be_v the_o sure_a pillar_n of_o our_o commonwealth_n but_o woe_n to_o and_o will_v be_v to_o that_o commonwealth_n that_o be_v build_v on_o such_o pillar_n and_o if_o scotland_n or_o any_o party_n in_o it_o join_v with_o they_o on_o these_o term_n our_o woe_n be_v but_o come_v he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n chief_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o service_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o second_o command_n the_o three_o use_n be_v if_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o put_v power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o punish_v error_n it_o shall_v make_v you_o scar_n at_o error_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o we_o see_v error_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n hate_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o magistrate_n to_o punish_v and_o so_o a_o sin_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v punish_v if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v neglect_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o think_v if_o they_o can_v live_v a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n what_o be_v their_o opinion_n but_o the_o lord_n judge_n not_o so_o for_o as_o he_o will_v have_v other_o sin_n punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n so_o he_o will_v have_v these_o punish_v also_o and_o such_o as_o he_o usual_o punish_v himself_o by_o fearful_a plague_n when_o the_o magistrate_n neglect_v his_o duty_n in_o punish_v other_o sin_n so_o do_v he_o in_o those_o we_o may_v speak_v much_o from_o history_n of_o fearful_a judgement_n send_v immediate_o by_o god_n upon_o heretic_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o close_o sect_n iii_o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n head_n i._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n be_v not_o of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v this_o also_o in_o some_o other_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o time_n we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o these_o error_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o because_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n for_o if_o once_o the_o government_n be_v brangle_v or_o shake_v the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n come_v in_o easy_o and_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n main_a design_n have_v be_v against_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o blast_v and_o storm_v this_o wall_n on_o all_o hand_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o be_v to_o make_v out_o these_o four_o point_n first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o government_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n second_o we_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o govern_v his_o house_n by_o inflict_v of_o church_n censure_n enact_v of_o church_n canon_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o act_v by_o derive_v power_n from_o the_o magistrate_n and_o appeal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n three_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o private_a christian_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o authority_n and_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o particular_a eldership_n independent_o from_o other_o judicatories_n above_o they_o but_o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o superior_a judicatories_n in_o which_o proposition_n we_o will_v meet_v with_o these_o error_n that_o be_v most_o dangerous_o opposite_a to_o church_n government_n at_o this_o time_n the_o first_o two_o proposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastians_n and_o the_o last_o two_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independent_o as_o they_o be_v common_o design_v first_o we_o shall_v engage_v with_o erastianism_n and_o our_o scope_n in_o this_o shall_v be_v as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n this_o doctrine_n or_o error_n have_v its_o name_n from_o the_o prime_a author_n of_o it_o call_v erastus_n a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n who_o upon_o some_o discontent_n do_v first_o vent_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o minister_n shall_v only_o meddle_v with_o preach_v but_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o meet_v in_o church_n judicatories_n session_n presbytery_n or_o such_o like_a nor_o shall_v they_o punish_v scandalous_a sin_n with_o church_n censure_n such_o as_o suspension_n or_o excommunication_n but_o that_o all_o power_n whatsoever_o in_o a_o nation_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o doctrine_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v vent_v do_v get_v and_o do_v yet_o get_v many_o follower_n chief_o among_o state_n divine_n and_o christian_n that_o know_v more_o of_o worldly_a policy_n than_o christian_a simplicity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n if_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o be_v like_a to_o swallow_v up_o all_o other_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n so_o plausible_a and_o please_a it_o be_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n who_o can_v well_o endure_v to_o have_v christ_n reign_v beside_o they_o psalm_n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o both_o sectary_n and_o malignant_n do_v aggree_v in_o this_o error_n to_o take_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n out_o of_o the_o church_n hand_n be_v the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o church_n censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v a_o eye_n sore_a to_o both_o of_o they_o but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o point_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o this_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o refute_v the_o first_o be_v most_o gross_a whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n in_o a_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o this_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n whether_o to_o erect_v any_o government_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n or_o not_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o erect_v one_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v that_o government_n which_o suit_v best_a the_o well-being_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v establish_v episcopacy_n this_o year_n the_o next_o year_n he_o may_v establish_v presbytry_n and_o the_o three_o year_n he_o may_v cast_v both_o and_o establish_v independency_n and_o if_o he_o like_v he_o may_v find_v out_o a_o government_n different_a from_o any_o of_o these_o and_o establish_v it_o the_o second_o erastian_n error_n be_v this_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v whatever_o government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o ground_v in_o scripture_n or_o not_o that_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a fountain_n of_o church_n government_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o first_o error_n we_o lie_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o god_n will_v we_o shall_v make_v good_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v establish_v a_o particular_a form_n of_o church_n government_n in_o his_o word_n which_o to_o alter_v be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o state_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v set_v down_o a_o way_n for_o punish_v scandal_n for_o inflict_a church_n censure_n enact_v church_n canon_n and_o have_v not_o leave_v this_o in_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o king_n or_o parliament_n to_o set_v down_o any_o government_n they_o please_v in_o prosecute_a which_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v that_o method_n we_o keep_v in_o refute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o toleration_n we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v answer_v these_o argument_n the_o adversary_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v apply_v all_o to_o use._n i._o and_o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v their_o two_o assertion_n first_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o church_n government_n be_v set_v down_o express_o in_o the_o word_n but_o only_o first_o that_o all_o the_o
his_o depute_n so_o that_o they_o be_v to_o act_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o commission_n from_o he_o and_o meddle_v only_o with_o these_o thing_n that_o he_o give_v they_o warrant_n for_o and_o so_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o as_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o appeal_n to_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n in_o all_o church_n matter_n we_o contrary_a to_o all_o these_o shall_v make_v out_o this_o follow_a assertion_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o a_o magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n either_o to_o preach_v or_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n nor_o yet_o to_o make_v church_n law_n or_o inflict_v church_n censure_n either_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o as_o his_o depute_n but_o all_o this_o power_n do_v belong_v whole_o to_o church_n officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n which_o power_n they_o be_v to_o execute_v without_o dependency_n on_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o appeal_n to_o his_o court_n neither_o have_v he_o power_n to_o rescind_v the_o sentence_n pronounce_v by_o they_o in_o follow_v out_o of_o this_o point_n we_o shall_v go_v on_o as_o in_o the_o former_a we_o shall_v first_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o we_o shall_v bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o we_o shall_v bring_v their_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o refute_v they_o four_o we_o shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use_n 1._o first_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n take_v this_o assertion_n that_o however_o we_o do_v not_o give_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n of_o church_n discipline_n or_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n yet_o we_o give_v he_o much_o power_n about_o church_n matter_n our_o divine_n follow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n a_o threefold_a power_n about_o church_n matter_n 1._o a_o defensive_a protect_a power_n 2_o a_o roll_a power_n and_o 3._o a_o punish_a power_n first_o they_o give_v he_o a_o defend_v power_n and_o that_o be_v ground_v on_o that_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o church_n in_o isa._n 49._o 23._o and_o king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o power_n the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v to_o do_v three_o thing_n 1._o by_o his_o power_n he_o be_v to_o encourage_v countenance_n and_o advance_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o example_n the_o public_a exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o so_o defend_v the_o church_n in_o her_o liberty_n that_o be_v give_v to_o she_o by_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o godly_a king_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o do_v asa_n 2_o chron._n 15._o to_o verse_n â—8_o and_o jehoshaphat_n 2_o chron._n 1._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o other_o godly_a king_n they_o encourage_v other_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n they_o countenance_v they_o and_o by_o their_o authority_n and_o example_n allure_v other_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n which_o i_o ower_n christian_n magistrate_n have_v yet_o 2._o by_o this_o power_n they_o be_v to_o provide_v the_o church_n with_o all_o external_a necessary_n as_o public_a convenient_a place_n of_o meeting_n for_o god_n worship_n and_o public_a mantainance_n for_o the_o church_n officer_n &c_n &c_n this_o we_o see_v be_v hezekiah_n practice_n 2_o chron._n 31._o 4._o moreover_o he_o command_v the_o people_n that_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n to_o give_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o levite_n that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v joâ—â—ah's_n practice_n 2_o chron._n 34._o he_o repair_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o public_a place_n of_o god_n worship_n 3._o by_o this_o defend_n power_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n he_o be_v to_o remove_v all_o outward_a impediment_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n worship_n such_o as_o profanity_n idolatry_n heresy_n and_o blaspemy_n as_o we_o do_v prove_v at_o length_n in_o the_o former_a controversy_n second_o we_o give_v to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n a_o rule_v power_n about_o church_n matter_n by_o this_o power_n 1_o he_o may_v convocate_v church_n judicatories_n command_v they_o to_o meet_v and_o to_o enact_v canon_n and_o to_o make_v rule_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n although_o he_o can_v make_v church_n law_n himself_o so_o pious_a magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v call_v synod_n as_o david_n 1_o chron._n 23_o 2._o and_o he_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n with_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n 2._o by_o this_o power_n the_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v to_o confirm_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n judicatories_n and_o to_o give_v the_o force_n of_o a_o civil_a law_n only_o herein_o we_o differ_v from_o the_o papist_n they_o say_v the_o magistrate_n shall_v do_v this_o blind_o he_o be_v only_o say_v they_o the_o church_n echo_n to_o â—ay_n amen_o to_o what_o they_o conclude_v but_o we_o say_v the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o do_v this_o blind_o we_o allow_v to_o he_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o try_v whether_o what_o they_o conclude_v be_v right_a or_o not_o and_o according_o he_o be_v to_o add_v his_o authority_n or_o not_o and_o yet_o this_o make_v he_o not_o a_o judge_n in_o church_n matter_n but_o only_o a_o judge_n of_o his_o own_o action_n 3._o by_o this_o power_n the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o take_v inspection_n of_o the_o carriage_n of_o church_n judicatories_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v right_o manage_v by_o they_o so_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v