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authority_n church_n doctrine_n tradition_n 2,974 5 9.2119 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

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peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o other_o minister_n to_o administer_v it_o which_o we_o bless_v etc._n etc._n the_o three_o duty_n be_v prayer_n act._n 6.4_o and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.16_o there_o the_o manner_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n accompany_v he_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o say_v amen_n the_o four_o duty_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v that_o they_o be_v a_o example_n to_o their_o flock_n of_o holiness_n in_o life_n so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o elder_n to_o who_o he_o write_v 1_o pet._n 5.3_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o their_o flock_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v timothy_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v 1_o tim_n 4.12_o the_o five_o duty_n be_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a so_o it_o be_v intend_v james_n 5.14_o if_o any_o man_n be_v sick_a let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n their_o six_o duty_n they_o be_v to_o use_v and_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n both_o in_o bind_v and_o lose_v for_o that_o also_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o which_o be_v say_v to_o the_o apostle_n in_o joh._n 20.23_o be_v say_v also_o to_o all_o true_a minister_n who_o sin_n soever_o you_o remit_v on_o earth_n they_o be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o all_o in_o the_o ministry_n and_o none_o else_o the_o seven_o duty_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v that_o they_o be_v to_o have_v care_n over_o the_o poor_a i_o urge_v it_o not_o so_o much_o that_o they_o shall_v distribute_v with_o their_o own_o hand_n yet_o that_o be_v needful_a too_o where_o great_a occasion_n be_v not_o hinder_v by_o it_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n all_o be_v bring_v and_o lay_v at_o their_o foot_n and_o they_o do_v distribute_v it_o till_o they_o have_v great_a business_n in_o hand_n but_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o see_v it_o perform_v by_o 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themselves_o they_o supply_v their_o bodily_a absence_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o deputy_n as_o also_o by_o letter_n but_o no_o ordinary_a minister_n can_v thus_o excuse_v himself_o but_o they_o be_v continual_o bind_v to_o be_v resident_a and_o the_o danger_n be_v exceed_o great_a when_o the_o pastor_n be_v absent_a as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 15.12_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v absent_a some_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n that_o teach_v error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o among_o we_o be_v too_o apparent_a and_o lamentable_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o those_o in_o authority_n may_v force_v they_o that_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o charge_n to_o be_v resident_a upon_o it_o so_o much_o for_o presbyter_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o come_v to_o doctor_n doctor_n i_o find_v the_o word_n use_v in_o ephes_n 4.11_o and_o we_o expound_v it_o teacher_n which_o have_v two_o signification_n first_o i_o find_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o that_o teach_v the_o word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n second_o sometime_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o that_o instruct_v scholar_n special_o in_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o after_o in_o other_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v take_v in_o some_o ancient_a writer_n the_o question_n concern_v doctor_n be_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n this_o whether_o there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n as_o a_o several_a officer_n from_o the_o pastor_n for_o answer_v whereunto_o i_o say_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o doctor_n be_v necessary_a in_o both_o sense_n general_o in_o the_o church_n and_o also_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n as_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n he_o be_v necessary_a in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n yea_o and_o further_o i_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o congregation_n a_o doctor_n in_o who_o be_v the_o word_n o●_n knowledge_n join_v with_o a_o pastor_n in_o who_o be_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 12.8_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mislike_v but_o that_o this_o must_v be_v so_o of_o necessity_n that_o we_o deny_v for_o howsoever_o the_o gift_n be_v diverse_a the_o doctor_n to_o teach_v and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n the_o pastor_n to_o apply_v it_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v and_o be_v usual_o find_v in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o scripture_n that_o teach_v and_o preach_v concur_v together_o in_o the_o same_o officer_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o matth._n 9.35_o that_o he_o go_v about_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n act._n 15.35_o that_o they_o continue_v preach_v and_o teach_v at_o antioch_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 6.2_o require_v 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proportion_n in_o like_a case_n christ_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o teach_v salvation_n speak_v nothing_o but_o from_o the_o father_n john_n 12.49_o 50._o and_o whatsoever_o the_o spirit_n do_v teach_v he_o receive_v it_o from_o christ_n john_n 16.13_o if_o christ_n do_v tie_v himself_o to_o teach_v those_o thing_n and_o nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o those_o thing_n he_o receive_v from_o christ_n then_o i_o hope_v the_o church_n have_v not_o great_a liberty_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n therefore_o as_o christ_n speak_v nothing_o beside_o that_o he_o hear_v of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o spirit_n nothing_o but_o that_o he_o receive_v from_o christ_n so_o by_o proportion_n the_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n beside_o scripture_n reas_n 6_o sixthly_a the_o 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papist_n do_v so_o and_o howsoever_o many_o of_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o favour_v it_o in_o word_n yet_o their_o practice_n make_v they_o guilty_a of_o it_o faith_n pope_n pius_n the_o four_o propound_v a_o creed_n and_o tie_v his_o child_n the_o papist_n to_o it_o wherein_z after_o he_o have_v set_v down_o the_o twelve_o article_n contain_v in_o the_o nicene_n creed_n he_o add_v twelve_o more_o of_o his_o own_o concern_v tradition_n &_o purgatory_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o he_o will_v have_v acknowledge_v and_o undoubted_o believe_v as_o the_o former_a and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o coin_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n ob._n but_o say_v they_o why_o may_v not_o we_o do_v so_o as_o well_o as_o you_o that_o have_v your_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o reform_a church_n have_v their_o several_a confession_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n beside_o those_o in_o the_o creed_n and_o yet_o profess_v and_o believe_v answ_n as_o well_o as_o they_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o a_o like_a comparison_n for_o we_o though_o we_o do_v believe_v many_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o creed_n yet_o we_o believe_v nothing_o beside_o scripture_n and_o that_o which_o be_v sound_o prove_v by_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o that_o in_o the_o creed_n but_o they_o be_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o show_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o but_o be_v matter_n beside_o scripture_n which_o they_o obtrude_v on_o the_o people_n mere_o or_o at_o least_o principal_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o church_n than_o no_o authority_n about_o article_n of_o faith_n new_o to_o be_v make_v faith_n i_o answer_v no_o but_o only_o as_o thus_o if_o any_o article_n have_v be_v neglect_v obscure_a and_o lie_v hide_v in_o former_a time_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n whereon_o it_o be_v ground_v be_v not_o well_o understand_v then_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o declare_v and_o publish_v it_o 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that_o have_v power_n to_o build_v have_v also_o power_n to_o destroy_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o for_o the_o church_n to_o maim_n and_o mangle_v the_o book_n of_o god_n as_o she_o list_v herself_o what_o a_o horrible_a wrong_n be_v this_o to_o god_n three_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n hear_v his_o voice_n they_o do_v not_o make_v or_o frame_v it_o last_o as_o a_o gold_n smith_n take_v a_o piece_n of_o gold_n and_o try_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o counterfeit_n by_o the_o touch_n stone_n and_o before_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v true_a gold_n he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o true_a gold_n for_o if_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v counterfeit_a all_o the_o gold_n smith_n that_o be_v can_v make_v it_o true_a so_o must_v the_o church_n cry_v which_o be_v canonical_a
office_n of_o the_o mediator_n the_o three_o be_v concern_v image_n the_o four_o be_v concern_v justification_n for_o the_o first_o therein_o which_o be_v her_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n they_o teach_v very_o erroneous_o not_o only_o that_o which_o disparage_v they_o which_o yet_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o that_o which_o by_o consequence_n utter_o overthrow_n they_o first_o scripture_n in_o that_o they_o dare_v deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n second_o in_o that_o they_o pervert_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n three_o in_o that_o they_o disanulle_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n first_o they_o deny_v express_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n whereas_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o as_o a_o particular_a rule_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o they_o say_v no_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o they_o must_v be_v piece_v and_o perfect_v by_o tradition_n no_o man_n dare_v 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of_o scripture_n scripture_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n untrue_a three_o they_o disannul_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o many_o way_n first_o teach_v that_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n which_o be_v know_v to_o contain_v certain_a untruth_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n second_o equal_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o urge_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v with_o as_o great_a authority_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n than_o the_o word_n of_o man_n it_o be_v very_o feeble_a and_o not_o worth_a trust_n to_o three_o they_o go_v further_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n say_v they_o be_v to_o believe_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n be_v not_o to_o believe_v 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see_v that_o their_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v like_a to_o find_v but_o foul_a water_n in_o their_o channel_n their_o second_o error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v concern_v the_o direct_a office_n of_o the_o mediator_n god_n say_v direct_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n &_o that_o be_v christ_n 1._o tim._n 2.5_o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o man_n the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n and_o other_o saint_n not_o only_o pray_v for_o we_o but_o to_o be_v invocate_v by_o we_o do_v not_o this_o justle_n christ_n out_o of_o his_o room_n at_o least_o to_o sit_v so_o close_o answer_v that_o other_o must_v sit_v in_o commission_n with_o he_o in_o that_o office_n they_o will_v shift_v it_o off_o with_o this_o that_o they_o make_v the_o saint_n mediator_n of_o intercession_n only_o and_o christ_n of_o redemption_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n etc._n etc._n he_o mean_v of_o 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our_o sin_n he_o be_v our_o advocate_n or_o intercessor_n and_o our_o propitiation_n or_o reconciliation_n both_o and_o john_n 16.23_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v give_v it_o you_o he_o do_v not_o say_v whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o mother_n name_n or_o in_o the_o saint_n name_n but_o in_o my_o name_n and_o therefore_o both_o redemption_n and_o intercession_n be_v oft_o time_n in_o scripture_n by_o name_n join_v together_o as_o in_o that_o 1_o tim._n 2.5_o 6_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n &c_n &c_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o man_n &_o rome_n 8.34_o who_o shall_v condemn_v we_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v you_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o answer_v who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o so_o that_o we_o see_v to_o be_v mediator_n of_o intercession_n be_v as_o peculiar_a to_o chrst_n as_o to_o be_v mediator_n of_o redemption_n they_o shift_v again_o &_o say_v we_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n not_o as_o helper_n but_o as_o intercessor_n only_o but_o we_o pray_v to_o christ_n as_o intercessor_n and_o helper_n by_o his_o own_o power_n too_o i_o answer_v yet_o still_o they_o make_v they_o intercessor_n then_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o so_o they_o either_o justle_v christ_n out_o of_o his_o room_n or_o set_v his_o mother_n and_o the_o saint_n on_o the_o bench_n with_o he_o but_o if_o therebe_n any_o other_o intercessor_n then_o either_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n be_v imperfect_a or_o else_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v superfluous_a but_o say_v they_o we_o do_v no_o more_o to_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n than_o you_o do_v to_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n and_o then_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o the_o thessalonian_n in_o the_o 2_o thes_n 3.1_o brethren_n pray_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n i_o answer_v first_o we_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o this_o scripture_n but_o for_o the_o other_o we_o have_v none_o at_o all_o second_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v they_o intercessor_n for_o he_o this_o be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o he_o no_o but_o he_o entreat_v they_o to_o be_v fellow_n suitor_n and_o joint_a petitioner_n to_o god_n with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o three_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v alive_a we_o have_v access_n unto_o and_o can_v utter_v our_o mind_n to_o they_o but_o so_o we_o can_v to_o they_o that_o be_v decease_v and_o therefore_o they_o that_o pray_v to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v but_o as_o fellow_n suitor_n they_o make_v god_n of_o they_o in_o that_o very_a fact_n that_o be_v they_o make_v they_o knower_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o know_v that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n
esa_n 9.21_o and_o so_o the_o papist_n be_v against_o the_o separatist_n and_o the_o separatist_n against_o the_o papist_n and_o both_o against_o our_o church_n of_o england_n each_o of_o they_o cry_v out_o with_o open_a mouth_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o our_o stand_v therein_o and_o the_o papist_n think_v we_o can_v justify_v our_o self_n against_o their_o exception_n but_o that_o we_o must_v incline_v to_o the_o separatist_n and_o the_o separatist_n boast_v that_o we_o can_v acquit_v ourselves_o of_o their_o exception_n but_o that_o we_o must_v incline_v to_o popery_n here_o than_o be_v our_o present_a task_n how_o to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o both_o these_o adversary_n that_o we_o may_v fall_v foul_a on_o neither_o they_o do_v not_o assault_v we_o both_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o about_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n each_o of_o they_o have_v their_o several_a quarrel_n and_o each_o do_v manage_v a_o several_a fight_n against_o we_o and_o therefore_o 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that_o exercise_v it_o the_o 3_o point_n be_v what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n in_o &_o it_o be_v double_a 1._o over_o person_n and_o that_o 1_o either_o as_o member_n either_o not_o come_v in_o to_o admit_v who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v the_o act_n and_o mean_n of_o admission_n this_n not_o to_o be_v renew_a upon_o any_o fall_n away_o how_o far_o the_o magistrate_n may_v compel_v or_o to_o repel_v they_o or_o second_o as_o come_v in_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o or_o cast_v they_o out_o or_o three_o over_o member_n as_o officer_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v place_n or_o displace_v second_o the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o thing_n and_o these_o either_o matter_n of_o substance_n as_o touch_v the_o scripture_n and_o therein_o first_o touch_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o herein_o whether_o the_o authority_n of_o church_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o spripture_n bellarmy_a de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la interpret_v 246._o the_o 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twenty_o nine_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n very_o necessary_a for_o the_o consolation_n and_o support_v of_o god_n church_n especial_o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o be_v handle_v first_o in_o general_a concern_v first_o the_o name_n second_o the_o title_n three_o the_o nature_n four_a the_o division_n of_o the_o true_a church_n second_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n first_o the_o definition_n second_o the_o cause_n three_o the_o member_n four_a the_o mark_v and_o note_n five_o the_o government_n sixthly_a the_o privilege_n seventhly_a the_o adversary_n eighthly_a the_o authority_n and_o last_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v know_v to_o us._n by_o that_o learned_a and_o faithful_a preacher_n master_n john_n randall_n bachelor_n of_o divinity_n pastor_n of_o saint_n andrew_n hubbart_n in_o little_a eastcheap_n london_n and_o sometime_o fellow_n of_o lincoln_n college_n in_o oxford_n publish_a by_o the_o copy_n perfect_v 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precept_n psal_n 122.6_o suitable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n some_o do_v give_v one_o gift_n some_o another_o some_o do_v labour_n in_o hew_v square_n other_o in_o bring_v and_o bear_v they_o to_o the_o raise_n up_o of_o the_o structure_n but_o especial_o be_v the_o burden_n of_o this_o work_n lay_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o minister_n which_o like_o bezaleel_n and_o aholiab_n be_v fit_v and_o furnish_v of_o god_n for_o this_o work_n and_o have_v the_o cure_n and_o care_n thereof_o commit_v to_o they_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v to_o all_o alike_o but_o to_o some_o more_o some_o less_o yet_o all_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o treatise_n he_o have_v give_v more_o than_o ordinary_a gift_n as_o his_o work_n already_o publish_v do_v show_v he_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v a_o wise_a master-builder_n to_o be_v like_o those_o builder_n in_o nehem._n 4.17_o with_o one_o hand_n he_o wrought_v in_o the_o work_n with_o the_o other_o he_o hold_v a_o weapon_n as_o you_o shall_v see_v apparent_o in_o this_o treatise_n wherein_o he_o do_v confirm_v profess_a truth_n and_o confute_v opposite_a error_n it_o please_v god_n while_o he_o be_v live_v to_o make_v he_o a_o happy_a instrument_n of_o stay_v many_o in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o to_o gain_v many_o in_o which_o by_o seducement_n have_v be_v draw_v away_o and_o as_o god_n give_v such_o success_n to_o his_o labour_n when_o he_o be_v alive_a so_o i_o trust_v they_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a if_o read_v with_o a_o single_a eye_n i_o dare_v assure_v you_o it_o be_v not_o the_o treatise_n of_o any_o other_o but_o of_o he_o who_o labour_n need_v not_o fear_v the_o light_n it_o be_v perfect_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n in_o his_o life_n and_o give_v to_o a_o near_a and_o dear_a friend_n of_o i_o who_o rest_v in_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v hope_v to_o 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the_o foundation_n and_o persecute_v that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n indeed_o and_o so_o upon_o trial_n prove_v a_o false_a church_n and_o so_o make_v the_o true_a church_n invisible_a not_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n while_o the_o false_a church_n entertain_v man_n eye_n and_o thought_n dote_v upon_o she_o delude_v they_o and_o blear_a and_o dazel_v their_o sight_n they_o can_v nor_o do_v not_o look_v after_o any_o other_o and_o so_o the_o right_a and_o true_a church_n lie_v hide_v from_o their_o sight_n even_o as_o the_o paint_a harlot_n carry_v away_o man_n eye_n from_o behold_v the_o modest_a spouse_n so_o while_o man_n dote_v upon_o the_o paint_a show_n of_o a_o false_a church_n they_o can_v behold_v the_o true_a last_o the_o church_n be_v invisible_a in_o this_o sense_n because_o though_o there_o be_v some_o true_a professor_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o public_a profession_n at_o all_o or_o else_o it_o be_v very_o secret_a so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a 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outward_a face_n nor_o appearance_n of_o it_o to_o man_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v for_o our_o sin_n that_o the_o church_n be_v so_o distress_a and_o god_n glory_n so_o hide_v and_o true_a religion_n so_o decay_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o grieve_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n have_v then_o as_o true_a a_o be_v as_o ever_o they_o have_v though_o not_o in_o that_o evidence_n and_o approbation_n before_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o though_o thou_o see_v it_o not_o yet_o god_n see_v it_o elias_n poor_a man_n see_v none_o leave_v with_o who_o he_o may_v join_v but_o god_n see_v many_o thousand_o what_o if_o all_o be_v so_o desolate_a as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o time_n that_o thou_o can_v see_v none_o of_o god_n church_n but_o thyself_o that_o thou_o can_v see_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thou_o can_v safe_o join_v withal_o yet_o know_v god_n have_v his_o church_n happy_o many_o thousand_o though_o they_o make_v little_a profession_n for_o the_o time_n that_o never_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n therefore_o let_v we_o not_o judge_v by_o sight_n but_o by_o faith_n and_o let_v this_o comfort_n and_o satisfy_v we_o in_o the_o most_o desperate_a time_n that_o be_v the_o last_o use_n be_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o papist_n demand_n use_v 3_o when_o they_o ask_v we_o where_o be_v your_o church_n before_o luther_n time_n or_o what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o our_o ancestor_n that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o we_o ask_v they_o where_o shall_v the_o church_n be_v in_o antichrists_n time_n that_o be_v when_o they_o think_v antichrist_n shall_v be_v they_o answer_v it_o shall_v be_v much_o obscure_v then_o but_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o church_n then_o or_o not_o yes_o no_o doubt_n but_o there_o shall_v else_o their_o own_o 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as_o also_o for_o this_o point_n the_o nine_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n the_o last_o general_a point_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v concern_v the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o show_v that_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v in_o itself_o in_o many_o respect_n the_o last_o whereof_o be_v this_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o it_o in_o the_o eye_n and_o appearance_n to_o the_o world_n in_o this_o state_n we_o show_v that_o it_o be_v sometime_o visible_a to_o be_v see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o invisible_a not_o to_o be_v see_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o very_a hardly_o to_o be_v see_v of_o the_o invisible_a state_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v speak_v already_o in_o the_o last_o lecture_n now_o it_o remain_v that_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v the_o point_n chief_o in_o question_n therefore_o leave_v the_o invisible_a church_n to_o god_n he_o only_o know_v who_o be_v his_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n believe_v it_o and_o esteem_v reverent_o thereof_o we_o proceed_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o may_v and_o be_v know_v not_o to_o god_n only_o but_o also_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a and_o especial_o of_o the_o invisible_a make_v the_o way_n plain_a before_o we_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v so_o that_o now_o we_o may_v find_v out_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o any_o difficulty_n at_o all_o church_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o must_v handle_v these_o point_n first_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o second_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o three_o the_o member_n of_o it_o four_a the_o mark_n and_o note_n of_o it_o five_o the_o government_n of_o it_o sixthly_a the_o privilege_n of_o it_o seventhly_a the_o adversary_n of_o it_o eighthly_a the_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o last_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v know_v to_o us._n first_o for_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v this_o namely_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v it_o and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n mark_v the_o part_n of_o this_o definition_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o church_n they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v second_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o public_a profession_n and_o three_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n they_o must_v profess_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o the_o first_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n for_o one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o church_n a_o church_n be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o a_o congregation_n and_o a_o congregation_n consist_v of_o diverse_a person_n one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o church_n now_o whether_o this_o company_n be_v great_a or_o small_a three_o thousand_o or_o but_o three_o it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v a_o company_n more_o or_o few_o if_o they_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o definition_n require_v they_o be_v a_o church_n second_o it_o be_v a_o company_n call_v for_o so_o you_o may_v remember_v that_o i_o show_v you_o before_o that_o church_n have_v her_o name_n in_o the_o greek_a from_o call_v now_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o double_a call_n one_o outward_a the_o oath_n inward_a those_o that_o have_v only_o a_o outward_a calling_n be_v visible_a member_n if_o they_o obey_v the_o outward_a call_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o to_o be_v repute_v in_o the_o church_n but_o if_o they_o be_v true_a and_o saving-member_n of_o the_o church_n ordinary_o they_o must_v be_v call_v not_o outward_o only_a but_o inward_o too_o and_o must_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o both_o three_o a_o company_n of_o people_n which_o be_v not_o speak_v definitive_o as_o discover_v what_o company_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n for_o that_o be_v universal_o understand_v but_o indefinite_o and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o capacity_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o part_n even_o under_o the_o former_a testament_n stranger_n join_v with_o the_o jew_n be_v repute_v of_o that_o church_n exod._n 12._o much_o more_o be_v it_o so_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o partition_n wall_n be_v beat_v down_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o any_o people_n under_o the_o sun_n if_o they_o be_v right_o qualify_v as_o in_o the_o definition_n may_v make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n that_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n and_o a_o company_n call_v and_o a_o company_n of_o people_n call_v second_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o they_o must_v be_v a_o company_n call_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o wherein_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o they_o must_v make_v profession_n second_o that_o their_o profession_n must_v be_v public_a three_o that_o they_o must_v join_v together_o in_o this_o public_a profession_n first_o there_o must_v be_v a_o profession_n for_o a_o church_n be_v visible_a only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v visible_a but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v not_o visible_a but_o only_o by_o profession_n so_o then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o
