v good_a for_o no_o man_n much_o less_o a_o christian_a oâ—ght_n to_o write_v against_o jesu-worship_n no_o more_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o write_v against_o god-worship_n for_o jesus_n also_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n who_o have_v command_v all_o his_o disciple_n john_n 5._o to_o worship_v the_o son_n as_o they_o worship_v the_o father_n now_o than_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a thing_n to_o write_v against_o god-worship_n no_o less_o intolerable_a be_v it_o in_o any_o to_o write_v against_o jesu-worship_n and_o all_o such_o as_o write_v such_o book_n and_o all_o such_o as_o allow_v of_o they_o and_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o their_o author_n let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v of_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o
that_o by_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o not_o only_o rob_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o dignity_n which_o i_o make_v good_a before_o but_o all_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o presbyter_n his_o minister_n and_o servant_n also_o of_o their_o honour_n power_n and_o dignity_n which_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o bestow_v upon_o they_o all_o which_o will_v clear_o appear_v if_o we_o shall_v again_o brief_o consider_v and_o but_o take_v notice_n first_o what_o power_n and_o authority_n god_n give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o his_o minister_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o that_o be_v all_o power_n in_o his_o church_n under_o he_o matth._n 28._o and_o mark_v 16._o i_o say_v if_o we_o shall_v due_o in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o apostle_n christ_n special_a minister_n and_o servant_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o invest_v with_o all_o authority_n and_o guide_v in_o their_o preach_n and_o write_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v or_o write_v as_o his_o minister_n be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o church_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v also_o what_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o his_o servant_n and_o minister_n that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o viz._n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o which_o minister_n likewise_o he_o have_v give_v the_o key_n and_o make_v they_o steward_n and_o overseer_n of_o his_o house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n i_o say_v if_o we_o but_o due_o weigh_v all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o invest_v with_o plenary_a authority_n and_o by_o the_o very_a commission_n of_o god_n for_o 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have_v ever_o pretend_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o yea_o and_o challenge_v a_o right_n unto_o it_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v they_o and_o which_o be_v more_o they_o have_v by_o usurpation_n get_v this_o church_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o have_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o have_v thus_o attain_v unto_o their_o design_n be_v back_v with_o great_a friend_n some_o tobiass_n and_o sanballet_n they_o begin_v to_o build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o make_v fortification_n in_o their_o brain_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n in_o their_o fantasy_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v a_o independent_a church_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n in_o god_n service_n and_o pretend_v that_o this_o church_n be_v the_o mother-church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o example_n and_o pattern_n to_o all_o the_o daughter-churche_n and_o that_o all_o church_n through_o the_o world_n must_v be_v govern_v after_o 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argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o for_o the_o prove_v that_o the_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n reside_v in_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n hand_n both_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n who_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n with_o the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o who_o only_o exercise_v it_o in_o their_o day_n as_o by_o innumerable_a example_n may_v be_v prove_v as_o by_o that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o latter_a example_n both_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o j._n s._n pass_v by_o with_o great_a silence_n wherein_o they_o deal_v most_o dishonest_o as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v appear_v but_o for_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n my_o brother_n burton_n set_v upon_o that_o at_o first_o pretend_v to_o the_o people_n that_o the_o example_n of_o johns_n gather_v in_o of_o people_n by_o his_o sole_a authority_n be_v not_o bind_v because_o as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o that_o the_o church_n and_o assembly_n gather_v by_o he_o be_v not_o formedinto_o christian_a church_n these_o be_v his_o word_n page_n 16._o and_o that_o those_o church_n only_o which_o be_v put_v into_o a_o gospel_n form_n after_o christ_n ascension_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n unto_o all_o christian_n church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o say_v if_o we_o visit_v they_o we_o shâ—ll_v find_v that_o in_o they_o the_o power_n of_o admit_v and_o reject_v member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n alone_o and_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 2._o which_o he_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a precedent_n to_o all_o church_n and_o thereupon_o conclude_v and_o so_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n in_o receive_v in_o and_o admit_v of_o member_n by_o his_o sole_a authority_n can_v be_v a_o example_n &_o pattern_n to_o the_o minister_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o labour_v with_o all_o his_o power_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o that_o argument_n by_o such_o turn_n and_o evasion_n as_o these_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o those_o congregation_n that_o be_v gather_v by_o he_o not_o be_v in_o a_o gospel-form_n nor_o mould_v up_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n can_v be_v bind_o presidential_a and_o therefore_o for_o our_o imitation_n he_o affirm_v we_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n as_o that_o one_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o which_o
consider_v what_o those_o false_a teacher_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o under_o show_n of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n teach_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o grollery_n and_o abuse_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o people_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n and_o devour_v they_o verse_n 20._o as_o the_o phatisee_n do_v the_o widow_n house_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o long_a prayer_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o and_o denounce_v a_o woe_n against_o they_o for_o their_o so_o do_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v these_o false_a teacher_n among_o the_o corinthian_n who_o make_v their_o own_o tradition_n join_v member_n with_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o more_o fine_a neat_a &_o eleganter_fw-la way_n of_o gather_v of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n than_o paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n but_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n 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that_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n be_v a_o partaker_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n now_o the_o doctrine_n that_o the_o independent_a minister_n teach_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o join_v and_o jumble_v of_o they_o together_o be_v never_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o themselves_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o a_o new_a borne_n truth_n and_o a_o new_a light_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o novelty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v entertain_v nor_o embrace_v nor_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o if_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o apostolical_a precept_n i_o desire_v therefore_o those_o of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o testimony_n or_o any_o one_o precedent_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o these_o thing_n follow_v be_v teach_v or_o have_v be_v practise_v first_o that_o although_o man_n and_o woman_n believe_v and_o be_v 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after_o this_o new_a model_n to_o be_v people_n out_o of_o covenant_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n neither_o they_o nor_o their_o child_n though_o believer_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o desire_v the_o brethren_n by_o evident_a place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o make_v good_a and_o to_o confirm_v or_o by_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n to_o declare_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o bless_a apostle_n for_o i_o look_v for_o a_o law_n from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v as_o faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v and_o have_v not_o leave_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o have_v command_v the_o church_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n who_o be_v the_o great_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o his_o church_n his_o word_n therefore_o i_o look_v for_o for_o a_o warrant_n for_o the_o 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deceive_v joshua_n and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o far_a country_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o that_o they_o produce_v their_o mouldy_a bread_n and_o their_o totter_a bottle_n and_o their_o old_a shoe_n and_o they_o take_v what_o they_o say_v pro_fw-la confess_v and_o not_o consult_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v full_o relate_v in_o that_o chapter_n be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o league_n with_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o the_o papist_n and_o prelate_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v delude_v the_o world_n under_o pretence_n of_o their_o mouldy_a antiquity_n and_o totter_a rag_n of_o tradition_n and_o in_o all_o this_o time_n they_o prevail_v to_o mislead_v the_o poor_a people_n because_o they_o consult_v not_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n nor_o examine_v thing_n
church_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n or_o vanish_v for_o if_o there_o be_v many_o and_o several_a congregation_n there_o that_o have_v not_o a_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n independent_a within_o themselves_o respective_o but_o be_v subordinate_a and_o subject_a to_o another_o authority_n above_o they_o then_o of_o necessity_n that_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a chimaera_n or_o whimsy_n of_o your_o own_o head_n as_o all_o the_o learn_a of_o your_o tribe_n do_v acknowledge_v now_o when_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v not_o only_o grant_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n but_o by_o argument_n prove_v it_o he_o have_v utter_o i_o say_v lose_v the_o field_n before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o combat_n as_o will_v yet_o more_o perspicuous_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n but_o by_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v you_o may_v see_v how_o unhappy_a you_o be_v in_o all_o these_o your_o champion_n and_o general_n that_o give_v as_o great_a wound_n unto_o your_o cause_n as_o any_o adversary_n you_o have_v in_o the_o world_n now_o live_v ever_o give_v that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o to_o say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o all_o your_o leader_n and_o guide_n be_v earnest_o to_o entreat_v they_o as_o they_o look_v for_o true_a comfort_n in_o life_n and_o death_n and_o as_o they_o desire_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o quiet_a of_o this_o distract_a state_n and_o kingdom_n they_o will_v now_o no_o long_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n which_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v but_o that_o they_o will_v unfeigned_o bewail_v the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o repent_v of_o their_o seduce_a and_o mislead_v of_o the_o poor_a people_n let_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o have_v so_o high_o provoke_v god_n and_o cause_v the_o enemy_n to_o blaspheme_v our_o