conclude_v a_o point_n of_o injustice_n though_o he_o may_v not_o rescind_v their_o act_n himself_o yet_o he_o may_v command_v they_o to_o resume_v the_o the_o matter_n take_v it_o to_o their_o second_o thought_n give_v reason_n to_o the_o contrair_a exhort_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n from_o time_n to_o time_n until_o the_o matter_n be_v right_o conclude_v only_o it_o be_v still_o the_o church_n judicatory_a that_o must_v rescind_v their_o own_o act._n by_o this_o roll_a power_n the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v much_o when_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_a he_o may_v reform_v it_o that_o be_v when_o church_n judicatories_n be_v all_o wrong_n that_o they_o will_v do_v nothing_o for_o his_o upstirring_a in_o this_o case_n the_o magistrate_n may_v lay_v the_o church_n judicatory_a aside_o and_o do_v that_o himself_o which_o they_o shall_v do_v his_o power_n in_o this_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a he_o may_v reform_v by_o his_o own_o power_n as_o godly_a josiah_n do_v 2_o king_n 23._o and_o as_o asa_n and_o jehoshaphat_n at_o such_o a_o time_n magistrate_n may_v do_v much_o this_o way_n but_o extraordinary_a case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v ordinary_a rule_n three_o we_o give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n a_o coactive_a punish_a power_n about_o church-matter_n and_o by_o this_o power_n we_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o person_n of_o churchman_n and_o their_o good_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o thing_n civil_a according_a to_o that_o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n contrary_a to_o what_o the_o papist_n teach_v so_o that_o if_o a_o churchman_n shall_v commit_v a_o civil_a crime_n the_o magistrate_n by_o his_o own_o power_n may_v punish_v he_o as_o solomon_n do_v abiathar_n 2._o by_o this_o coactive_a punish_a power_n he_o may_v see_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o divine_a and_o church_n law_n and_o punish_v those_o that_o be_v contemner_n of_o they_o by_o civil_a punishment_n there_o be_v several_a example_n of_o this_o as_o that_o of_o josiah_n he_o make_v all_o the_o people_n stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n now_o by_o all_o that_o be_v say_v you_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o we_o give_v to_o caesar_n that_o which_o be_v caesar_n although_o we_o give_v he_o not_o what_o be_v god_n we_o give_v he_o much_o power_n about_o the_o church_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n we_o shall_v clear_v this_o by_o a_o simile_n how_o the_o magistrate_n may_v have_v much_o power_n about_o church-matter_n although_o not_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n you_o know_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o church_n session_n have_v much_o power_n about_o matter_n belong_v to_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n so_o as_o to_o censure_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o unnatural_a carriage_n towards_o each_o other_o and_o to_o see_v every_o one_o do_v duty_n to_o another_o and_o yet_o neither_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n nor_o church_n session_n have_v marital_a or_o husbandly_a power_n over_o the_o wife_n or_o parental_a power_n over_o the_o child_n so_o as_o they_o may_v challenge_v the_o same_o duty_n from_o they_o to_o be_v do_v to_o themselves_o which_o the_o wife_n owe_v to_o her_o husband_n or_o the_o child_n to_o the_o parent_n the_o husband_n and_o parent_n only_o have_v that_o power_n so_o it_o be_v here_o
transfer_v it_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o they_o can_v do_v our_o five_o argument_n be_v to_o obviate_v that_o which_o they_o say_v that_o minister_n be_v but_o the_o magistrate_n depute_v from_o which_o we_o argue_v thus_o if_o church_n officer_n in_o inflict_a censure_n be_v the_o magistrate_n depute_n than_o whatever_o the_o church_n judicatory_a do_v the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v it_o also_o for_o none_o can_v delegate_v more_o right_a to_o there_o than_o what_o he_o have_v himself_o and_o so_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v ordain_v mistress_n himself_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n he_o may_v excommunicate_v and_o if_o he_o may_v do_v this_o by_o consequence_n he_o may_v also_o preach_v administrate_n the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o what_o right_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o the_o one_o which_o may_v not_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o other_o and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o the_o magistrate_n may_v do_v all_o our_o last_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n which_o the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o betwixt_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a power_n scripture_n condemn_v churchmen_n usurp_a the_o civil_a power_n and_o statesman_n usurp_a the_o church_n power_n church_n man_n be_v forbid_v to_o judge_v or_o meddle_v with_o civil_a thing_n by_o christ_n himself_o luk_n 12._o 13_o 14._o 22_o 25._o and_o so_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v not_o meddle_v with_o church_n power_n either_o there_o be_v two_o king_n we_o read_v of_o to_o be_v heavy_o punish_v for_o their_o transgression_n in_o this_o kind_n saul_n for_o offer_v a_o burnt-offering_a 1_o sam_n 13._o 13._o and_o vzziah_n for_o burn_a incense_n 2_o chorn._n 26._o 19_o he_o will_v go_v in_o and_o burn_v incense_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n smite_v he_o with_o leprosy_n and_o sure_o reason_n will_v say_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o church_n officer_n to_o exercise_n the_o civil_a government_n than_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n for_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o take_v to_o himself_o the_o only_a supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o engross_v it_o whole_o to_o himself_o iii_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n we_o promise_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_v of_o the_o opposite_n argument_n the_o first_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o this_o truth_n be_v that_o godly_a magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o therefore_o so_o shall_v christian_n magistrate_n have_v it_o under_o the_o new_a we_o answer_v that_o their_o argument_n prove_v nothing_o except_o they_o also_o prove_v that_o what_o power_n of_o church_n government_n magistrate_n have_v then_o they_o have_v it_o as_o magistrate_n for_o we_o grant_v indeed_o what_o do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n as_o magistrate_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n under_o the_o new_a but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v grant_v that_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o magistrate_n then_o under_o other_o respect_n do_v belong_v to_o magistrate_n yet_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o magistrate_n extraordinary_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o moses_n give_v out_o law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o order_v the_o church_n but_o we_o find_v in_o deut_n 18._o 15._o moses_n be_v a_o great_a prophet_n and_o a_o type_n of_o christ._n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o a_o prophet_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o unto_o he_o you_o shall_v hearken_v so_o david_n appoint_v the_o office_n of_o the_o levite_n that_o divide_v their_o course_n but_o david_n be_v a_o prophet_n 2._o chron_n 8_o 14._o and_o he_o appoint_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o david_n his_o father_n the_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o their_o service_n thus_o in_o another_o place_n it_o be_v show_v how_o david_n do_v this_o at_o the_o direction_n of_o other_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 29._o 25._o and_o he_o set_v the_o levite_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o cymbal_n with_o psalter_n and_o with_o harp_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o david_n and_o of_o gad_n the_o king_n seer_n and_o nathan_n the_o prophet_n for_o so_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n and_o so_o from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a practice_n they_o can_v no_o more_o infer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n now_o in_o church_n matter_n than_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o power_n of_o churchman_n in_o civil-matter_n from_o the_o example_n of_o churchman_n under_o the_o old-testament_n for_o churchman_n do_v meddle_v with_o civil-matter_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n as_o eli_n the_o priest_n he_o govern_v the_o state_n and_o samuel_n in_o cut_v agag_n in_o piece_n elisha_n in_o anoint_v jehu_n to_o be_v king_n and_o jehoâ—ada_n the_o priest_n in_o cause_v kill_v attaliah_n the_o usurper_n and_o make_v joash_n king_n all_o which_o we_o grant_v be_v extraordinary_a act_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n for_o churchman_n to_o have_v such_o power_n in_o civil_a thing_n now_o and_o so_o must_v they_o grant_v concern_v these_o extraordinary_a practice_n of_o civil_a judge_n in_o meddle_v sometime_o with_o church_n matter_n the_o second_o argument_n they_o use_v be_v this_o if_o so_o be_v that_o magistrate_n be_v set_v over_o church_n officer_n to_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o it_o will_v make_v they_o afraid_a to_o go_v beyond_o their_o duty_n but_o if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o abuse_n of_o discipline_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v first_o minister_n be_v man_n indeed_o and_o as_o other_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o abuse_v their_o power_n but_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o abuse_v power_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o take_v power_n from_o they_o than_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o for_o what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o abuse_v their_o power_n and_o so_o all_o must_v be_v leave_v in_o confusion_n we_o give_v a_o second_o answer_n that_o the_o same_o argument_n may_v be_v use_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o danger_n be_v as_o great_a and_o yet_o the_o erasitans_fw-la the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o at_o least_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o magistrate_n for_o prevent_v of_o this_o abuse_n may_v step_v into_o the_o pulpit_n himself_o and_o preach_v better_o and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n better_o there_o be_v another_o way_n to_o curb_v that_o abuse_n and_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n there_o be_v danger_n indeed_o of_o abuse_v that_o power_n but_o we_o say_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o for_o that_o the_o magistrate_n may_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n himself_o there_o be_v other_o mean_v leave_v to_o prevent_v this_o danger_n which_o shall_v be_v our_o three_o answer_n wherein_o we_o shall_v show_v some_o of_o these_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church-officer_n first_o there_o be_v some_o remedy_n in_o the_o church_n power_n itself_o to_o wit_n the_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n so_o that_o although_o a_o congregational_a eldership_n shall_v wrest_v justice_n yet_o there_o be_v above_o they_o presbytery_n and_o above_o they_o synod_n and_o above_o they_o general_n assembly_n now_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n will_v hardly_o get_v through_o all_o those_o before_o it_o be_v brand_v with_o some_o deserve_a mark_n but_o second_o though_o all_o church_n officer_n shall_v connive_v one_o at_o another_o and_o so_o the_o fault_n of_o minister_n go_v through_o unpunished_a yet_o there_o be_v some_o remedy_n leave_v even_o in_o the_o civil_a power_n for_o although_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a he_o may_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n judicatory_a under_o pretence_n of_o right_v their_o abuse_n no_o more_o than_o he_o may_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o preach_v for_o prevent_v their_o abuse_n of_o preach_v yet_o he_o may_v do_v several_a thing_n 1._o if_o church_n officer_n commit_v a_o civil_a crime_n he_o may_v curb_v they_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n 2._o if_o church_n judicatory_n meddle_v to_o judge_v in_o civil_a thing_n which_o concern_v a_o man_n life_n or_o estate_n the_o magistrate_n may_v make_v null_a what_o they_o conclude_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o abuse_v of_o power_n for_o therein_o they_o meddle_v with_o what_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o 3._o grant_v the_o matter_n be_v mere_o ecclesiastic_a wherein_o they_o abuse_v their_o power_n yet_o the_o