if_o we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o this_o land_n from_o the_o beginning_n before_o christ_n come_n what_o be_v we_o but_o gentile_n and_o so_o without_o christ_n and_o second_o even_o since_o christ_n come_n what_o be_v we_o but_o even_o pagan_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n like_o nimrods_n and_o giant_n most_o brutish_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o of_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o bring_v to_o grace_n three_o when_o we_o be_v convert_v by_o what_o mean_n be_v it_o but_o by_o the_o romish_a church_n which_o though_o it_o be_v more_o pure_a then_o than_o it_o be_v now_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o her_o decline_a day_n and_o they_o can_v teach_v no_o better_o than_o they_o have_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o have_v be_v gentile_n and_o pagan_n and_o afterward_o convert_v by_o the_o papist_n that_o we_o i_o say_v shall_v profess_v god_n save_v truth_n and_o so_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o more_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n four_o england_n have_v be_v as_o true_a a_o slave_n to_o popery_n and_o the_o king_n of_o england_n as_o true_a slave_n to_o the_o pope_n as_o spain_n or_o any_o other_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o this_o day_n five_o consider_v when_o reformation_n begin_v king_n henry_n the_o eight_o and_o luther_n be_v at_o great_a variance_n the_o king_n oppose_v he_o and_o threaten_v that_o if_o the_o duke_n of_o saxony_n will_v not_o punish_v he_o he_o will_v fetch_v he_o thence_o by_o the_o ear_n six_o consider_v how_o all_o conspire_v together_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n abbey_n and_o monastery_n fill_v the_o land_n that_o be_v build_v of_o purpose_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o romish_a purple_a whore_n seven_o consider_v that_o king_n edward_n that_o first_o restore_v religion_n among_o we_o be_v but_o a_o child_n and_o yet_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n god_n ordain_v strength_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o his_o truth_n among_o us._n eight_o his_o life_n be_v but_o short_a what_o follow_v as_o bloody_a a_o persecution_n as_o ever_o be_v all_o be_v bend_v against_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o save_a faith_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o that_o god_n shall_v preserve_v his_o church_n among_o we_o this_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o thanks_o for_o the_o bloodshed_n than_o be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o church_n as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o increase_v it_o many_o by_o see_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n than_o be_v convert_v and_o many_o by_o read_v their_o story_n since_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o that_o which_o the_o devil_n intend_v for_o the_o destroy_n of_o god_n church_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o establish_v it_o among_o us._n nine_o come_v to_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n she_o go_v through_o many_o trouble_n and_o be_v very_o hardly_o preserve_v yet_o at_o length_n she_o obtain_v she_o right_n and_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n and_o she_o establish_v god_n truth_n among_o we_o against_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o satan_n yet_o she_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a woman_n much_o endanger_v yet_o still_o preserve_v and_o by_o her_o mean_n god_n continue_v his_o truth_n long_o among_o us._n ten_o come_v to_o our_o king_n james_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o in_o peace_n though_o it_o be_v his_o right_n it_o be_v the_o gospel_n that_o have_v prevail_v with_o we_o and_o subdue_v our_o affection_n else_o there_o be_v a_o heart-burn_n betwixt_o that_o nation_n and_o we_o we_o have_v be_v enemy_n there_o will_v have_v follow_v a_o bloody_a war_n or_o else_o some_o civil_a dissension_n which_o will_v have_v make_v a_o foul_a wrack_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o destruction_n of_o god_n church_n among_o us._n last_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o many_o favourite_n popery_n have_v have_v and_o that_o of_o man_n of_o state_n and_o authority_n which_o have_v labour_v under_o hand_n to_o bring_v in_o popery_n again_o and_o yet_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o withstand_v all_o his_o enemy_n continue_v his_o saving-truth_n among_o we_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o great_a thankfulness_n we_o can_v consider_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o must_v confess_v they_o to_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o more_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n that_o have_v thus_o bring_v in_o and_o continue_v his_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o so_o to_o continue_v we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o also_o it_o shall_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o point_n the_o ten_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n now_o that_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o place_n concern_v the_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n we_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o second_o point_n lay_v down_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n it_o we_o must_v know_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o for_o until_o we_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o thing_n we_o can_v have_v no_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o that_o thing_n for_o than_o we_o know_v a_o thing_n right_o and_o in_o its_o kind_n when_o we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o cause_n thereof_o this_o point_n be_v the_o more_o careful_o to_o be_v look_v into_o because_o we_o be_v challenge_v and_o indict_v by_o many_o of_o our_o adversary_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n that_o our_o church_n have_v not_o her_o be_v from_o such_o cause_n as_o it_o shall_v and_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v a_o false_a church_n now_o upon_o the_o discovery_n and_o view_n of_o these_o cause_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o can_v and_o will_v ingenuous_o apply_v it_o that_o we_o have_v the_o right_a cause_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o our_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n be_v general_o of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v such_o sort_n as_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o purposely_o tend_v to_o that_o end_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o cause_v the_o church_n direct_o and_o of_o themselves_o but_o only_o as_o by_o the_o way_n be_v overruled_n by_o some_o other_o cause_n that_o make_v they_o helpful_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o sometime_o beside_o sometime_o against_o their_o own_o bent_n and_o intendment_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o these_o last_o sort_n of_o cause_n first_o sort_n first_o god_n overrule_v some_o thing_n to_o make_v they_o helpful_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n beside_o their_o own_o bent_n &_o intendment_n as_o when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v neither_o here_o nor_o there_o to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n yet_o by_o accident_n it_o further_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n sometime_o a_o man_n ordinary_a business_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n diverse_a as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n joh._n 4_o 7._o she_o come_v about_o her_o ordinary_a business_n to_o draw_v water_n at_o jacob_n well_o now_o this_o in_o itself_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o be_v so_o overruled_n by_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o samaria_n for_o she_o hear_v christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o run_v and_o tell_v it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o they_o come_v also_o and_o hear_v he_o and_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o so_o become_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n the_o second_o cause_n be_v matter_n of_o affliction_n and_o this_o be_v sometime_o so_o over_o rule_v by_o god_n that_o it_o cause_v man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o prodigal_a child_n luk._n 15.17_o he_o may_v have_v perish_v in_o his_o affliction_n yet_o god_n make_v this_o a_o because_o to_o make_v he_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n last_o the_o death_n of_o some_o great_a man_n that_o be_v sometime_o so_o overruled_n by_o god_n that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n act._n 12.23.24_o what_o be_v the_o death_n of_o herod_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n more_o than_o the_o death_n of_o a_o hog_n yet_o god_n so_o overruled_n it_o that_o beside_o it_o own_o intendment_n it_o be_v helpefull_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n second_o some_o thing_n be_v overruled_n by_o god_n against_o their_o own_o bent_n and_o
church_n so_o that_o in_o joh._n 21._o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v three_o time_n to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n etc._n etc._n what_o a_o slight_a ground_n be_v this_o to_o build_v the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o and_o if_o they_o ask_v then_o why_o christ_n shall_v thus_o press_v it_o upon_o peter_n so_o often_o the_o father_n answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o special_a charge_n bind_v to_o duty_n not_o any_o universal_a authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n press_v thrice_o upon_o he_o for_o his_o former_a threefold_a denial_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v else_o the_o charge_n be_v alike_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o feed_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o charge_n to_o all_o minister_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n yea_o but_o peter_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n 16.18_o matth._n 16.18_o i_o answer_v if_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o peter_n than_o it_o be_v either_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n or_o upon_o his_o confession_n but_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o his_o person_n for_o then_o when_o he_o die_v the_o church_n must_v have_v fail_v too_o therefore_o the_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o peter_n confession_n or_o of_o his_o faith_n or_o of_o that_o christ_n which_o he_o confess_v christ_n build_v his_o church_n on_o the_o confession_n of_o peter_n faith_n because_o himself_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o confession_n etc._n etc._n peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v the_o rock_n in_o make_v know_v the_o church_n but_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o rock_n as_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o his_o confession_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o peter_n person_n and_o if_o it_o have_v what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o pope_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o peter_n sit_v at_o rome_n as_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n second_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o leave_v his_o headship_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o none_o other_o which_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o device_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n so_o then_o christ_n never_o give_v peter_n much_o less_o the_o pope_n this_o headship_n second_o it_o as_o christ_n never_o do_v give_v it_o so_o he_o say_v express_o he_o never_o will_v give_v it_o luk._n 22.25_o 26._o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o to_o reign_v one_o over_o another_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o say_v he_o so_o that_o christ_n check_v they_o for_o have_v but_o a_o conceit_n of_o superiority_n so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o give_v it_o to_o any_o of_o they_o further_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n glory_n as_o he_o be_v mediator_n to_o be_v head_n of_o his_o church_n he_o will_v not_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o isai_n 48.11_o my_o glory_n will_v i_o not_o give_v to_o another_o and_o as_o christ_n never_o give_v this_o nor_o mean_v to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o so_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o wield_v or_o sway_v it_o it_o no_o more_o than_o any_o one_o temporal_a governor_n can_v rule_v all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n no_o this_o power_n be_v reserve_v only_o to_o he_o that_o make_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o so_o that_o we_o see_v they_o overreach_v in_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n second_o christ_n they_o overreach_v as_o far_o in_o say_v he_o be_v the_o head_n if_o you_o ask_v they_o what_o head_n they_o mean_v they_o will_v say_v only_o a_o ministerial_a head_n under_o christ_n here_o be_v some_o show_n of_o modesty_n but_o ask_v they_o further_o what_o power_n they_o ascribe_v to_o he_o head_n and_o then_o they_o bewray_v themselves_o for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n through_o the_o world_n depend_v on_o he_o that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o rule_v counsel_n to_o order_v bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o to_o suspend_v and_o to_o inflict_v other_o penalty_n upon_o offender_n yea_o whatsoever_o concern_v either_o preach_n of_o doctrine_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o all_o such_o cause_n they_o say_v lie_v in_o the_o pope_n be_v this_o to_o be_v a_o ministerial_a head_n this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o absolute_a supreme_a head_n if_o by_o head_n they_o mean_v only_o some_o chief_a governor_n the_o name_n head_n in_o that_o sense_n may_v agree_v to_o some_o one_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o one_o particular_a place_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n in_o other_o case_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11.3_o the_o man_n be_v the_o woman_n head_n etc._n etc._n but_o never_o in_o this_o case_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v this_o transcendent_a power_n by_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n own_o power_n and_o can_v never_o agree_v to_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n mat._n 23.8_o 10._o how_o then_o can_v the_o pope_n determine_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v he_o a_o great_a doctor_n yea_o the_o only_a doctor_n no_o say_v they_o for_o he_o do_v it_o but_o under_o christ_n but_o he_o do_v it_o of_o himself_o if_o the_o pope_n in_o controversy_n will_v take_v christ_n book_n and_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n therein_o and_o in_o humility_n and_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v examine_v every_o cause_n and_o so_o judge_v there_o be_v some_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v do_v many_o thing_n well_o and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v right_o as_o in_o christ_n stead_n and_o so_o honour_v his_o master_n and_o do_v good_a service_n to_o the_o church_n but_o first_o he_o take_v no_o such_o course_n but_o mingle_v with_o the_o word_n and_o use_v his_o own_o canon_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v prayer_n to_o god_n for_o direction_n as_o that_o he_o presume_v the_o truth_n be_v tie_v to_o his_o chair_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o can_v err_v in_o any_o of_o his_o sentence_n likewise_o he_o be_v sinister_o affect_v to_o the_o truth_n frame_v it_o to_o the_o state_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o according_o he_o judge_n and_o pronounce_v second_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v the_o former_a course_n yet_o his_o reach_n be_v not_o infinite_a he_o can_v judge_v right_o in_o all_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o no_o one_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v christ_n jesus_n only_o except_v and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o truth_n therefore_o every_o pope_n in_o particular_a must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o he_o must_v be_v as_o christ_n be_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n can_v do_v it_o yet_o they_o have_v fellow_n paul_n as_o well_o as_o peter_n can_v do_v this_o church_n but_o the_o pope_n be_v without_o any_o fellow_n yea_o he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o apostle_n own_o doctrine_n and_o write_n so_o that_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v peter_n successor_n only_o yet_o upon_o the_o point_n he_o take_v on_o he_o to_o be_v peter_n master_n even_o to_o be_v christ_n &_o so_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v very_a antichrist_n yea_o and_o he_o not_o only_o take_v upon_o he_o christ_n office_n but_o he_o take_v his_o name_n upon_o he_o also_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n which_o name_n be_v proper_a to_o christ_n only_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o except_v against_o we_o and_o say_v do_v you_o find_v fault_n with_o we_o for_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n why_o you_o yourselves_o make_v the_o king_n supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v how_o do_v we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o say_v the_o pope_n be_v no_o but_o we_o say_v the_o king_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n within_o his_o jurisdiction_n to_o see_v god_n religion_n maintain_v answ_n and_o to_o see_v the_o
the_o church_n he_o be_v to_o labour_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o satisfy_v his_o necessity_n but_o yet_o when_o there_o be_v a_o competent_a state_n in_o the_o people_n they_o be_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o labour_n and_o of_o their_o estate_n to_o relieve_v his_o want_n as_o the_o philippian_n do_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n phil._n 4.10_o 11._o where_o the_o apostle_n rejoice_v for_o the_o care_n which_o they_o have_v in_o minister_a to_o he_o and_o sure_o the_o people_n lose_v nothing_o by_o this_o for_o when_o the_o minister_n be_v thus_o provide_v for_o they_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o their_o calling_n without_o let_v to_o study_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n whereas_o else_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o it_o will_v be_v with_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o cruel_a taskmaster_n in_o egypt_n they_o must_v be_v seek_v straw_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v brick_n to_o build_v withal_o they_o must_v be_v seek_v after_o the_o pelf_n of_o this_o world_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v building_n god_n house_n and_o they_o that_o neglect_v this_o duty_n be_v empty_a of_o all_o religion_n both_o for_o piety_n to_o god_n who_o minister_n they_o be_v and_o for_o charity_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o brethren_n because_o they_o do_v not_o strain_v themselves_o to_o relieve_v the_o want_n of_o such_o as_o by_o god_n ordinance_n they_o be_v most_o bind_v unto_o and_o which_o do_v spend_v themselves_o and_o their_o time_n for_o other_o good_a and_o salvation_n so_o much_o of_o the_o three_o point_n for_o duty_n and_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n the_o four_o point_n be_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n the_o proceed_n against_o offender_n for_o see_v in_o all_o church_n there_o be_v still_o some_o that_o walk_v inordinate_o some_o course_n of_o necessity_n must_v be_v take_v against_o they_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v disburden_v either_o of_o their_o person_n or_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o take_v precise_a order_n for_o this_o matter_n matth._n 18.15_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n charge_v this_o duty_n on_o the_o thessalonian_n with_o great_a authority_n 2_o thess_n 3.6_o we_o warn_v you_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v inordinate_o and_o he_o be_v grievous_o offend_v with_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v according_o with_o all_o severity_n against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n 1_o cor._n 55._o and_o the_o reason_n for_o such_o proceed_n be_v very_o weighty_a this_o first_o no_o government_n i_o say_v not_o only_o can_v be_v good_a but_o can_v stand_v where_o malefactor_n be_v not_o punish_v much_o less_o can_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n where_o sin_n be_v special_o to_o be_v hate_v prevent_v and_o suppress_v second_o where_o know_a sin_n be_v not_o punish_v there_o the_o state_n and_o government_n be_v repute_v accessary_a to_o that_o sin_n now_o what_o a_o scandal_n be_v it_o to_o god_n religion_n and_o church_n to_o be_v account_v favourer_n or_o sparer_n of_o any_o sin_n which_o they_o must_v be_v if_o offender_n be_v not_o punish_v three_o offender_n must_v be_v punish_v else_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o infect_v the_o whole_a congregation_n so_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.6_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a l●mpe_n therefore_o the_o old_a and_o sour_a leaven_n be_v to_o be_v purge_v forth_o four_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o offendor_n himself_o censure_n must_v be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n that_o so_o the_o flesh_n may_v be_v thereby_o destroy_v and_o his_o soul_n save_v and_o so_o god_n mercy_n glorify_v in_o the_o convert_n a_o penitent_a sinner_n by_o his_o save_a ordinance_n 1_o cor._n 5.5_o but_o if_o he_o continue_v obstinate_a his_o punishment_n here_o be_v but_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o torment_a state_n in_o hell_n and_o the_o decreee_v of_o god_n reprobation_n be_v begin_v to_o be_v execute_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o the_o lord_n be_v glorify_v in_o judgement_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o confusion_n of_o his_o enemy_n now_o these_o proceed_n consist_v in_o many_o particular_n for_o the_o church_n be_v merciful_a even_o as_o their_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a they_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o