christian_a 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your_o eternal_a felicity_n if_o any_o of_o you_o that_o have_v err_v from_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v convert_v by_o it_o let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o that_o convert_v the_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o shall_v hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n james_n 5._o 19_o 20._o john_n bastwick_n the_o antiloqvie_n solomon_n the_o wise_a of_o man_n and_o one_o belove_v of_o god_n give_v this_o counsel_n to_o all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o universality_n of_o all_o mankind_n say_v unto_o they_o all_o prov._n 23._o for_o 23._o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o sell_v it_o not_o also_o wisdom_n instruction_n and_o understanding_n he_o counsel_v they_o all_o to_o prise_fw-fr truth_n with_o wisdom_n instruction_n and_o understanding_n above_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o make_v man_n happy_a not_o in_o this_o life_n alone_o but_o eternal_o for_o so_o solomon_n that_o wise_a man_n assert_v prov._n 3_o ver_fw-la 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o saying_n happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n and_o the_o man_n that_o get_v understanding_n for_o the_o merchandise_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o merchandise_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o gain_n thereof_o then_o fine_a gold_n she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v unto_o she_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n she_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o lie_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o happy_a be_v every_o one_o that_o retain_v she_o if_o all_o the_o orator_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v gather_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o can_v not_o with_o so_o illustrious_a a_o brevity_n have_v set_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n nor_o with_o more_o glorious_a encomium_n and_o ellogy_n have_v decipher_v the_o amability_n of_o they_o for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o specious_a and_o lovely_a and_o for_o the_o invite_a of_o all_o man_n to_o the_o ready_a and_o willing_a embrace_n of_o they_o for_o if_o either_o life_n profit_n pleasure_n honour_n or_o any_o delectable_a content_n or_o any_o thing_n indeed_o desirable_a in_o the_o world_n can_v invite_v any_o creature_n to_o be_v enamour_v with_o any_o object_n of_o love_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v in_o way_n of_o the_o praise_n thereof_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o description_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n deliver_v by_o solomon_n and_o yet_o truth_n have_v the_o preeminency_n before_o they_o all_o the_o first_o place_n for_o dignity_n be_v give_v &_o assign_v unto_o she_o and_o by_o a_o special_a command_n from_o god_n himself_o who_o speak_v by_o his_o servant_n solomon_n all_o man_n be_v enjoin_v to_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o upon_o any_o term_n and_o not_o to_o bartell_n it_o away_o or_o sell_v it_o or_o to_o part_v with_o it_o though_o it_o may_v be_v with_o never_o so_o much_o worldly_a emolument_fw-fr unto_o they_o buy_v the_o truth_n say_v god_n &_o sell_v it_o not_o keep_v it_o for_o ever_o for_o by_o the_o truth_n thou_o shall_v perfect_o attain_v unto_o liberty_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o life_n yea_o which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n liberty_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n contend_v for_o every_o man_n not_o only_o desire_v it_o but_o fight_v for_o it_o now_o the_o truth_n will_v make_v every_o man_n free_a so_o say_v christ_n john_n 8._o for_o 32._o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a from_o all_o error_n and_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n and_o from_o the_o very_a terror_n of_o both_o and_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v serious_o doubt_v what_o truth_n be_v as_o pilate_n scornful_o do_v christ_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o john_n 17._o v._o 17._o saying_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o that_o truth_n that_o sanctifi_v his_o people_n for_o every_o thing_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n 1_o tim._n 4._o v._n 5._o this_o precious_a good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3._o contain_v in_o it_o be_v that_o that_o all_o man_n be_v exhort_v earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o and_o therefore_o more_o especial_o in_o these_o our_o time_n every_o one_o ought_v vigorous_o to_o stand_v up_o and_o contend_v for_o it_o yea_o upon_o any_o term_n or_o at_o any_o rate_n to_o buy_v it_o when_o it_o be_v become_v such_o a_o rarity_n as_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o be_v almost_o lose_v in_o the_o thicket_n meander_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o so_o many_o error_n so_o that_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n be_v very_o rare_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n through_o the_o involution_n and_o entanglement_n of_o writhe_v and_o restless_a spirit_n who_o whole_a work_n and_o design_n it_o be_v as_o by_o their_o daily_a practice_n it_o do_v appear_v either_o whole_o to_o eclipse_v or_o darken_v it_o or_o total_o to_o take_v it_o away_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v truth_n and_o light_n be_v once_o remove_v the_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n may_v the_o better_o put_v off_o their_o corrupt_a and_o putrid_a ware_n and_o commodity_n and_o the_o poor_a delude_a people_n may_v the_o more_o facilly_a and_o ready_o be_v delude_v cheat_v and_o consened_z and_o those_o that_o be_v wayfaring_a man_n for_o the_o want_n of_o its_o direction_n may_v wander_v in_o the_o by-path_n of_o darkness_n to_o their_o own_o eternal_a perdition_n and_o the_o verity_n be_v too_o too_o many_o by_o their_o needless_a vain_a and_o unnecessary_a jangle_n about_o the_o truth_n
presbyter_n together_o upon_o which_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n under_o it_o be_v to_o depend_v and_o to_o which_o in_o all_o weighty_a business_n they_o be_v to_o appeal_v for_o any_o injury_n or_o conceive_a wrong_n or_o scandal_n or_o for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_v of_o church-discipline_n upon_o incorrigable_a and_o scandalous_a offender_n as_o admonition_n for_o give_v offence_n suspension_n from_o the_o ordinance_n till_o amendment_n and_o reformation_n or_o if_o obstinate_a excommunion_n or_o whether_o every_o one_o of_o those_o particular_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n be_v they_o never_o so_o small_a several_o or_o consider_v a_o part_n and_o by_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v full_a and_o plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o this_o or_o any_o other_o great_a council_n or_o presbytery_n for_o transact_v or_o determine_v all_o difference_n about_o faith_n or_o manner_n among_o themselves_o or_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o any_o grievance_n or_o abuse_n or_o the_o exercise_v of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o the_o party_n offend_v conceive_v they_o have_v never_o so_o much_o injury_n or_o wrong_n do_v they_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o two_o presbyter_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n have_v a_o absolute_a kind_n of_o spiritual_a sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n and_o as_o ample_a authority_n as_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 18._o and_o to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o question_n which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o be_v understand_v i_o will_v propound_v it_o in_o a_o simile_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n well_o know_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o 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fellowship_n by_o their_o constitution_n and_o charter_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o counsel_n and_o be_v to_o make_v their_o address_n unto_o they_o upon_o any_o urgent_a occasion_n or_o conceive_v wrong_v or_o when_o it_o concern_v the_o common_a good_a and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o stand_v unto_o their_o arbitrement_n now_o then_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o our_o brethren_n be_v as_o if_o there_o shall_v arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o these_o several_a corporation_n whether_o the_o company_n in_o each_o city_n where_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a hall_n and_o their_o several_a assembly_n and_o meeting_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v all_o their_o officer_n and_o exercise_v also_o a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o jurisdiction_n among_o themselves_o be_v independent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v have_v plenary_a authority_n within_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n mayor_n or_o alderman_n or_o common-counsel_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n among_o their_o several_a company_n and_o from_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n though_o one_o be_v never_o so_o much_o injure_v and_o damnify_v by_o any_o unjust_a act_n and_o whether_o these_o several_a company_n and_o several_a assembly_n be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o several_a corporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o make_v but_o one_o corporation_n under_o one_o civil_a presbytery_n consist_v of_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o common-counsel_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o propound_v that_o every_o one_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o question_n now_o as_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n have_v its_o several_a porporation_n through_o all_o pounty_n and_o the_o which_o porporation_n although_o they_o have_v their_o several_a pompany_n in_o they_o yet_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o a_o civil_a presbytery_n and_o common-counsel_n and_o every_o company_n in_o they_o make_v not_o a_o several_a porporation_n or_o magistracy_n or_o a_o several_a city_n but_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o the_o common-counsel_n or_o presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o govern_v of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o common_a affair_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o take_v away_o and_o remove_v of_o common_a grievance_n and_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n to_o the_o common-counsel_n the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n and_o if_o they_o find_v no_o justice_n there_o nor_o satisfaction_n have_v their_o redress_n and_o appeal_v to_o some_o general_a court_n or_o some_o supreme_a judicature_n as_o to_o the_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o redress_n and_o determine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n so_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n all_o these_o several_a church_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scrupture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o many_o several_a corporation_n and_o association_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n as_o so_o many_o several_a company_n in_o they_o depend_v upon_o a_o presbytery_n or_o common-counsel_n and_o college_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o several_a precinct_n though_o they_o be_v consistent_a of_o never_o so_o many_o several_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n or_o town_n wherein_o they_o be_v or_o according_a to_o the_o several_a hundred_o or_o division_n assign_v to_o each_o presbytery_n and_o all_o these_o several_a association_n to_o be_v grovern_v by_o their_o several_a presbytery_n for_o the_o better_a order_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o same_o to_o the_o which_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 for_o the_o redress_n of_o any_o abuse_n or_o enormity_n 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 counsel_n of_o divine_n for_o relief_n and_o justice_n and_o both_o they_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o several_a corporation_n to_o be_v govern_v and_o regulate_v by_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o only_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n according_a only_o to_o who_o law_n they_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o rule_v for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n divide_v into_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n corporation_n or_o precinct_n in_o imitation_n as_o near_o now_o as_o may_v be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n and_o galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o who_o law_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o their_o government_n doctrine_n and_o manner_n i_o have_v premise_v this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o controversy_n in_o hand_n now_o then_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o the_o several_a church_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v all_o particular_a corporation_n or_o association_n and_o govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o those_o several_a church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o which_o likewise_o they_o have_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n among_o themselves_o and_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n of_o church-fellowship_n especial_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n &_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n or_o by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n within_o their_o precinct_n than_o it_o must_v
