independent_a government_n be_v such_o they_o be_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o that_o government_n only_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v god_n ordinance_n as_o have_v both_o precept_n and_o precedent_n for_o it_o in_o god_n word_n upon_o which_o they_o depend_v and_o this_o be_v my_o opinion_n and_o not_o that_o which_o master_n knollys_n will_v grollish_o put_v upon_o i_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o that_o piece_n of_o nonsense_n of_o he_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o his_o answer_n and_o that_o which_o i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a and_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n in_o any_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o minister_n which_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v they_o have_v and_o for_o instance_n produce_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o colosse_n understand_v by_o church_n the_o people_n who_o he_o say_v have_v power_n over_o the_o member_n miserable_o mistake_v himself_o 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rule_v by_o the_o head_n and_o other_o more_o noble_a part_n and_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o direction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n some_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o other_o to_o be_v rule_v in_o it_o and_o who_o place_n it_o be_v ever_o to_o obey_v for_o none_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n leave_v their_o station_n unless_o they_o by_o violence_n be_v cut_v off_o as_o all_o rational_a creature_n do_v very_o well_o know_v for_o the_o head_n be_v ever_o the_o head_n the_o eye_n be_v ever_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n be_v ever_o the_o ear_n and_o the_o hand_n be_v ever_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n for_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 27._o now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n 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the_o new-testament_n in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_v set_v down_o in_o they_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o for_o the_o well_o order_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v only_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o several_a church_n through_o all_o nation_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o manage_n of_o the_o government_n as_o the_o ruler_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o government_n peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o to_o obey_v again_o if_o we_o look_v but_o into_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n revel_v 2._o &_o 2._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o epistle_n christ_n write_v unto_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o those_o several_a church_n as_o upon_o who_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n lay_v and_o who_o have_v both_o the_o praise_n of_o well_o do_v and_o blame_v of_o any_o evil_a either_o commit_v or_o tolerate_v by_o they_o for_o see_v they_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v the_o steward_n and_o guide_n of_o those_o church_n and_o to_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o same_o all_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o malversation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o member_n in_o they_o be_v impute_v unto_o they_o as_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o not_o use_v their_o authority_n for_o the_o redress_v of_o those_o abuse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_o evident_a through_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n that_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n
and_o all_o man_n and_o no_o woman_n and_o another_o consist_v of_o three_o thousand_o more_o of_o which_o he_o make_v a_o scruple_n say_v that_o among_o they_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n so_o that_o if_o the_o five_o thousand_o be_v all_o man_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o company_n of_o three_o thousand_o more_o beside_o among_o which_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n as_o master_n knollys_n say_v than_o this_o three_o thousand_o be_v a_o distinct_a company_n from_o the_o former_a now_o three_o thousand_o among_o the_o which_o there_o may_v be_v some_o woman_n and_o five_o thousand_o all_o man_n make_v up_o full_a eight_o thousand_o so_o that_o master_n knollys_n by_o his_o whible_v again_o and_o again_o volens_fw-la nolens_fw-la confirm_v my_o assertion_n that_o the_o full_a number_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o these_o two_o miracle_n &_o sermon_n be_v eight_o thousand_o and_o for_o aught_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v all_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o this_o be_v all_o he_o gain_v by_o his_o fond_a cavil_a and_o contention_n to_o prove_v himself_o a_o very_a jangler_n and_o one_o like_o that_o wicked_a servant_n that_o condemn_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o number_n viz_o that_o there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o beside_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o second_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o labour_v to_o evince_v and_o prove_v they_o be_v not_o convert_n &_o believer_n which_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v to_o be_v not_o only_o groundless_a but_o to_o be_v most_o impious_a and_o wicked_a as_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o indeed_o destructive_a to_o their_o own_o tenant_n and_o principle_n his_o word_n be_v these_o these_o five_o thousand_o say_v he_o be_v only_o call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o five_o thousand_o thus_o master_n knollys_n for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o stand_v astonish_v at_o the_o vanity_n senslesnes_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o man_n for_o his_o word_n be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o the_o independent_o themselves_o who_o hold_v that_o they_o be_v all_o convert_v and_o believe_v but_o they_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o lie_n as_o i_o say_v before_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o resistance_n and_o opposition_n make_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o for_o this_o very_a end_n