live_v and_o therefore_o they_o attempt_v all_o mean_n of_o cure_n first_o before_o they_o proceed_v in_o cut_v off_o this_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v just_a too_o as_o god_n their_o father_n be_v just_a and_o therefore_o when_o gracious_a and_o mild_a mean_n do_v not_o prevail_v they_o proceed_v to_o rough_a course_n first_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v private_a admonition_n betwixt_o he_o and_o thou_o or_o two_o or_o three_o more_o so_o our_o saviour_n command_v matth._n 18.15_o 16._o second_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v complaint_n must_v be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n as_o in_o vers_n 17._o which_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v that_o note_v out_o by_o letter_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o in_o 2_o thes_n 2.14_o three_o consequent_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n separate_v from_o he_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o that_o 2_o thes_n 3.14_o and_o this_o be_v it_o also_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.9_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o company_n with_o fornicator_n this_o be_v a_o suspending_a of_o they_o for_o a_o time_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o from_o communion_n in_o holy_a thing_n till_o the_o church_n have_v trial_n whether_o thereby_o they_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n four_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v what_o must_v be_v do_v then_o why_o if_o they_o can_v cure_v they_o must_v cut_v off_o he_o must_v be_v deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n indeed_o so_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.5_o and_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o that_o which_o the_o church_n do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n ratify_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.18_o whosoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n yet_o so_o too_o that_o upon_o his_o repentance_n they_o can_v and_o must_v and_o do_v most_o willing_o loose_v they_o from_o those_o band_n of_o satan_n wherein_o they_o wrap_v he_o before_o this_o be_v a_o most_o serious_a and_o weighty_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o how_o grievous_o it_o be_v both_o neglect_v and_o abuse_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o speak_v of_o that_o any_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o execute_v these_o censure_n shall_v yet_o neglect_v they_o these_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v or_o cast_v off_o the_o obstinate_a when_o imprisonment_n and_o all_o other_o way_n will_v not_o serve_v so_o also_o it_o be_v abuse_v by_o those_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v inflict_v they_o deride_v it_o and_o make_v but_o a_o jest_n of_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v never_o the_o further_o from_o heaven_n for_o all_o that_o and_o sure_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v never_o near_o it_o well_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o abuse_n it_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v god_n own_o precious_a and_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v dally_v in_o nor_o base_o esteem_v yea_o it_o be_v god_n own_o work_n and_o do_v where_o it_o be_v lawful_o proceed_v in_o and_o it_o be_v ratify_v by_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o where_o it_o be_v abuse_v god_n will_v be_v avenge_v on_o the_o abuser_n to_o the_o full_a it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o curse_v causeless_a as_o solomon_n speak_v be_v like_o the_o fly_n of_o a_o bird_n in_o the_o air_n it_o leave_v no_o impression_n behind_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n god_n deride_v it_o from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v their_o fearful_a sin_n that_o inflict_v it_o but_o when_o it_o be_v just_o suffer_v it_o be_v the_o heavy_a stroke_n that_o can_v light_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o life_n either_o from_o god_n or_o man_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v nothing_o to_o this_o that_o only_o deprive_v we_o of_o temporal_a life_n this_o of_o eternal_a life_n a_o wound_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n to_o they_o that_o have_v ●el●_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o this_o for_o a_o man_n sometime_o in_o that_o case_n can_v pray_v for_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o can_v pray_v for_o himself_o yet_o he_o may_v and_o must_v and_o be_v pray_v for_o by_o the_o congregation_n these_o be_v neither_o in_o case_n
to_o pray_v for_o themselves_o nor_o must_v they_o be_v pray_v for_o by_o the_o saint_n 1_o joh._n 5.16_o because_o now_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v see_v he_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o god_n our_o father_n nothing_o can_v match_v this_o state_n but_o hell_n this_o be_v the_o porch_n that_o the_o house_n this_o the_o mouth_n that_o the_o body_n this_o the_o very_a brink_n that_o the_o eternal_a pit_n of_o utter_a desolation_n i_o herefore_o we_o be_v to_o bewail_v the_o misery_n of_o our_o time_n wherein_o so_o precious_a a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o this_o be_v be_v so_o abuse_v and_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o this_o ordinance_n of_o he_o may_v take_v effect_n among_o we_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o reclaim_v offender_n when_o neither_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o other_o mean_n can_v reclaim_v they_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o four_o duty_n the_o five_o duty_n be_v call_v of_o public_a assembly_n duty_n they_o must_v be_v call_v for_o matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v carry_v in_o the_o church_n by_o one_o man_n direction_n alone_o but_o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o consent_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o house_n to_o house_n of_o every_o man_n by_o himself_o for_o that_o course_n be_v subject_a to_o fraud_n but_o assistant_n be_v to_o be_v call_v party_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v to_o be_v there_o and_o so_o public_o to_o testify_v their_o own_o consent_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v his_o presence_n and_o assistance_n in_o such_o case_n matth._n 18.19_o 20._o now_o these_o assembly_n be_v sometime_o great_a as_o of_o a_o diocese_n or_o province_n sometime_o small_a as_o of_o a_o parish_n again_o some_o be_v ordinary_a upon_o ordinary_a occasion_n and_o as_o extraordinary_a occasion_n do_v oft_o fall_v out_o some_o be_v extraordinary_a a_o assemble_v together_o for_o ordinary_a occasion_n and_o duty_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n these_o first_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o 1_o cor._n 14.26_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o according_a as_o every_o one_o of_o you_o have_v a_o psalm_n or_o a_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v public_a assembly_n for_o these_o duty_n second_o there_o must_v be_v a_o call_n of_o public_a assembly_n for_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o multitude_n be_v call_v together_o act._n 6.2_o three_o there_o must_v be_v a_o public_a meeting_n for_o alm_n for_o the_o collect_v and_o distribute_v to_o the_o saint_n so_o the_o apostle_n command_v 1_o cor._n 16.3_o 4._o last_o there_o must_v be_v ordinary_a public_a assembly_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o church_n censure_n as_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o my_o spirit_n with_o you_o etc._n etc._n so_o there_o must_v be_v public_a meeting_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n sometime_o god_n testify_v extraordinary_a mercy_n and_o give_v extraordinary_a blessing_n to_o his_o church_n and_o then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v public_a thanks_o to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o hester_n 9.22_o second_o some_o heavy_a judgement_n be_v either_o feel_v or_o fear_v to_o come_v upon_o the_o church_n and_o then_o the_o church_n must_v assemble_v together_o for_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o it_o be_v command_v joel_n 2.15_o 16._o and_o we_o see_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ninivites_fw-la jonah_n 3.5_o where_o they_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a upon_o jonas_n preach_v of_o destruction_n to_o come_v upon_o they_o three_o law_n and_o decree_n be_v to_o be_v make_v or_o reviue_v for_o the_o carriage_n of_o god_n worship_n or_o such_o like_a and_o so_o in_o act._n 15._o the_o church_n come_v together_o for_o the_o decree_a of_o matter_n concern_v ceremony_n and_o act._n 16.4_o they_o deliver_v those_o decree_n for_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v than_o there_o must_v be_v a_o assemble_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o last_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v therefore_o there_o must_v be_v public_a assembly_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o they_o so_o paul_n be_v send_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n act._n 15.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n about_o doubt_n that_o do_v arise_v and_o what_o do_v they_o there_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o look_v to_o this_o matter_n vers_fw-la 6._o so_o much_o of_o the_o five_o duty_n the_o six_o duty_n be_v oversight_n duty_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v due_o and_o right_o do_v this_o duty_n be_v as_o needful_a as_o the_o rest_n for_o we_o know_v that_o every_o thing_n grow_v out_o of_o frame_n in_o time_n except_o they_o be_v uphold_v and_o renew_v by_o continual_a oversight_n and_o look_v into_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 15.6_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o look_v into_o the_o matter_n this_o be_v one_o most_o necessary_a duty_n for_o it_o be_v the_o keeper_n and_o maintainer_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n if_o this_o be_v neglect_v all_o the_o rest_n will_v fail_v we_o know_v concern_v our_o own_o body_n that_o if_o we_o look_v not_o to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o diet_n all_o will_v be_v soon_o out_o of_o frame_n and_o much_o more_o in_o our_o soul_n for_o who_o find_v not_o by_o experience_n that_o though_o he_o labour_v to_o set_v himself_o never_o so_o well_o in_o frame_n in_o the_o morning_n yet_o before_o night_n for_o want_v of_o oversight_n the_o soul_n will_v be_v much_o out_o of_o order_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o careful_a oversight_n our_o soul_n will_v be_v grow_v over_o with_o sin_n as_o the_o field_n be_v with_o weed_n so_o will_v it_o be_v likewise_o with_o the_o church_n now_o for_o this_o matter_n of_o oversight_n first_o it_o must_v be_v order_v that_o thing_n once_o ordain_v be_v establish_v by_o authority_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n at_o least_o of_o the_o church_n thus_o josiah_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o establish_v it_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o make_v all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o it_o 1_o chron._n 34.32_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o establish_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o apostleship_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o be_v spiritual_a let_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o thing_n be_v not_o thus_o establish_v civil_a man_n will_v not_o regard_v they_o second_o every_o man_n must_v be_v quicken_v up_o and_o encourage_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v over_o sight_n in_o the_o church_n thus_o josiah_n encourage_v the_o priest_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 35.2_o and_o so_o paul_n quicken_v up_o timothy_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o duty_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o i_o charge_v thou_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n incourage_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n revel_v 2.10_o against_o her_o suffering_n fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n say_v he_o which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v etc._n etc._n but_o be_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n three_o there_o must_v be_v oversight_n that_o well-doer_n may_v be_v commend_v and_o approve_a so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n commend_v they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v 2_o pet_n 1.19_o for_o do_v well_o in_o that_o they_o do_v take_v heed_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n there_o be_v never_o a_o church_n that_o have_v any_o good_a thing_n in_o it_o but_o our_o saviour_n commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v a_o great_a dismay_v to_o religious_a proceed_n among_o us._n four_o thing_n must_v be_v redress_v therefore_o there_o must_v be_v oversight_n in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o paul_n leave_v titus_n in_o creta_n to_o redress_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o titus_n 1_o 5._o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n in_o revel_v 2.5_o labour_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v etc._n etc._n and_o likewise_o the_o church_n of_o sardi_n revel_v 3.2_o the_o last_o duty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o oversight_n be_v
right_n to_o and_o possession_n in_o when_o god_n give_v a_o man_n gift_n he_o have_v a_o possible_a right_n and_o when_o he_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n that_o give_v he_o actual_a possession_n second_o every_o such_o officer_n be_v a_o officer_n both_o for_o god_n and_o for_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v be_v invest_v by_o each_o man_n invest_v he_o by_o appointment_n god_n invest_v he_o when_o he_o be_v qualify_v by_o himself_o and_o appoint_v by_o man_n according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o general_a answer_n that_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v man_n qualify_v with_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o gift_n second_o that_o they_o must_v be_v appoint_v thereto_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v answ_n 2_o be_v now_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v particular_o and_o by_o name_n to_o the_o question_n namely_o what_o these_o officer_n be_v it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o labour_n and_o yet_o to_o no_o great_a purpose_n to_o reckon_v up_o all_o particular_a officer_n that_o have_v have_v to_o do_v in_o church_n business_n for_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a there_o have_v be_v many_o extraordinary_a some_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o the_o age_n next_o succeed_v as_o apostle_n that_o be_v to_o teach_v at_o large_a through_o the_o whole_a world_n matth._n 28.19_o etc._n etc._n and_o prophet_n to_o foresee_v and_o foreshow_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o agabus_n act._n 11._o and_o evangelist_n to_o be_v assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n other_o there_o be_v also_o in_o many_o age_n after_o as_o exorcist_n doorkeeper_n acolutive_n and_o reader_n etc._n etc._n but_o whether_o these_o be_v in_o rightful_o or_o wrongful_o be_v to_o be_v see_v hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v of_o ordinary_a and_o necessary_a use_n in_o the_o church_n either_o such_o as_o be_v indeed_o or_o else_o be_v pretend_v so_o to_o be_v on_o probable_a and_o plausible_a ground_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n and_o so_o they_o the_o principal_a church-officer_n in_o the_o most_o straight_o and_o proper_a sense_n we_o will_v take_v they_o in_o their_o order_n first_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o bishop_n second_o we_o will_v come_v to_o presbyter_n then_o to_o doctor_n then_o to_o govern_v elder_n then_o to_o deacon_n then_o to_o widow_n then_o to_o other_o assistant_n last_o we_o will_v come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n first_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o bishop_n and_o first_o name_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o their_o name_n second_o of_o their_o office_n first_o of_o their_o name_n bishop_n be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o a_o overseer_n in_o the_o original_a and_o it_o be_v attribute_v unto_o they_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o excellency_n for_o there_o be_v many_o overseer_n but_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n that_o be_v and_o these_o be_v overseer_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o excellency_n whether_o we_o respect_v the_o person_n they_o oversee_v or_o whether_o we_o respect_v their_o designment_n to_o that_o office_n or_o whether_o we_o respect_v the_o work_n they_o do_v first_o if_o we_o respect_v the_o person_n they_o oversee_v they_o be_v overseer_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o excellency_n for_o they_o oversee_v the_o faithful_a or_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n for_o whereas_o they_o have_v other_o overseer_n as_o they_o be_v subject_n they_o have_v the_o king_n and_o other_o magistrate_n to_o be_v their_o overseer_n yet_o none_o be_v so_o as_o these_o for_o these_o be_v their_o overseer_n as_o they_o be_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n second_o if_o we_o respect_v their_o special_a designment_n over_o that_o flock_n they_o have_v a_o more_o special_a designment_n over_o the_o lord_n flock_v than_o any_o other_o overseer_n have_v over_o any_o other_o people_n the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v they_o overseer_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n three_o if_o we_o respect_v their_o work_n which_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o that_o not_o with_o bodily_a food_n but_o with_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a food_n to_o eternal_a life_n all_o these_o be_v intimate_v act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n first_o they_o be_v overseer_n and_o that_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o excellency_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n they_o oversee_v which_o be_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n second_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o special_a assignment_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n and_o three_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o work_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o this_o name_n overseer_n be_v restrain_v only_o to_o these_o so_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o extend_v to_o every_o particular_a in_o that_o kind_n and_o so_o be_v the_o use_n in_o scripture_n phil._n 1.1_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o most_o plain_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o general_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o scripture_n but_o you_o shall_v understand_v that_o by_o common_a practice_n of_o speech_n i_o find_v this_o name_n always_o almost_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n particular_o apply_v to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o primacy_n and_o precedency_n in_o the_o church_n above_o their_o fellow-minister_n and_o so_o bishop_n be_v not_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o pastor_n too_o within_o such_o a_o compass_n some_o great_a some_o small_a which_o we_o call_v diocese_n and_o as_o this_o be_v general_o so_o in_o all_o ancient_a writer_n so_o likewise_o if_o the_o postscript_n be_v authentical_a 2_o tim._n as_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o see_v it_o must_v than_o the_o scripture_n favour_v it_o too_o for_o there_o timothy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o so_o have_v other_o pastor_n under_o he_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o name_n bishop_n minister_n now_o we_o come_v to_o their_o office_n we_o speak_v still_o in_o the_o particular_a sense_n their_o office_n beside_o their_o preach_n and_o other_o ministerial_a duty_n common_a to_o all_o minister_n consist_v first_o in_o ordain_v minister_n second_o in_o reform_v thing_n amiss_o first_o in_o ordain_v minister_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o titus_n that_o he_o be_v leave_v in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n titus_n 1.5_o and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v timothy_n lie_v hand_n rash_o on_o no_o man_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v it_o to_o lay_v on_o hand_n but_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o this_o timothy_n must_v do_v and_o thereto_o antiquity_n so_o plain_o agree_v that_o jerome_n though_o otherwise_o bitter_a enough_o against_o bishop_n acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o mislike_v not_o the_o do_v of_o it_o and_o sure_o see_v ordination_n must_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n answer_v some_o person_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o special_a overrule_a hand_n in_o it_o and_o who_o be_v they_o but_o bishop_n that_o be_v they_o that_o be_v high_a and_o chief_a in_o the_o ministry_n so_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o the_o evangelist_n be_v the_o chief_a in_o the_o ministry_n do_v ordain_v minister_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v not_o as_o bishop_n but_o as_o apostle_n and_o timothy_n and_o titus_n not_o as_o bishop_n but_o evangelist_n yet_o the_o same_o office_n be_v of_o necessity_n still_o to_o be_v perform_v some_o must_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n answerable_a to_o they_o in_o that_o respect_n call_v they_o how_o you_o will_v if_o not_o bishop_n yet_o they_o must_v have_v as_o much_o authority_n in_o this_o business_n as_o i_o for_o my_o part_n do_v ascribe_v to_o bishop_n it_o be_v true_a that_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imitate_v in_o extraordinary_a work_n but_o in_o their_o ordinary_a work_n of_o continual_a and_o necessary_a use_n when_o extraordinary_a officer_n cease_v ordinary_a must_v succeed_v they_o i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o do_v this_o whole_o and_o alone_o but_o still_o other_o presbyter_n or_o minister_n be_v assistant_n and_o lay_v on_o hand_n with_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o so_o our_o law_n require_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v make_v no_o minister_n unless_o other_o minister_n be_v with_o he_o but_o yet_o still_o they_o have_v the_o chief_a stroke_n the_o power_n of_o ordain_v