tongue_n and_o true_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o controversy_n concern_v the_o interpretation_n or_o about_o the_o text_n as_o there_o be_v not_o here_o i_o conceive_v it_o the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n write_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o all_o man_n to_o insert_v sentence_n either_o of_o greek_a or_o latin_a except_o very_o var_o for_o it_o but_o pudder_n the_o reader_n that_o be_v not_o skill_v in_o the_o language_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n either_o of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a or_o roman_a father_n in_o all_o their_o write_n or_o sermon_n to_o use_v any_o but_o their_o vulgar_a tongue_n without_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o and_o that_o with_o interpretation_n i_o say_v therefore_o those_o flash_n be_v except_v i_o have_v punctual_o set_v down_o all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o any_o of_o my_o argument_n both_o here_o and_o every_o where_o that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o party_n may_v complain_v that_o i_o have_v not_o set_v down_o their_o word_n in_o their_o full_a strength_n and_o so_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o he_o who_o hack_v and_o minse_v my_o argument_n at_o pleasure_n pick_v and_o choose_v what_o he_o think_v himself_o best_a able_a to_o deal_v with_o either_o whole_o omit_v the_o other_o or_o slight_v of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a method_n both_o of_o mr_n knollys_n j._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o wherein_o they_o deal_v not_o fair_o with_o i_o nor_o ingenuous_o nor_o candid_o with_o the_o people_n for_o in_o so_o do_v they_o delude_v they_o and_o mere_o play_v the_o juggler_n this_o large_a discourse_n of_o master_n knollys_n if_o it_o be_v well_o weigh_v have_v but_o little_a substance_n in_o it_o it_o consist_v of_o absurdity_n and_o contradition_n and_o flat_a denial_n of_o that_o which_o he_o often_o grant_v in_o brief_a if_o the_o reader_n will_v but_o due_o consider_v every_o passage_n of_o his_o answer_n with_o whathe_n grant_v in_o the_o three_o and_o the_o 11._o page_n of_o his_o pamplet_n he_o will_v speedy_o perceive_v that_o while_o he_o labour_v to_o confute_v other_o he_o give_v a_o fatal_a blow_n to_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o overthrow_v that_o opinion_n which_o both_o he_o and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n labour_n to_o maintain_v and_o withal_o by_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o particular_n he_o will_v the_o better_o discern_v into_o the_o futility_n of_o master_n knollys_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o those_o of_o his_o party_n that_o believe_v &_o take_v every_o word_n of_o he_o for_o a_o oracle_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o destructive_a totheir_o own_a cause_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o his_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o i_o be_o mistake_v in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n these_o be_v his_o word_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v notice_n what_o he_o deny_v in_o his_o answer_n and_o what_o he_o affirm_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o perceive_v the_o vanity_n of_o error_n and_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o truth_n first_o he_o deny_v that_o diotrephes_n will_v have_v have_v a_o absolute_n jurisdiction_n within_o himself_o and_o have_v have_v his_o congregation_n independent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o particular_a congregation_n he_o deney_v also_o that_o saint_n john_n know_v any_o court_n or_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v to_o his_o time_n the_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n be_v these_o first_o because_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n diotrephes_n have_v second_o it_o be_v not_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v that_o saint_n john_n have_v write_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o his_o epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o scripture_n except_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v those_o brethren_n which_o diotrephes_n will_v not_o receive_v and_o therefore_o how_o say_v god_n can_v the_o dâ—_n affirm_v that_o diotrephes_n asm_v theypower_v to_o himself_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o college_n and_o council_n of_o presbyter_n &_o c_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o oppose_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n he_o say_v have_v he_o do_v so_o than_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v convent_v before_o they_o which_o he_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o oppose_v a_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n beside_o saint_n john_n will_v then_o have_v write_v rather_o to_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n if_o they_o have_v be_v any_o such_o than_o to_o the_o church_n or_o in_o write_v to_o the_o church_n will_v rather_o have_v send_v he_o a_o summons_n to_o appear_v at_o some_o consistory_n than_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o his_o evil_n that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o and_o doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v write_v thus_o diotrephes_n love_v to_o be_v a_o primate_n among_o you_o therefore_o when_o the_o presbytery_n come_v to_o keep_v order_n and_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o a_o court_n common_a council_n i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n and_o inform_v and_o complain_v to_o the_o court_n that_o he_o prat_n against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n now_o when_o neither_o of_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o presbytry_n nor_o by_o saint_n john_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o diotrephes_n do_v not_o oppose_v the_o presbytry_n and_o that_o saint_n john_n then_o know_v not_o of_o any_o court_n or_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n either_o classical_a or_o synodical_a to_o appeal_v to_o in_o his_o time_n and_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o appeal_v i_o make_v mention_n of_o page_n 10._o affirm_v that_o i_o can_v make_v they_o good_a and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o affert_v that_o saint_n john_n wâ—it_n to_o the_o church_n and_o particular_a congregation_n whereof_o diotrephes_n be_v a_o member_n and_o that_o that_o congregation_n have_v power_n to_o judge_v of_o he_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o assertion_n be_v because_o say_v he_o this_o church_n have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o diotrephes_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o colosse_n have_v over_o their_o member_n have_v thus_o brief_o set_v down_o what_o master_n knollys_n both_o deny_v and_o affirm_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o each_o i_o shall_v now_o answer_v to_o every_o several_a branch_n in_o order_n and_o if_o i_o be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o my_o reply_n i_o crave_v pardon_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o about_o the_o principle_n question_n now_o in_o debate_n but_o that_o it_o will_v give_v the_o more_o light_n to_o the_o wholo_fw-la follow_v discourse_n for_o answer_v therefore_o to_o his_o reason_n of_o my_o mistake_n in_o my_o commentary_n exposition_n and_o application_n of_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n viz_o that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n that_o diotrephes_n have_v i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o for_o if_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o all_o the_o primative_a and_o apostolical_a church_n and_o in_o that_o church_n by_o name_n in_o which_o diotrephes_n be_v presbyter_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o 15._o and_o 20._o and_o 21._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o tit._n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5._o and_o the_o 1._o epist_n oâ—_n pet._n chap_n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o 2._o 3._o and_o the_o 13._o of_o the_o heb._n and_o saint_n james_n the_o 5._o and_o the_o 3._o epistle_n of_o saint_n john_n which_o master_n knollys_n himself_o acknowledge_v and_o if_o it_o be_v also_o apparent_o evident_a from_o all_o those_o several_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v that_o those_o presbyter_n be_v fix_v with_o in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n with_o a_o special_a charge_n give_v they_o in_o common_a to_o look_v unto_o the_o flock_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v redeem_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n which_o word_n feed_v include_v the_o key_n to_o wit_n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o preach_v and_o the_o authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n and_o from_o the_o which_o charge_n they_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v as_o too_o too_o many_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n now_o among_o we_o daily_o do_v
and_o as_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o by_o their_o messenger_n and_o as_o all_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o either_o lord_n or_o commons_o so_o those_o little_a suck_a congregation_n and_o church_n though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o 10._o or_o twenty_o a_o piece_n &_o although_o never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o know_v any_o more_o what_o belong_v to_o government_n then_o the_o horse_n master_n knollys_n preach_v on_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o country_n yet_o they_o send_v their_o officer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o any_o other_o of_o their_o church_n upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o any_o of_o their_o grolleye_n with_o as_o great_a state_n and_o grander_n as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o absolute_a principality_n and_o they_o use_v by_o the_o report_n of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o their_o employment_n in_o imitation_n of_o greatness_n the_o same_o garb_n and_o gesture_n that_o ambassador_n or_o those_o that_o carry_v a_o message_n from_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n usual_o do_v make_v their_o honour_n and_o congee_n and_o they_o be_v such_o bungler_n at_o the_o work_n as_o those_o that_o have_v see_v they_o say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o ridiculose_a spectacle_n that_o ever_o be_v behold_v for_o they_o make_v a_o thousand_o jackinap_n trick_n and_o act_v their_o several_a part_n with_o such_o affectation_n of_o state_n that_o experience_a man_n and_o such_o as_o well_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o ambassador_n affirm_v that_o they_o never_o behold_v any_o thing_n so_o fanatical_a it_o be_v report_v that_o john_n lilburne_n my_o scholar_n be_v master_n of_o the_o ceremony_n among_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o their_o posture_n of_o courtship_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o trample_v all_o government_n both_o divine_a and_o human_a under_o their_o pollute_a foot_n or_o ever_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o authority_n i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o independent_o be_v the_o â—en_n and_o yet_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v by_o these_o their_o do_n they_o set_v up_o the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o their_o house_n and_o count_n all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o of_o their_o congregationall_a way_n as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o st._n diotrephes_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n under_o each_o