ground_v yourself_o in_o this_o truth_n it_o may_v cost_v you_o much_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v stand_v you_o never_o so_o much_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o avow_n christ_n himself_o suffer_v on_o this_o account_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n have_v think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o be_o i_o sai_z master_z welsh_z that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o glad_a thing_n but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sufferer_n for_o his_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n to_o wittness_v that_o good_a confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o his_o church_n be_v a_o most_o free_a kingdom_n yea_o as_o free_a as_o any_o kingdom_n under_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v free_a in_o her_o government_n from_o all_o other_o jurisdiction_n on_o earth_n except_o only_a christ_n we_o be_v wait_v say_v he_o with_o joyfulness_n to_o leave_v the_o last_o testimony_n of_o our_o blood_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n if_o it_o will_v please_v our_o god_n to_o be_v so_o favourable_a as_o to_o honour_v we_o with_o that_o dignity_n thus_o he._n and_o who_o know_v how_o soon_o he_o may_v honour_v some_o of_o we_o with_o that_o dignity_n a_o dignity_n indeed_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o royal_a crown_n and_o diadem_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sect_n iu._n a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church-member_n the_o day_n bypass_a we_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n and_o show_v you_o that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n we_o be_v now_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n to_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n you_o remember_v when_o we_o enter_v on_o these_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n we_o show_v you_o there_o be_v four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o first_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n a_o way_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n king_n or_o parliament_n to_o establish_v what_o way_n of_o government_n they_o please_v the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n establish_v in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o be_v execute_v by_o he_o their_o two_o point_n we_o have_v make_v good_a in_o our_o former_a disput_n against_o erastianism_n the_o three_o point_n of_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v his_o church_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n to_o the_o community_n of_o church_n member_n but_o have_v establish_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n the_o four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o give_v particular_a eldership_n and_o church_n session_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o hand_n so_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n but_o that_o they_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o superior_a church_n judicatory_n such_o as_o presbytry_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n these_o two_o last_o point_n we_o be_v to_o make_v out_o in_o refute_v this_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n this_o error_n of_o independency_n above_o all_o other_o we_o may_v call_v a_o fountain_n error_n it_o be_v the_o sluice_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n be_v make_v to_o all_o other_o error_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o this_o be_v the_o error_n whereby_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v from_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n these_o year_n by_o past_a have_v be_v first_o hook_v they_o first_o turn_v independent_o yet_o rest_v not_o long_o there_o but_o proceed_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_o our_o scope_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a point_n to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o main_a head_n of_o this_o error_n of_o independency_n opposite_a to_o the_o two_o last_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o the_o first_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o be_v not_o minister_n or_o elder_n to_o the_o community_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o second_o head_n of_o their_o error_n be_v this_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v entrust_v particular_a congregation_n eldership_n or_o church_n session_n with_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o judicatory_a above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o their_o error_n which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v against_o at_o this_o time_n therein_o they_o have_v different_a opinion_n among_o themselves_o some_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n the_o community_n of_o believer_n without_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n yea_o a_o power_n over_o they_o to_o ordain_v they_o censure_n depose_v they_o and_o inflict_v all_o other_o church_n censure_n other_o give_v they_o this_o power_n conjunct_o with_o the_o church_n officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n second_o some_o give_v only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v to_o the_o church_n member_n but_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n they_o allow_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o the_o people_n depute_n to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n other_o give_v the_o people_n not_o only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o also_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n so_o that_o the_o people_n may_v sit_v down_o in_o church_n judicatory_n themselves_o enact_v church_n canon_n inflict_v church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n three_o some_o give_v they_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n only_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o the_o excercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n and_o inflict_v church_n censure_n but_o not_o to_o preach_v other_o give_v they_o a_o full_a exercise_n of_o authority_n to_o do_v all_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o these_o lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o solid_a reason_n to_o wit_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n or_o to_o private_a christian_n either_o the_o power_n or_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n neither_o in_o whole_a nor_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n i_o prosecute_a this_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v forth_o the_o former_a method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o three_o we_o shall_v propone_v and_o answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use_n i._o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n thâ—a_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v several_a distinction_n will_v be_v give_v first_o there_o be_v difference_n betwixt_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n and_o christian_a privilege_n we_o do_v grant_v several_a christian_a privilege_n to_o private_a christian_n but_o these_o do_v not_o infer_v any_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n as_o for_o example_n we_o do_v grant_v to_o the_o people_n a_o power_n of_o elect_v their_o own_o officer_n minister_n or_o elder_n we_o grant_v to_o they_o a_o power_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n i_o e_o they_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v blind_o what_o minister_n say_v but_o have_v a_o power_n to_o try_v what_o they_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o practice_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n upon_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n or_o not_o we_o grant_v these_o privilege_n to_o the_o people_n but_o none_o of_o they_o do_v
infer_v any_o church_n power_n which_o we_o clear_v in_o both_o first_o the_o people_n power_n in_o elect_v their_o minister_n do_v not_o infer_v any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o they_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o people_n election_n or_o their_o choice_n that_o make_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o give_v he_o authority_n to_o exercise_n the_o ministerial_a call_n but_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o be_v church_n officer_n that_o make_v the_o man_n the_o minister_n and_o give_v he_o authority_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o act_v 6_o 3._o where_o the_o people_n election_n and_o ordination_n by_o church_n officer_n be_v clear_o distinguish_v wherefore_o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n there_o be_v the_o people_n election_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n there_o be_v the_o church_n officer_n part_n though_o the_o people_n look_v they_o out_o and_o choice_n they_o that_o give_v they_o not_o the_o power_n of_o their_o call_n until_o the_o church_n officer_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v they_o second_o the_o power_n of_o try_v the_o spirit_n do_v not_o infer_v any_o such_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o government_n in_o the_o people_n otherwise_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o people_n of_o berea_n who_o do_v try_v paul_n doctrine_n act._n 17._o 11._o and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o word_n whetber_v those_o thing_n be_v so_o have_v authority_n over_o paul_n which_o none_o will_v affirm_v a_o second_o distinction_n to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v this_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o those_o to_o who_o the_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v and_o those_o for_o who_o or_o for_o who_o good_a it_o be_v give_v although_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o private_a believer_n yet_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v give_v for_o they_o so_o all_o ordinance_n be_v give_v for_o the_o good_a of_o believer_n as_o it_o be_v ephes_n 4._o 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangilist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o respect_n 1_o cor_n 3._o 21_o 22._o all_o be_v say_v to_o be_v they_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollos_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o i._n e._n give_v for_o their_o good_a but_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o church_n discipline_n be_v give_v for_o they_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o in_o this_o respect_n paul_n be_v give_v to_o every_o particular_a believe_a woman_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o woman_n have_v paul_n authority_n and_o so_o the_o body_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o this_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n although_o the_o power_n be_v give_v for_o their_o good_a a_o three_o thing_n for_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n we_o do_v willing_o grant_v to_o private_a christian_n power_n to_o admonish_v exhort_v in_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o charity_n and_o this_o they_o may_v extend_v even_o to_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n but_o this_o liberty_n to_o admonish_v by_o way_n of_o charity_n do_v not_o import_v any_o church_n power_n in_o they_o over_o those_o who_o they_o rebuke_v no_o more_o than_o paul_n rebuke_v of_o peter_n gal_n 2._o 14._o do_v infer_v a_o power_n in_o paul_n above_o peter_n so_o you_o see_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v they_o any_o power_n of_o church_n government_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n this_o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n ii_o we_o come_v now_o to_o argument_n for_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v no_o warrant_n to_o private_a christian_n for_o govern_v his_o house_n or_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n must_v be_v clear_a for_o none_o have_v right_a to_o play_v the_o part_n of_o a_o governor_n in_o christ_n church_n except_o those_o who_o have_v a_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o it_o now_o that_o private_a christian_n have_v no_o warrant_n in_o his_o word_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n either_o express_o or_o by_o good_a consequence_n either_o by_o precept_n or_o promise_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o this_o that_o in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o word_n this_o power_n be_v deny_v unto_o they_o so_o rome_n 10._o they_o must_v not_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o preach_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o â—e_v send_v v_o 15._o now_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o believer_n can_v be_v send_v beside_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o discharge_v this_o office_n there_o be_v but_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o that_o can_v convince_v gainsayer_n be_v apt_a to_o teach_v that_o be_v able_a to_o cut_v and_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o preach_v and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n for_o christ_n jesus_n have_v join_v both_o these_o power_n in_o one_o commission_n he_o give_v no_o power_n to_o any_o to_o aministrate_n the_o sacrament_n but_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v power_n also_o to_o preach_v matth_n 28_o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v them-&c_a them-&c_a them-&c_a power_n of_o preach_v and_o administrate_v the_o sacrament_n go_v together_o and_o so_o see_v the_o one_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o they_o the_o other_o must_v be_v deny_v also_o three_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o ordain_v minister_n or_o to_o execute_v any_o other_o act_n of_o church_n jurisdiction_n for_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o try_v minister_n gift_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n command_v they_o to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v no_o practice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v that_o ever_o they_o do_v it_o as_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o clear_v in_o answer_v the_o argument_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o church_n the_o second_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o private_a christian_n do_v overturn_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o house_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o it_o the_o consequence_n none_o may_v doubt_v of_o for_o nothing_o appoint_v by_o god_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o himself_o now_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o put_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n do_v evert_v the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n be_v clear_a because_o his_o order_n be_v that_o some_o be_v watchman_n some_o watch_v over_o some_o ruler_n some_o to_o submit_v some_o governor_n some_o to_o be_v govern_v some_o shepherd_n some_o the_o flock_n but_o if_o so_o be_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v in_o their_o hand_n than_o all_o shall_v be_v overseer_n watchman_n ruler_n governor_n and_o none_o more_o than_o another_o if_o so_o be_v that_o power_n to_o govern_v shall_v flow_v from_o this_o that_o they_o be_v church_n member_n for_o all_o be_v so_o alike_o the_o three_o argument_n we_o bring_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o to_o whosoever_o christ_n jesus_n have_v give_v warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n to_o those_o he_o give_v promise_n of_o suitable_a ability_n for_o discharge_v of_o that_o great_a trust_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o gift_v neither_o promise_n to_o gift_n every_o christian_a nor_o yet_o require_v he_o answerable_a gift_n for_o government_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v give_v they_o no_o warrant_n for_o govern_v the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n he_o do_v also_o promise_v they_o sufficient_a ability_n for_o their_o trust_n be_v clear_a for_o how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o wisdom_n