be_v in_o the_o one_o the_o approbation_n in_o the_o other_o the_o second_o thing_n wherein_o their_o office_n consist_v amiss_o be_v in_o overseeing_a and_o redress_v thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v titus_n leave_v in_o crete_n to_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o titus_n 1.5_o and_o that_o not_o in_o the_o people_n only_o but_o in_o the_o minister_n also_o 1_o tim._n 5.19_o 20._o against_o a_o elder_a receive_v none_o accusation_n but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n they_o that_o sin_n open_o rebuke_v open_o etc._n etc._n timothy_n be_v at_o ephesus_n as_o titus_n be_v at_o crete_n to_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o and_o there_o be_v many_o minister_n there_o and_o these_o must_v be_v reform_v too_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v he_o in_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o among_o they_o to_o receive_v no_o accusation_n against_o they_o but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v one_o above_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n the_o same_o reason_n may_v be_v proportionable_o apply_v for_o this_o as_o for_o the_o former_a for_o see_v some_o minister_n must_v be_v redress_v then_o there_o must_v be_v some_o that_o must_v have_v this_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o who_o be_v they_o but_o bishop_n that_o be_v in_o the_o chief_a place_n i_o do_v not_o ascribe_v to_o bishop_n hereby_o any_o absolute_a power_n over_o their_o brethren_n as_o to_o do_v what_o they_o list_v but_o a_o limit_a power_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o brethren_n neither_o say_v i_o that_o these_o be_v simple_o diocesan_n bishop_n as_o we_o be_v but_o sure_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v some_o compass_n of_o jurisdiction_n allot_v they_o wherein_o be_v many_o congregation_n at_o least_o many_o minister_n who_o these_o do_v oversee_v those_o of_o the_o presbytery_n have_v one_o that_o be_v chief_a among_o they_o and_o so_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o master_n calvin_n himself_o confess_v as_o much_o that_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n there_o be_v such_o superior_n and_o say_v further_a that_o their_o proceed_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n yea_o and_o he_o show_v and_o approve_v the_o reason_n why_o such_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o be_v of_o purpose_n to_o prevent_v dissension_n which_o by_o equality_n will_v arise_v mistake_v i_o not_o as_o if_o i_o do_v mean_a to_o settle_v in_o bishop_n any_o princely_a authority_n or_o lordlike_a command_n neither_o he_o nor_o they_o nor_o i_o intend_v it_o but_o that_o at_o least_o there_o must_v be_v one_o superior_a and_o above_o the_o rest_n for_o order-sake_n for_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o all_o company_n and_o society_n whatsoever_o else_o it_o can_v stand_v there_o be_v many_o minister_n in_o ephesus_n act._n 20.28_o and_o so_o act._n 15.35_o we_o read_v of_o many_o that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v name_v act._n 13.1_o now_o what_o disorder_n will_v there_o have_v be_v in_o these_o church_n if_o one_o have_v not_o be_v above_o the_o rest_n what_o danger_n of_o schism_n will_v there_o have_v be_v how_o can_v matter_n have_v be_v decide_v among_o they_o who_o shall_v there_o have_v be_v to_o have_v moderate_v their_o action_n the_o free_a state_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v one_o superior_a above_o the_o rest_n as_o venice_n have_v her_o duke_n rome_n have_v her_o consul_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o exercise_v this_o order_n among_o themselves_o some_o in_o one_o cause_o be_v moderator_n some_o in_o another_o nay_o i_o add_v further_o that_o they_o exercise_v power_n though_o not_o over_o themselves_o for_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a yet_o over_o other_o minister_n therefore_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o if_o it_o be_v moderate_o and_o lawful_o use_v and_o the_o order_n which_o i_o plead_v for_o i_o will_v not_o have_v think_v a_o bare_a title_n but_o such_o as_o be_v arm_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o power_n too_o which_o be_v confer_v on_o they_o by_o they_o which_o choose_v they_o to_o such_o place_n but_o you_o will_v say_v all_o this_o be_v tolerable_a if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o one_o action_n or_o for_o one_o year_n i_o answer_v that_o sure_o the_o lawfulness_n be_v all_o one_o be_v it_o for_o a_o year_n or_o for_o a_o man_n life_n only_o there_o be_v less_o danger_n of_o abuse_v such_o a_o place_n if_o they_o be_v limit_v to_o a_o short_a time_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o office_n namely_o bishop_n where_o you_o have_v hear_v first_o of_o their_o name_n and_o second_o of_o their_o office_n now_o we_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n presbyter_n for_o so_o the_o word_n presbyter_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v a_o elder_a and_o they_o be_v so_o call_v either_o as_o they_o be_v minister_n or_o as_o they_o be_v ancient_a in_o year_n or_o at_o least_o in_o carriage_n or_o because_o they_o be_v more_o ancient_a in_o grace_n and_o in_o beget_v other_o to_o the_o faith_n we_o speak_v here_o of_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n for_o of_o such_o as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v govern_v elder_n we_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o next_o place_n this_o name_n we_o find_v also_o to_o be_v general_a to_o all_o in_o the_o ministry_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a yea_o even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v so_o call_v so_o peter_n call_v himself_o a_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o yet_o by_o use_n for_o the_o most_o part_n both_o in_o scripture_n as_o act._n 15.4_o and_o the_o 14.23_o and_o in_o other_o writer_n it_o be_v restrain_v to_o those_o that_o be_v assign_v to_o teach_v in_o some_o particular_a congregation_n sometime_o many_o of_o they_o together_o sometime_o one_o by_o himself_o as_o time_n and_o occasion_n serve_v their_o office_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o main_a essential_a duty_n general_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v pastor_n ephes_n 4.11_o he_o give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n etc._n etc._n and_o some_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o this_o duty_n they_o be_v often_o exhort_v in_o scripture_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o beseech_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n whereof_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o feed_n consist_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v first_o to_o teach_v second_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v as_o absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n from_o god_n for_o both_o these_o duty_n within_o their_o charge_n as_o the_o bishop_n in_o they_o for_o every_o presbyter_n be_v a_o feeder_n that_o be_v both_o a_o teacher_n &_o a_o ruler_n within_o his_o charge_n it_o be_v true_a that_o presbyter_n have_v be_v most_o unjust_o scantle_v &_o abridge_v by_o canon_n and_o counsel_n of_o this_o part_n of_o their_o office_n that_o consist_v in_o rule_v and_o govern_v too_o much_o have_v be_v take_v from_o they_o that_o bishop_n may_v be_v advance_v the_o more_o particular_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o their_o office_n it_o consist_v in_o many_o particular_n first_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o word_n that_o be_v both_o to_o expound_v it_o and_o to_o apply_v it_o and_o whatsoever_o particular_n of_o exhort_v reprove_v comfort_v etc._n etc._n be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o this_o head_n they_o be_v all_o exercise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v by_o every_o minister_n or_o elder_n within_o his_o charge_n that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o be_v speak_v to_o all_o minister_n preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n improve_v rebuke_n exhort_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o for_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v to_o every_o pastor_n to_o be_v minister_v by_o they_o and_o that_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v to_o convince_v to_o correct_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o therefore_o there_o be_v power_n and_o charge_n in_o they_o to_o handle_v it_o every_o way_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n second_o they_o be_v to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n for_o that_o also_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o apostle_n mat._n 28.19_o be_v intend_v to_o all_o the_o ministry_n as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 10.18_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v the_o other_o sacrament_n and_o the_o apostle_n make_v it_o
in_o their_o synagogue_n &_o that_o these_o be_v translate_v from_o they_o though_o this_o be_v probable_a and_o likely_a enough_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o conjecture_n there_o be_v no_o sure_a proof_n for_o it_o but_o there_o must_v be_v sure_a ground_n to_o erect_v a_o church-officer_n upon_o second_o there_o be_v no_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o church_n so_o govern_v three_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n allege_v for_o they_o be_v scarce_o and_o few_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o scan_v it_o or_o to_o make_v shift_n against_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o expound_v of_o govern_v elder_n beside_o minister_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o just_a exception_n and_o also_o it_o may_v admit_v many_o interpretation_n to_o the_o contrary_a agreeable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o fit_v to_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o more_o harsh_a interpretation_n that_o pass_v for_o currant_n in_o far_o weighty_a matter_n so_o that_o first_o either_o there_o be_v none_o such_o at_o all_o or_o second_o if_o there_o be_v such_o as_o for_o my_o part_n i_o will_v not_o utter_o deny_v it_o yet_o they_o be_v only_o in_o practice_n then_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o institution_n for_o many_o thing_n be_v do_v then_o which_o in_o do_v be_v not_o institute_v three_o or_o if_o it_o be_v by_o institution_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o for_o that_o present_a dispensation_n when_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n so_o that_o now_o we_o live_v under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o it_o nor_o have_v no_o such_o use_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o perpetual_a four_o or_o if_o it_o be_v perpetual_a yet_o our_o church_n be_v not_o utter_o destitute_a we_o have_v in_o every_o parish_n vestry-man_n to_o join_v with_o the_o minister_n in_o such_o part_n of_o government_n as_o needs_o such_o person_n to_o hear_v and_o reform_v some_o matter_n with_o the_o minister_n that_o he_o may_v not_o carry_v all_o alone_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o such_o quarrel_n and_o exclamation_n as_o be_v make_v against_o our_o church_n upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o four_o point_n concern_v govern_v elder_n deacons_n in_o the_o five_o place_n we_o come_v to_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n that_o be_v a_o express_a office_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o act._n 6.2_o though_o they_o be_v not_o there_o express_o call_v deacon_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o be_v such_o in_o rom._n 12.8_o they_o be_v call_v distributor_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3.12_o there_o they_o be_v by_o name_n these_o be_v such_o as_o at_o the_o first_o be_v appoint_v and_o employ_v altogether_o about_o the_o poor_a and_o about_o church-treasury_n but_o afterward_o they_o do_v also_o exercise_v some_o ministerial_a function_n for_o philip_n be_v a_o deacon_n deacon_n act._n 6._o yet_o afterward_o he_o preach_v and_o baptize_v act._n 8.5_o 38._o though_o he_o do_v that_o rather_o as_o he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n than_o a_o deacon_n for_o so_o we_o may_v read_v act._n 21_o 8._o that_o philip_n be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o afterward_o the_o deacon_n baptize_v which_o save_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o better_o learn_v i_o think_v they_o rather_o usurp_v than_o have_v any_o right_n to_o it_o by_o office_n or_o other_o warrant_n for_o it_o yet_o in_o succeed_a age_n they_o have_v general_o a_o degree_n of_o the_o ministry_n answerable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o levite_n under_o the_o law_n who_o teach_v and_o look_v to_o the_o treasury_n too_o and_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o favour_v it_o 1_o tim._n 3.13_o where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v minister_v well_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o strange_a nor_o much_o to_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o that_o there_o be_v some_o such_o among_o us._n but_o admit_v they_o be_v only_o employ_v in_o church-treasury_n for_o that_o be_v the_o true_a original_n of_o they_o yet_o either_o they_o be_v only_o for_o certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o so_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o erection_n act._n 6._o calvin_n in_o act_n 21.8_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v in_o every_o congregation_n or_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a we_o have_v churchwarden_n and_o collector_n answerable_a to_o they_o though_o not_o so_o gift_v as_o they_o be_v in_o act._n 6._o that_o may_v be_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o time_n that_o afford_v not_o man_n so_o well_o qualify_v or_o of_o the_o chooser_n of_o they_o that_o make_v not_o better_a choice_n and_o also_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o choose_v by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o either_o be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a in_o this_o case_n or_o else_o be_v omit_v that_o be_v also_o the_o chooser_n fault_n but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o retain_v the_o office_n and_o not_o the_o title_n this_o be_v to_o subject_a god_n ordinance_n to_o your_o own_o invention_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v he_o will_v yield_v to_o have_v his_o matter_n moderate_v and_o determine_v in_o the_o chancery_n and_o yet_o not_o by_o my_o lord_n chancellor_n who_o the_o king_n appoint_v but_o by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o choose_n and_o so_o in_o the_o church_n you_o will_v have_v this_o matter_n of_o church-treasury_n order_v and_o yet_o not_o by_o deacon_n who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v i_o answer_v this_o be_v but_o a_o cavil_n about_o word_n so_o long_o as_o we_o retain_v the_o thing_n itself_o there_o be_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n for_o the_o name_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v concern_v deacon_n in_o the_o six_o place_n we_o come_v to_o widow_n widow_n of_o these_o we_o may_v read_v in_o scripture_n as_o in_o act._n 6.1_o and_o 1_o tim._n 5.3_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o be_v mean_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o where_o they_o be_v call_v helper_n and_o rom._n 12.8_o shower_n of_o mercy_n you_o shall_v have_v my_o judgement_n brief_o in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o all_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n well_o understand_v and_o compare_v together_o do_v prove_v only_o thus_o much_o first_o that_o in_o many_o church_n there_o be_v then_o such_o widow_n second_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o be_v there_o they_o be_v to_o be_v relieve_v three_o that_o where_o they_o be_v so_o relieve_v there_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n as_o to_o attend_v the_o sick_a to_o wash_v the_o saint_n foot_n and_o such_o like_a as_o occasion_v require_v but_o that_o they_o be_v a_o necessary_a officer_n in_o every_o church_n and_o that_o where_o they_o be_v not_o there_o the_o church-government_n be_v defective_a that_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v in_o geneva_n they_o have_v rather_o poor_a man_n than_o woman_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o france_n they_o have_v no_o such_o use_n of_o widow_n at_o all_o seven_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o other_o assistant_n as_o reader_n fellow_n acolutive_n exorcist_n etc._n etc._n concern_v who_o because_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o find_v in_o the_o word_n we_o therefore_o do_v pass_v they_o by_o officer_n eight_o and_o last_o we_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o though_o he_o be_v last_o name_v yet_o have_v not_o the_o least_o hand_n in_o church-government_n and_o the_o question_n concern_v he_o be_v first_o whether_o he_o may_v be_v right_o call_v a_o church-officer_n i_o answer_v he_o may_v though_o not_o in_o that_o proper_a sense_n as_o the_o minister_n because_o he_o have_v not_o such_o a_o immediate_a hand_n in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n he_o may_v and_o that_o very_o right_o for_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o a_o chief_a one_o too_o how_o can_v he_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o church_n officer_n and_o that_o a_o chief_a one_o too_o in_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o he_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v christ_n lieutenant_n within_o his_o lawful_a dominion_n why_o may_v not_o he_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n in_o church-businesse_n it_o be_v god_n own_o promise_n isai_n 49.23_o that_o king_n and_o queen_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o nurse_n mother_n to_o his_o church_n themselves_o by_o officer_n be_v nurse_n and_o their_o authority_n and_o countenance_n be_v like_o breast_n or_o dug_n to_o cherish_v and_o feed_v and_o hatch_v up_o the_o church_n withal_o and_o the_o apostle_n lay_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n upon_o all_o the_o faithful_a 1_o tim._n 2.2_o that_o they_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n that_o they_o
may_v live_v peaceable_o and_o quiet_o under_o they_o in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n not_o only_o in_o civil_a honesty_n as_o they_o be_v magistrate_n but_o in_o all_o goodness_n too_o as_o they_o be_v christian_a magistrate_n to_o be_v countenance_v and_o establish_v by_o they_o where_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o be_v tolerate_v by_o they_o though_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n and_o sure_o these_o officer_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v speak_v of_o ro._n 12.8_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o in_o all_o good_a consideration_n be_v to_o reach_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o second_o question_n concern_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v consist_v wherein_o his_o office_n consist_v i_o answer_v it_o consist_v chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o oversight_n the_o last_o duty_n we_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o former_a exercise_n general_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v very_o scarce_o of_o proof_n for_o this_o point_n because_o there_o be_v then_o no_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o it_o be_v abundant_o supply_v in_o the_o old_a and_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o you_o shall_v find_v then_o that_o his_o office_n consist_v special_o as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o oversight_n but_o the_o particular_n wherein_o his_o office_n consist_v be_v these_o first_o in_o call_v assembly_n second_o in_o abolish_n false_a worship_n thing_n and_o establish_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n three_o in_o look_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o their_o maintenance_n four_a in_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n last_o in_o appoint_v consistory_n you_o shall_v find_v these_o thing_n perform_v by_o asa_n jehosaphat_n hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n as_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 15._o and_o in_o the_o 29._o and_o 30._o and_o 34._o and_o 35._o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o particular_n first_o for_o call_v of_o assembly_n that_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o king_n as_o in_o jonah_n 3.7_o and_o second_o for_o abolish_n of_o false_a worship_n we_o see_v it_o be_v perform_v by_o moses_n the_o chief_a magistrate_n exod._n 32.20_o as_o also_o by_o king_n asa_n in_o the_o 1_o king_n 15.12_o 13_o and_o 14._o verse_n and_o for_o establish_v god_n true_a worship_n it_o be_v do_v by_o josiah_n in_o the_o 2_o king_n 23.2_o 3._o and_o by_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.3_o 4_o 5._o and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o judge_n 6._o from_o the_o 23._o to_o the_o 26._o verse_n we_o shall_v find_v both_o these_o perform_v by_o gedeon_n and_o three_o for_o look_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o their_o maintenance_n we_o may_v read_v how_o it_o be_v do_v by_o solomon_n in_o the_o 2_o chro._n 8.14_o 15._o and_o by_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o and_o chap._n 31.4_o and_o 16._o and_o 17._o verse_n and_o by_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 35.2_o and_o by_o nehemiah_n chap._n 13.11_o 12._o verse_n and_o four_a for_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v do_v by_o hezekiah_n in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 30._o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o six_o verse_n and_o josiah_n compel_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o israel_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 34.33_o and_o so_o asa_n do_v the_o like_a 2_o chron._n 15.13_o and_o last_o for_o the_o appoint_v and_o last_o for_o the_o appoint_v consistory_n you_o shall_v read_v in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 19.8_o how_o it_o be_v do_v by_o jehosaphat_n and_o command_v by_o god_n deut._n 17.8_o use_v 1_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o this_o show_v how_o god_n do_v grace_v his_o church_n in_o this_o world_n that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o sword_n to_o maintain_v the_o word_n and_o prince_n that_o be_v the_o shield_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o shield_n of_o his_o church_n and_o king_n and_o great_a potentate_n to_o be_v her_o servant_n use_v 2_o second_o this_o serve_v for_o the_o reproof_n first_o of_o the_o papist_n that_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o under_o the_o minister_n these_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o they_o rob_v king_n and_o prince_n of_o their_o chief_a grace_n and_o great_a part_n of_o authority_n and_o also_o they_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o her_o best_a defence_n under_o god_n on_o earth_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o any_o church_n in_o these_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v live_v under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o apostle_n will_v have_v add_v somewhat_o express_o and_o particular_o touch_v the_o magistrate_n too_o use_v 3_o last_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a mercy_n towards_o we_o that_o we_o live_v under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n that_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sword_n go_v together_o that_o the_o church_n flourish_v and_o her_o enemy_n go_v to_o wrack_n that_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v might_o advance_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v free_a and_o full_a passage_n this_o we_o be_v to_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o care_n and_o continual_a supply_n of_o such_o magistrate_n and_o also_o we_o be_v to_o mourn_v and_o bewail_v the_o loss_n of_o such_o hopeful_a successor_n and_o heir_n when_o we_o see_v the_o breath_n take_v out_o of_o their_o nostril_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v the_o breath_n of_o our_o nostril_n this_o we_o be_v every_o one_o to_o mourn_v and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o by_o fast_v and_o by_o prayer_n if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o public_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o do_v it_o private_o for_o this_o be_v a_o grievous_a judgement_n and_o a_o fearful_a token_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o sure_o if_o we_o do_v not_o turn_v unto_o god_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o fear_v some_o more_o heavy_a and_o fearful_a judgement_n to_o befall_v us._n the_o eighteen_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n after_o we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o first_o place_n touch_v the_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church-government_n we_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o person_n or_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v these_o duty_n where_o we_o show_v first_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o second_o what_o they_o be_v by_o name_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o point_n namely_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n that_o these_o person_n and_o officer_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o second_o point_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o action_n and_o duty_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o first_o point_n that_o be_v the_o point_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v to_o all_o business_n to_o be_v do_v do_v necessary_o require_v certain_a law_n and_o rule_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o and_o sure_o direct_v god_n business_n require_v it_o much_o more_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v do_v but_o as_o they_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o so_o the_o carriage_n must_v be_v good_a too_o they_o must_v be_v well_o do_v the_o lord_n be_v very_o precise_a and_o jealous_a over_o his_o own_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v give_v express_a commandment_n that_o they_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o they_o so_o also_o he_o have_v prescribe_v certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v proceed_v in_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n command_v neglect_v the_o direction_n prescribe_v for_o the_o manage_n of_o they_o be_v like_o saul_n obedience_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v disobedience_n at_o the_o best_a it_o be_v but_o half_a obedience_n the_o lord_n accept_v it_o not_o for_o our_o sound_n and_o entire_a obedience_n to_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o when_o we_o do_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n command_v and_o when_o we_o do_v it_o as_o he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o that_o in_o exod._n 39.42_o 43._o where_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v commend_v because_o they_o do_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n command_v they_o and_o in_o every_o point_n as_o he_o command_v they_o head_n now_o the_o rule_n here_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o these_o duty_n may_v be_v well_o do_v be_v many_o for_o order_n and_o plainness_n sake_n we_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o the_o warrant_n must_v be_v good_a by_o which_o they_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o second_o the_o manner_n must_v be_v good_a whereby_o they_o be_v carry_v three_o the_o end_n must_v be_v good_a which_o we_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereby_o these_o person_n and_o