i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n the_o holy_a ghh_v say_v that_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v five_o thousand_o here_o be_v two_o truth_n evident_o lay_v down_o contrary_a to_o master_n knollys_n his_o error_n the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o call_v man_n but_o believer_n for_o say_v the_o scripture_n they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v second_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v be_v there_o in_o terminis_fw-la set_v down_o to_o be_v five_o thousand_o and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n viz._n that_o believe_v say_v the_o text_n be_v five_o thousand_o so_o that_o from_o this_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o all_o my_o argument_n deduce_v from_o thence_o these_o two_o conclusion_n do_v follow_v evident_o the_o first_o that_o master_n knollys_n be_v a_o very_a wicked_a man_n that_o thus_o at_o pleasure_n can_v give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n and_o oppose_v the_o truth_n itself_o upon_o all_o occasion_n the_o second_o that_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v possible_o all_o meet_a in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o in_o its_o very_a infancy_n for_o here_o we_o read_v of_o eight_o thousand_o more_o cnovert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n for_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o no_o woman_n nor_o child_n new_o add_v to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n in_o christ_n life_n time_n and_o all_o they_o be_v innumerable_a for_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v baptize_v beside_o the_o many_o other_o thousand_o that_o the_o scripture_n record_v be_v daily_o add_v to_o these_o all_o which_o i_o say_v can_v not_o possible_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o edification_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o conclusion_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v will_v appear_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a as_o they_o will_v gather_v that_o mr._n knollys_n &_o his_o complice_n that_o thus_o sottish_o oppose_v it_o ought_v severe_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o these_o their_o wicked_a practice_n who_o for_o the_o uphold_v of_o their_o own_o error_n and_o for_o their_o base_a lucre_n and_o gain_n &_o for_o worldly_a end_n care_v not_o what_o they_o say_v or_o do_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o church_n &_o state_n for_o the_o seduce_a of_o the_o poor_a people_n and_o hinder_v of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v but_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o master_n knoyll_n his_o other_o cavil_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n a_o little_a to_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v yet_o in_o this_o place_n to_o say_v to_o he_o these_o five_o thousand_o say_v he_o be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v not_o believer_n for_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o text_n well_o consider_v only_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v make_v up_o 5._o thousand_o from_o hence_o i_o gather_v if_o these_o word_n of_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o very_a well_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v such_o a_o one_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o although_o they_o be_v not_o all_o visible_a saint_n but_o many_o of_o they_o unbeliever_n jew_n and_o infidel_n and_o be_v not_o true_a convert_n and_o that_o for_o the_o mould_v up_o of_o a_o true_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o visible_a saint_n for_o here_o master_n knollys_n say_v they_o be_v mix_v good_a and_o bad_a together_o it_o be_v not_o say_v say_v he_o the_o five_o thousand_o man_n believe_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o member_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n some_o of_o they_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v up_o into_o a_o church_n body_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o the_o true_a saint_n and_o believer_n make_v no_o separation_n from_o the_o other_o but_o they_o all_o continue_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n both_o saint_n and_o infidel_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n now_o whither_o or_o no_o master_n knollys_n by_o this_o doctrine_n of_o he_o do_v not_o fight_v against_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v all_o the_o new_a fabric_n of_o independency_n i_o leave_v it_o not_o only_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o but_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o seven_o new_a church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pastor_n and_o a_o other_o saint_n diotrephes_n who_o if_o they_o do_v not_o punish_v he_o for_o this_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v say_v they_o deserve_v censure_n and_o punishment_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o i_o have_v here_o to_o say_v to_o mr_n knollys_n i_o have_v this_o also_o to_o add_v that_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o his_o word_n there_o will_v then_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o any_o thing_n the_o scripture_n relate_v unto_o we_o for_o he_o say_v that_o those_o five_o thousand_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v call_v man_n and_o not_o convert_v and_o believer_n and_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v the_o five_o thousand_o believe_v so_o that_o if_o he_o may_v