church-member_n then_o every_o church-member_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o attend_v all_o church_n judicatories_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a question_n but_o what_o inevitable_a confusion_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o how_o long_a time_n will_v it_o take_v to_o inform_v people_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n how_o tedious_a will_v it_o be_v to_o hear_v every_o man_n judgement_n to_o the_o point_n and_o what_o distraction_n will_v it_o be_v to_o people_n calling_n this_o certain_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o so_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o can_v be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n these_o be_v now_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o they_o use_v be_v ground_v on_o coloss._n 4._o 17._o a_o command_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v their_o minister_n and_o so_o have_v church_n authority_n we_o answer_v they_o make_v much_o of_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n for_o they_o build_v their_o power_n to_o censure_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o say_v a_o poor_a reason_n so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o say_v to_o the_o church_n or_o tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v here_o use_v but_o to_o infer_v from_o this_o that_o one_o man_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a sure_o if_o he_o have_v command_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o authority_n he_o will_v have_v say_v command_n and_o charge_n archippus_n with_o all_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n private_a christian_n have_v power_n to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yea_o their_o pastor_n but_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o power_n of_o church-government_n over_o other_o else_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n of_o church-government_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n censure_n and_o ordain_v their_o minister_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v as_o occasion_n offer_v obj._n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o act._n 11._o 1._o when_o peter_n come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n verse_n 3._o the_o people_n challenge_v he_o say_v thou_o wente_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o and_o verse_n 4_o he_o begins_z to_o clear_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o rehearse_v the_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o they_o reason_n thus_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v peter_n to_o a_o account_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_n for_o scandal_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o beside_o the_o people_n there_o be_v apostle_n and_o brethren_n there_o verse_n 1_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o peter_n purge_v himself_o of_o a_o scandal_n unjust_o lay_v upon_o he_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v he_o for_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o to_o another_o christian_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v stumble_v within_o his_o carriage_n yet_o one_o private_a christian_a have_v not_o church_n power_n over_o another_o to_o censure_n so_o peter_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o before_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o it_o but_o that_o that_o one_o can_v not_o be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a have_v power_n to_o inflict_v censure_n on_o peter_n our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v grant_v obj._n 3_o a_o three_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o revel_n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v commend_v they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o exercise_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n to_o wit_n balaam_n jesabel_n and_o the_o nicolattan_n now_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v reprove_v here_o for_o not_o execute_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o that_o all_o be_v reprove_v they_o prove_v from_o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o its_o connection_n with_o the_o 14._o say_v they_o these_o who_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o 13._o be_v rebuke_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v etc._n etc._n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n but_o all_o the_o people_n dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n be_v therefore_o they_o all_o be_v reprove_v answer_v it_o follow_v well_o that_o they_o be_v all_o reprove_v for_o one_o fault_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v the_o ruler_n part_v judicial_o to_o cast_v out_o these_o vile_a heretic_n it_o be_v the_o people_n part_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o it_o now_o because_o these_o be_v neglect_v on_o both_o hand_n both_o have_v their_o own_o guilt_n and_o so_o both_o reprove_v for_o their_o respective_a guilt_n the_o people_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o mourn_v to_o god_n for_o the_o tollerate_v such_o like_a abomination_n and_o their_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o take_v course_n with_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o not_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o judicatory_a and_o inflict_a censure_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o ruler_n fault_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v all_o rebuke_v for_o their_o accession_n to_o that_o guilt_n in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o we_o clear_v it_o thus_o doubtless_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o teach_v against_o these_o vile_a heretic_n now_o there_o be_v woman_n there_o and_o yet_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o rebuke_v for_o not_o preach_v against_o they_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n so_o their_o fault_n as_o of_o all_o other_o church_n member_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o wit_n their_o not_o mourn_v nor_o stir_v up_o the_o officer_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mourn_v stir_v other_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n themselves_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v reprove_v for_o obj._n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o mat_n 18_o 17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n whence_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o so_o it_o be_v church_n officer_n be_v never_o call_v the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v without_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v this_o argument_n will_v make_v more_o against_o they_o than_o we_o and_o that_o because_o they_o grant_v that_o neither_o woman_n nor_o child_n have_v hand_n in_o church_n government_n but_o only_o profess_v man_n now_o they_o shall_v get_v no_o place_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o man_n assemble_v without_o woman_n and_o child_n second_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o spare_o give_v to_o officer_n without_o the_o people_n yet_o we_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v give_v they_o in_o some_o place_n as_o for_o example_n act_v 18._o 22._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o he_o have_v land_v at_o caesarea_n and_o go_v up_o and_o salute_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o church_n here_o certain_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o professor_n which_o do_v amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n as_o shall_v appear_v from_o act_n 21._o 20._o in_o its_o own_o time_n so_o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a man_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o paul_n have_v so_o short_a time_n to_o stay_v he_o see_v they_o but_o at_o the_o by_o can_v
trust_n act_n 17._o 11._o these_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whither_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n on_o trust_n and_o this_o be_v a_o command_n give_v by_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o thess_n 1_o epistle_n ch_z 5._o v._n 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n after_o he_o have_v say_v despise_v not_o prophecying_n so_o that_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o trial_n whatever_o be_v their_o fair_a pretence_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o foul_a error_n may_v be_v colour_v over_o with_o fair_a pretence_n and_o second_o the_o scripture_n say_v all_o man_n be_v liar_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o man_n may_v err_v and_o therefore_o word_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n for_o faith_n must_v have_v a_o infallible_a ground_n as_o ephes_n 2._o 20._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o word_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v this_o doctrine_n reprove_v first_o the_o papist_n that_o will_v have_v nothing_o try_v that_o come_v from_o the_o church_n but_o all_o take_v upon_o trust_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o many_o swallow_v such_o monster_n of_o absurdity_n as_o the_o error_n of_o transubstantiation_n purgatory_n merit_n male_a and_o such_o like_a for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o their_o church_n say_v so_o but_o this_o doctrine_n hold_v out_o another_o duty_n that_o who_o ever_o hear_v any_o doctrine_n propon_v by_o one_o or_o other_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o pass_v their_o judgement_n on_o it_o try_v the_o spirit_n now_o that_o we_o may_v walk_v betwixt_o extreme_n the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n who_o set_v up_o tyranny_n and_o these_o sectary_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n who_o set_v up_o confusion_n we_o will_v know_v there_o be_v a_o twofold_a judgement_n to_o be_v pass_v on_o doctrine_n public_a judgement_n and_o private_a judgement_n public_a judgement_n again_o be_v either_o peremptory_o absolute_a or_o limit_v a_o public_a peremptory_a judgement_n be_v that_o which_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o obey_v simple_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v and_o none_o have_v this_o judgement_n but_o god_n himself_o second_o there_o be_v a_o public_a judgement_n which_o be_v limit_v and_o this_o be_v a_o public_a declare_v and_o hold_v out_o that_o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n which_o do_v not_o bind_v absolute_o but_o in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n and_o this_o judgement_n belong_v to_o public_a church_n judicatories_n meet_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n they_o be_v like_o the_o lyon-herauld_n set_v forth_o to_o proclaim_v the_o royal_a act_n if_o he_o proclaim_v that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o principal_a act_n it_o bind_v but_o if_o he_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o it_o bind_v not_o next_o there_o be_v a_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o this_o belong_v to_o every_o christian_a every_o man_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o practice_n be_v bind_v to_o pass_v sentence_n on_o what_o be_v hold_v out_o to_o he_o by_o other_o that_o if_o it_o be_v right_a he_o may_v embrace_v it_o but_o if_o wrong_a he_o may_v reject_v it_o but_o his_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o other_o now_o this_o private_a judgement_n or_o this_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v necessary_a because_o all_o man_n may_v err_v council_n may_v err_v synod_n etc._n etc._n and_o second_o their_o error_n will_v not_o excuse_v private_a christian_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o error_n say_v christ_n when_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o private_a person_n to_o try_v what_o they_o hear_v and_o this_o much_o for_o guard_v against_o the_o popish_a tyranny_n but_o least_o this_o doctrine_n be_v abuse_v to_o cast_v at_o all_o public_a church_n judicatory_n we_o shall_v next_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o guard_v against_o sectarian_n confusion_n first_o although_o public_a church_n judicatory_n have_v not_o power_n to_o bind_v conscience_n yet_o when_o man_n be_v in_o a_o doubt_n concern_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n their_o judgement_n ought_v to_o have_v more_o weight_n than_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a man_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o there_o be_v more_o gift_n exercise_v together_o but_o main_o because_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n annex_v to_o the_o commission_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o public_a church_n judicatory_n matth._n 18._o 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o second_o from_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o loathness_n to_o differ_v from_o public_a church_n judicatory_n a_o man_n ground_n will_v be_v well_o examine_v lâ—st_v if_o differ_v from_o these_o judicatories_n they_o also_o differ_v from_o truth_n and_o three_o when_o they_o differ_v they_o be_v to_o bear_v they_o at_o reverence_n although_o in_o such_o a_o point_n they_o shall_v err_v yet_o for_o their_o authority_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v this_o much_o be_v grant_v by_o we_o to_o church_n judicatories_n but_o no_o further_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n use_v 2._o it_o reprove_v those_o who_o be_v lazy_a and_o can_v endure_v the_o trouble_n of_o try_v what_o they_o hear_v but_o take_v thing_n on_o trust_n and_o have_v no_o more_o but_o such_o a_o man_n authority_n he_o be_v of_o that_o way_n and_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v fire_n and_o flint_n tooth_n and_o nail_n for_o it_o as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o we_o have_v see_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o unhappy_a difference_n