officer_n must_v be_v guide_v in_o do_v these_o duty_n must_v have_v a_o good_a warrant_n the_o best_a and_o indeed_o the_o only_a true_a and_o sound_a warrant_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n out_o of_o his_o word_n for_o see_v he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o chief_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n therefore_o the_o rest_n be_v instrument_n and_o servant_n under_o he_o be_v to_o wait_v at_o his_o mouth_n for_o direction_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o in_o their_o place_n first_o therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v seek_v into_o careful_o and_o diligent_o second_o we_o must_v seek_v unto_o god_n by_o humble_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n both_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n and_o also_o for_o willing_a conformablenesse_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o word_n for_o this_o be_v right_o consult_v and_o walk_v with_o god_n when_o we_o have_v take_v advice_n from_o his_o word_n for_o every_o business_n in_o hand_n and_o when_o we_o receive_v a_o comfortable_a answer_n from_o he_o in_o prayer_n for_o encouragement_n therein_o and_o do_v so_o proceed_v in_o it_o because_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o for_o as_o every_o creature_n so_o every_o business_n we_o go_v about_o be_v true_o sanctify_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o be_v when_o we_o look_v into_o the_o word_n for_o a_o warrant_n for_o it_o and_o when_o we_o go_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o it_o warrant_v here_o therefore_o in_o god_n word_n first_o we_o must_v have_v a_o warrant_n for_o the_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o at_o least_o lawful_a to_o be_v do_v second_o for_o the_o doer_n that_o he_o or_o they_o be_v authorise_v at_o least_o allow_v by_o god_n to_o deal_v in_o it_o three_o a_o warrant_n must_v be_v have_v hence_o for_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o business_n that_o it_o be_v command_v or_o at_o least_o permit_v by_o the_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n the_o matter_n we_o be_v now_o to_o insist_v on_o be_v the_o warrant_n for_o the_o caution_n condition_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o business_n and_o this_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o principal_a either_o a_o principal_a and_o direct_a warrant_n or_o second_o a_o inferior_a warrant_n of_o a_o low_a degree_n derive_v from_o it_o the_o principal_a and_o direct_a warrant_n be_v express_o mention_v in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o either_o by_o way_n of_o precept_n or_o example_n by_o way_n of_o precept_n and_o that_o be_v either_o particular_a or_o general_a each_o precise_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o bind_v law_n example_n i_o mean_v only_o such_o as_o the_o word_n commend_v they_o be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a extraordinary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o certain_a time_n place_n and_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o election_n of_o mathias_n by_o lot_n act._n 1._o and_o these_o end_v where_o they_o begin_v and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v propound_v as_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n ordinary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v common_o practise_v as_o gather_v for_o the_o saint_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 16.1_o that_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n so_o he_o ordain_v among_o they_o also_o etc._n etc._n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o where_o there_o be_v like_o occasion_n second_o the_o warrant_n from_o a_o inferior_a or_o low_a degree_n warrant_n as_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o principal_a these_o be_v young_a in_o year_n as_o not_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o some_o near_a age_n after_o and_o mean_a in_o authority_n as_o be_v ratify_v by_o man_n not_o so_o infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o these_o also_o be_v either_o precept_n or_o example_n first_o precept_n and_o they_o be_v common_o call_v tradition_n or_o constitution_n i_o mean_v not_o tradition_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v very_o dangerous_a but_o in_o matter_n of_o outward_a church_n government_n and_o these_o may_v more_o safe_o be_v deal_v withal_o second_o example_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o be_v either_o general_o ratify_v by_o all_o or_o the_o most_o church_n or_o else_o but_o by_o some_o one_o or_o few_o church_n and_o each_o of_o these_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a or_o latter_a and_o more_o corrupt_a now_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v in_o church-government_n must_v have_v ground_n from_o one_o or_o both_o these_o warrant_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o must_v have_v warrant_n from_o the_o first_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a warrant_n therefore_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n look_v special_o into_o the_o principal_a warrant_n which_o be_v the_o word_n if_o so_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a precept_n for_o it_o then_o that_o must_v be_v do_v as_o the_o lord_n commandment_n without_o any_o further_o communicate_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o matter_n of_o church-government_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o but_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v general_a as_o that_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v in_o order_n etc._n etc._n make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o such_o particular_n only_o as_o natural_o proceed_v from_o thence_o be_v inform_v by_o sound_a consequence_n in_o reason_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o have_v no_o precept_n in_o scripture_n than_o we_o must_v look_v to_o example_n and_o those_o that_o be_v ordinary_a which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o precept_n be_v of_o because_o those_o be_v absolute_o to_o be_v embrace_v yet_o they_o be_v much_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o these_o we_o be_v to_o fashion_v ourselves_o unto_o always_o observe_v a_o due_a proportion_n of_o time_n place_n person_n occasion_n and_o such_o other_o necessary_a circumstance_n for_o to_o apply_v that_o to_o one_o church_n in_o one_o state_n and_o at_o one_o time_n which_o be_v in_o another_o church_n in_o another_o state_n and_o at_o another_o time_n be_v absurd_a well_o then_o if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o principal_a warrant_n that_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n in_o god_n word_n then_o we_o must_v go_v to_o the_o inferior_a warrant_n we_o must_v see_v what_o precept_n and_o example_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o writer_n that_o have_v speak_v of_o church-government_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o of_o these_o we_o must_v see_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n or_o of_o the_o latter_a and_o more_o corrupt_a if_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n by_o constitution_n or_o practice_n but_o in_o the_o late_a and_o corrupt_a time_n i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o the_o church_n now_o be_v may_v as_o well_o devise_v particular_n of_o their_o own_o as_o follow_v they_o yea_o and_o better_o so_o long_o as_o they_o measure_v their_o particular_n fit_o and_o wise_o by_o those_o in_o the_o word_n but_o if_o we_o have_v any_o precedent_n in_o all_o or_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v safe_a enough_o to_o build_v on_o they_o so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o misapplyed_n nor_o mistake_v i_o speak_v still_o of_o matter_n of_o church-government_n not_o of_o faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v many_o constitution_n and_o example_n in_o those_o church_n and_o some_o differ_v from_o other_o take_v the_o best_a that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v near_a to_o the_o word_n and_o have_v best_a precedent_n of_o pure_a church_n or_o of_o such_o as_o that_o their_o condition_n &_o state_n may_v best_o agree_v with_o we_o this_o point_n of_o inferior_a warrant_n some_o have_v go_v too_o far_o in_o esteem_v too_o high_o of_o it_o some_o have_v come_v too_o short_a esteem_v too_o base_o of_o it_o first_o some_o esteem_n too_o high_o of_o these_o impious_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o word_n whereas_o there_o be_v two_o main_a difference_n first_o because_o those_o in_o the_o word_n be_v certain_o true_a we_o know_v it_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n second_o as_o we_o know_v they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o so_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o they_o as_o they_o be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o err_v but_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o inferior_a warrant_n first_o haply_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v at_o least_o in_o those_o time_n and_o by_o those_o person_n for_o history_n make_v mention_n of_o thing_n not_o true_a or_o second_o yet_o they_o may_v err_v for_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_o guide_v by_o god_n spirit_n other_o come_v too_o short_a esteem_v too_o base_o of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v nothing_o worth_a they_o esteem_v
his_o instrument_n have_v a_o special_a delight_n in_o disturb_v this_o peace_n and_o spare_v no_o mean_n but_o seek_v all_o advantage_n for_o the_o sow_v of_o dissension_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v too_o apprehensive_a of_o it_o else_o he_o can_v not_o do_v we_o that_o harm_n he_o do_v unless_o we_o be_v so_o apprehensive_a of_o dissension_n among_o ourselves_o now_o as_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v endanger_v in_o many_o case_n endanger_v so_o especial_o in_o these_o first_o when_o man_n be_v addict_v to_o one_o minister_n before_o another_o one_o to_o paul_n another_o to_o cephas_n etc._n etc._n this_o come_v of_o a_o carnal_a mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v 1_o cor._n 3._o and_o thus_o they_o wrong_v themselves_o and_o the_o minister_n too_o themselves_o in_o that_o they_o be_v hinder_v hereby_o from_o the_o good_a they_o may_v have_v and_o their_o minister_n because_o that_o they_o make_v contention_n betwixt_o they_o where_o otherwise_o none_o will_v be_v second_o this_o peace_n be_v endanger_v in_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n some_o breed_n and_o make_v faction_n for_o one_o against_o another_o as_o their_o affection_n lead_v they_o three_o it_o be_v endanger_v in_o decide_v controversy_n either_o of_o religion_n or_o state_n one_o will_v be_v cross_v and_o thwart_v another_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o contention_n and_o strife_n yea_o happy_o rend_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n if_o it_o may_v not_o go_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o let_v god_n child_n be_v admonish_v to_o have_v no_o part_n in_o such_o contention_n but_o let_v they_o labour_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o will_v have_v peace_n in_o themselves_o for_o we_o be_v call_v to_o peace_n to_o mind_n and_o to_o speak_v one_o thing_n if_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o seek_v for_o may_v quiet_o and_o peaceable_o be_v obtain_v it_o be_v well_o let_v god_n have_v the_o glory_n and_o ourselves_o may_v comfortable_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o but_o if_o they_o can_v be_v have_v without_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v they_o may_v have_v comfort_n for_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o conscience_n in_o seek_v the_o best_a thing_n and_o let_v they_o bewaille_fw-fr the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n and_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a of_o those_o corruption_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o redress_n thus_o be_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o be_v any_o cause_n of_o dissension_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v break_v the_o four_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o church_n business_n be_v rule_n that_o whosoever_o have_v any_o right_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o such_o duty_n be_v not_o contemn_v nor_o rsterain_v of_o their_o right_n but_o that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o the_o business_n and_o permit_v to_o speak_v and_o do_v free_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o then_o the_o lord_n be_v best_a please_v with_o a_o business_n when_o it_o be_v joint_o perform_v by_o everyone_n that_o be_v authorise_v by_o himself_o thereto_o the_o magistrate_n must_v not_o neglect_v the_o minister_n nor_o the_o minister_n must_v neglect_v the_o magistrate_n the_o pastor_n must_v not_o neglect_v the_o flock_n nor_o must_v the_o flock_n neglect_v the_o pastor_n but_o every_o man_n must_v have_v his_o due_a and_o do_v his_o duty_n look_v into_o act._n 15.23_o and_o see_v how_o the_o business_n be_v carry_v there_o the_o apostle_n break_v and_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o that_o business_n every_o man_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v he_o ofttime_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v a_o diotrephes_n find_v in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o three_o epistle_n of_o john_n that_o love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n and_o to_o sway_v all_o with_o their_o own_o hand_n there_o this_o rule_n be_v break_v sometime_o in_o a_o church_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v wring_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o pass_v by_o another_o authority_n only_o he_o may_v complain_v and_o publish_v what_o other_o have_v do_v himself_o can_v have_v no_o further_o hold_v in_o they_o here_o likewise_o this_o rule_n be_v break_v last_o many_o abuse_n their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o so_o this_o rule_n be_v break_v for_o the_o weak_a brother_n have_v his_o interest_n in_o my_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o rule_n the_o five_o and_o last_o rule_n be_v that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v so_o carry_v as_o best_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o may_v be_v fit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n wherein_o we_o live_v i_o will_v not_o have_v any_o think_v that_o we_o will_v draw_v religion_n to_o the_o bent_n of_o the_o outward_a state_n but_o we_o speak_v of_o outward_a government_n in_o the_o church_n that_o we_o say_v must_v not_o cross_v the_o well_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n to_o cause_v innovation_n and_o change_n and_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n special_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n it_o be_v never_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n that_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o religion_n shall_v overthrow_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o temporal_a state_n but_o that_o caesar_n shall_v have_v as_o well_o that_o which_o be_v caesar_n as_o god_n that_o which_o be_v go_n i_o speak_v of_o a_o politic_a state_n already_o establish_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o confirm_v by_o wholesome_a law_n and_o maintain_v by_o the_o ancient_a use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n there_o religion_n come_v in_o afterward_o it_o must_v be_v frame_v for_o the_o outward_a carriage_n of_o it_o to_o the_o civil_a state_n except_o wherein_o religion_n be_v plain_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n no_o doubt_n be_v as_o careful_a of_o civil_a christian_a state_n as_o moses_n be_v of_o the_o jewish_a policy_n but_o there_o church-government_n be_v fit_v to_o their_o civil_a state_n and_o so_o must_v we_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o both_o civil_a state_n and_o their_o church-government_n be_v each_o of_o they_o direct_o and_o equal_o from_o god_n true_a and_o be_v not_o all_o the_o power_n that_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 13.1_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o government_n of_o civil_a state_n be_v not_o now_o so_o immediate_o from_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v from_o god_n too_o and_o therefore_o by_o proportion_n where_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n be_v ratify_v by_o use_n religion_n come_v in_o afterward_o in_o all_o equity_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v to_o be_v carry_v according_o for_o the_o outward_a passage_n of_o it_o when_o the_o apostle_n peter_n persuade_v the_o scatter_a jew_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 1_o pet._n 2.3_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a warning_n to_o they_o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o their_o particular_a carriage_n much_o less_o in_o the_o outward_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n they_o must_v not_o cross_v that_o unless_o that_o cross_a religion_n as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o want_n of_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o rule_n have_v make_v many_o become_v anabaptist_n and_o despiser_n of_o government_n and_o in_o many_o place_n it_o have_v make_v religion_n fare_v the_o worse_o and_o the_o professor_n thereof_o to_o be_v traduce_v for_o rebellious_a troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a people_n enemy_n to_o the_o state_n so_o much_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o church_n business_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o general_a head_n they_o namely_o the_o end_n that_o must_v be_v aim_v at_o in_o do_v these_o duty_n that_o must_v be_v good_a too_o it_o must_v be_v do_v with_o a_o single_a end_n and_o a_o sincere_a affection_n and_o intention_n free_a from_o all_o sinister_a respect_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o there_o be_v two_o good_a end_n which_o we_o must_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o action_n concern_v church-government_n the_o first_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o second_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o our_o brethren_n first_o we_o must_v aim_v whole_o and_o only_o at_o god_n glory_n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v let_v all_o be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v god_n business_n his_o gift_n and_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n of_o purpose_n appoint_v for_o his_o glory_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o therefore_o this_o require_v a_o true_a zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n of_o
lord_n will_v be_v altogether_o with_o we_o to_o save_v and_o defend_v we_o and_o altogether_o against_o our_o enemy_n to_o confound_v and_o destroy_v they_o the_o three_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n have_v propound_v nine_o several_a head_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o concern_v the_o visible_a church_n we_o have_v through_o god_n assistance_n speak_v of_o seven_o of_o they_o it_o remain_v therefore_o now_o that_o we_o come_v to_o the_o eight_o namely_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n it_o a_o point_n which_o be_v name_v and_o point_v at_o before_o among_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n for_o sure_o the_o power_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v the_o church_n withal_o be_v none_o of_o her_o small_a privilege_n if_o it_o be_v not_o one_o of_o her_o great_a as_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o a_o king_n be_v his_o kingly_a power_n and_o authority_n then_o we_o point_v at_o it_o but_o we_o respite_v the_o full_a handle_n of_o it_o to_o this_o place_n partly_o because_o in_o the_o beginning_n we_o propound_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a head_n in_o this_o question_n but_o especial_o because_o it_o be_v both_o large_a and_o weighty_a large_a and_o so_o require_v weighty_a and_o so_o deserve_v worthy_o to_o be_v handle_v in_o a_o several_a title_n by_o itself_o it_o have_v also_o some_o affinity_n &_o nearness_n with_o the_o five_o head_n namely_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o of_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v also_o incident_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o such_o thing_n we_o will_v only_o touch_v as_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o refer_v you_o for_o further_a knowledge_n of_o they_o to_o those_o place_n that_o already_o they_o have_v be_v handle_v in_o but_o there_o be_v something_n belong_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v not_o so_o fit_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o these_o be_v the_o point_n which_o god_n willing_a here_o we_o will_v speak_v unto_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n i_o call_v it_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o in_o effect_n they_o be_v both_o one_o it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v sometime_o distinguish_v and_o then_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n power_n signify_v a_o ability_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n and_o authority_n a_o warrant_n from_o god_n to_o exercise_v that_o ability_n but_o here_o they_o signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o church_n of_o all_o other_o sort_n do_v absolute_o deny_v herself_o to_o have_v any_o power_n to_o do_v aught_o but_o that_o which_o she_o have_v authority_n and_o warrant_n from_o god_n to_o do_v unto_o the_o point_n that_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o concern_v this_o matter_n be_v these_o first_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n belong_v to_o it_o second_o what_o manner_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n this_o be_v and_o three_o what_o it_o be_v that_o she_o have_v power_n in_o power_n first_o that_o there_o be_v power_n and_o authority_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n for_o howsoever_o she_o be_v weak_a in_o outward_a force_n and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n spurn_v out_o over-borne_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n by_o the_o potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o for_o the_o manage_v of_o any_o temporal_a administration_n or_o state_n able_a to_o do_v little_a and_o warrant_v to_o do_v less_o yet_o if_o she_o be_v take_v within_o she_o own_o element_n that_o be_v in_o church_n affair_n she_o be_v arm_v with_o much_o power_n and_o great_a authority_n every_o state_n and_o society_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n annex_v to_o it_o whereby_o it_o be_v uphold_v the_o church_n then_o be_v the_o worthy_a state_n and_o happy_a society_n that_o be_v have_v it_o reas_n 1_o much_o more_o for_o there_o be_v many_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o diverse_a kind_n and_o sort_n daily_a and_o necessary_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n weldoer_n must_v be_v encourage_v sin_n must_v be_v punish_v law_n must_v be_v execute_v order_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o obedience_n must_v be_v practise_v these_o and_o such_o like_a must_v be_v daily_o perform_v in_o the_o church_n now_o without_o power_n nothing_o can_v be_v do_v and_o without_o authority_n nothing_o must_v be_v do_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n must_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n again_o the_o reas_n 2_o great_a and_o weighty_a work_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n the_o conscience_n command_v soul_n convert_v comfort_v and_o save_v god_n own_o life_n wrought_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v high_o advance_v satan_n kingdom_n and_o his_o power_n quail_v and_o subdue_v therefore_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o have_v great_a power_n to_o effect_v such_o great_a work_n last_o she_o must_v have_v this_o power_n reas_n 3_o and_o authority_n that_o she_o may_v be_v able_a to_o hold_v up_o her_o head_n against_o her_o adversary_n that_o do_v common_o and_o ordinary_o except_o against_o she_o say_v by_o what_o authority_n do_v you_o these_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v to_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 22.23_o and_o to_o moses_n exod._n 2.14_o who_o make_v thou_o a_o man_n of_o authority_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o except_o she_o be_v furnish_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o they_o or_o their_o proceed_n shall_v find_v any_o acceptance_n the_o people_n be_v astonish_v at_o christ_n doctrine_n because_o he_o teach_v with_o authority_n and_o not_o as_o the_o scribe_n mat._n 7._o &_o mar._n 1.27_o he_o command_v even_o the_o foul_a spirit_n with_o authority_n and_o they_o obey_v he_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o command_v they_o with_o authority_n they_o will_v never_o have_v obey_v he_o they_o will_v know_v good_a cause_n why_o first_o this_o serve_v first_o to_o encourage_v the_o church_n to_o the_o do_v of_o use_n 1_o her_o duty_n in_o excecute_v god_n law_n and_o in_o advance_v his_o ordinance_n see_v she_o have_v power_n sufficient_a in_o she_o own_o hand_n to_o strengthen_v and_o countenance_v her_o preceeding_n and_o to_o make_v they_o effectual_a it_o will_v never_o grieve_v a_o man_n to_o bestow_v time_n and_o labour_n in_o good_a endeavour_n though_o with_o much_o danger_n and_o with_o many_o opdosition_n when_o he_o know_v beforehand_o that_o he_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n enough_o to_o be_v bear_v he_o out_o in_o it_o therefore_o this_o shall_v encourage_v the_o church_n in_o her_o duty_n herein_o and_o also_o this_o serve_v to_o reprove_v those_o that_o use_v 2_o light_o esteem_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o that_o which_o she_o do_v as_o if_o they_o be_v nothing_o worth_a but_o let_v such_o know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o powerful_a worker_n and_o that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o she_o teach_v be_v a_o word_n of_o great_a power_n able_a to_o save_v or_o to_o destroy_v and_o the_o censure_n that_o she_o pass_v be_v censure_n of_o power_n able_a to_o kill_v or_o give_v life_n and_o whosoveuer_o withstand_v these_o shall_v find_v they_o matter_n of_o power_n to_o their_o destruction_n in_o hell_n if_o they_o be_v obstinate_a but_o whosoever_o obey_v they_o shall_v find_v power_n enough_o in_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o kingdom_n so_o much_o for_o that_o first_o point_n assert_v the_o second_o point_n be_v what_o manner_n of_o power_n this_o be_v for_o this_o we_o must_v look_v well_o into_o lest_o mistake_v we_o go_v too_o far_o or_o come_v too_o short_a each_o be_v a_o dangerous_a error_n you_o shall_v understand_v therefore_o that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o humane_a but_o divine_a second_o not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a three_o that_o though_o it_o be_v spiritual_a yet_o it_o be_v bound_v and_o limit_v divine_a first_o it_o be_v not_o humane_a that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v man_n that_o exercise_v it_o and_o howsoever_o where_o it_o be_v public_o practise_v it_o be_v usual_o and_o needful_o ratify_v at_o least_o permit_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o temporal_a state_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o his_o power_n from_o man_n but_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o have_v his_o power_n direct_o from_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o this_o power_n be_v from_o he_o as_o we_o may_v see_v matth._n 10.1_o to_o 5._o where_o our_o saviour_n call_v his_o disciple_n and_o give_v they_o power_n to_o preach_v &_o to_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o to_o heal_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o promise_n of_o more_o power_n be_v also_o from_o god_n as_o his_o