i_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o then_o the_o controversy_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o so_o do_v all_o the_o independent_o say_v that_o i_o ever_o yet_o talk_v with_o now_o my_o brother_n burton_n a_o old_a disciple_n and_o father_n among_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n &_o that_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o place_n great_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v into_o several_a assembly_n and_o that_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n require_v seven_o deacon_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n by_o which_o he_o prove_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v that_o i_o labour_v to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o he_o have_v do_v my_o work_n now_o all_o man_n know_v where_o there_o be_v seven_o treasurer_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o innumerable_a number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n for_o two_o or_o three_o treasurer_n will_v have_v serve_v any_o one_o congregation_n though_o it_o have_v consist_v of_o many_o more_o than_o five_o thousand_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o now_o that_o there_o be_v seâ—en_v at_o the_o first_o appoint_v it_o show_v a_o mighty_a vast_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o if_o in_o its_o infancy_n there_o be_v so_o many_o ordain_v how_o many_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v afterward_o in_o future_a time_n make_v when_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n daily_o increase_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o argument_n against_o himself_o to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v that_o all_o the_o independent_o deny_v now_o if_o his_o brethren_n do_v not_o true_o conclude_v of_o he_o and_o say_v as_o they_o do_v when_o he_o write_v his_o protestation_n protest_v of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v ashamed_a that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o that_o business_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v leave_v that_o dispute_n to_o those_o that_o have_v many_o year_n study_v the_o question_n i_o shall_v be_v much_o deceive_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v by_o some_o of_o that_o way_n many_o of_o the_o most_o approve_a of_o they_o for_o judgement_n have_v already_o give_v this_o verdict_n of_o he_o and_o that_o for_o his_o very_a vindiciae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la or_o rather_o falsitatis_fw-la and_o for_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o be_v a_o weak_a man_n and_o unfit_a for_o this_o employment_n as_o be_v a_o man_n of_o more_o passion_n and_o choler_n then_o ground_v reason_n and_o argumentation_n and_o therefore_o will_v spoil_v their_o cause_n but_o now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o it_o that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o convenient_a place_n as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n all_o together_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n which_o concession_n of_o his_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n as_o they_o call_v it_o yet_o say_v he_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n which_o though_o say_v he_o you_o call_v so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o as_o not_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n so_o that_o he_o distinguish_v between_o church_n and_o congregation_n as_o master_n knollys_n do_v between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o make_v they_o synonima_n as_o other_o man_n and_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n usual_o do_v and_o think_v by_o this_o his_o grollery_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o all_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o convince_v they_o the_o question_n therefore_o between_o i_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o a_o congregation_n and_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n communicate_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v say_v that_o although_o i_o call_v they_o so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o and_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o gratify_v my_o kind_a brother_n &_o to_o show_v how_o willing_a i_o be_o to_o please_v his_o humour_n i_o do_v undertake_v that_o work_n now_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v &_o evince_n that_o those_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n be_v so_o many_o several_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o my_o elevenor_n twelve_o sheet_n spend_v about_o this_o argument_n prove_v no_o waste_n paper_n and_o then_o also_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o he_o must_v turn_v presbyterian_a dependent_a if_o he_o have_v any_o honesty_n in_o he_o this_o then_o be_v my_o task_n to_o maintain_v and_o prove_v that_o those_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n or_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a assistance_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v good_a although_o he_o have_v sufficient_o himself_o overthrow_v the_o independent_o doctrine_n by_o the_o very_o grant_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o by_o the_o way_n before_o i_o come_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o premise_v thus_o much_o if_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v orthodox_n divinity_n viz._n that_o the_o sever_n of_o themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o into_o many_o several_a congregation_n in_o several_a private_a house_n for_o the_o partake_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o edify_v make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n the_o communicate_v and_o participate_v notwithstanding_o in_o all_o the_o which_o ordinance_n in_o all_o age_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o formal_a church_n or_o a_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v then_o i_o affirm_v the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n for_o that_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n as_o be_v found_v and_o build_v upon_o that_o one_o rock_n jesus_n christ_n that_o only_a pastor_n and_o shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o ensue_v upon_o his_o principle_n viz._n if_o the_o sever_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n make_v they_o not_o several_a church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o my_o brother_n burton_n teach_v because_o it_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n then_o the_o sever_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n through_o the_o world_n make_v they_o not_o so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v because_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o all_o those_o congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o so_o by_o his_o learning_n there_o shall_v now_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o enjoy_v all_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o each_o of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v good_a divinity_n then_o let_v all_o man_n turn_v expectant_n and_o seeker_n for_o we_o have_v not_o in_o the_o world_n