that_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o our_o time_n which_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n to_o speak_v much_o of_o and_o therefore_o we_o proceed_v to_o another_o doctrine_n doct._n x._o the_o next_o thing_n then_o that_o we_o observe_v be_v from_o what_o he_o say_v try_v etc._n etc._n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o trial_n the_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o the_o right_a trial_n of_o doctrine_n be_v to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o this_o point_n put_v we_o to_o give_v mark_n whereby_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v what_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o here_o we_o shall_v speak_v to_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n that_o necessary_o infer_v a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o second_o we_o shall_v speak_v of_o other_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o infer_v necessary_o a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n follow_v upon_o such_o a_o doctrine_n for_o the_o first_o that_o which_o make_v doctrine_n necessary_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n so_o when_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v act_n 17._o the_o rule_n they_o go_v by_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o paul_n doctrine_n be_v the_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v isaâ—a's_n rule_n chap._n 8._o ver_fw-la 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n he_o will_v have_v all_o doctrine_n try_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o word_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n have_v not_o the_o word_n for_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n all_o spirit_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o must_v be_v try_v that_o way_n and_o that_o because_o the_o word_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n i_o give_v only_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o clear_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n first_o the_o heavy_a plague_n pronounce_v against_o those_o who_o add_v to_o this_o rule_n the_o word_n be_v so_o perfect_a that_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v and_o pretend_v a_o pure_a rule_n let_v he_o be_v say_v paul_n anathema_n gal._n 1._o 8._o there_o be_v another_o place_n which_o prove_v the_o perfection_n of_o this_o rule_n according_a to_o this_o point_n in_o hand_n 2_o timoth._n 3._o 16_o 17._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o may_v make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o this_o in_o relation_n
not_o absurd_a for_o in_o our_o parliament_n commissioner_n from_o shire_n be_v judge_n to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o how_o it_o be_v as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o parliament_n not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n common_a to_o the_o shire_n not_o in_o other_o petty_a particular_a affair_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o all_o the_o congregation_n indeed_o as_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a particular_a congregation_n not_o in_o these_o duty_n belong_v to_o every_o congregation_n in_o particular_a object_n 4._o if_o this_o subordination_n and_o judicatory_a above_o judicatory_a be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v like_a scripture_n will_v have_v speak_v more_o plain_o of_o it_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v draw_v out_o by_o so_o many_o far_o fetch_a consequence_n answer_v we_o have_v already_o give_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o this_o government_n by_o clear_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n else_o we_o must_v cast_v at_o many_o point_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o scripture_n consequence_n as_o the_o trinity_n and_o change_v of_o the_o sabbath_n yea_o we_o see_v christ_n himself_o ground_v a_o material_a point_n to_o wit_n the_o resurrection_n upon_o scripture_n consequence_n mark_v 12._o 26._o 2._o we_o must_v not_o teach_v god_n how_o to_o set_v down_o his_o mind_n in_o scripture_n we_o perchance_o think_v it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a way_n to_o have_v cast_v matter_n of_o religion_n to_o so_o many_o head_n by_o which_o mean_v many_o controversy_n shall_v have_v be_v shun_v but_o he_o have_v think_v otherwise_o the_o lord_n in_o wisdom_n have_v scatter_v the_o parcel_n of_o every_o truth_n through_o his_o book_n intermix_v it_o with_o other_o subject_n as_o the_o gold_n be_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o this_o to_o exercise_v his_o people_n in_o search_v out_o his_o mind_n from_o scripture_n iv._o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o come_v to_o make_v some_o use_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o the_o first_o use_n be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o this_o government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o you_o will_v know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o we_o be_v contest_v for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o truth_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o a_o truth_n of_o no_o small_a concernment_n what_o will_v become_v think_v you_o of_o particular_a congregation_n if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n what_o division_n strife_n heresy_n schism_n will_v ensue_v if_o people_n be_v inform_v of_o these_o contest_v that_o have_v fall_v out_o among_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o where_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v follow_v the_o one_o half_a rent_v from_o the_o other_o excommunicate_v one_o another_o it_o may_v make_v moderate_a man_n scar_v at_o it_o but_o we_o need_v seâ—k_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o this_o than_o by_o look_v on_o scotland_n and_o england_n these_o year_n by_o past_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n presbytery_n can_v not_o be_v set_v up_o independency_n be_v plead_v for_o and_o practise_v and_o what_o be_v become_v of_o it_o satan_n have_v vomit_v out_o a_o flood_n of_o error_n that_o there_o be_v never_o more_o nor_o more_o gross_a in_o any_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n yea_o all_o the_o rot_a grave_n of_o old_a heresy_n be_v dig_v up_o and_o now_o avow_v socinianism_n in_o deny_v christ_n righteousness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n anabaptism_n in_o deny_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n arianism_n in_o deny_v the_o trinity_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a yea_o there_o be_v some_o error_n there_o that_o be_v never_o before_o hear_v of_o some_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o church_n they_o can_v join_v with_o and_o therefore_o they_o turn_v seeker_n some_o be_v above_o all_o preach_a prayer_n and_o all_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o independency_n again_o look_v on_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o scotland_n where_o it_o have_v be_v in_o vigour_n god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o hammer_n for_o batter_v down_o the_o beginning_n of_o error_n so_o that_o these_o twelve_o year_n bypass_v not_o any_o one_o error_n have_v come_v to_o any_o strength_n and_o this_o all_o under_o god_n from_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v his_o institution_n our_o judicatories_n be_v indeed_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n though_o indeed_o we_o be_v now_o like_a to_o turn_v contemptible_a god_n himself_o heal_v our_o breach_n second_o guard_n against_o the_o error_n that_o will_v draw_v you_o from_o this_o truth_n if_o you_o can_v carry_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o with_o you_o yet_o you_o may_v remember_v you_o once_o hear_v this_o truth_n confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o so_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o temptation_n to_o quit_v it_o you_o may_v advise_v well_o before_o you_o yield_v i_o will_v press_v this_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v the_o butt_n of_o satan_n envy_n the_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v most_o glad_o overthrow_v as_o that_o which_o stand_v most_o in_o his_o way_n for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o its_o integrity_n we_o may_v in_o the_o lord_n strength_n have_v defy_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v bring_v error_n into_o scotland_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o set_v himself_o to_o brangle_v to_o get_v the_o hedge_n once_o plukt_v up_o that_o so_o the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n may_v come_v in_o and_o believe_v i_o there_o be_v nothing_o make_v i_o more_o afraid_a than_o that_o through_o god_n permission_n the_o devil_n shall_v get_v a_o deludge_n of_o error_n bring_v in_o on_o scotland_n because_o those_o who_o have_v be_v entrust_v with_o this_o government_n have_v weaken_v the_o power_n of_o it_o by_o division_n among_o ourselves_o a_o copy_n be_v casten_z how_o that_o erroneous_a spirit_n need_v not_o stand_v much_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o assembly_n when_o they_o will_v cross_v their_o design_n we_o be_v afraid_a yea_o we_o may_v be_v past_a â—ear_n and_o conclude_v that_o presbytery_n synod_n etc._n etc._n have_v lose_v much_o of_o the_o weight_n they_o have_v late_o in_o man_n conscience_n only_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o will_v put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o government_n itself_o and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o do_v not_o charge_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o be_v may_v be_v abuse_v and_o it_o be_v people_n trial_n to_o put_v difference_n between_o the_o good_a of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o the_o government_n be_v good_a and_o of_o god_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o of_o man_n what_o be_v of_o god_n cleave_v to_o it_o and_o stick_v fast_o by_o it_o what_o be_v from_o man_n corruption_n mourn_v for_o it_o pray_v themselves_o may_v get_v a_o sight_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o you_o shall_v walk_v in_o a_o even_a way_n you_o have_v need_n to_o deal_v with_o god_n to_o ground_v you_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o we_o may_v be_v put_v to_o it_o to_o quit_v they_o only_o remember_v they_o be_v truth_n you_o have_v swear_v to_o maintain_v with_o your_o hand_n lift_v up_o on_o high_a sect_n v._o a_o short_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o have_v go_v through_o these_o controversy_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v now_o to_o refute_v some_o dangerous_a error_n of_o doctrine_n and_o first_o we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n the_o error_n of_o separatist_n be_v many_o but_o we_o shall_v only_o engage_v with_o two_o head_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o main_a the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o they_o teach_v concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v be_v receive_v member_n of_o christ_n visible_a body_n the_o second_o be_v that_o which_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o sincere_a christian_a viz._n that_o when_o they_o spy_v any_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v member_n as_o if_o person_n scandalous_a be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n see_v they_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v gracious_a who_o come_v there_o then_o say_v they_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o keep_v back_o from_o
a_o good_a which_o they_o be_v to_o follow_n the_o evil_a to_o be_v eschew_v be_v in_o the_o second_o sentence_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a schism'_v among_o you_o i_o shall_v not_o enter_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o schism_n or_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o heresy_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o open_n up_o of_o the_o text_n to_o know_v what_o division_n or_o schism_n the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o here_o and_o that_o be_v know_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n to_o wit_n their_o factious_a siding_n in_o extol_v one_o minister_n and_o debase_v another_o with_o many_o fruitless_a jangle_n and_o other_o bad_a consequence_n follow_v thereupon_o whereof_o doubtless_o this_o be_v one_o the_o engage_v of_o the_o minister_n themselves_o in_o party_n for_o uphold_v their_o dependent_n so_o verse_n 12._o every_o one_o of_o you_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n one_o say_v paul_n be_v best_a let_v we_o follow_v he_o another_o say_v nay_o but_o apollo_n be_v best_a we_o will_v follow_v he_o a_o three_o say_v cephas_n be_v better_a than_o they_o both_o i_o will_v follow_v none_o of_o they_o now_o away_o with_o these_o fruitless_a contest_v say_v he_o in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v the_o good_a to_o be_v follow_v and_o that_o be_v threefold_a in_o opposition_n to_o three_o sort_n of_o evil_n which_o usual_o accompany_v schism_n in_o a_o church_n the_o first_o evil_a accompany_v schism_n be_v flat_a contradiction_n first_o among_o minister_n and_o next_o among_o people_n when_o not_o only_o their_o opinion_n do_v differ_v but_o they_o be_v so_o hot_a upon_o the_o business_n that_o at_o all_o occasion_n they_o proclaim_v their_o difference_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o will_v beware_v of_o contradiction_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o small_a importance_n wherein_o they_o agree_v they_o will_v speak_v to_o that_o wherein_o they_o differ_v they_o will_v forbear_v other_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o part_n upon_o more_o edify_a purpose_n the_o second_o evil_a accompany_v schism_n in_o a_o church_n be_v rent_v of_o affection_n when_o the_o member_n of_o one_o body_n turn_v cold-rife_a one_o towards_o another_o and_o their_o affection_n die_v in_o opoosition_n to_o this_o evil_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n or_o the_o same_o affection_n it_o be_v true_a the_o word_n here_o render_v mind_n be_v use_v indifferent_o for_o the_o whole_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n but_o the_o understanding_n be_v speak_v to_o under_o the_o word_n judgement_n which_o follow_v we_o think_v with_o