own_o free_a gift_n matth._n 16.19_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o the_o performance_n of_o more_o power_n be_v from_o he_o as_o derive_v from_o his_o own_o patent_n matth._n 28.18.19_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o power_n from_o christ_n even_o as_o he_o be_v from_o his_o father_n joh._n 20_o 21.22_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o even_o send_v i_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o a_o more_o full_a increase_n of_o this_o power_n be_v from_o god_n too_o luke_n 24.49_o behold_v i_o send_v the_o promise_n of_o my_o father_n upon_o you_o but_o tarry_v you_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n until_o you_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o act_n 1.8_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o these_o place_n prove_v that_o the_o power_n which_o the_o church_n be_v endue_v withal_o be_v not_o humane_a but_o divine_a confer_v god_n himself_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o all_o power_n be_v from_o reas_n 1_o god_n rom._n 13.1_o and_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o from_o above_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v pilate_n he_o can_v have_v no_o power_n except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o from_o above_o if_o all_o power_n even_o the_o power_n which_o the_o wicked_a have_v be_v from_o god_n much_o more_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o church_n have_v from_o god_n too_o and_o that_o after_o a_o special_a manner_n so_o much_o the_o more_o immediate_o as_o the_o church_n be_v more_o near_o join_v to_o christ_n than_o any_o other_o state_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o much_o the_o more_o right_o as_o christ_n be_v more_o right_o a_o spiritual_a king_n than_o a_o temporal_a as_o joh._n 18._o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n &c_n &c_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o proper_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n more_o proper_o then_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o effectual_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v more_o magnify_v himself_o in_o church_n cause_n then_o in_o cause_n of_o the_o state_n this_o teach_v first_o that_o if_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n use_v 1_o which_o the_o church_n have_v be_v from_o god_n than_o we_o have_v the_o more_o and_o great_a assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o against_o all_o opposition_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n as_o gamaliel_n say_v act_v 5.38.39_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v destroy_v it_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n so_o direct_o it_o must_v needs_o stand_v most_o firm_o above_o all_o other_o power_n whatsoever_o second_o it_o teach_v the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o use_n 2_o more_o wary_a and_o careful_a in_o execute_v this_o power_n that_o they_o abuse_v not_o god_n own_o power_n to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o lust_n but_o that_o they_o use_v it_o to_o that_o end_n god_n have_v appoint_v it_o that_o be_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n good_a three_o see_v this_o power_n be_v so_o direct_o from_o god_n than_o this_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o more_o dutiful_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o of_o they_o that_o live_v under_o it_o else_o if_o we_o despise_v it_o we_o despise_v not_o man_n but_o god_n as_o it_o be_v luk._n 10.16_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o etc._n etc._n but_o you_o will_v say_v quest_n be_v then_o the_o church_n to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o thing_n must_v all_o her_o say_n be_v believe_v all_o her_o law_n obey_v and_o all_o her_o proceed_n yield_v to_o as_o if_o they_o be_v god_n own_o proceed_n and_o so_o bind_v the_o conscience_n i_o answer_v answ_n no_o for_o sometime_o she_o say_v false_a thing_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v direct_o evil_a and_o therein_o we_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o her_o authority_n as_o that_o be_v usurp_v and_o not_o from_o god_n and_o as_o she_o therein_o betray_v some_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n and_o not_o exercise_v this_o divine_a power_n false_a but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o know_v when_o she_o speak_v true_a or_o false_a when_o she_o do_v right_a or_o wrong_n i_o answer_v the_o lord_n have_v give_v both_o she_o and_o we_o the_o word_n to_o rule_v and_o measure_n thing_n by_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o she_o must_v go_v by_o in_o her_o proceed_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o we_o must_v measure_v her_o proceed_n by_o but_o sometime_o the_o church_n enjoin_v thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a neither_o simple_o good_a nor_o bad_a neither_o simple_o command_v nor_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n in_o this_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v yield_v to_o for_o order_v sake_n as_o she_o have_v therein_o a_o general_a power_n from_o god_n but_o yet_o the_o conscience_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o they_o because_o the_o particular_a choice_n and_o determination_n of_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v from_o themselves_o &_o out_o of_o their_o own_o lawful_a liberty_n i_o note_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o some_o not_o only_o in_o the_o popish_a church_n but_o among_o we_o too_o stick_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o church_n constitution_n in_o this_o latter_a kind_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o to_o be_v account_v as_o the_o constitution_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o i_o have_v show_v you_o how_o you_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o for_o order_n sake_n &_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o general_a power_n she_o have_v from_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n spiritual_a the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o second_o point_n be_v that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o often_o call_v a_o sword_n to_o smite_v or_o a_o sceptre_n to_o sway_v as_o key_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v and_o what_o do_v it_o open_a and_o shut_v even_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 16.19_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a power_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v to_o do_v about_o our_o body_n good_n and_o outward_a state_n the_o church_n have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o inward_a man_n temporal_a power_n and_o authority_n serve_v to_o maintain_v a_o temporal_a life_n begin_v and_o end_v here_o spiritual_a power_n and_o authority_n maintain_v a_o spiritual_a life_n begin_v here_o but_o perfect_v and_o finish_v hereafter_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v temporal_a power_n rule_v by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n spiritual_a power_n rule_v only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n temporal_a power_n fight_v and_o defend_v itself_o by_o the_o material_a sword_n and_o worldly_a policy_n spiritual_a power_n renounce_v these_o and_o therefore_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n mat._n 26.52_o put_v up_o thy_o sword_n into_o his_o place_n for_o all_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n christ_n will_v not_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o sword_n spiritual_a power_n betake_v itself_o to_o better_a weapon_n to_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a weapon_n 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a mighty_a through_o god_n &c_n &c_n they_o be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a and_o that_o not_o of_o themselves_o nor_o through_o the_o power_n of_o he_o that_o use_v they_o but_o through_o god_n and_o what_o be_v these_o weapon_n they_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n faith_n repentance_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a that_o sometime_o both_o these_o power_n do_v concur_v together_o in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a and_o sure_o than_o god_n work_n go_v happy_o forward_a and_o then_o this_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n both_o for_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n too_o if_o we_o have_v grace_n so_o to_o use_v it_o but_o though_o they_o do_v sometime_o concur_v yet_o they_o be_v never_o confound_v though_o they_o be_v not_o divide_v yet_o they_o be_v distinguish_v they_o must_v each_o of_o they_o keep_v in_o it_o be_v own_o rank_n and_o manage_v their_o several_a charge_n by_o several_a administration_n the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o usurp_v on_o the_o temporal_a power_n for_o that_o be_v flat_o forbid_v matth._n 20.15_o 16._o the_o gentile_n reign_v over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o be_v not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n nor_o be_v the_o temporal_a power_n to_o usurp_v the_o
spiritual_a for_o you_o see_v how_o vzziah_n be_v strike_v with_o leprosy_n for_o meddle_v with_o the_o priest_n office_n 2_o chron._n 26.16_o to_o the_o 19_o and_o it_o be_v well_o he_o escape_v so_o for_o by_o the_o law_n he_o deserve_a death_n numb_a 18.7_o word_n the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unbounded_a but_o it_o be_v limit_v and_o scantle_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o same_o god_n that_o have_v set_v mark_n and_o bound_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o sea_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o overflow_v they_o job_n 38.11_o he_o have_v also_o prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n certain_a mark_n limit_n and_o bound_n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o far_o the_o church_n must_v go_v and_o no_o further_o the_o body_n and_o spouse_n have_v power_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n yet_o still_o they_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n contain_v herself_o within_o these_o bound_n and_o limit_n it_o go_v well_o with_o she_o god_n prosper_v she_o and_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o will_v perform_v a_o blessing_n to_o she_o but_o if_o she_o go_v beyond_o these_o bound_n and_o transgress_v against_o god_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a and_o dangerous_a case_n the_o bond_n be_v break_v all_o fly_v a_o sunder_o the_o wall_n and_o hedge_n of_o the_o church_n be_v tread_v down_o and_o the_o boar_n and_o wild_a beast_n enter_v in_o and_o spoil_v and_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o all_o god_n yoke_n be_v shake_v off_o and_o then_o man_n run_v into_o strange_a outrageous_a unwarrantable_a and_o exorbitant_a course_n fit_a for_o lawless_a infidel_n then_o for_o christ_n disciple_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v god_n church_n will_v be_v degenerate_a into_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o religion_n turn_v into_o ignorance_n superstition_n profaneness_n and_o mere_a licentiousness_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v antichrist_n himself_o have_v clyme_v up_o into_o the_o seat_n of_o christ_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o very_a like_o case_n 1_o sam._n 15.23_o because_o that_o they_o have_v reject_v god_n and_o his_o yoke_n and_o go_v beyond_o their_o bound_n therefore_o god_n will_v reject_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o off_o from_o be_v his_o church_n the_o church_n therefore_o must_v consider_v like_o a_o modest_a spouse_n that_o she_o have_v power_n indeed_o but_o to_o what_o to_o that_o that_o she_o will_v and_o list_v herself_o no_o but_o to_o that_o which_o christ_n her_o husband_n will_v have_v she_o to_o do_v so_o far_o as_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o her_o power_n she_o walk_v with_o god_n she_o may_v go_v on_o safe_o and_o bold_o but_o if_o when_o god_n stay_v she_o will_v not_o stay_v but_o still_o go_v on_o forward_o at_o her_o own_o peril_n be_v it_o the_o four_o branch_n of_o the_o second_o point_n be_v it_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o bound_a and_o limit_v power_n and_o authority_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o great_a power_n on_o earth_n it_o reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o people_n but_o king_n and_o prince_n must_v obey_v it_o i_o say_v they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v above_o the_o person_n that_o exercise_v this_o power_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o david_n and_o nathan_n the_o person_n of_o nathan_n be_v subject_a to_o david_n and_o yet_o david_n subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o reproof_n second_o as_o it_o reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o mean_a but_o to_o the_o high_a so_o it_o reach_v not_o only_o to_o the_o outward_a man_n but_o even_o to_o the_o inward_a also_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o conscience_n though_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o other_o power_n yet_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o this_o i_o say_v not_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o to_o that_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a power_n which_o it_o in_o christ_n name_n do_v exercise_v last_o whereas_o no_o other_o authority_n or_o power_n reach_v so_o high_a as_o heaven_n or_o so_o low_a as_o hell_n this_o power_n of_o the_o church_n extend_v to_o both_o it_o cut_v off_o from_o god_n and_o deliver_v over_o to_o satan_n and_o again_o it_o release_v out_o of_o satan_n law_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n what_o manner_n of_o power_n this_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n be_v this_o namely_o what_o be_v it_o admit_v that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n in_o the_o church_n have_v a_o double_a power_n one_o over_o person_n and_o another_o over_o thing_n over_o person_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n either_o as_o they_o be_v member_n or_o as_o they_o be_v officer_n as_o they_o be_v member_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n also_o either_o as_o they_o be_v not_o come_v into_o the_o church_n or_o as_o they_o be_v come_v in_o already_o as_o they_o be_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n too_o either_o to_o admit_v they_o as_o member_n or_o to_o repel_v and_o refuse_v they_o if_o you_o ask_v who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v the_o answer_n be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v call_v act_v 2.39_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o you_o and_o your_o child_n and_o to_o many_o that_o be_v a_o far_o off_o even_o to_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v call_v for_o see_v the_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v within_o the_o covenant_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n thereof_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o they_o be_v call_v the_o answer_n be_v plain_a you_o shall_v know_v it_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o repentance_n by_o their_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o act_n 8.12_o 37._o as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v philip_n which_o preach_v the_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o verse_n 37._o philip_n say_v to_o the_o eunuch_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v be_v baptize_v then_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n &c_n &c_n 38._o and_o he_o baptize_v he_o and_o so_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o repentance_n matth._n 3.6_o they_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n confess_v their_o sin_n and_o both_o these_o you_o shall_v find_v together_o act_v 2.37.38_o when_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n at_o peter_n sermon_n they_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v peter_n say_v unto_o they_o amend_v your_o life_n 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 for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v repent_v and_o believe_v for_o amendment_n of_o life_n do_v necessary_o imply_v purpose_n of_o obedience_n and_o so_o the_o profession_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v precise_o require_v exod._n 19.5_o to_o the_o 8._o where_o the_o lord_n send_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v obey_v he_o before_o he_o will_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o to_o which_o agree_v the_o practice_n of_o josiah_n and_o the_o people_n in_o the_o case_n of_o reformation_n or_o renew_v their_o admission_n when_o they_o have_v break_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n 2_o chron._n 34.31_o 32._o he_o renew_v the_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o people_n and_o cause_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o it_o if_o you_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o act_n of_o admission_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v baptism_n admission_n mat._n 3.6_o act._n 8.37_o 38_o act_n 2.41_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n there_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n above_o three_o thousand_o soul_n now_o this_o act_n be_v once_o receive_v be_v never_o to_o be_v recall_v though_o the_o covenant_n be_v afterward_o neglect_v and_o break_v for_o one_o entrance_n stand_v good_a for_o our_o whole_a estate_n in_o so_o much_o that_o if_o i_o fall_v after_o baptism_n and_o that_o so_o greivous_o as_o that_o i_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o i_o return_v again_o away_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v renew_a but_o not_o baptism_n no_o more_o than_o circumcision_n in_o the_o former_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v renew_a
in_o the_o like_a case_n but_o if_o man_n be_v never_o before_o baptize_v then_o though_o they_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v baptism_n but_o whether_o have_v the_o church_n power_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o be_v member_n no_o sure_o compel_v faith_n can_v be_v force_v upon_o any_o yet_o if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v christian_n he_o by_o his_o authority_n may_v and_o must_v compel_v man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o outward_a mean_n else_o we_o deny_v he_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o of_o our_o subjection_n so_o do_v josiah_n cause_v all_o that_o be_v find_v in_o jerusalem_n they_o and_o benjamin_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n 2_o chron._n 34.32_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n so_o they_o have_v power_n to_o repel_v and_o keep_v out_o and_o this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v plain_a act_v 8.36.37_o see_v here_o be_v water_n say_v the_o eunuch_n what_o do_v let_v i_o to_o be_v baptize_v philip_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v etc._n etc._n as_o who_o shall_v say_v where_o faith_n be_v want_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a let_v to_o keep_v from_o baptism_n and_o so_o from_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o what_o shall_v child_n do_v then_o i_o answer_v they_o if_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v pre-supposed_n to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v as_o gen._n 17.7_o god_n say_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o there_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o and_o act_n 3.29_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o the_o unbelieve_a wife_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o believe_a husband_n etc._n etc._n else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a but_o now_o be_v they_o holy_a and_o therefore_o where_o child_n be_v tender_v by_o faithful_a parent_n to_o the_o church_n they_o must_v admit_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v power_n and_o that_o be_v to_o baptism_n mark_v 10.13.14_o as_o it_o be_v with_o circumcision_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n the_o child_n of_o the_o faithful_a all_o that_o be_v male_n be_v circumcise_v so_o it_o be_v in_o baptism_n which_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o so_o you_o see_v the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o person_n that_o be_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o either_o to_o admit_v or_o repel_v they_o second_o out_o they_o have_v power_n over_o person_n as_o they_o be_v come_v in_o already_o and_o that_o either_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o or_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o as_o in_o reu._n 3.11_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n hold_v fast_o that_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n from_o thou_o and_o what_o be_v the_o angel_n crown_n but_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o church_n so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v the_o thesalonian_o his_v crown_n and_o how_o must_v he_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o by_o confirm_v exhort_v reprove_v comfort_v and_o instruct_v they_o bear_v with_o their_o weakness_n admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n lose_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n so_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o so_o to_o bind_v they_o in_o the_o chain_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n that_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n it_o be_v plain_a for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v powerful_a each_o way_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n unto_o some_o to_o other_o it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n so_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v wonderful_a powerful_a john_n 20.23_o who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o so_o we_o see_v how_o the_o church_n do_v cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a man_n in_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o and_o how_o they_o receive_v he_o in_o again_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o displace_v the_o next_o point_n be_v the_o power_n that_o the_o church_n have_v over_o member_n as_o officer_n and_o herein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v to_o place_n or_o displace_v to_o choose_v and_o place_n act_v 6.5_o and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n to_o refuse_v and_o displace_v as_o in_o act_n 8.21_o peter_n refuse_v simon_n magus_n when_o he_o will_v have_v buy_v gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o money_n and_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.11_o refuse_v young_a widow_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 1_o king_n 2.27_o to_o the_o 35._o we_o may_v read_v how_o solomon_n displace_v and_o cast_v out_o abiather_n from_o the_o priest_n office_n but_o of_o this_o i_o have_v speak_v sufficient_o before_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o promise_v i_o will_v refer_v you_o thither_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n scripture_n the_o church_n have_v power_n over_o thing_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n some_o be_v matter_n of_o substance_n some_o of_o circumstance_n the_o church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o stubstance_n be_v either_o touch_v the_o scripture_n it_o sefe_n or_o in_o thing_n beside_o the_o scripture_n as_o touch_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v either_o touch_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o first_o of_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v call_v into_o question_n and_o much_o disparage_v not_o only_o by_o those_o that_o be_v without_o but_o even_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v within_o and_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v most_o ligh_o esteem_v it_o some_o of_o of_o her_o champion_n as_o they_o pretend_v challenge_v at_o least_o a_o equal_a yea_o indeed_o a_o superior_a authority_n to_o the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n spripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o point_n to_o be_v discuse_v here_o be_v whether_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o church_n have_v some_o authority_n concern_v scripture_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o but_o that_o it_o have_v authority_n equal_a with_o or_o above_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v i_o will_v draw_v this_o point_n into_o a_o observation_n doctr._n which_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v endue_v with_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n from_o above_o yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o it_o be_v not_o equal_a with_o it_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a and_o high_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o observation_n first_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o of_o the_o scripture_n second_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o place_n that_o prove_v one_o prove_v both_o joh._n 4.39_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n have_v have_v conference_n with_o our_o saviour_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n she_o go_v and_o tell_v it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 39_o verse_n that_o many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n but_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 41._o verse_n that_o many_o more_o believe_v because_o of_o christ_n own_o word_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o woman_n what_o be_v it_o but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n she_o believe_v in_o christ_n herself_o propound_v he_o unto_o other_o which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n well_o the_o people_n believe_v for_o her_o say_n but_o do_v they_o rest_v upon_o that_o as_o the_o chief_a authority_n of_o their_o faith_n no_o for_o verse_n 41._o many_o more_o believe_v for_o his_o own_o word_n and_o verse_n 42._o they_o that_o do_v believe_v for_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n acknowledge_v a_o great_a and_o sure_a cause_n of_o their_o faith_n disclaim_v the_o former_a as_o insufficient_a now_o say_v they_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o say_n for_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o indeed_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o christ_n voice_n to_o