presbytery_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o common-council_n and_o college_n of_o elder_n as_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o can_v witness_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o conjoynt_v consent_n of_o they_o all_o in_o which_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o write_v if_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v diotrephes_n deed_n which_o abundant_o declare_v that_o saint_n john_n acknowledge_v a_o court_n a_o settle_a government_n in_o every_o church_n whether_o the_o member_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n or_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o than_o belong_v unto_o his_o place_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o master_n knollys_n his_o last_o whibble_v cavil_n and_o to_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v answer_v methodical_o to_o all_o his_o other_o evasion_n in_o their_o due_a place_n which_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v as_o they_o be_v scatter_v through_o the_o book_n for_o he_o be_v very_o immethodicall_a in_o all_o his_o pamphlet_n where_o i_o will_v set_v down_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o word_n god_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v so_o many_o corporation_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbytery_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o prove_v by_o antiquity_n and_o humane_a authority_n which_o weapon_n i_o wonder_v they_o will_v contend_v with_o in_o decide_v of_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v only_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o seem_v saint_n ambrose_n his_o authority_n please_v they_o well_o though_o if_o we_o look_v into_o it_o it_o make_v much_o against_o they_o he_o live_v as_o the_o author_n that_o cite_v he_o say_v within_o the_o four_o century_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o 1._o of_o timothy_n synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la negligentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la take_v with_o it_o his_o own_o interpretation_n the_o jew_n synagogue_n say_v he_o and_o afterward_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o neglect_v it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n while_o alone_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o body_n however_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o own_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o primitive_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o we_o may_v add_v here_o unto_o saint_n ambrose_n saint_n jeromes_n testimony_n who_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o titus_n large_o declare_v himself_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n concern_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n of_o that_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la &_o episcopus_fw-la &_o antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinoâ—u_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fiâ—râ—nt_fw-la &_o diceretur_fw-la in_o populis_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la pauli_n ego_fw-la apollo_n ego_fw-la autem_fw-la cephe_n communt_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o first_o institution_n all_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n and_o the_o 95._o distinction_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n come_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o hierarchiall_a be_v put_v in_o the_o place_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v through_o faction_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o further_a schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o city_n use_v the_o very_a word_n before_o quote_v out_o of_o saint_n jerome_n and_o confess_v that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v commum_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la not_o by_o the_o people_n or_o any_o one_o prelate_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o council_n and_o if_o human_a authority_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o business_n i_o may_v make_v a_o volume_n with_o their_o very_a expression_n to_o prove_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hierarchicall_a government_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n jurisdiction_n assume_v the_o authority_n of_o govern_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o the_o enemy_n own_o confession_n bet_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v only_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o sound_a reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v sorry_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o occasion_n of_o name_v humane_a authority_n in_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o i_o understand_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o
clear_a to_o i_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o the_o very_a word_n and_o name_n of_o a_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o magistracy_n or_o aristocracy_n or_o signory_n or_o court_n that_o be_v a_o company_n or_o senate_n or_o council_n of_o grave_a wise_a and_o understand_a man_n invest_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v order_v and_o command_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o government_n be_v put_v and_o as_o the_o word_n be_v take_v in_o the_o civil_a polity_n and_o government_n so_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a by_o a_o presbytery_n we_o understand_v a_o religious_a grave_a solid_a learned_a and_o wise_a council_n of_o divine_n and_o minister_n or_o man_n of_o inveterate_a experience_n and_o such_o as_o know_v how_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o command_n with_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o which_o man_n likewise_o be_v invest_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o to_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o other_o and_o be_v hereunto_o call_v by_o such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o discern_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o this_o work_n which_o the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a people_n can_v do_v and_o as_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o they_o all_o and_o for_o their_o bodily_a preservation_n so_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n be_v those_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n over_o the_o church_n for_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o as_o king_n and_o ruler_n be_v by_o a_o metaphorical_a and_o borrow_a speech_n call_v pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v say_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n by_o which_o word_n be_v understand_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o lawful_a and_o moderate_a authority_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n over_o they_o so_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n be_v call_v the_o pastor_n and_o shepherd_n yea_o and_o steward_n over_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o they_o be_v command_v to_o feed_v they_o by_o which_o metaphor_n they_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n both_o of_o preach_v and_o rule_v and_o have_v the_o government_n over_o those_o flock_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n which_o they_o must_v always_o exercise_v according_a to_o god_n word_n they_o must_v feed_v they_o and_o rule_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o after_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n they_o may_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n as_o paul_n say_v in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 24._o but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v helper_n of_o our_o joy_n that_o be_v they_o may_v not_o usurp_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n or_o power_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o people_n as_o if_o the_o spiritual_a state_n and_o welfare_n of_o their_o flock_n depend_v on_o they_o which_o be_v only_o ground_v upon_o their_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n and_o minister_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o shall_v comfort_v they_o and_o rejoice_v their_o heart_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o use_v all_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o be_v possible_a like_o good_a shepherd_n to_o preserve_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n that_o they_o straggle_v and_o stray_v not_o from_o christ_n fold_n and_o run_v not_o into_o the_o byway_n and_o thicket_n of_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o be_v corrupt_v with_o noisome_a food_n and_o false_a doctrine_n and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o among_o they_o that_o be_v unruly_a that_o they_o bring_v and_o reduce_v they_o into_o order_n or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o sick_a feeble_a poor_a or_o weak_a that_o they_o cure_n relieve_v comfort_n and_o restore_v such_o and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o that_o be_v infect_v or_o scabby_a that_o they_o remove_v such_o from_o the_o sound_n till_o they_o be_v recover_v or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o break_a or_o wound_v that_o they_o heal_v and_o recover_v they_o with_o all_o lenity_n and_o humanity_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v by_o common_a council_n govern_z and_o order_v their_o flock_n and_o take_v special_a care_n that_o the_o particular_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n under_o their_o presbytery_n and_o charge_n assume_v not_o any_o sole_a and_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o themselves_o over_o the_o flock_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n without_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o that_o presbytery_n or_o spiritual_a corporation_n under_o who_o command_n they_o be_v and_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o a_o common_a council_n of_o godly_a grave_a learned_a and_o experience_a minister_n shall_v ever_o be_v more_o able_a to_o manage_v and_o order_v a_o government_n than_o two_o or_o three_o unexperienced_a man_n or_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o young_a people_n of_o which_o most_o congregation_n consist_v in_o who_o the_o sap_n of_o youth_n be_v not_o yet_o dry_v up_o or_o if_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o ripe_a year_n yet_o they_o know_v little_a what_o belong_v to_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o be_v so_o well_o able_a to_o govern_v as_o man_n both_o of_o know_a learning_n ancient_a experience_n and_o honesty_n and_o approve_a judgement_n and_o integrity_n as_o a_o whole_a college_n or_o a_o assembly_n of_o learned_a presbyter_n common_o be_v who_o by_o god_n himself_o have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o order_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o all_o ordinary_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o govern_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o several_a charge_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n but_o by_o the_o way_n a_o objection_n be_v here_o to_o be_v answer_v unto_o make_v by_o some_o of_o the_o independent_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o apostle_n time_n say_v they_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n give_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o pprophecy_n act_v 19_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o the_o 8._o 18_o and_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o heal_v the_o sick_a james_n 5._o 14_o 15._o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n mark_n 16._o 18._o let_v say_v they_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o time_n let_v they_o impose_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o sick_a and_o heal_v they_o let_v they_o by_o impose_v hand_n upon_o their_o disciple_n enable_v they_o on_o a_o sudden_a to_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o then_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o for_o a_o true_a presbytery_n then_o will_v they_o be_v a_o right_a assembly_n of_o elder_n and_o the_o apostle_n successor_n but_o if_o they_o can_v give_v to_o other_o nor_o yet_o have_v for_o themselves_o in_o store_n any_o of_o the_o true_a apostle_n any_o of_o the_o right_a presbyter_n gift_n and_o character_n we_o may_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o acknowledge_v they_o as_o such_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a word_n in_o print_n before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n i_o desire_v there_o may_v be_v special_a notice_n take_v of_o this_o objection_n and_o such_o like_a for_o for_o aught_o that_o i_o know_v if_o any_o man_n will_v argue_v afthis_fw-la manner_n all_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o no_o man_n will_v have_v any_o creed_n or_o belief_n except_o he_o may_v make_v his_o own_o article_n as_o thomas_n do_v who_o say_v unless_o i_o put_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n and_o my_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o as_o the_o jew_n say_v unto_o our_o bless_a saviour_n thou_o that_o save_v other_o now_o save_v thyself_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o thou_o do_v this_o miracle_n and_o then_o thou_o will_v persuade_v we_o here_o we_o see_v they_o will_v make_v their_o own_o article_n or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v no_o creed_n the_o jew_n have_v learn_v this_o method_n of_o dispute_v from_o the_o devil_n who_o at_o his_o meeting_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o at_o his_o first_o assault_n thus_o dispute_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v he_o and_o will_v have_v the_o world_n so_o believe_v and_o i_o too_o on_o thou_o then_o command_v these_o stone_n to_o be_v make_v bread_n do_v this_o miracle_n first_o but_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v it_o ergo._n so_o in_o like_a