as_o yet_o any_o particular_a visible_a form_v church_n for_o all_o these_o several_a congregation_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_a visible_a church_n and_o a_o branch_n and_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n dialect_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o church_n body_n upon_o earth_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o say_v will_v necessary_o follow_v upon_o my_o brother_n burtons_n unsound_a principle_n and_o this_o his_o opinion_n which_o i_o be_o confident_a upon_o his_o more_o serious_a thought_n and_o when_o he_o make_v not_o such_o haste_n as_o he_o confess_v he_o do_v when_o he_o write_v this_o his_o book_n against_o i_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o erroneous_a but_o if_o he_o shall_v against_o all_o reason_n undertake_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n he_o do_v about_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o be_o assure_v he_o will_v be_v high_o condemn_v by_o the_o learnede_a of_o his_o party_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o judicious_a divine_n in_o the_o world_n who_o i_o know_v be_v of_o a_o contrary_a judgement_n but_o i_o say_v if_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n he_o shall_v acknowledge_v and_o grant_v that_o the_o several_a congregation_n or_o church_n of_o believer_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o own_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o new_a gather_a church_n howsoever_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o title_n unto_o our_o assembly_n i_o say_v if_o he_o shall_v but_o accord_v that_o both_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o new_a congregation_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o church_n body_n though_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n then_o likewise_o of_o necessity_n it_o will_v follow_v and_o he_o must_v yield_v unto_o it_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v though_o but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n because_o as_o the_o learned_a know_v all_o particular_a congregation_n and_o church_n that_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o they_o be_v similar_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o they_o do_v all_o partake_v of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n i_o say_v all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v part_n of_o that_o nationall_n city_n or_o presbyterian_a church_n that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n as_o partake_v both_o of_o the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o church_n be_v all_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v one_o of_o those_o conclusion_n i_o affirm_v will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n principle_n and_o for_o the_o better_a evidence_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v i_o will_v add_v a_o few_o word_n more_o by_o way_n of_o a_o corollary_n that_o whatsoever_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o it_o to_o make_v it_o the_o first_o form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o same_o have_v all_o the_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v to_o make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n may_v challenge_v the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o the_o independent_o acknowledge_v then_o the_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n respective_o and_o several_o consider_v may_v do_v the_o same_o and_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o if_o the_o whole_a consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n so_o do_v every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a have_v the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o it_o and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n officer_n so_o have_v every_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o that_o church_n though_o but_o a_o part_n and_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n enjoy_v all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n so_o do_v every_o one_o of_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v and_o therefore_o when_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o particular_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n viz_o every_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o consider_v and_o as_o a_o part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o privilege_n immunity_n and_o in_o whatsoever_o be_v require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a form_v church_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o either_o of_o those_o congregation_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o enjoy_v or_o can_v challenge_v for_o the_o make_v it_o a_o complete_a church_n than_o it_o follow_v and_o that_o necessary_o that_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o the_o independent_o confess_v that_o all_o those_o congregation_n &_o assembly_n several_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v this_o i_o think_v good_a to_o premise_v and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o undertake_v which_o be_v to_o prove_v those_o several_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o i_o do_v by_o this_o argument_n all_o such_o assembly_n &_o congregation_n as_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o diverse_a company_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n be_v all_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o enjoy_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o whatsoever_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o repute_n and_o think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n and_o constitute_v of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o who_o also_o have_v among_o they_o in_o those_o several_a assembly_n minister_n immediate_o send_v they_o of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n also_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o which_o minister_n likewise_o teach_v they_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n all_z and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v true_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v many_o such_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n as_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o diverse_a company_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o several_a private_a house_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n be_v all_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v all_o baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o enjoy_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n and_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o whatsoever_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n the_o whole_a church_n partake_v in_o and_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_o repute_n and_o think_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n and_o constitute_v of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o who_o also_o have_v among_o they_o in_o those_o several_a