we_o now_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o either_o they_o much_o wrong_v the_o woman_n voice_n in_o prefer_v christ_n before_n it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o scripture_n of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.33_o to_o the_o 39_o john_n bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o his_o voice_n therein_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n but_o do_v our_o saviour_n rest_n there_o as_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v thereby_o sufficent_o confirm_v no_o he_o disclaim_v it_o in_o that_o respect_n verse_n 34._o i_o receive_v not_o the_o record_n of_o man_n and_o appeal_v to_o a_o high_a and_o great_a witness_n even_o to_o his_o father_n who_o do_v speak_v more_o sufficient_o for_o he_o and_o do_v not_o the_o father_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n be_v not_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o father_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n great_a than_o of_o john_n so_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o 39_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n he_o appeal_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n by_o name_n to_o scripture_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o as_o they_o be_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o the_o witness_n of_o john_n so_o in_o luke_n 16._o from_o verse_n 27._o to_o 31._o the_o rich_a man_n be_v in_o hell_n in_o torment_n entreat_v father_n abraham_n that_o lazarus_n may_v go_v and_o forewarn_v his_o brethren_n that_o they_o may_v not_o come_v into_o those_o torment_n no_o say_v abraham_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v to_o his_o brethren_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o their_o brother_n course_n for_o he_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n in_o torment_n for_o their_o sin_n if_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o have_v not_o his_o voice_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o what_o do_v the_o church_n but_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o forewarn_v man_n from_o sin_n that_o so_o they_o may_v keep_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o yet_o abraham_n refer_v they_o to_o scripture_n as_o of_o great_a authority_n and_o if_o lazarus_n have_v come_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v by_o miracle_n too_o which_o will_v have_v add_v weight_n to_o his_o word_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o a_o plain_a affirmation_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n from_o hell_n then_o if_o one_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o persuade_v they_o the_o last_o place_n that_o i_o will_v add_v for_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n be_v in_o john_n 10.3.4_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n they_o follow_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o faithful_a they_o believe_v in_o he_o why_o because_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n as_o who_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v a_o secret_a skill_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v they_o withal_o whereby_o they_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n from_o any_o other_o and_o that_o voice_n of_o he_o they_o hear_v and_o believe_v it_o why_o because_o the_o church_n tell_v they_o so_o no_o that_o be_v not_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o voice_n and_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v great_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v a_o material_a point_n 246._o not_o only_o against_o the_o papist_n but_o even_o in_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n which_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n be_v many_o first_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 2.20_o you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n christ_n jesus_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n that_o be_v you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o church_n the_o build_n now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o foundation_n may_v and_o oft_o time_n do_v stand_v fast_o without_o the_o building_n but_o the_o building_n can_v stand_v at_o all_o without_o the_o foundation_n therefore_o the_o foundation_n be_v a_o far_o sure_a stay_n than_o the_o building_n and_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o church_n reas_n 2_o second_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n whereof_o the_o church_n be_v beget_v 1_o pet._n 1.23_o now_o which_o be_v great_a the_o seed_n that_o beget_v or_o the_o fruit_n that_o be_v thereof_o beget_v reas_n 3_o three_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n to_o beget_v faith_n than_o christ_n own_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n john_n 5.36_o to_o the_o 39_o our_o saviour_n appeal_v from_o the_o voice_n of_o john_n which_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o miracle_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o yet_o he_o appeal_v from_o his_o miracle_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o they_o both_o and_o luke_n 16.31_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o 2_o pet._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o miracle_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o far_a greate●_n authority_n than_o miracle_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o more_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o a_o simile_n in_o a_o family_n the_o wife_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o child_n her_o word_n shall_v stand_v when_o the_o child_n shall_v not_o stand_v yea_o but_o the_o husband_n word_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n than_o the_o wife_n for_o his_o shall_v stand_v when_o she_o shall_v not_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o husband_n word_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o child_n four_o that_o which_o speak_v true_a always_o must_v needs_o reas_n 4_o be_v of_o great_a credit_n then_o that_o which_o do_v speak_v true_a but_o sometime_o but_o the_o scripture_n speak_v always_o true_a in_o every_o tittle_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v speak_v in_o every_o sentence_n of_o it_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n 2_o timoth._n 3.16_o but_o the_o church_n speak_v sometime_o false_a for_o every_o man_n be_v a_o liar_n rom._n 3.4_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o 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be_v believe_v beside_o the_o word_n gal._n 1.8_o reas_n 6_o last_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v answerable_a to_o this_o both_o of_o teacher_n and_o learner_n the_o teacher_n they_o have_v refer_v the_o people_n still_o for_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o scripture_n esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o light_a in_o they_o act_v 10.43_o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n say_v peter_n to_o cornelius_n refer_v the_o truth_n he_o teach_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o learner_n act_n 17.11_o 12._o the_o man_n of_o berea_n seach_v the_o scripture_n to_o try_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o paul_n have_v teach_v they_o and_o yet_o paul_n be_v a_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o his_o doctrine_n he_o be_v special_o guide_v by_o the_o 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high_a their_o reach_n therein_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o love_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v exalt_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v repute_v the_o only_a true_a save_a faith_n because_o their_o church_n teach_v it_o so_o that_o god_n and_o his_o word_n must_v go_v down_o that_o they_o may_v be_v lift_v up_o but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o scripture_n yet_o except_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v it_o help_v not_o their_o cause_n church_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v and_o hear_v what_o monstrous_a and_o blasphemous_a speech_n and_o position_n many_o of_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o this_o purpose_n as_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n than_o esop_n fable_n oh_o horrible_a blasphemy_n there_o be_v some_o other_o of_o a_o better_a kind_n that_o be_v more_o modest_a that_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o time_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v alter_v as_o the_o time_n alter_v other_o there_o be_v that_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n as_o true_a without_o the_o allegation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o reject_v or_o allow_v scripture_n and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o by_o the_o church_n they_o mean_v their_o romish_a church_n and_o by_o that_o the_o pope_n harken_v how_o blasphemous_o they_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v dispense_v against_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o canon_n babylon_n and_o against_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v that_o whore_n of_o babylon_n a_o impudent_a and_o shameless_a strumpet_n that_o set_v such_o a_o brazen_a face_n and_o belch_v out_o such_o whorish_a filthy_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n the_o very_a name_n of_o these_o position_n be_v refutation_n enough_o for_o they_o in_o any_o christian_n judgement_n answer_v to_o come_v to_o their_o best_a position_n in_o this_o controversy_n position_n 1_o first_o the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n but_o you_o see_v by_o this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n be_v high_a and_o the_o scripture_n be_v high_a the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o the_o high_a judge_n speak_v open_o and_o plain_o in_o in_o the_o word_n and_o secret_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o every_o believer_n 1._o joh._n 2_o 20_o 27._o you_o have_v anoyntment_n from_o that_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o again_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o of_o all_o thing_n object_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o be_v not_o man_n send_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o inquire_v at_o their_o mouhe_n mal._n 2.7_o and_o be_v not_o the_o priest_n the_o high_a judge_n then_o answ_n i_o answer_v what_o be_v we_o to_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n for_o for_o the_o law_n not_o for_o their_o own_o judgement_n whereto_o if_o they_o speak_v we_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o yet_o not_o because_o it_o be_v their_o say_n but_o god_n law_n but_o haply_o they_o can_v deliver_v no_o other_o but_o god_n law_n that_o be_v flat_o contradict_v verse_n 8._o where_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o they_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v cause_v many_o to_o fall_v by_o the_o law_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v the_o judge_n as_o we_o may_v see_v deut._n 17.8_o 12._o but_o he_o be_v to_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o law_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o verse_n 11._o so_o that_o except_o they_o will_v arrogate_v more_o to_o themselves_o than_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v under_o the_o law_n they_o can_v be_v judge_n nor_o judge_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o position_n of_o they_o be_v this_o position_n 2_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v we_o must_v take_v it_o as_o a_o law_n and_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n say_v according_a the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v obey_v it_o not_o otherwise_o obey_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v as_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n that_o be_v as_o they_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 23_o 2_o 3._o but_o if_o they_o transgress_v and_o bring_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n and_o their_o own_o tradition_n
as_o sometime_o they_o do_v then_o be_v their_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o to_o be_v reject_v mark_v 7_o 7_o 8._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o obey_v so_o long_o as_o they_o go_v according_a to_o god_n word_n but_o when_o they_o swerve_v from_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v believe_v esa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o except_o they_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v but_o dark_a and_o blind_a guide_n no_o light_n in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a matth._n 18.17_o be_v direct_o understand_v of_o church_n censure_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o simple_o authentical_a in_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v proceed_v in_o christ_n name_n ver._n 20._o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o order_n else_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o john_n 9.34_o their_o last_o position_n be_v this_o position_n 3_o which_o be_v direct_o against_o this_o observation_n namely_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n answer_v in_o which_o gross_a assertion_n they_o first_o it_o dishonour_n god_n exceed_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v before_o god_n at_o least_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v believe_v but_o because_o of_o man_n beside_o whence_o have_v the_o scripture_n its_o authority_n in_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o from_o god_n or_o man_n sure_o from_o god_n he_o be_v the_o author_n himself_o of_o scripture_n 2._o timothy_n 3.16_o every_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n than_o it_o must_v have_v its_o authority_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o again_o who_o give_v we_o faith_n the_o church_n no_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n john_n 6.29_o therefore_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v scripture_n or_o any_o book_n of_o it_o to_o be_v scripture_n it_o be_v whole_o from_o god_n himself_o who_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o well_o ob_fw-la say_v they_o it_o be_v of_o god_n indeed_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v their_o authority_n but_o yet_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o propound_v witness_n thereof_o but_o not_o as_o indue_a it_o with_o authority_n for_o that_o be_v from_o god_n alone_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o give_v any_o part_n of_o it_o to_o any_o other_o second_o as_o it_o dishonour_v god_n so_o it_o disgrace_v the_o scripture_n make_v they_o inferior_a to_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subiect_v they_o to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o man_n whereas_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o discern_a and_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o direction_n from_o scripture_n ob._n but_o they_o except_v and_o say_v it_o be_v no_o disgrace_n to_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o advance_a no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o christ_n that_o his_o apostle_n give_v witness_v to_o he_o answer_v i_o answer_v yes_o for_o they_o make_v the_o church_n above_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o apostle_n be_v witness_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o underling_n and_o disciple_n they_o reply_v reply_n but_o the_o protestant_n do_v magnify_v every_o one_o himself_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v the_o church_n answer_n i_o answer_v no_o for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o we_o go_v by_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n go_v by_o that_o rule_n we_o will_v follow_v she_o as_o soon_o yea_o soon_o than_o any_o particular_a man_n three_o this_o weaken_v and_o indeed_o overthrow_v religion_n set_v it_o upon_o man_n a_o ground_n weakeand_a insufficient_a whereas_o religion_n must_v stand_v upon_o divine_a authority_n else_o it_o be_v not_o sound_a four_o it_o spoil_v the_o faithful_a of_o their_o sure_a comfort_n which_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o not_o man_n five_o it_o bereave_v the_o church_n of_o her_o main_a hold_n and_o defence_n against_o the_o adversary_n for_o while_o she_o say_v the_o religion_n which_o she_o profess_v be_v true_a because_o she_o say_v so_o herself_o she_o lay_v herself_o open_a to_o the_o scoff_n &_o insultation_n of_o the_o adversary_n for_o by_o that_o reason_n every_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o true_a religion_n see_v the_o professor_n thereof_o will_v say_v it_o be_v true_a as_o well_o and_o as_o confident_o as_o the_o church_n whereas_o if_o she_o say_v her_o religion_n be_v true_a because_o god_n say_v so_o in_o his_o word_n and_o so_o prove_v it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n or_o else_o to_o leave_v they_o without_o 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propound_v expound_v pronounce_v teach_v approve_v &_o judge_v according_a to_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o not_o otherwise_o she_o be_v as_o the_o woman_n of_o samariah_n that_o propound_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o man_n of_o the_o city_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o he_o but_o when_o they_o hear_v he_o they_o say_v now_o we_o believe_v not_o for_o thy_o say_n but_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o ourselves_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o that_o christ_n john_n 4.42_o so_o the_o church_n propound_v and_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o scripture_n but_o when_o we_o look_v into_o it_o and_o hear_v it_o speak_v than_o we_o believe_v but_o you_o will_v say_v scripture_n how_o then_o do_v we_o know_v which_o be_v scripture_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o the_o content_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o of_o god_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o shall_v know_v it_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v know_v by_o his_o own_o light_n so_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v by_o 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to_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n there_o must_v be_v a_o persuasion_n in_o we_o that_o the_o word_n be_v of_o god_n else_o there_o be_v no_o profit_n by_o it_o 1_o thessa_n 2.3.2_o peter_n 1.19_o 20._o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o still_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v verbum_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o so_o much_o shall_v seve_o to_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o four_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n you_o have_v hear_v how_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o person_n and_o thing_n for_o so_o we_o divide_v it_o for_o our_o more_o easy_a proceed_n in_o the_o point_n that_o which_o concern_v person_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n we_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n or_o matter_n of_o substance_n the_o church_n power_n in_o matter_n of_o substance_n be_v either_o in_o matter_n touch_v scripture_n or_o beside_o scripture_n touch_v scripture_n and_o that_o i_o show_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o touch_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o speak_v in_o the_o last_o lecture_n therein_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o long_o in_o handle_v because_o look_v what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o former_a point_n shall_v be_v here_o supply_v touch_v this_o point_n what_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v as_o material_a and_o as_o difficult_a a_o point_n as_o the_o former_a first_o as_o material_a for_o after_o we_o be_v make_v acquaint_v which_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o we_o know_v which_o be_v canonical_a book_n write_v by_o the_o infallible_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o 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maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a catholic_a faith_n the_o heretic_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o heresy_n yea_o among_o and_o true_a believer_n themselves_o one_o interpret_v the_o same_o word_n to_o that_o opinion_n that_o he_o favour_v and_o another_o to_o a_o contrary_n that_o he_o favour_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n the_o church_n be_v here_o thrust_v upon_o we_o as_o the_o only_a or_o chief_a umpyre_n in_o these_o difference_n and_o that_o alone_o to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n which_o she_o pronounce_v and_o sure_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v as_o probable_o and_o plausible_o challenge_v authority_n to_o deliver_v which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n as_o which_o be_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v give_v the_o church_n her_o due_a touch_v the_o former_a acknowledge_v her_o authority_n in_o and_o about_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n but_o not_o over_o or_o above_o it_o and_o so_o god_n willing_a we_o will_v deal_v as_o ingenurous_o in_o this_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o yet_o we_o will_v limit_v and_o bound_v it_o within_o certain_a necessary_a caution_n and_o limitation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o we_o will_v handle_v it_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n the_o observation_n be_v this_o doct._n that_o howsoever_o the_o church_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o expound_v scripture_n yet_o she_o must_v not_o expound_v it_o as_o she_o list_v and_o according_a to_o her_o own_o mind_n but_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o say_v some_o the_o church_n will_v not_o nor_o can_v expound_v they_o ob._n but_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o needless_a observation_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o catholic_a church_n that_o be_v answer_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a can_v do_v otherwise_o but_o particular_a visible_a church_n may_v and_o oft_o time_n have_v expound_v scripture_n to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o according_a to_o god_n mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reason_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o bound_v and_o limit_v we_o will_v proceed_v then_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o observation_n and_o first_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o by_o rule_n and_o second_o by_o example_n the_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a for_o this_o note_n and_o that_o first_o in_o general_n isaiah_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n &_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n whosoever_o be_v the_o speaker_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o speak_v in_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o special_o in_o expound_v scripture_n it_o must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o meaning_n that_o god_n intend_v therein_o and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o peter_n 4.11_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v he_o that_o speak_v speak_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o god_n sense_n as_o in_o general_a all_o must_v thus_o speak_v god_n word_n so_o special_o the_o preacher_n or_o whosoever_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o expound_v god_n word_n he_o must_v speak_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o reverent_o and_o zealous_o as_o become_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o matter_n much_o more_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v it_o as_o he_o be_v then_o in_o god_n stead_n and_o deliver_v his_o message_n else_o he_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n not_o god_n second_o more_o particular_o john_n 5_o 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o do_v not_o bide_v they_o take_v the_o scripture_n and_o read_v they_o and_o give_v what_o sense_n of_o they_o they_o think_v good_a but_o he_o bid_v they_o search_v they_o that_o be_v examine_v they_o and_o consider_v advise_o of_o they_o lay_v they_o right_o together_o &_o weigh_v one_o place_n well_o with_o another_o and_o 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the_o scripture_n and_o plainness_n and_o constancy_n in_o itself_o be_v such_o that_o it_o require_v that_o whosoever_o interpret_v they_o they_o must_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o not_o their_o own_o mind_n so_o much_o of_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_n of_o this_o point_n be_v many_o the_o first_o be_v for_o matter_n of_o reproof_n and_o that_o principal_o of_o the_o papist_n papist_n and_o it_o meet_v with_o they_o two_o way_n first_o it_o reprove_v their_o opinion_n and_o second_o their_o practice_n and_o first_o it_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o opinion_n for_o they_o esteem_v the_o scripture_n but_o a_o dead_a or_o kill_a letter_n and_o the_o write_a word_n but_o bare_a and_o dead_a ink_n it_o be_v the_o church_n say_v they_o that_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o scripture_n give_v it_o sound_a and_o sense_n and_o it_o have_v no_o meaning_n but_o what_o she_o pronounce_v this_o be_v their_o wicked_a opinion_n but_o the_o faithful_a have_v spiritual_a ear_n they_o hear_v god_n himself_o speak_v even_o in_o the_o write_a word_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n sound_v it_o to_o the_o outward_a ear_n but_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o