to_o any_o man_n of_o but_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o in_o those_o several_a city_n which_o be_v after_o their_o change_n of_o government_n the_o seat_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n they_o have_v many_o town_n and_o village_n and_o many_o church_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o all_o the_o which_o before_o this_o alteration_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n respective_o and_o be_v all_o vuder_n they_o and_o be_v order_v and_o moderate_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la pesbyterorum_fw-la which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o my_o brother_n burton_n by_o name_n in_o his_o vindication_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n go_v from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n relate_v and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n but_o in_o each_o of_o they_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v presbytery_n give_v charge_n to_o titus_n and_o timothy_n to_o do_v the_o same_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o church_n in_o those_o several_a city_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n enjoin_v also_o those_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n to_o observe_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o command_v the_o people_n all_o christian_n and_o believer_n in_o those_o several_a city_n under_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o all_o their_o several_a minister_n and_o guide_n set_v over_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o they_o shall_v from_o god_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v as_o we_o may_v see_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n i_o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act._n 23._o act_n 20._o 27._o 18._o tit._n 1_o verse_n 5._o 1_o tim._n 5._o verse_n 17._o heb._n 13._o verse_n 7_o 17_o 24._o and_o the_o first_o of_o pet._n 5._o 2._o jam._n 5._o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o 23._o act_n 16._o 4._o act_n 21._o 25._o all_o which_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n to_o be_v classical_o govern_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n pass_v by_o not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n of_o who_o likewise_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o seducer_n matth._n 22._o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o all_o the_o several_a sectary_n of_o this_o time_n they_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o wickedness_n 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as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a government_n precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v extend_v as_o act_v the_o 15._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n send_v greeting_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o in_o syria_n and_o in_o cilicia_n so_o that_o church_n be_v most_o often_o take_v collective_o as_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n at_o this_o day_n and_o of_o basil_n and_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o when_o the_o word_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o samaria_n antioch_n philippi_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n combine_v together_o and_o all_o collective_o take_v in_o this_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o sectary_n err_v that_o they_o always_o take_v the_o word_n church_n for_o no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o of_o their_o pipkin_n congregation_n to_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o their_o ordinance_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n sufficient_o prove_v take_v the_o word_n collective_o for_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o government_n although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n consider_v apart_o and_o by_o itself_o may_v true_o and_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o essential_a ordinance_n with_o it_o as_o have_v abundant_o be_v prove_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o a_o member_n and_o a_o branch_n or_o part_n depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a particular_a church_n under_o which_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o classical_o govern_v from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o when_o all_o those_o several_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n samaria_n corinth_n philippi_n ephesus_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v and_o classical_o and_o collegiat_o govern_v as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o but_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n my_o argument_n will_v everstand_v good_a yea_o they_o be_v all_o strengthen_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n concession_n and_o his_o express_a word_n for_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o appear_v act_v the_o 2._o they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n because_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o after_o that_o time_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n multiply_v daily_o and_o that_o by_o many_o thousand_o and_o at_o last_o grow_v so_o numerous_a as_o they_o amount_v to_o many_o myriad_n or_o innumerable_a company_n as_o appear_v act_n the_o 21._o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o wilful_o deceive_v the_o poor_a people_n in_o conceal_v from_o they_o so_o apparent_a a_o truth_n but_o shall_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o word_n and_o discover_v all_o his_o juggle_n my_o discourse_n will_v swell_v into_o a_o mighty_a volume_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n his_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o a_o heap_n of_o fraud_n and_o confusion_n all_o which_o he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o severe_a account_n for_o but_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n i_o say_v of_o his_o several_a fayling_n what_o he_o grant_v be_v to_o be_v 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the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n to_o the_o which_o argument_n of_o i_o master_n knollys_n page_n 11._o repli_v as_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o the_o brethren_n say_v he_o 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 but_o this_o i_o conceive_v by_o the_o doctor_n favour_n do_v not_o prove_v it_o to_o wit_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n much_o less_o do_v that_o scripture_n prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n but_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n ver_fw-la 2._o 4._o 6._o 22._o and_o and_z chap._n 16._o 4._o and_o chap._n 21._o 17_o 18._o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n say_v the_o doctor_n be_v express_v these_o be_v master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n with_o his_o reply_n and_o answer_v to_o my_o first_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v my_o three_o assertion_n in_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o deny_v and_o what_o he_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o deny_v say_v he_o by_o the_o brethren_n mean_v the_o independent_o 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 take_v i_o pray_v his_o own_o expression_n he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o government_n in_o all_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o it_o lay_v only_o in_o their_o hand_n as_o to_o who_o it_o be_v sole_o delegated_a so_o that_o he_o grant_v as_o much_o as_o i_o contend_v for_o by_o that_o argument_n by_o which_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a man_n may_v now_o perceive_v that_o mr_n knollys_n and_o the_o brethren_n do_v accord_n unto_o this_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v member_n so_o that_o i_o have_v as_o much_o assent_v unto_o by_o he_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n as_o i_o desire_v by_o the_o which_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v he_o have_v utter_o exclude_v the_o people_n in_o all_o their_o seven_o new_a church_n and_o in_o all_o their_o new_a gather_a assembly_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n from_o any_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o say_v he_o 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 hereafter_o i_o hope_v the_o brethren_n will_v not_o be_v so_o enrage_v against_o i_o if_o i_o believe_v as_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n believe_v and_o as_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n believe_v those_o confide_a 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the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n these_o two_o thing_n master_n knollys_n affirm_v will_v not_o ensue_v from_o that_o portion_n of_o scripture_n upon_o which_o i_o ground_v my_o argument_n now_o before_o i_o come_v to_o reply_v to_o both_o these_o cavil_v of_o master_n hanserdo_n i_o shall_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o say_v unto_o he_o that_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a novice_n in_o divinity_n and_o a_o foreiner_n to_o all_o good_a learning_n so_o he_o be_v but_o a_o suck_a politician_n not_o know_v either_o his_o primer_n in_o that_o art_n or_o his_o catechism_n in_o theology_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o government_n either_o of_o church_n or_o state_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a error_n and_o heresy_n of_o all_o his_o fraternity_n who_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n they_o be_v excellent_a statesman_n and_o grandee_n in_o government_n they_o will_v in_o time_n prove_v themselves_o as_o they_o be_v indeed_o a_o company_n of_o groll_n and_o ninnye_n and_o i_o hope_v yet_o to_o see_v that_o day_n that_o they_o will_v be_v as_o much_o explode_v &_o baffle_v out_o of_o their_o fond_a whimsy_n as_o ever_o the_o prelate_n be_v or_o any_o distemper_a sect_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o discern_v master_n knollys_n his_o error_n and_o the_o groundlessenesse_n of_o his_o denial_n of_o my_o argument_n who_o say_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o elder_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n because_o the_o relief_n be_v send_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n i_o shall_v now_o upon_o this_o occasion_n speak_v something_o concern_v politic_n and_o show_v wherein_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o all_o government_n consist_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n it_o reside_v and_o what_o be_v the_o essential_a property_n or_o rather_o part_n of_o government_n in_o either_o of_o they_o so_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o any_o country_n or_o common_a wealth_n those_o man_n only_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o they_o or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v betrust_v either_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o or_o by_o the_o election_n or_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o those_o several_a government_n lie_v and_o be_v deposit_v in_o their_o hand_n that_o manage_v they_o and_o in_o no_o body_n else_o but_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o their_o appointment_n or_o good_a like_n and_o love_n and_o if_o man_n will_v then_o serious_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o government_n secular_a in_o all_o state_n and_o country_n and_o compare_v the_o ecclesiastical_a with_o they_o which_o without_o any_o offence_n they_o may_v do_v the_o truth_n will_v more_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n will_v be_v the_o more_o obvious_a to_o every_o intelligible_a creature_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o have_v either_o read_v or_o observe_v any_o thing_n in_o politic_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o the_o legislative_a power_n lie_v so_o that_o they_o can_v either_o make_v or_o enact_v new_a law_n and_o statute_n or_o repeal_n or_o abrogate_v any_o old_a one_o and_o ratify_v both_o with_o sanction_n and_o who_o have_v also_o the_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o punish_v all_o prevaricator_n against_o their_o law_n all_o man_n i_o say_v know_v that_o the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n reside_v and_o lie_v sole_o and_o only_o in_o those_o man_n hand_n that_o exercise_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o essential_a part_n or_o property_n of_o sovereign_a and_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n and_o that_o declare_v unto_o all_o man_n who_o be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n there_o the_o second_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o government_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o can_v erect_v and_o create_v new_a office_n and_o new_a officer_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o set_v up_o new_a court_n and_o judge_n and_o can_v confer_v name_n honour_n and_o title_n of_o dignity_n upon_o they_o several_o and_o invest_v they_o all_o with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o execute_v their_o several_a place_n office_n and_o judicature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o essential_a property_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o power_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v the_o ruler_n in_o that_o government_n and_o no_o other_o