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and_o if_o that_o also_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v be_v true_a than_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o i_o say_v before_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v all_o this_o occasional_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v evident_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o will_v make_v use_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n land_n afford_v i_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o my_o major_a proposition_n which_o be_v that_o all_z those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n meet_v together_o in_o those_o several_a house_n at_o jerusalem_n every_o one_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o this_o i_o do_v the_o more_o willing_o because_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v better_o sound_v in_o my_o brother_n burtons_n ear_n and_o those_o of_o his_o party_n to_o hear_v one_o of_o their_o own_o great_a rabbye_n who_o they_o usual_o call_v giant_n and_o tall_a fellow_n then_o to_o hear_v i_o who_o at_o pleasure_n they_o style_v a_o pigmy_n and_o dwarf_n from_o his_o word_n therefore_o i_o thus_o argue_v if_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o he_o assert_v and_o labour_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o then_o much_o more_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n have_v among_o they_o also_o their_o lawful_a officer_n and_o minister_n and_o enjoy_v likewise_o all_o those_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n within_o themselves_o which_o the_o independent_o confess_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o i_o say_v and_o that_o with_o far_o better_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o company_n do_v constitute_v a_o complete_a visible_a church_n or_o a_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v not_o only_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o or_o two_o or_o three_o such_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n but_o at_o least_o twelve_o if_o not_o half_o twelve_o score_n yea_o innumerable_a in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o clothe_v with_o his_o power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o respective_o and_o several_o they_o have_v also_o their_o lawful_a officer_n and_o minister_n and_o enjoy_v all_o those_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n which_o the_o independent_o confess_v arr_o sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v ergo_fw-la all_n and_o every_o one_o 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every_o one_o of_o they_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v requisite_a and_o sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o form_a church_n for_o there_o be_v in_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o such_o minister_n and_o officer_n as_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n and_o that_o to_o the_o enâ—_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28._o vers_fw-la the_o last_o they_o have_v also_o in_o all_o those_o congregation_n all_o those_o privilege_n immunity_n and_o ordinance_n the_o enjoy_v of_o the_o which_o the_o independent_o think_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o one_o of_o their_o new_a congregation_n a_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n or_o church_n body_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o for_o their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n they_o have_v all_o the_o bless_a apostle_n among_o they_o and_o christ_n seventy_o disciple_n and_o many_o other_o preacher_n abundant_o furnish_v with_o all_o gift_n as_o who_o have_v go_v in_o and_o out_o with_o christ_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o he_o and_o johns_n ministry_n the_o mean_a of_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o first_o of_o the_o act_n and_o they_o have_v among_o they_o also_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n many_o believer_n and_o saint_n and_o all_o of_o they_o extraordinary_o gift_v and_o qualify_v and_o such_o as_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n therefore_o they_o be_v visible_a church_n i_o do_v not_o with_o the_o author_n say_v mystical_a body_n the_o member_n of_o the_o which_o be_v visible_a saint_n such_o as_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v together_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n and_o that_o with_o the_o holy_a covenant_n of_o baptism_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v so_o many_o complete_a church_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v in_o all_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n several_o and_o respective_o both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n that_o which_o the_o independent_o hold_v ever_o sufficient_a to_o constitute_v and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o those_o congregation_n they_o be_v visible_a and_o miraculous_a saint_n not_o ordinary_a one_o as_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v among_o they_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o incomparable_a sanctify_a &_o transcendent_a endowment_n viz_o the_o holy_a apostle_n all_o the_o which_o be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o infallible_o who_o have_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n viz._n the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n by_o which_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v all_o other_o church_n and_o gather_v and_o form_v church_n both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o other_o city_n and_o country_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v and_o as_o in_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o have_v the_o material_n both_o for_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o true_a complete_a form_v church_n so_o tâ—â—y_o have_v likewise_o that_o which_o the_o independent_o call_v the_o form_n of_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n for_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a and_o combine_v together_o in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n or_o covenant_n as_o that_o of_o baptism_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n those_o seal_a ordinance_n and_o they_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n among_o