they_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_z voice_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o dead_a letter_n do_v they_o call_v they_o o_o horrible_a blasphemy_n stephen_n call_v they_o lively_a oracle_n act_n 7.38_o and_o the_o angel_n act_v 5.20_o call_v they_o word_n of_o life_n and_o christ_n himself_o say_v john_n 5.39_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o he_o if_o they_o be_v dumb_a as_o they_o say_v they_o be_v than_o they_o give_v but_o a_o slender_a witness_n of_o christ_n but_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o live_a voice_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o he_o say_v john_n 6.63_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v be_v spirit_n and_o life_n i_o say_v not_o that_o this_o life_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n simple_o but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o faithful_a receiver_n that_o be_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n scripture_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o aaron_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n exod._n 4.16_o he_o shall_v be_v thy_o spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n he_o shall_v be_v unto_o thou_o in_o stead_n of_o a_o mouth_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v unto_o he_o in_o stead_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o god_n luke_n 1.70_o as_o he_o speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a prophet_n etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o church_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o far_o she_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o she_o be_v so_o the_o mouth_n of_o scripture_n as_o that_o what_o sense_n soever_o she_o speak_v must_v be_v esteem_v the_o voice_n of_o scripture_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v no_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o dumb_a but_o speak_v itself_o dumb_a rom._n 10.11_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o rom._n 11.2_o wot_v you_o not_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v and_o most_o plain_o rom._n 9.17_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v unto_o pharaoh_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v god_n in_o the_o scripture_n say_v to_o pharaoh_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o dumb_a but_o the_o spiritual_a man_n hear_v god_n speak_v in_o they_o as_o it_o condemn_v their_o opinion_n so_o second_o text._n it_o condemn_v their_o practice_n and_o that_o in_o many_o respect_n and_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o vulgar_a latin_a translation_n for_o they_o impose_v that_o upon_o the_o church_n as_o the_o authentical_a text_n and_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n they_o have_v decree_v that_o none_o may_v appeal_v from_o it_o under_o any_o pretence_n and_o that_o upon_o pain_n of_o god_n curse_n it_o be_v true_a that_o translation_n be_v scripture_n so_o far_o as_o they_o go_v with_o the_o original_a text_n but_o that_o any_o translation_n be_v to_o be_v equal_v much_o less_o prefer_v to_o the_o original_a text_n wherein_o both_o the_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god_n own_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o any_o indifferent_a man_n judgement_n not_o blind_v and_o besot_v with_o mist_n of_o prejudice_n and_o error_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n because_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o stand_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o god_n own_o text_n but_o they_o will_v only_o stand_v to_o their_o own_o translation_n refuse_v the_o other_o church_n the_o second_o practice_n of_o they_o here_o reprove_v be_v that_o all_o their_o expositor_n be_v slave_n and_o vassal_n to_o their_o church_n for_o in_o all_o their_o interpretation_n either_o they_o must_v concur_v to_o award_v with_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o church_n have_v already_o give_v or_o if_o they_o differ_v they_o must_v veil_v bonnet_n and_o say_v with_o submission_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o then_o though_o they_o do_v err_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o damnable_a because_o they_o show_v a_o willingness_n to_o be_v better_o advise_v else_o they_o be_v heretic_n and_o castawaye_n it_o be_v far_o more_o grace_n in_o they_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n with_o entreaty_n of_o pardon_n for_o that_o we_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o full_a sense_n of_o his_o word_n for_o if_o any_o wrong_n be_v do_v therein_o it_o be_v most_o to_o he_o who_o word_n we_o have_v mistake_v and_o also_o we_o must_v pray_v unto_o he_o for_o further_a illumination_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o in_o this_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o good_a servant_n of_o god_n whereas_o in_o the_o other_o they_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n and_o slave_n of_o man_n scripture_n their_o three_o practice_n here_o reprove_v be_v this_o that_o in_o the_o oath_n which_o general_o all_o papist_n receive_v they_o do_v swear_v to_o understand_v scripture_n only_o so_o as_o the_o father_n joint_o do_v expound_v they_o and_o to_o receive_v no_o other_o interpretation_n but_o that_o which_o they_o do_v general_o consent_v in_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o father_n joint_o consent_v and_o all_o agree_n in_o the_o exposition_n of_o a_o scripture_n it_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o move_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o i_o shall_v swear_v to_o it_o but_o i_o ask_v what_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v there_o that_o be_v not_o manifest_a by_o its_o own_o light_n which_o be_v expound_v one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n by_o all_o the_o father_n if_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o itself_o we_o believe_v it_o for_o its_o own_o light_n and_o not_o for_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o itself_o than_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o father_n dissent_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o yea_o but_o say_v they_o if_o most_o agree_v than_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o they_o all_o agree_v but_o what_o if_o the_o most_o dissent_n from_o the_o best_a must_v we_o follow_v the_o most_o to_o do_v evil_a but_o in_o the_o division_n of_o the_o commandment_n they_o follow_v not_o the_o most_o but_o leave_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n and_o follow_v austin_n who_o will_v have_v but_o three_o commandment_n in_o the_o first_o table_n because_o he_o have_v a_o conceit_n of_o a_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o be_v in_o they_o but_o will_v they_o believe_v the_o most_o and_o leave_v the_o best_a this_o be_v against_o god_n commandment_n to_o follow_v the_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a scripture_n but_o thus_o they_o must_v do_v or_o else_o they_o be_v forswear_a see_v what_o dangerous_a plunge_v these_o desperate_a fellow_n put_v themselves_o on_o to_o uphold_v the_o church_n transcendent_a authority_n in_o expound_v of_o scripture●_n but_o second_o what_o if_o they_o do_v all_o general_o concur_v and_o yet_o miss_v in_o the_o right_n expound_v of_o scripture_n some_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a among_o the_o papist_n challenge_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o we_o can_v give_v instance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o dangerous_a heresy_n of_o the_o millenaries_n upon_o that_o place_n reu._n 20.4_o that_o christ_n shall_v reign_v on_o the_o earth_n after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n a_o 1000_o year_n now_o if_o they_o follow_v the_o father_n in_o this_o exposition_n wherein_o they_o general_o err_v they_o must_v forsake_v the_o truth_n if_o they_o
yet_o of_o his_o own_o by_o possession_n and_o feeling_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n must_v have_v judgement_n of_o his_o own_o too_o for_o faith_n without_o judgement_n be_v blind_a presumption_n and_o must_v i_o not_o rest_v on_o my_o faith_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o why_o not_o on_o my_o own_o judgement_n too_o that_o be_v on_o god_n judgement_n which_o he_o have_v endue_v my_o mind_n and_o soul_n withal_o object_n 6_o last_o it_o be_v object_v this_o be_v strange_a say_v they_o we_o hear_v they_o confess_v that_o every_o man_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o much_o enlighten_v yet_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o assure_v himself_o have_v one_o answ_n no_o more_o warrant_n than_o another_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n i_o answer_v so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v full_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o matter_n fundamental_a so_o far_o we_o do_v acquit_v all_o the_o faithful_a from_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n final_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o strangeness_n at_o all_o and_o so_o much_o concern_v this_o point_n the_o five_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o reach_v to_o person_n and_o thing_n for_o so_o we_o divide_v it_o for_o plainness_n sake_n concern_v person_n we_o have_v do_v concern_v thing_n we_o have_v enter_v into_o they_o and_o show_v that_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v power_n be_v either_o matter_n of_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n matter_n of_o substance_n and_o that_o either_o touch_v scripture_n or_o beside_o scripture_n touch_v scripture_n and_o that_o either_o touch_v the_o authority_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o these_o two_o last_o point_n we_o have_v speak_v namely_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n therein_o which_o be_v the_o last_o point_n concern_v matter_n of_o substance_n that_o be_v the_o point_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v to_o matter_n beside_o scripture_n for_o though_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v sufficient_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n either_o express_o or_o at_o least_o by_o sound_a consequence_n and_o deduction_n yet_o because_o some_o have_v fond_o imagine_v and_o confident_o avouch_v that_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n power_n to_o ordain_v they_o and_o because_o some_o church_n have_v usurp_v and_o encroach_v upon_o more_o authority_n in_o this_o case_n then_o ever_o be_v grant_v or_o comit_v to_o they_o from_o god_n therefore_o in_o handle_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n this_o point_n also_o among_o the_o rest_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v speak_v unto_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o concern_v faith_n teach_v we_o what_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v other_o concern_v obedience_n prescribe_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o practice_v in_o each_o of_o these_o the_o church_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n where_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n go_v before_o and_o where_o she_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o according_o but_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o any_o thing_n of_o either_o or_o both_o these_o kind_n there_o the_o church_n must_v be_v silent_a too_o and_o not_o desire_v to_o speak_v we_o will_v deliver_v the_o matter_n plain_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v this_o namely_o doct._n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o decree_n and_o ordain_v any_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n either_o for_o faith_n or_o for_o obedience_n without_o or_o beside_o the_o scripture_n the_o place_n that_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n for_o plainness_n sake_n we_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o head_n first_o sort_n some_o place_n ascribe_v this_o authority_n to_o god_n alone_o the_o second_o sort_n commend_v we_o to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o itself_o the_o three_o sort_n condemn_v all_o add_v to_o scripture_n and_o the_o last_o sort_n condemn_v all_o doctrine_n so_o teach_v the_o first_o that_o ascribe_v this_o authority_n to_o god_n alone_o alone_o they_o be_v these_o james_n 4.12_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o ordain_v matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o give_v law_n law_n i_o say_v of_o the_o high_a kind_n such_o as_o we_o must_v live_v and_o be_v save_v by_o and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o give_v these_o law_n he_o only_o that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v for_o so_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v there_o describe_v which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o lawgiver_n now_o the_o law_n that_o god_n have_v give_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o therein_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o mind_n and_o meaning_n therefore_o beside_o those_o in_o scripture_n no_o other_o law_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v for_o matter_n of_o substance_n in_o religion_n another_o proof_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o have_v matth._n 23.8_o 10._o be_v not_o call_v doctor_n and_o be_v not_o call_v master_n for_o one_o be_v your_o doctor_n and_o master_n and_o who_o be_v that_o but_o christ_n himself_o now_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v our_o doctor_n and_o to_o be_v our_o master_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v therefore_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a doctor_n and_o master_n he_o alone_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o joh._n 1.18_o the_o office_n of_o reveal_v god_n to_o man_n be_v appropriate_v to_o christ_n he_o only_o declare_v he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v there_o employ_v because_o he_o only_o come_v out_o of_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o he_o only_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o father_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o he_o only_o be_v of_o ability_n and_o authority_n to_o declare_v it_o so_o that_o whosoever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o reveal_v any_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n he_o must_v show_v that_o he_o come_v out_o of_o god_n bosom_n else_o he_o neither_o must_v nor_o can_v speak_v in_o this_o business_n that_o christ_n himself_o have_v already_o reveal_v that_o be_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n now_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o this_o rule_n be_v inviolable_o to_o be_v observe_v we_o must_v know_v that_o all_o which_o ever_o have_v to_o deal_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n be_v precise_o tie_v and_o and_o confine_v to_o this_o scantling_n both_o teacher_n and_o hearer_n teacher_n they_o must_v teach_v nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n but_o what_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v first_o teach_v the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o all_o minister_n be_v forbid_v to_o teach_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o christ_n command_v they_o matth._n 20.28_o that_o and_o nothing_o beside_o that_o yea_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christ_n special_a and_o chief_a deputy_n on_o earth_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v of_o christ_n and_o to_o show_v that_o to_o the_o people_n john_n 16.14_o 15._o he_o shall_v receive_v of_o i_o and_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o and_o the_o text_n say_v in_o the_o 14._o verse_n that_o he_o shall_v glorify_v christ_n in_o this_o as_o who_o shall_v say_v if_o he_o teach_v aught_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n and_o disparagement_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n much_o more_o if_o any_o other_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o so_o the_o hearer_n they_o be_v tie_v to_o this_o scantling_n too_o for_o so_o it_o be_v prophesy_v before_o deut._n 18.15_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n unto_o thou_o like_v unto_o i_o from_o among_o you_o even_o of_o your_o brethren_n unto_o he_o you_o shall_v hearken_v and_o this_o prophet_n be_v christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n prove_v act_n 3.17_o and_o this_o be_v after_o confirm_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o christ_n own_o sheep_n that_o they_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n john_n 10.6.27_o and_o his_o only_a and_o not_o a_o stranger_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o scripture_n script_n the_o second_o sort_n that_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v such_o as_o commend_v unto_o we_o the_o
and_o this_o rule_n hold_v as_o well_o for_o the_o church_n now_o as_o then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n there_o must_v also_o be_v the_o same_o power_n so_o the_o point_n be_v plain_a that_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o ordain_v certain_a outward_a rite_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n to_o prove_v this_o point_n be_v these_o first_o some_o reas_n 1_o ceremony_n be_v necessary_a in_o every_o church_n no_o religion_n can_v possible_o be_v carry_v without_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n now_o who_o shall_v ordain_v these_o but_o themselves_o as_o best_o know_v their_o own_o state_n as_o in_o a_o private_a family_n who_o shall_v ordain_v order_n for_o it_o but_o those_o of_o the_o family_n second_o no_o right_n be_v universal_a to_o hold_v every_o reas_n 2_o where_o in_o all_o church_n no_o that_o be_v impossible_a because_o diverse_a church_n be_v of_o diverse_a state_n and_o therefore_o every_o church_n must_v have_v power_n to_o ordain_v ceremony_n for_o themselves_o three_o no_o ceremony_n be_v perpetual_a in_o one_o and_o the_o reas_n 3_o same_o church_n every_o church_n in_o time_n differ_v from_o itself_o by_o the_o change_n of_o occasion_n and_o state_n and_o then_o the_o ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v before_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o now_o and_o therefore_o still_o they_o must_v have_v power_n to_o ordain_v as_o their_o state_n shall_v require_v last_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o ordain_v reas_n 4_o certain_a rite_n the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v inferior_a to_o that_o under_o the_o law_n for_o that_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o this_o kind_n by_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o that_o in_o particular_a but_o the_o church_n now_o be_v not_o so_o provide_v for_o of_o he_o if_o any_o say_v it_o be_v let_v they_o show_v where_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o he_o give_v the_o church_n now_o power_n to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o in_o this_o kind_n the_o use_n be_v these_o first_o this_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o use_v 1_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o church_n be_v ready_a enough_o to_o take_v their_o liberty_n herein_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v bound_v and_o bridle_v that_o they_o go_v not_o too_o far_o either_o for_o multitude_n unprofitablenesse_n superstiton_n or_o the_o like_a the_o limit_n and_o bound_n therefore_o that_o every_o church_n be_v to_o contain_v themselves_o within_o in_o ordain_v ceremony_n 2._o be_v these_o first_o they_o must_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o god_n word_n second_o they_o must_v have_v no_o opinion_n of_o god_n worship_n place_v in_o they_o as_o the_o surplice_n and_o the_o cross_n if_o the_o church_n so_o enjoin_v they_o it_o make_v they_o unlawful_a if_o they_o have_v be_v abuse_v so_o heretofore_o by_o the_o papist_n that_o be_v not_o their_o sin_n now_o take_v away_o the_o abuse_n and_o the_o thing_n may_v still_o be_v impose_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n three_o we_o must_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o do_v all_o to_o god_n glory_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o four_o they_o must_v be_v do_v without_o scandal_n or_o offence_n as_o much_o as_o possible_o may_v be_v the_o church_n must_v be_v wary_a herein_o for_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a yet_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o expedient_a 1_o cor._n 10._o 23_o 32._o five_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 26._o last_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o as_o in_o exod._n 28.40_o aaron_n son_n must_v have_v coat_n and_o girdle_n and_o bonnet_n make_v they_o for_o glory_n and_o beauty_n which_o be_v the_o end_n that_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n do_v aim_v at_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v our_o end_n also_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o thus_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o ordain_v ceremony_n 2._o the_o last_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o if_o we_o live_v in_o a_o church_n where_o such_o thing_n be_v ordain_v that_o be_v not_o simple_o unlawful_a we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o resist_v not_o this_o power_n or_o the_o thing_n thereby_o ordain_v bridle_v thyself_o from_o dislike_n special_o from_o refusal_n yet_o yield_v with_o some_o persuasion_n of_o conscience_n take_v such_o a_o course_n whereby_o thou_o may_v obey_v the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o offend_v the_o weak_a herein_o be_v wisdom_n yet_o rather_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n though_o with_o offence_n for_o here_o disobedience_n be_v the_o great_a sin_n and_o so_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o offend_v the_o weak_a and_o indeed_o in_o this_o case_n i_o give_v none_o offence_n because_o my_o hand_n be_v bind_v and_o i_o have_v no_o liberty_n to_o do_v otherwise_o but_o what_o if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n what_o be_v then_o to_o be_v do_v must_v he_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n no_o first_o they_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v second_o they_o must_v resolve_v to_o bear_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n rather_o than_o to_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n three_o suffer_v thyself_o to_o be_v overbear_v in_o thing_n indifferent_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n till_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o simple_o unlawful_a or_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a scandal_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o then_o in_o disobey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o disobey_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n except_o i_o know_v that_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a now_o in_o these_o indifferent_a thing_n i_o do_v but_o fear_v i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o god_n command_v the_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o my_o conscience_n be_v doubtful_a of_o now_o shall_v i_o run_v into_o a_o know_a sin_n because_o i_o will_v avoid_v a_o sin_n only_o fear_v so_o much_o shall_v serve_v for_o this_o point_n and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v the_o eyghth_n point_n concern_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o six_o and_o twenty_o lecture_n of_o the_o church_n you_o may_v remember_v that_o 9_o point_n be_v propound_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o whereof_o we_o have_v already_o handle_v 8._o of_o they_o and_o now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nine_o and_o that_o be_v the_o application_n of_o all_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o christendom_n that_o i_o knnow_v of_o those_o congreagtion_n that_o profess_v not_o christianity_n we_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o pagan_n that_o profess_v heathenish_a religion_n no_o christian_n the_o jew_n that_o profess_v the_o law_n and_o not_o the_o gospel_n the_o turk_n that_o profess_v that_o abominable_a idol_n mahomet_n and_o not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n these_o we_o have_v here_o nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o be_v utter_o exclude_v from_o the_o outward_a name_n of_o a_o church_n as_o be_v assembly_n quite_o of_o another_o kind_n they_o have_v no_o christ_n not_o somuch_o as_o in_o outward_a profession_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a assembly_n that_o be_v those_o that_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v that_o we_o be_v here_o to_o speak_v of_o you_o shall_v understand_v that_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o church_n whereof_o i_o have_v speak_v have_v be_v so_o plain_o and_o full_o deliver_v that_o if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v it_o will_v easy_o apply_v itself_o to_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o those_o that_o be_v religious_a &_o judicious_a but_o yet_o because_o diverse_a christian_a church_n be_v of_o diverse_a condition_n differ_v one_o from_o another_o as_o well_o in_o time_n as_o in_o place_n and_o because_o the_o chief_a reach_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n both_o in_o teacher_n &_o hearer_n be_v this_o to_o see_v how_o we_o may_v justify_v our_o stand_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o this_o church_n of_o england_n therefore_o for_o your_o better_a direction_n both_o to_o help_v your_o judgement_n concern_v other_o church_n and_o to_o settle_v your_o resolution_n church_n touch_v the_o goodness_n and_o soundness_n of_o this_o church_n that_o we_o live_v in_o i_o will_v endeavour_v god_n will_v to_o make_v application_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v as_o to_o all_o church_n in_o general_a so_o more_o particular_o to_o this_o church_n of_o we_o the_o general_a division_n of_o all_o church_n that_o either_o be_v or_o have_v be_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v twofold_a first_o according_a to_o their_o situation_n and_o so_o some_o be_v eastern_a and_o the_o