person_n the_o three_o essential_a part_n of_o sovereign_a power_n in_o any_o state_n be_v this_o to_o make_v war_n and_o peace_n at_o pleasure_n either_o foreign_a or_o domestical_a upon_o any_o just_a occasion_n and_o to_o have_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o militia_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o those_o only_a in_o who_o hand_n this_o authority_n lie_v they_o be_v repute_v and_o indeed_o be_v the_o supreme_a ruler_n in_o that_o state_n the_o four_o essential_a property_n of_o superlative_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o any_o government_n or_o state_n be_v this_o to_o have_v a_o court_n of_o ultimate_a resort_n to_o the_o which_o all_o man_n may_v fly_v for_o relief_n and_o to_o the_o which_o all_o appeal_v by_o all_o person_n from_o all_o part_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o from_o all_o inferior_a court_n be_v make_v upon_o any_o unjustice_n do_v they_o there_o or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o grievance_n by_o any_o one_o in_o authority_n and_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o end_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n and_o difference_n or_o to_o redress_v all_o abuse_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o oppress_v so_o that_o in_o who_o hand_n soever_o this_o authority_n reside_v they_o only_o be_v say_v to_o exercise_v the_o sovereign_a power_n and_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a governor_n and_o moderator_n in_o that_o state_n the_o five_o and_o last_o paâ—t_n of_o supreme_a authority_n in_o any_o state_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o press_v and_o stamp_v money_n and_o coin_n and_o set_v the_o valution_n upon_o they_o or_o any_o other_o money_n that_o be_v currant_n in_o their_o country_n or_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o those_o state_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o have_v the_o exchequer_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o revenue_n of_o they_o and_o to_o who_o all_o the_o tribute_n subsidy_n assessment_n custom_n benevolence_n and_o collection_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v gather_v for_o the_o common_a relief_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n or_o state_n be_v send_v and_o who_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o wisdom_n in_o those_o man_n hand_n i_o say_v that_o this_o power_n â—esideth_v of_o dispose_v the_o treasury_n or_o revenue_n they_o and_o they_o only_o be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o ruler_n in_o that_o state_n as_o at_o this_o day_n it_o reside_v with_o all_o the_o former_a essential_a property_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o all_o which_o it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o all_o sovereign_a power_n reside_v in_o they_o only_o and_o be_v sole_o exercise_v and_o manage_v by_o they_o so_o that_o if_o master_n knollys_n shall_v say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o government_n lie_v now_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o great_a court_n because_o the_o contribution_n collection_n and_o excise_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v now_o at_o their_o dispose_n i_o believe_v the_o great_a council_n will_v teach_v he_o a_o little_a more_o wit_n and_o all_o those_o his_o brethren_n that_o shall_v join_v with_o he_o in_o this_o his_o argumentation_n a_o little_a better_a manner_n now_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v thing_n together_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o whatsoever_o can_v prove_v the_o sovereign_a power_n in_o all_o secular_a government_n to_o be_v in_o those_o man_n hand_n which_o exercise_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a officer_n and_o man_n in_o authority_n in_o it_o that_o the_o government_n and_o sovereign_a power_n in_o that_o church_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n only_o so_o that_o it_o will_v then_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o my_o argument_n will_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a against_o master_n knolly_n fond_a cavil_n for_o the_o prove_v of_o these_o two_o truth_n viz._n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o church_n be_v the_o only_a governor_n in_o those_o church_n and_o that_o from_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o alm_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o and_o because_o they_o have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n this_o i_o say_v will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n necessary_o follow_v the_o second_o truth_n that_o will_v result_v out_o of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v and_o rule_v that_o church_n by_o a_o common-council_n and_o presbytery_n both_o which_o master_n knollys_n vain_o deny_v will_v follow_v from_o my_o argument_n but_o for_o the_o far_a elucidation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o may_v the_o better_o appear_v unto_o all_o man_n i_o will_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o essential_a property_n and_o part_n of_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o that_o church_n and_o show_v that_o they_o reside_v only_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n hand_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o for_o the_o first_o to_o wit_n the_o legislative_a power_n it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o commit_v only_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n matth._n 16._o and_o matth._n 18._o for_o so_o say_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chapter_n the_o 2._o verse_n 2._o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v go_v forth_o the_o law_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o act_v the_o 1._o vers_fw-la 2._o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n that_o he_o remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n through_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v commandment_n unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o be_v that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n which_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n unto_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v abide_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o john_n 14._o verse_n 26._o and_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n he_o call_v his_o apostle_n his_o friend_n tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o his_o father_n verse_n 15._o and_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v bring_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o their_o memory_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n in_o the_o 26._o verse_n christ_n say_v when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o from_o the_o 28._o of_o matth._n verse_n 18_o 19_o 20._o mark_n the_o 16._o verse_n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o john_n the_o 20._o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v invest_v with_o a_o legislative_a power_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o preach_v or_o write_v that_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o which_o all_o christ_n subject_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v power_n also_o to_o abrogate_v old_a law_n and_o to_o enact_v and_o establish_v new_a one_o as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 15._o and_o act._n 16._o yea_o they_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n of_o which_o we_o have_v one_o example_n in_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act._n 5._o yea_o they_o raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v the_o lame_a and_o heal_v the_o sick_a with_o their_o very_a shadow_n and_o all_o this_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o ratify_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o to_o show_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n withal_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o erect_v new_a office_n and_o create_v new_a officer_n not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o that_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o
nothing_o â—ut_v peacock_n parrot_n and_o jackanapes_n or_o more_o mischievous_a thing_n though_o gay_o set_v forth_o with_o the_o which_o he_o befool_v himself_o and_o amase_n yea_o deceive_v the_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a people_n while_o they_o go_v gaze_v after_o they_o for_o say_v he_o we_o distinguish_v between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o and_o this_o latter_a belong_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o other_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n etc._n etc._n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n i_o must_v tell_v i._n s._n that_o from_o who_o soever_o he_o have_v borrow_v this_o distinction_n it_o be_v groundless_a and_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o it_o in_o sacred_a writ_n yea_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o it_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o say_v by_o a_o learned_a professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o find_v distinction_n in_o schoolman_n to_o mock_v god_n and_o destroy_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o thereupon_o exhort_v all_o his_o scholar_n to_o be_v very_o careful_a lest_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o man_n person_n and_o from_o the_o conceit_n they_o have_v of_o their_o piety_n and_o ability_n in_o learning_n they_o be_v not_o deceive_v and_o the_o same_o exhortation_n may_v now_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n especial_o when_o a_o lie_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o into_o innumerable_a false_a prophet_n as_o it_o do_v in_o ahab_n his_o time_n and_o when_o a_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o every_o house_n of_o the_o independent_o in_o all_o these_o regard_n i_o say_v the_o caveat_n and_o exhortation_n of_o that_o reverend_a divine_a may_v now_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a for_o these_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v all_o man_n upon_o to_o prove_v and_o examine_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_v 1_o thess_n 5._o ver_fw-la 21_o and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a now_o in_o divine_a matter_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o god_n we_o must_v be_v especial_o careful_a that_o we_o see_v a_o ground_n &_o warrant_v out_o of_o his_o word_n or_o from_o excellent_a reason_n or_o good_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o whatsoever_o opinion_n or_o distinction_n in_o sacred_a thing_n shall_v be_v bring_v and_o propound_v unto_o we_o and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o its_o authority_n or_o ground_n from_o thence_o or_o some_o example_n or_o precedent_n or_o solid_a reason_n or_o good_a consequence_n out_o of_o the_o same_o word_n to_o warrant_n and_o confirm_v it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o good_a christian_n especial_o if_o it_o consist_v of_o captious_a doubtful_a