be_v all_o dependent_a i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o chief_a thing_n observable_a in_o it_o first_o they_o define_v a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v a_o mystical_a body_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n saint_n etc._n etc._n second_o they_o assert_v that_o this_o church_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n or_o as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n three_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o form_n of_o this_o church_n be_v a_o holy_a explicit_a covenant_n which_o false_o they_o make_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n or_o they_o say_v they_o be_v unite_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n now_o it_o can_v be_v holy_a except_o it_o be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o have_v his_o command_n and_o authority_n for_o it_o which_o be_v that_o that_o engrave_v holiness_n upon_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v either_o diabolical_a or_o at_o least_o but_o humane_a so_o that_o in_o the_o independent_o learning_n wheresoever_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o any_o congregation_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v not_o a_o form_a church_n for_o this_o be_v their_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n within_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o which_o whatsoever_o church_n do_v not_o come_v and_o within_o the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o terminate_v it_o be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o so_o by_o this_o all_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v nor_o be_v true_a form_v church_n no_o not_o the_o very_a independent_a congregation_n themselves_o as_o i_o hope_v by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v illustrious_o make_v appear_v after_o i_o have_v say_v something_o in_o order_n of_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o this_o their_o definition_n and_o have_v show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o have_v set_v out_o and_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o indeed_o the_o unsupportable_a bondage_n that_o will_v redound_v unto_o thousand_o of_o god_n people_n if_o these_o man_n may_v have_v their_o mind_n and_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o definition_n for_o from_o such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o describe_v and_o desire_v though_o it_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o be_v they_o never_o so_o erroneous_a in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o never_o so_o corrupt_a in_o their_o manner_n and_o never_o so_o perverse_a malicious_a and_o unplacable_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o let_v their_o unjustice_n do_v against_o any_o poor_a oppress_a member_n by_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a or_o exorbitant_a there_o be_v no_o appeal_n from_o it_o or_o help_v or_o redress_v to_o be_v expect_v by_o any_o appeal_n to_o any_o other_o court_n church_n or_o ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n which_o be_v a_o yoke_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o horrid_a tyranny_n and_o slavery_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v and_o which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o forefather_n can_v ever_o bear_v a_o great_a than_o the_o which_o never_o any_o man_n voluntary_o put_v themselves_o under_o before_o these_o our_o unhappy_a time_n all_o the_o which_o i_o shall_v god_n assist_v i_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o definition_n make_v evident_a and_o first_o whereas_o they_o define_v a_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v a_o mystical_a body_n if_o any_o presbyterian_a shall_v have_v so_o speak_v the_o independent_o will_v have_v say_v it_o have_v be_v a_o bull_n for_o visible_a and_o mystical_a can_v be_v predicate_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n for_o if_o it_o be_v mystical_a than_o not_o visible_a and_o if_o visible_a then_o not_o mystical_a and_o therefore_o their_o definition_n belong_v rather_o to_o the_o invisible_a church_n then_o to_o any_o visible_a congregation_n because_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o be_v true_o holy_a and_o godly_a which_o none_o know_v but_o god_n himself_o for_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o and_o positive_o say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v a_o saint_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v often_o mistake_v as_o the_o independent_o themselves_z acknowledge_v they_o have_v be_v for_o the_o time_n be_v that_o they_o think_v some_o man_n saint_n who_o be_v the_o same_o still_o they_o then_o be_v and_o yet_o now_o they_o not_o only_o think_v but_o say_v though_o false_o they_o be_v devil_n and_o repent_v that_o ever_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o most_o true_a it_o be_v that_o god_n only_o know_v who_o be_v he_o yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o though_o of_o more_o discern_a spirit_n then_o any_o in_o our_o age_n yet_o can_v not_o discover_v judas_n christ_n only_o know_v he_o be_v a_o devil_n it_o be_v hide_v and_o a_o mystery_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o same_o to_o this_o day_n lie_v hide_v from_o all_o man_n who_o be_v saint_n indeed_o that_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n it_o be_v his_o prerogative_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o therefore_o their_o definition_n be_v absurd_a groundless_a and_o vain_a in_o this_o branch_n of_o it_o when_o they_o say_v a_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mystical_a body_n consist_v of_o none_o but_o saint_n and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o