some_o of_o the_o best_a interpreter_n that_o by_o the_o mind_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o affection_n so_o the_o thing_n he_o press_v in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v that_o not_o only_o they_o will_v forbear_v other_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o public_a expression_n but_o also_o will_v labour_v to_o blow_v at_o the_o coal_n of_o their_o almost_o die_a affection_n the_o three_o evil_a accompany_v a_o schism_n be_v difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v perfect_o join_v in_o the_o same_o judgement_n the_o meaning_n be_v they_o will_v labour_v to_o remove_v the_o root_n of_o the_o difference_n by_o come_v to_o one_o judgement_n not_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v careless_a what_o judgement_n they_o have_v be_v of_o provide_v they_o have_v be_v one_o no_o the_o one_o part_n of_o every_o contradiction_n be_v truth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v deny_v for_o peace_n this_o for_o the_o duty_n press_v next_o there_o be_v some_o argument_n persuade_v to_o this_o duty_n as_o 1._o there_o be_v the_o apostle_n insinuation_n partly_o in_o his_o affectionate_a exhortation_n i_o beseech_v you_o partly_o in_o his_o lovely_a compellation_n brethren_n 2._o there_o be_v his_o grave_a obtestation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v dear_a to_o you_o which_o you_o profess_v so_o much_o respect_n unto_o so_o set_v about_o the_o cure_n of_o these_o faction_n and_o fractious_a siding_n and_o schism_n by_o which_o his_o name_n suffer_v so_o much_o there_o be_v a_o three_o argument_n to_o enforce_v this_o duty_n in_o the_o word_n perfect_o join_v whereby_o the_o apostle_n hint_n at_o the_o great_a evil_n the_o church_n be_v under_o by_o the_o present_a schism_n and_o the_o great_a good_a they_o shall_v attain_v to_o by_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v borrow_v from_o the_o office_n of_o surgeon_n and_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o mend_n of_o break_a bone_n and_o set_v in_o joint_n of_o dislocate_v member_n so_o it_o import_v 1._o that_o through_o occasion_n of_o the_o schism_n they_o be_v put_v all_o out_o of_o joint_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v dislocate_v and_o therefore_o unfit_a so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o that_o case_n for_o do_v of_o any_o good_a office_n to_o the_o body_n 2._o it_o import_v that_o their_o follow_v of_o his_o advice_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o schism_n will_v set_v every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n in_o its_o own_o place_n and_o so_o enable_v the_o body_n for_o go_v about_o action_n profitable_a unto_o itself_o which_o now_o the_o whole_a member_n be_v out_o of_o joint_n it_o can_v not_o do_v this_o this_o much_o for_o open_v up_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n divers_a point_n of_o truth_n arise_v from_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o the_o text_n may_v here_o be_v handle_v but_o i_o intend_v to_o insist_v upon_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o scope_n which_o will_v comprehend_v the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v this_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n much_o to_o be_v labour_v for_o and_o seek_v after_o and_o division_n and_o schism_n in_o a_o church_n be_v much_o to_o be_v eschew_v in_o prosecute_a this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v first_o distinguish_v union_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o union_n be_v mean_v 2._o i_o shall_v confirm_v the_o point_n 1._o by_o scripture_n 2._o by_o reason_n 3._o i_o shall_v apply_v the_o doctrine_n for_o our_o use_n first_o then_o to_o know_v what_o union_n the_o text_n and_o doctrine_n speak_v of_o it_o be_v fit_a you_o know_v that_o there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o union_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a the_o tie_n and_o bond_n whereof_o be_v inward_a grace_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v unite_v to_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o faith_n and_o one_o to_o another_o by_o love_n this_o be_v not_o the_o union_n here_o mean_v the_o text_n speak_v of_o a_o visible_a union_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a in_o opposition_n to_o a_o visible_a rent_n and_o schism_n second_o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o of_o its_o member_n among_o themselves_o this_o again_o be_v twofold_a the_o first_o be_v that_o union_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o be_v of_o a_o member_n so_o that_o a_o church_n can_v be_v a_o church_n nor_o a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n without_o it_o wherein_o this_o union_n consist_v be_v controvert_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o independent_n but_o the_o doctrine_n mean_v not_o of_o this_o union_n either_o so_o we_o insist_v not_o on_o it_o the_o union_n press_v in_o the_o text_n be_v such_o that_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n for_o the_o time_n do_v want_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o church_n the_o union_n therefore_o here_o mean_v be_v a_o second_o sort_n of_o union_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o wit_n that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o a_o church_n without_o the_o which_o though_o a_o church_n remain_v a_o church_n yet_o she_o loss_v much_o of_o her_o outward_a beauty_n her_o authority_n be_v much_o weaken_v her_o great_a work_n which_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o herself_o in_o love_n eph._n 4._o 13._o be_v much_o retard_v she_o remain_v a_o church_n but_o not_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v describe_v cant._n 6._o 10._o who_o be_v she_o that_o look_v forth_o as_o the_o morning_n fair_a as_o the_o moon_n clear_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n a_o divide_a church_n be_v not_o such_o a_o church_n but_o for_o further_a understanding_n of_o the_o union_n here_o press_v you_o will_v know_v that_o this_o union_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_a of_o a_o church_n be_v threefold_a 1._o
this_o breach_n shall_v be_v under_o our_o hand_n a_o three_o thing_n to_o make_v our_o present_a division_n weighty_a be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a weight_n which_o god_n people_n up_o and_o down_o the_o land_n lie_v under_o it_o be_v a_o weight_n beyond_o all_o other_o weight_n and_o suffering_n and_o if_o it_o be_v their_o weight_n it_o ought_v for_o many_o reason_n to_o be_v much_o more_o we_o four_o our_o division_n and_o course_v take_v for_o carry_v they_o on_o have_v give_v a_o deep_a inward_a wound_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n house_n than_o all_o the_o outward_a power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v have_v do_v the_o lead_n of_o we_o by_o pair_n to_o a_o stake_n for_o our_o adhere_n to_o the_o government_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o mother_n church_n our_o imprisonment_n banishment_n the_o lay_n of_o congregation_n desolate_a for_o that_o cause_n can_v not_o have_v shake_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o in_o relation_n to_o these_o truth_n so_o much_o as_o our_o own_o division_n and_o practice_n follow_v thereupon_o have_v do_v a_o inward_a disease_n be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o weaken_v more_o than_o outward_a blow_n five_o our_o division_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o more_o weighty_a the_o more_o of_o judgement_n be_v in_o it_o and_o certain_o there_o be_v much_o of_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o judicial_a stroke_n for_o all_o see_v its_o evil_a the_o most_o part_n be_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o can_v fall_v upon_o the_o right_a way_n for_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o yea_o no_o course_n hitherto_o assay_v for_o union_n but_o it_o have_v prove_v a_o hightning_n of_o our_o division_n and_o so_o it_o will_v until_o it_o come_v to_o that_o height_n which_o god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n will_v have_v it_o at_o however_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o wrath_n be_v in_o it_o much_o of_o judgement_n be_v in_o it_o and_o that_o shall_v make_v it_o weighty_a we_o side_n one_o against_o another_o and_o god_n be_v side_v against_o we_o both_o six_o this_o shall_v make_v our_o division_n have_v a_o particular_a weight_n with_o we_o in_o this_o synod_n that_o we_o drink_v most_o of_o its_o bitter_a fruit_n we_o be_v the_o stage_n whereon_o this_o cruel_a divide_v spirit_n act_v its_o game_n most_o none_o in_o time_n pass_v so_o unite_v as_o we_o but_o none_o now_o so_o divide_v and_o even_o this_o may_v give_v we_o sad_a thought_n of_o our_o accession_n to_o the_o beginning_n and_o foment_v of_o this_o woeful_a rent_n our_o three_o use_n be_v of_o direction_n also_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a if_o union_n be_v such_o a_o good_a if_o division_n such_o a_o evil_a and_o if_o our_o division_n be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v bewail_v then_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v some_o thought_n towards_o the_o make_n up_o of_o our_o breach_n there_o aught_o to_o be_v some_o guarding_n against_o these_o evil_n which_o may_v follow_v upon_o it_o until_o it_o be_v make_v up_o the_o prosecute_n of_o this_o use_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o part_n of_o our_o work_n so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a and_o i_o fear_v also_o consider_v our_o present_a distemper_n and_o deep_a engagement_n lie_v on_o every_o one_o almost_o to_o his_o own_o way_n that_o for_o the_o time_n it_o shall_v be_v but_o fruitless_a yet_o be_v lead_v to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o not_o know_v when_o the_o lord_n may_v make_v it_o have_v it_o be_v own_o fruit_n whether_o now_o or_o afterward_o i_o shall_v with_o the_o lord_n help_v adventure_n on_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o press_v this_o use_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o three_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o thing_n i_o conceive_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v eye_v by_o we_o while_o we_o aim_v at_o union_n if_o so_o we_o will_v have_v our_o aim'_v effectual_a 2._o because_o a_o complete_a union_n be_v not_o soon_o to_o be_v expect_v i_o shall_v give_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o management_n of_o our_o difference_n so_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v the_o less_o hurt_n by_o they_o at_o least_o last_o i_o shall_v propound_v some_o consideration_n to_o people_n for_o prevent_v of_o stumble_v and_o make_v shipwreck_n upon_o our_o division_n as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v mention_v six_o thing_n we_o shall_v carry_v along_v with_o we_o while_o we_o aim_v at_o union_n unto_o all_o which_o i_o premit_fw-la one_o general_n as_o tend_v to_o give_v life_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n without_o which_o all_o our_o endeavour_n for_o union_n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o regular_a though_o guide_v with_o never_o so_o much_o prudence_n though_o prosecute_v with_o never_o so_o much_o zeal_n will_v prove_v ineffectual_a and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n shall_v be_v more_o in_o seek_v after_o god_n face_n so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o he_o no_o wonder_n we_o grope_v as_o blinde-man_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o can_v come_v nigh_o one_o to_o another_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v much_o withdraw_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o people_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o life_n convey_v by_o preach_v not_o such_o access_n grant_v in_o prayer_n no_o such_o delight_n in_o mean_n no_o such_o joy_n in_o his_o presence_n this_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n regret_v by_o all_o but_o lament_v by_o few_o and_o few_o yet_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o have_v the_o lord_n return_v and_o show_v himself_o as_o sometime_o he_o have_v do_v and_o until_o this_o be_v we_o can_v look_v for_o the_o less_o success_n of_o any_o attempt_n make_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o our_o sore_a stroke_n but_o if_o god_n will_v return_v it_o be_v then_o easy_a work_n one_o glimpse_n of_o he_o fill_v the_o house_n with_o his_o glory_n will_v scatter_v the_o cloud_n of_o mutual_a jealousy_n make_v we_o as_o man_n ashamed_a steal_v from_o all_o our_o divide_v principle_n will_v put_v to_o silence_v all_o our_o turbulent_a distemper_n and_o make_v we_o blush_v at_o our_o proud_a and_o selfish_a animosity_n o_o for_o more_o of_o god_n then_o will_v all_o be_v well_o but_o i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n to_o be_v eye_v by_o we_o while_o we_o aim_v at_o union_n first_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o our_o union_n will_v begin_v at_o our_o unite_n in_o judgement_n in_o that_o question_n about_o which_o our_o unhappy_a difference_n begin_v it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o some_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o stand_n at_o a_o distance_n in_o other_o thing_n until_o we_o shall_v be_v unite_v in_o that_o shall_v put_v we_o at_o a_o further_a distance_n even_o in_o that_o our_o union_n in_o practice_n first_o will_v be_v the_o short_a cut_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o union_n of_o judgement_n about_o that_o question_n if_o ever_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o at_o all_o hence_o public_a debating_n before_o the_o people_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o make_v other_o odious_a who_o be_v not_o of_o our_o way_n be_v not_o the_o way_n for_o union_n such_o work_n irritate_v but_o convince_v not_o it_o be_v true_a no_o truth_n may_v be_v quit_v for_o union_n no_o not_o the_o least_o quisquilâ—a_o veritatâ—â—_n praetiosissima_fw-la the_o very_a refuse_n of_o truth_n be_v most_o precious_a yet_o that_o the_o positive_a assert_v of_o some_o truth_n may_v be_v forbear_v for_o peace_n sake_n i_o believe_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o only_o there_o be_v one_o exception_n here_o necessary_a to_o wit_n when_o truth_n be_v impugn_a then_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o speak_v for_o it_o at_o least_o till_o there_o be_v such_o a_o testimony_n give_v to_o that_o oppose_v truth_n as_o may_v â—e_v rest_v upon_o and_o in_o this_o case_n some_o may_v be_v make_v unwilling_o to_o speak_v as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v once_o in_o defence_n of_o his_o own_o estimation_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 11._o i_o be_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o glory_v you_o have_v compel_v i_o for_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v commend_v of_o you_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v god_n know_v i_o have_v no_o more_o delight_n to_o speak_v of_o this_o subject_n than_o you_o have_v to_o hear_v i_o but_o your_o indiscretion_n force_v i_o to_o it_o a_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v carry_v along_o with_o we_o while_o we_o aim_v at_o union_n be_v no_o union_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o which_o the_o doctrine_n speak_v can_v be_v expect_v in_o the_o church_n except_o there_o be_v a_o union_n in_o one_o supreme_a representative_a land_n that_o such_o a_o one_o who_o authority_n we_o may_v stand_v under_o for_o the_o present_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o civil_a