and_o ambiguous_a expression_n and_o which_o will_v admit_v of_o various_a and_o different_a interpretation_n and_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v find_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o this_o grollish_a distinction_n bring_v by_o i._o s._n do_v for_o he_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o power_n and_o interest_n on_o the_o other_o as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o when_o all_o learned_a man_n know_v that_o authority_n jurisdiction_n and_o power_n be_v all_o one_o as_o when_o a_o magistrate_n make_v use_n of_o either_o of_o these_o word_n say_v such_o a_o one_o be_v under_o my_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n or_o power_n all_o man_n know_v that_o either_o of_o those_o word_n signify_v his_o authority_n over_o he_o and_o those_o expression_n intimate_v one_o &_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o as_o for_o the_o word_n interest_n which_o he_o make_v a_o synonimon_n with_o power_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a grollery_n for_o that_o be_v a_o word_n of_o ambiguity_n and_o of_o various_a signification_n and_o admit_v of_o divers_a interpretation_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o same_o with_o power_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o which_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o i._o s._n himself_o know_v not_o but_o this_o word_n serve_v the_o turn_n of_o our_o american_n brethren_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n here_o to_o juggle_v withal_o but_o if_o a_o man_n will_v but_o serious_o consider_v and_o weigh_v what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o word_n interest_n signify_v in_o their_o dialect_n and_o what_o they_o understand_v by_o it_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v out_o they_o shall_v find_v that_o by_o that_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o people_n by_o interest_n they_o mean_v and_o understand_v a_o title_n or_o right_a or_o due_a in_o the_o people_n both_o to_o the_o property_n and_o possession_n of_o all_o the_o power_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v original_o and_o radical_o in_o the_o people_n and_o that_o it_o be_v proper_o their_o due_a and_o right_n and_o from_o they_o only_o delegated_a to_o the_o officer_n of_o church_n and_o state_n who_o as_o they_o do_v betrust_v with_o it_o so_o they_o may_v at_o pleasure_n take_v it_o from_o they_o again_o and_o this_o that_o i_o now_o say_v the_o pamphlet_n of_o these_o time_n many_o of_o they_o can_v witness_v be_v their_o meaning_n by_o interest_n among_o other_o that_o of_o england_n birth_n right_a and_o john_n lilburn_n learned_a letter_n who_o in_o the_o 14_o page_n of_o the_o same_o have_v these_o word_n for_o my_o part_n say_v he_o i_o look_v upon_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o england_n who_o have_v reside_v in_o they_o that_o power_n that_o be_v inherent_a in_o the_o people_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o land_n etc._n etc._n out_o of_o who_o word_n it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a that_o they_o make_v all_o power_n to_o be_v inherent_o in_o the_o people_n as_o their_o birthright_n to_o which_o they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n make_v as_o good_a title_n and_o claim_n as_o to_o their_o inheritance_n and_o that_o they_o in_o their_o language_n call_v interest_n &_o this_o also_o can_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o pamplet_n and_o from_o their_o word_n that_o if_o they_o conceive_v the_o parliament_n use_v not_o that_o power_n they_o be_v entrust_v with_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o land_n they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n by_o the_o people_n be_v devest_v of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o question_v i_o be_o confident_a i_o say_v there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n to_o prove_v as_o much_o as_o i_o now_o say_v have_v be_v utter_v by_o the_o sectary_n of_o these_o our_o time_n and_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v if_o they_o increase_v but_o to_o a_o little_o great_a number_n that_o unless_o the_o lord_n show_v his_o mighty_a 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and_o in_o these_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v full_o to_o satisfy_v you_o and_o all_o man_n but_o first_o as_o a_o physician_n and_o a_o faithful_a friend_n avoid_v all_o flattery_n i_o can_v but_o true_o relate_v unto_o you_o the_o dangerous_a condition_n i_o find_v you_o in_o for_o i_o assure_v you_o i_o feel_v your_o pulse_n beat_v very_o high_a and_o i_o see_v you_o have_v a_o vein_n puff_v up_o with_o windy_a matter_n and_o i_o perceive_v you_o be_v swell_v with_o pernicious_a and_o corrupt_a humour_n and_o that_o choler_n exceed_o abound_v in_o you_o insomuch_o as_o you_o breathe_v forth_o â—â—rong_a revile_n and_o defame_n against_o those_o that_o never_o wrong_v you_o and_o make_v loud_a exclamation_n as_o if_o i_o be_v a_o man_n of_o no_o religion_n piety_n wit_n or_o learning_n because_o i_o have_v as_o for_o truth_n sake_n i_o be_v induty_n bind_v true_o state_v the_o question_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o independency_n be_v not_o god_n ordinance_n nor_o ground_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o independent_o and_o the_o way_n they_o plead_v for_o will_v prove_v destructive_a to_o church_n and_o state_n now_o as_o i_o be_o grieve_v to_o see_v it_o so_o i_o wonder_v at_o the_o sudden_a distemper_n and_o great_a heat_n you_o be_v fall_v into_o which_o make_v you_o talk_v so_o much_o and_o that_o against_o i_o by_o name_n more_o than_o against_o other_o wherereas_fw-la before_o i_o write_v and_o since_o many_o have_v and_o one_o more_o especial_o in_o part_n discover_v the_o sinful_a practice_n of_o independent_o the_o evil_a and_o unwarrantableness_n of_o their_o new_a way_n and_o how_o ever_o you_o be_v general_o blame_v for_o rush_v out_o upon_o the_o theatre_n to_o oppose_v he_o by_o name_n it_o be_v a_o work_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o wise_a man_n fit_a for_o any_o other_o man_n to_o have_v undertake_v then_o yourself_o because_o of_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a tie_n of_o friendship_n between_o you_o and_o he_o yet_o you_o have_v bridle_v up_o your_o fury_n against_o his_o person_n although_o you_o say_v in_o your_o appendix_n he_o rank_n your_o word_n under_o the_o head_n of_o his_o first_o section_n contain_v divers_a seditious_a scandalous_a libellous_a passage_n against_o the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o parliament_n synod_n and_o temporal_a magistrate_n in_o general_a etc._n etc._n now_o here_o be_v exceed_o great_a wrong_n do_v unto_o you_o if_o your_o word_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o may_v you_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n i_o be_o persuade_v you_o will_v pronounce_v they_o not_o guilty_a notwithstanding_o you_o do_v not_o revile_v vilify_v and_o false_o accuse_v the_o author_n thereof_o but_o on_o i_o you_o have_v let_v loose_v your_o fury_n and_o have_v fall_v upon_o i_o so_o passionate_o who_o be_v once_o a_o fellow_n sufferer_n with_o you_o that_o it_o have_v sad_a the_o spirit_n grieve_v the_o heart_n and_o give_v great_a offence_n unto_o all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a who_o walk_v in_o that_o old_a way_n and_o the_o know_a path_n of_o holiness_n which_o god_n word_n do_v plain_o direct_v and_o lead_v they_o into_o and_o contrariwise_o you_o have_v open_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o give_v cause_n of_o rejoice_v to_o such_o as_o be_v without_o by_o your_o bitter_a expression_n and_o false_a accusation_n bring_v against_o i_o one_o of_o your_o quondam_a fellow_n sufferer_n but_o pag._n 26._o you_o please_v to_o say_v that_o i_o have_v much_o exaggerated_a vilification_n upon_o the_o independent_o and_o notorious_a be_v that_o i_o say_v in_o my_o postscript_n pag_n 68_o as_o by_o experience_n i_o know_v not_o any_o independent_a in_o england_n two_o only_o except_v that_o do_v not_o as_o malicious_o and_o implacable_o hate_v the_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o the_o mortal_a enemy_n they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n to_o this_o brother_n i_o answer_v i_o vilify_v none_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o truth_n but_o because_o i_o see_v you_o take_v such_o great_a exception_n at_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o your_o own_o tenant_n or_o make_v it_o appear_v you_o be_v not_o the_o only_a saint_n for_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o there_o but_o what_o the_o profess_a judgement_n of_o those_o independent_o i_o know_v i_o still_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o my_o own_o knowledge_n and_o their_o practice_n incit_v i_o to_o believe_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o independent_o that_o differ_v from_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n i_o know_v they_o not_o then_o only_o except_v as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o for_o those_o independent_o who_o be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o such_o as_o be_v true_o godly_a yet_o
may_v we_o suppose_v be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o many_o more_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o 21._o chap._n of_o the_o act_n say_v there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n there_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o must_v needs_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o mighty_a many_o of_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o believer_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n do_v both_o witness_n they_o then_o have_v divers_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n and_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o every_o house_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v now_o great_a hope_n that_o not_o only_a mr_n knollys_n will_v confess_v the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_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 but_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n his_o scrupulous_a conscience_n also_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o point_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v ratify_v not_o only_o by_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n and_o witness_n also_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n but_o if_o sir_n i._o s._n shall_v still_o persevere_v in_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_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 as_o he_o will_v yet_o swear_v there_o be_v no_o more_o saint_n there_o then_o can_v or_o do_v daily_o all_o meet_a in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n than_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o gentleman_n very_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o knight_n of_o the_o post_n whether_o i_o send_v he_o to_o be_v whip_v out_o of_o his_o grollery_n have_v for_o the_o gratify_a mr_n knollys_n and_o sir_n i._o s._n and_o for_o the_o undeceive_n of_o all_o cordial_a and_o well_o affect_v christian_n and_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o this_o controversy_n i_o shall_v now_o refer_v myself_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v my_o first_o and_o second_o proposition_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o indifferent_a reader_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o it_o be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o brethren_n that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o they_o there_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v either_o to_o my_o brother_n burton_n or_o to_o saint_n hanserdo_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v judge_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v it_o both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o prime_a witness_n of_o the_o independent_a party_n against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n by_o any_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o fraternity_n mr_n henry_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_v by_o name_n i_o shall_v again_o challenge_v mr_n knollys_n his_o promise_n who_o have_v engage_v himself_o that_o if_o i_o can_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n evince_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o will_v relinquish_v his_o grollish_a opinion_n of_o independency_n now_o therefore_o when_o i_o have_v do_v it_o both_o by_o scripture_n and_o the_o two_o witness_n above_o specify_v i_o say_v again_o i_o challenge_v his_o promise_n and_o if_o he_o notwithstanding_o all_o i_o have_v write_v will_v not_o abandon_v this_o his_o error_n i_o shall_v never_o esteem_v he_o to_o be_v either_o