state_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o this_o purpose_n no_o union_n can_v be_v there_o as_o of_o one_o actual_o incorporate_a body_n except_o it_o be_v under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a ruler_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o agreement_n about_o one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a representative_a under_o who_o authority_n we_o may_v stand_v for_o the_o present_a but_o one_o part_n stand_v for_o its_o authority_n another_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o or_o set_v up_o another_o against_o it_o in_o this_o case_n the_o matter_n be_v clear_a there_o be_v no_o complete_a union_n but_o a_o fix_a schism_n or_o at_o the_o best_a a_o strong_a tendency_n unto_o it_o a_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v eye_v be_v if_o so_o our_o union_n must_v be_v under_o one_o supreme_a representative_a than_o such_o way_n of_o union_n will_v do_v no_o good_a as_o carry_v not_o along_v the_o body_n a_o union_n if_o not_o with_o the_o body_n instead_o of_o heal_v do_v widen_v the_o rent_n a_o resolution_n or_o desire_n to_o unite_v with_o a_o few_o not_o care_v for_o the_o rest_n will_v not_o produce_v a_o union_n i_o mean_v of_o the_o church_n although_o it_o may_v be_v of_o a_o strong_a party_n in_o the_o church_n these_o few_o will_v possible_o as_o glad_o unite_v as_o other_o will_v have_v they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_o a_o strengthen_n of_o the_o breach_n four_o yet_o a_o part_n ought_v to_o labour_v with_o the_o body_n for_o condescend_v as_o low_a as_o warrantable_o can_v be_v for_o peace_n sake_n only_o a_o caveat_n must_v be_v here_o they_o be_v so_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o body_n to_o condescend_v for_o union_n as_o to_o beware_v of_o make_v a_o new_a rupture_n in_o the_o body_n upon_o their_o not_o grant_v for_o that_o be_v in_o a_o desperate_a way_n to_o make_v a_o new_a rent_n because_o other_o will_v not_o take_v our_o way_n for_o remove_v of_o the_o old_a five_o if_o we_o desire_v a_o hearty_a cordial_a union_n it_o will_v be_v endeavour_v without_o rub_v upon_o the_o credit_n 1._o of_o person_n 2._o of_o party_n 3._o of_o ordinance_n if_o the_o credit_n of_o all_o can_v be_v hold_v up_o it_o be_v well_o he_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o union_n that_o will_v endeavour_v the_o contrair_a but_o if_o some_o must_v suffer_v love_n to_o the_o public_a and_o zeal_n for_o god_n will_v teach_v that_o the_o former_a be_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o latter_a viz._n person_n to_o party_n and_o the_o credit_n both_o of_o person_n and_o party_n yea_o and_o of_o both_o party_n themselves_o if_o need_v be_v be_v to_o stoop_v for_o uphold_v the_o authority_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n a_o little_a of_o this_o self-denial_n will_v do_v much_o good_a but_o how_o little_a of_o it_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v six_o divide_v principle_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o obstruct_v union_n shall_v be_v abandon_v there_o be_v one_o principle_n often_o speak_v of_o by_o some_o and_o now_o make_v more_o public_a which_o if_o maintain_v in_o our_o judgement_n will_v close_v the_o door_n upon_o union_n in_o haste_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o sit_v in_o a_o assembly_n with_o those_o who_o have_v enact_v persecution_n against_o the_o godly_a and_o this_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o propounder_n &_o as_o it_o be_v express_o though_o injurious_o apply_v by_o they_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o any_o assembly_n make_v up_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o who_o act_v in_o and_o approve_a of_o our_o late_a controvert_v assembly_n now_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o a_o assembly_n make_v up_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o such_o why_o not_o also_o unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o in_o a_o presbytry_n likewise_o make_v up_o of_o such_o yea_o and_o to_o join_v at_o a_o communion_n table_n where_o the_o most_o part_n be_v such_o and_o indeed_o some_o of_o the_o people_n chief_o draw_v out_o their_o principle_n to_o this_o full_a length_n a_o principle_n which_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a throat_n of_o peace_n and_o if_o stand_v to_o make_v it_o desperate_a and_o so_o i_o hope_v be_v and_o will_v be_v disow_v by_o all_o who_o cordial_o pretend_v to_o peace_n and_o union_n in_o the_o church_n these_o i_o conceive_v and_o many_o more_o shall_v be_v eye_v by_o we_o in_o our_o aim_v at_o union_n if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o endeavour_n effectual_a but_o because_o a_o complete_a union_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o soon_o expect_v i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n give_v two_o direction_n for_o manage_v our_o difference_n so_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v less_o hurt_n by_o they_o at_o least_o the_o first_o direction_n be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o guard_v against_o these_o tentation_n which_o our_o stand_a division_n may_v ready_o make_v way_n for_o whereof_o i_o shall_v mention_v three_o the_o first_o tentation_n be_v this_o a_o oversight_n of_o every_o other_o fault_n almost_o whether_o in_o minister_n or_o professor_n provide_v they_o be_v true_a to_o the_o party_n a_o party_n be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n and_o in_o nothing_o more_o dangerous_a than_o in_o this_o that_o it_o drive_v man_n if_o not_o all_o the_o more_o tender_a to_o take_v fidelity_n unto_o the_o party_n to_o be_v the_o prime_n if_o not_o the_o only_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o badge_n of_o honesty_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o look_v on_o all_o other_o thing_n whether_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o loose_a practice_n as_o excusable_a infirmity_n a_o woeful_a tentation_n and_o destructive_a both_o to_o truth_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o ought_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o be_v guard_v against_o on_o both_o hand_n a_o second_o tentation_n be_v the_o secret_a wish_v after_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o slip_v one_o of_o another_o a_o evil_a so_o woeful_a that_o david_n complain_v to_o god_n of_o it_o even_o in_o his_o avow_a enemy_n ps._n 38._o 16._o when_o my_o foot_n slip_v they_o magnify_v themselves_o against_o i_o and_o jeremiah_n complain_v of_o it_o in_o his_o false_a friend_n ch._n 20._o v._n 10._o they_o watch_v for_o my_o halt_n and_o yet_o a_o evil_a that_o even_o good_a man_n if_o once_o engage_v in_o party_n will_v have_v a_o battle_n with_o a_o three_o tentation_n upon_o our_o stand_v divide_v and_o which_o be_v also_o to_o be_v guard_v against_o be_v a_o bend_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o outmost_a of_o light_n and_o possible_o beyond_o it_o for_o strengthen_v of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o do_v of_o these_o thing_n in_o relation_n to_o these_o who_o now_o rule_n which_o not_o long_o since_o we_o will_v have_v abhor_v both_o in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o as_o gift_n blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o wise_a exod._n 23._o so_o the_o seem_a advantage_n unto_o that_o which_o we_o conceive_v truth_n may_v draw_v out_o somewhat_o like_o a_o approbation_n to_o such_o like_a work_n from_o those_o of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o if_o these_o do_v approve_v it_o be_v the_o less_o matter_n think_v we_o that_o other_o do_v disapprove_v but_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v there_o be_v other_o to_o sift_v our_o action_n foreign_a church_n abroad_o our_o own_o conscience_n be_v sober_a and_o settle_a and_o above_o all_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all._n a_o second_o direction_n for_o manage_v our_o difference_n be_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o other_o as_o to_o take_v our_o eye_n off_o from_o guard_v against_o that_o which_o be_v satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o time_n satan_n do_v as_o a_o subtle_a warrior_n labour_n to_o raise_v a_o mutiny_n among_o the_o force_n which_o shall_v oppose_v he_o that_o while_o they_o be_v wrangle_v one_o with_o another_o he_o may_v carry_v his_o point_n without_o stroke_n of_o sword_n be_v to_o insist_v a_o little_a on_o this_o direction_n i_o shall_v first_o speak_v to_o what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v satan_n main_a design_n against_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n 2_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o direction_n to_o manage_v our_o difference_n so_o as_o not_o to_o further_o this_o his_o main_a design_n nor_o yet_o to_o be_v short-coming_a in_o our_o duty_n against_o it_o and_o first_o for_o take_v up_o what_o be_v satan_n great_a design_n we_o shall_v in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o lay_v before_o you_o a_o wonderful_a contexture_n as_o it_o be_v of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o satan_n malice_n since_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n even_o until_o now_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n almost_o but_o satan_n
immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n the_o three_o sermon_n luke_n 7._o 23._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o me._n belove_a in_o the_o lord_n that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n have_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o no_o age_n more_o than_o in_o this_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o way_n of_o work_v both_o with_o church_n and_o particular_a soul_n have_v be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o many_o yea_o more_o and_o more_o be_v stumble_v still_o what_o through_o one_o occasion_n or_o other_o many_o who_o once_o do_v seem_v to_o run_v well_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n have_v either_o already_o take_v up_o or_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o take_v up_o such_o a_o halt_n as_o christ_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o say_v to_o those_o very_a few_o who_o seem_v resolve_v to_o follow_v he_o through_o better_a and_o worse_o as_o once_o he_o say_v joh._n 6._o 67._o unto_o the_o twelve_o when_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o i_o have_v therefore_o choose_v this_o text_n to_o speak_v from_o now_o immediate_o after_o have_v engage_v yourselves_o to_o walk_v in_o christ_n way_n that_o thereby_o you_o may_v guard_v against_o that_o woeful_a common_a evil_n of_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n or_o of_o stumble_v and_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o his_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o for_o blessed_n be_v he_o say_v christ_n whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o the_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n answer_n to_o that_o question_n propound_v to_o he_o by_o two_o of_o john_n disciple_n at_o john_n desire_n verse_n 20._o art_n thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o look_v we_o for_o another_o you_o may_v wonder_v that_o john_n who_o know_v christ_n so_o well_o shall_v have_v move_v such_o a_o question_n but_o the_o answer_n be_v first_o though_o soul_n know_v christ_n never_o so_o well_o they_o will_v desire_v and_o have_v need_n to_o know_v he_o better_o and_o to_o get_v what_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o he_o confirm_v to_o they_o especial_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n for_o john_n be_v now_o in_o prison_n and_o two_o they_o will_v desire_v that_o other_o may_v know_v he_o also_o for_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o go_v before_o that_o john_n propound_v this_o question_n for_o his_o disciple_n satisfaction_n and_o to_o satisfy_v their_o doubt_n more_o than_o his_o own_o christ_n answer_n have_v two_o part_n 1._o he_o bid_v they_o show_v john_n what_o they_o see_v he_o do_v verse_n 22._o tell_v john_n say_v he_o what_o thing_n you_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v how_o that_o the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v to_o the_o poor_a the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v if_o you_o ask_v what_o make_v this_o to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o question_n i_o answer_v it_o make_v much_o for_o it_o show_v he_o be_v do_v that_o which_o scripture_n foretell_v the_o messiah_n will_v do_v isai._n 35._o 5_o 6._o and_o therefore_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n 2._o in_o their_o word_n he_o answer_v a_o main_a objection_n against_o this_o truth_n take_v from_o christ_n own_o low_a condition_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o follower_n which_o make_v many_o bear_n off_o he_o for_o they_o expect_v a_o glorious_a messiah_n a_o great_a earthly_a monarch_n and_o because_o christ_n be_v but_o obscure_a and_o mean_a therefore_o they_o stumble_v and_o be_v offend_v