a_o man_n of_o faith_n or_o common_a honesty_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o proclaim_v both_o himself_o and_o all_o such_o teacher_n as_o he_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o resister_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o withhold_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o people_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o so_o i_o conclude_v this_o second_o proposition_n and_o come_v now_o to_o see_v what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o three_o my_o three_o proposition_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n govern_v ordered_n and_o rule_v this_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n by_o a_o common_a council_n and_o presbytery_n this_o be_v my_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o many_o place_n of_o the_o act_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n of_o holy_a writ_n some_o of_o which_o with_o my_o argument_n i_o shall_v here_o relate_v in_o order_n as_o they_o be_v first_o set_v down_o in_o my_o book_n call_v independency_n not_o god_n ordinance_n the_o which_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v unto_o and_o after_o i_o have_v faithful_o relate_v the_o argument_n i_o deduce_v from_o those_o several_a scripture_n by_o which_o i_o then_o make_v good_a my_o three_o assertion_n i_o shall_v also_o true_o set_v down_o the_o answer_n of_o hanserdo_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n to_o all_o those_o argument_n the_o place_n therefore_o of_o scripture_n with_o my_o argument_n gather_v from_o thence_o be_v these_o follow_v act_v 11._o 27._o and_o in_o those_o day_n there_o come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n through_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n then_o the_o disciple_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n determine_v to_o send_v relief_n unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o judaea_n which_o also_o they_o do_v and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n here_o in_o these_o last_o word_n we_o see_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o none_o but_o the_o presbyter_n receive_v the_o alm_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o send_v it_o to_o the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n in_o government_n as_o who_o have_v the_o order_v and_o authority_n of_o appoint_v unto_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v distribute_v those_o money_n that_o they_o may_v be_v best_o improve_v and_o dispose_v of_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n as_o all_o man_n that_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o government_n will_v acknowledge_v now_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o these_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o judaea_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o specify_v but_o only_o the_o distress_a brethren_n in_o judaea_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o that_o the_o alm_n have_v be_v send_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o judaea_n the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v include_v in_o it_o as_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n that_o be_v abroad_o and_o particular_o that_o of_o antioch_n to_o send_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o may_v see_v act._n 11._o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o act._n 15._o and_o by_o all_o probability_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n bring_v these_o alm_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o he_o in_o the_o fifteen_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o contribution_n that_o be_v make_v in_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n for_o the_o poor_a saint_n in_o jerusalem_n whether_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v go_v to_o minister_n unto_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o roman_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o unbelieved_a jew_n and_o that_o his_o service_n for_o jerusalem_n may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o saint_n which_o by_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n be_v general_o take_v that_o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v then_o send_v to_o jerusalem_n from_o antioch_n but_o howsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v that_o these_o alm_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o judea_n yet_o these_o two_o conclusion_n necessary_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o that_o this_o expression_n comprehend_v also_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a city_n of_o judea_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n and_o order_n of_o business_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o power_n and_o authority_n lie_v of_o
dispose_n of_o the_o very_a charity_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o brethren_n to_o all_o the_o necessitate_a disciple_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o who_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o deacon_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v to_o the_o best_a emolument_fw-fr and_o benefit_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o these_o benefactor_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o government_n and_o that_o a_o principal_a one_o so_o of_o necessity_n the_o presbyter_n must_v then_o meet_v together_o that_o by_o their_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n and_o council_n all_o thing_n may_v be_v right_o order_v but_o in_o the_o chap._n 15._o v._n 2._o 4._o 6._o 22._o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o name_n be_v express_v and_o in_o chap._n 16._o and_o in_o act._n 21._o v._n 17._o 18._o in_o these_o word_n 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 presbyter_n about_o this_o question_n and_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o they_o declare_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v do_v with_o they_o and_o how_o that_o there_o rise_v up_o certain_a of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o believe_v say_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o circumcise_v they_o and_o to_o command_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 16._o v._n 4._o and_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n and_o chap._n 21._o v._n 17_o 18._o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a and_o v._o 25._o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v say_v the_o presbyter_n that_o they_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o all_o which_o place_n before_o i_o form_v my_o argument_n to_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 govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n that_o be_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 which_o make_v but_o a_o grand_a presbytery_n i_o shall_v desire_v all_o man_n to_o consider_v that_o howsoever_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v be_v difference_v by_o that_o title_n from_o the_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o all_o act_n of_o government_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o ordinary_a act_n such_o as_o presbyter_n daily_o perform_v and_o therefore_o answerable_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o presbyter_n that_o be_v man_n govern_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o their_o ordinary_a employment_n though_o at_o other_o time_n in_o their_o several_a ministry_n and_o go_v from_o nation_n to_o nation_n to_o preach_v as_o christ_n extraordinary_a ambassador_n 2_o cor._n 5._o they_o use_v superlative_a authority_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v they_o with_o and_o gracious_o bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o i_o be_o induce_v so_o to_o believe_v because_o the_o apostle_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o magistrate_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o more_o principal_a and_o primary_n one_o and_o therefore_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n in_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o like_a administration_n neither_o may_v any_o suppose_v for_o all_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n in_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n act_v as_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n now_o than_o if_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n what_o reason_n will_v dictate_v to_o any_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v fall_v low_o in_o their_o power_n by_o act_v as_o presbyter_n in_o a_o joint_a presbytery_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o govern_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v style_v presbyter_n which_o be_v to_o say_v the_o ruler_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o for_o all_o this_o do_v their_o presbytership_n exclude_v their_o apostleship_n nor_o do_v their_o act_n as_o presbyter_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o apostolic_a power_n nor_o of_o that_o apostolic_a spirit_n which_o guide_v they_o even_o in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n for_o although_o under_o one_o notion_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a man_n yet_o under_o another_o as_o in_o all_o those_o affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o for_o that_o end_n the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o as_o apostle_n for_o therein_o they_o do_v not_o act_v as_o apostle_n with_o a_o transcendent_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o as_o presbyter_n and_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o counsellor_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o make_v their_o meeting_n and_o action_n a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n and_o of_o the_o presbyter_n congregate_a of_o themselves_o together_o for_o common_a act_n of_o government_n whether_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o synodical_a way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a affair_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n so_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o kingdom_n some_o of_o the_o counsellor_n be_v of_o the_o more_o secret_a admission_n and_o be_v general_o call_v cabinet_n counsellor_n and_o be_v count_v of_o as_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o other_o of_o the_o general_a &_o ordinary_a council_n yet_o when_o all_o these_o sit_v in_o a_o common_a council_n together_o to_o consult_v about_o matter_n of_o state_n and_o public_a concernment_n they_o â—it_a then_o together_o as_o ordinary_a counsellor_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v as_o much_o authority_n and_o liberty_n to_o debate_v thing_n by_o reason_n and_o dispute_v in_o way_n of_o consultation_n and_o to_o give_v his_o vote_n about_o any_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o any_o of_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a councillor_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n we_o read_v that_o hushy_a when_o he_o be_v by_o absalon_n call_v into_o counsel_n have_v his_o voice_n and_o give_v his_o vote_n as_o well_o as_o achitophel_n the_o oracle_n of_o that_o time_n and_o as_o in_o the_o common-councel_n and_o parliament_n of_o kingdom_n whatsoever_o honour_n dignity_n or_o extraordinary_a employment_n any_o of_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o before_o their_o session_n and_o meeting_n or_o whatsoever_o dignity_n or_o title_n of_o honour_n they_o have_v extraordinary_o above_o other_o and_o take_v their_o place_n according_o before_o they_o come_v together_o into_o the_o parliament_n yet_o they_o all_o sit_v as_o judge_n and_o peer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n the_o mean_a lord_n in_o the_o kingdom_n have_v as_o much_o authority_n there_o as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o as_o they_o be_v judge_n and_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o mean_a as_o much_o voice_n and_o authority_n in_o way_n of_o consultation_n as_o the_o great_a and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o synod_n or_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n the_o mean_a presbyter_n have_v as_o much_o voice_n and_o liberty_n in_o way_n of_o debate_n and_o vote_v as_o the_o great_a prelate_n there_o and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o the_o apostle_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_a man_n and_o the_o ordinary_a presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o counsel_n they_o all_o act_v there_o as_o counsellor_n and_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o those_o particular_a action_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o in_o their_o several_a meeting_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o not_o join_v with_o the_o