in_o he_o to_o this_o christ_n answer_v blessed_n be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v or_o scandalize_v in_o i_o the_o word_n render_v here_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o traveller_n who_o have_v dash_v their_o foot_n or_o leg_n at_o some_o stone_n or_o block_n in_o the_o way_n do_v stumble_v or_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n so_o as_o they_o can_v go_v no_o further_o at_o least_o advance_v not_o so_o quick_o in_o the_o way_n as_o they_o do_v and_o second_o while_o he_o say_v offend_v in_o i_o take_v this_o first_o active_o and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o shall_v not_o take_v occasion_n of_o stumble_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o way_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v take_v passive_o so_o as_o to_o point_v out_o the_o way_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v nor_o take_v up_o a_o halt_n in_o for_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o wit_n every_o sinful_a course_n and_o way_n that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o people_n to_o stumble_v in_o and_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o but_o this_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v not_o stumble_v be_v christ_n himself_o and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n prescribe_v by_o he_o bless_a be_v he_o say_v christ_n who_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v happy_a be_v that_o man_n who_o take_v not_o occasion_n from_o i_o or_o any_o thing_n in_o my_o way_n to_o stumble_v or_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o i_o and_o that_o course_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n wherein_o i_o have_v command_v he_o to_o walk_v the_o word_n be_v but_o one_o entire_a proposition_n and_o sentence_n i_o need_v not_o therefore_o spend_v time_n in_o divide_v they_o but_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o doctrine_n first_o the_o lord_n apply_v the_o general_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o himself_o in_o particular_a show_v they_o be_v verify_v in_o he_o for_o the_o word_n in_o i_o have_v in_o they_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o question_v propound_v by_o john_n disciple_n and_o show_v the_o messiah_n be_v come_v and_o that_o he_o be_v that_o messiah_n whence_o we_o may_v mark_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n bring_v up_o in_o nazareth_n and_o crucify_a in_o jerusalem_n be_v that_o very_o same_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o promise_v to_o the_o father_n we_o may_v observe_v 2_o that_o before_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n who_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o not_o to_o stumble_v at_o he_o do_v first_o prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v so_o while_o he_o hid_n john_n disciple_n tell_v their_o master_n he_o be_v do_v such_o miraculous_a work_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v foreshow_v none_o but_o christ_n shall_v do_v whence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o all_o question_n and_o debate_n about_o religion_n shall_v be_v determine_v from_o scripture_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n for_o here_o when_o a_o question_n arise_v among_o john_n disciple_n if_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n neither_o john_n the_o baptist_n than_o who_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a prophet_n among_o these_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n yea_o nor_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v great_a than_o he_o do_v take_v it_o upon_o they_o to_o determine_v in_o it_o but_o john_n send_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o christ_n send_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o a_o solution_n thus_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n say_v the_o lord_n isai._n 8._o 20._o if_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v 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 the_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v the_o inlet_a to_o humane_a tradition_n without_o and_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n both_o in_o worship_n and_o government_n in_o the_o antichristian_a church_n and_o if_o this_o rule_n once_o be_v lay_v aside_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o humane_a ceremony_n until_o all_o that_o trash_n which_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v bring_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o man_n can_v make_v way_n for_o one_o it_o may_v also_o make_v way_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o pass_v those_o the_o two_o follow_a doctrine_n be_v these_o that_o i_o intend_v most_o to_o insist_v upon_o and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v employ_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v many_o stumble_a block_n in_o christ_n way_n whereat_z people_z be_v apt_a to_o offend_v take_v up_o a_o halt_n and_o stumble_v and_o yet_o second_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o stumble_v for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o stumble_a block_n christ_n need_v not_o so_o much_o guard_n against_o they_o and_o by_o his_o guard_n against_o they_o he_o
the_o lord_n table_n profess_v you_o have_v do_v your_o duty_n now_o be_v with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n i_o shall_v not_o run_v far_o back_o for_o find_v out_o the_o connexion_n of_o this_o purpose_n with_o that_o which_o go_v before_o only_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o luke_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o history_n of_o the_o act_n do_v show_v from_o verse_n 19_o of_o this_o same_o chapter_n how_o that_o through_o occasion_n of_o that_o persecution_n which_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n meet_v with_o after_o steven_n death_n mention_v chap._n 8_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v by_o those_o who_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v for_o their_o life_n do_v wonderful_o spread_v as_o far_o as_o phanâ—ce_n &_o cyprus_n and_o antioch_n and_o many_o in_o these_o region_n and_o kingdom_n be_v take_v with_o it_o for_o verse_n 21_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o and_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n whereupon_o as_o be_v show_v v_o 22._o when_o these_o tiding_n come_v to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o send_v forth_o barnabas_n a_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a part_n and_o call_v for_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o act_n 14._o 14._o i_o say_v the_o church_n send_v he_o as_o far_o as_o antioch_n for_o help_v forward_o the_o work_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n we_o have_v barnabas_n his_o come_n to_o they_o and_o what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o come_v who_o when_o he_o come_v and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v glad_a and_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v these_o thing_n consideraable_a 1._o barnabas_n his_o come_n to_o antioch_n 2._o we_o have_v what_o he_o see_v when_o he_o come_v he_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o bring_v so_o many_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o we_o have_v what_o this_o sight_n do_v work_v upon_o he_o 1._o it_o make_v he_o glad_a 2._o it_o bring_v a_o pithy_a needful_a exhortation_n from_o he_o to_o these_o new_a convert_v the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v here_o set_v down_o that_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord._n what_o explication_n be_v needful_a i_o shall_v insist_v on_o as_o i_o go_v through_o the_o particular_n first_o it_o be_v mention_v he_o come_v to_o antioch_n but_o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o any_o great_a train_n he_o carry_v along_o with_o he_o or_o any_o great_a solemnity_n at_o his_o reception_n though_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n the_o high_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o that_o he_o come_v doubtless_o in_o a_o sober_a way_n as_o become_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n then_o unknown_a in_o the_o world_n for_o churchman_n to_o go_v accompany_v with_o train_n like_o prince_n and_o that_o whole_a country_n side_n and_o great_a personage_n in_o they_o behoove_v to_o wait_v upon_o their_o grandeur_n it_o never_o be_v well_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n since_o churchman_n begin_v to_o overtop_v peer_n and_o noble_n but_o the_o thing_n i_o mark_v from_o this_o be_v that_o barnabas_n though_o a_o extraordinary_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o apostle_n do_v nevertheless_o obey_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v mention_v v._n 22._o that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v he_o forth_o and_o here_o that_o he_o do_v come_v according_o now_o what_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o who_o direction_n he_o subject_v himself_o be_v clear_a from_o act._n 21._o 18._o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n even_o a_o presbytry_n as_o have_v be_v make_v out_o convince_o these_o year_n bypass_a against_o the_o independent_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o which_o elder_n the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v submit_v himself_o there_o as_o barnabas_n do_v here_o from_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o even_o the_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o respective_a and_o tender_a of_o that_o authority_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n and_o the_o judicatories_n thereof_o this_o appear_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o when_o there_o be_v church_n constitute_v and_o church_n judicatories_n erect_v to_o manage_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o exercise_v power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o these_o church_n by_o themselves_o alone_o neither_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n nor_o in_o the_o censure_v or_o excommunicate_v of_o scandalous_a offender_n but_o though_o they_o be_v without_o doubt_n universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o they_o do_v remit_v the_o same_o to_o ordinary_a church_n judicatories_n thus_o paul_n do_v not_o ordain_v timothy_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n alone_o but_o admit_v the_o ordinary_a presbytery_n to_o do_v it_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophesy_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o 1_o cor._n 5._o he_o clear_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n as_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n judicatory_a at_o corinth_n and_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o not_o make_v use_n of_o that_o power_n in_o excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n v._o 4_o 5._o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o my_o spirit_n with_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n v._o 5._o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n a_o second_o thing_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v show_v their_o respect_n to_o church_n judicatories_n be_v this_o which_o be_v here_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o be_v order_v by_o and_o subject_a to_o their_o direction_n thus_o in_o the_o place_n cite_v act_n 21._o 20._o the_o church_n of_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n give_v their_o injunction_n to_o paul_n that_o for_o removal_n of_o a_o offence_n that_o many_o thousand_o of_o jew_n have_v take_v against_o he_o he_o shall_v public_o practice_v some_o of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n in_o purify_n himself_o and_o shave_v his_o head_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n thing_n indifferent_a and_o according_o its_o mention_a v_o 26._o that_o paul_n do_v follow_v their_o direction_n all_o which_o show_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o church_n judicatories_n be_v very_o much_o tender_v even_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o the_o bishop_n do_v indeed_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n and_o their_o only_a successor_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o this_o it_o be_v make_v very_o clear_a by_o protestant_a writer_n against_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o pope_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o successor_n as_o to_o what_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o their_o office_n and_o as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a in_o it_o as_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n dispense_v the_o sacrament_n and_o exercise_v church_n discipline_n over_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o have_v in_o these_o all_o minister_n for_o their_o successor_n but_o pass_v that_o what_o i_o be_o now_o on_o be_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o these_o latter_a time_n have_v encroach_v more_o upon_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n leave_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o church_n judicatories_n than_o ever_o the_o apostle_n them-themselves_a who_o successor_n they_o give_v themselves_o out_o for_o do_v for_o as_o i_o have_v clear_v from_o the_o present_a doctrine_n the_o apostle_n do_v leave_v the_o matter_n of_o ordinary_a jurisdiction_n to_o be_v manage_v by_o ordinary_a church_n judicatory_n but_o so_o do_v not_o they_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n minister_n within_o a_o church_n though_o they_o be_v all_o gather_v together_o may_v neither_o ordain_v a_o minister_n nor_o excommunicate_v a_o scandalous_a offender_n but_o this_o must_v be_v do_v only_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o such_o as_o â—e_n do_v substitute_n under_o he_o for_o it_o again_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o some_o thing_n at_o least_o subject_a and_o order_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o church_n judicatories_n but_o so_o be_v not_o they_o such_o a_o condiscendance_n can_v not_o stand_v with_o their_o honour_n and_o dignity_n second_o we_o have_v in_o the_o text_n what_o barnabas_n see_v among_o they_o when_o he_o come_v and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v not_o as_o if_o all_o of_o they_o