none_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v true_a form_v church_n according_a to_o this_o their_o model_n for_o we_o read_v not_o only_o of_o many_o scandalous_a walker_n among_o they_o but_o of_o some_o heretic_n and_o yet_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v true_a church_n what_o ever_o the_o independent_o think_v now_o of_o such_o congregation_n as_o be_v mix_v though_o in_o none_o or_o in_o very_a few_o of_o they_o they_o can_v discover_v any_o such_o offender_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n in_o corinth_n galatia_n philippi_n and_o in_o some_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o definition_n be_v good_a none_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v true_a church_n yea_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a in_o the_o sequel_n that_o none_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v then_o true_a church_n as_o not_o consist_v of_o all_o saint_n but_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o branch_n or_o part_n viz._n that_o the_o church_n they_o desire_v must_v be_v but_o one_o congregation_n enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o it_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o good_a in_o this_o branch_n also_o than_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o well_o form_v church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o then_o also_o never_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n be_v a_o true_a church_n much_o less_o can_v any_o of_o our_o new_a congregation_n challenge_v that_o title_n and_o be_v true_a church_n it_o be_v impossible_a though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o one_o congregation_n apiece_o for_o they_o several_o to_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o among_o god_n ordinance_n the_o independent_o both_o in_o new-england_n and_o here_o among_o we_o hold_v that_o synod_n and_o counsel_n be_v one_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o their_o dialect_n though_o as_o they_o be_v representative_a body_n of_o many_o church_n they_o may_v have_v that_o name_n give_v they_o and_o be_v church_n in_o my_o notion_n and_o according_a to_o my_o understanding_n but_o i_o say_v not_o proper_o according_a to_o their_o language_n for_o their_o congregation_n consist_v of_o particular_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o of_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n apeice_n and_o deacon_n and_o of_o a_o few_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o have_v many_o other_o pretty_a thing_n require_v for_o the_o mould_v of_o they_o up_o into_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n whereas_o in_o counsel_n and_o synod_n they_o have_v neither_o particular_a pastor_n nor_o teacher_n over_o they_o nor_o any_o such_o elder_n and_o deacon_n as_o they_o require_v nor_o no_o woman_n so_o that_o no_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o present_a day_n enjoy_v that_o ordinance_n in_o it_o for_o a_o synod_n and_o council_n consist_v of_o presbyter_n only_o and_o that_o of_o many_o not_o only_o out_o of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n though_o never_o so_o large_a and_o great_a but_o out_o of_o many_o send_v and_o delegated_a from_o each_o of_o they_o respective_o and_o several_o yea_o many_o time_n not_o only_o out_o of_o many_o several_a presbytery_n adjacent_a but_o out_o of_o other_o country_n and_o province_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a counsel_n and_o that_o late_o at_o dort_n and_o this_o our_o
church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v act_n the_o second_o that_o consist_v only_o of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o presbyter_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n also_o of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n assert_v pag._n 10._o so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o those_o congregation_n that_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n though_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n within_o themselves_o and_o want_v discipline_n may_v be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o the_o church_n here_o of_o jorusalem_n be_v which_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n have_v no_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o dictinstion_n of_o officer_n &_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o it_o want_v all_o these_o thing_n by_o their_o own_o concession_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n &_o that_o because_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v draw_v these_o two_o infallibleconclusion_n the_o first_o that_o all_o such_o congregation_n as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n be_v true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o they_o want_v both_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o although_o they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n this_o first_o conclusion_n i_o say_v i_o infallible_o gather_v from_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n the_o second_o be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o be_v that_o have_v both_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a performance_n if_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o visible_a saint_n they_o be_v not_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o all_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n without_o which_o they_o be_v but_o shadow_n of_o church_n and_o no_o true_a church_n for_o substance_n but_o all_o the_o independent_a congregation_n be_v such_o as_o only_a glory_n in_o outward_a performance_n &_o consist_v not_o of_o visible_a saint_n ergo._n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o that_o mr_n knollys_n i._n s._n &_o my_o brother_n have_v to_o reply_v against_o all_o my_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o before_o the_o persecution_n and_o under_o the_o persecution_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o master_n hanserdo_v i._n s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o answer_v to_o my_o second_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n ensue_a and_o after_o i_o have_v dispatch_v that_o work_n i_o will_v then_o in_o like_a manner_n reply_v to_o whatsoever_o either_o master_n knollys_n i._n s._n or_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v to_o all_o my_o argument_n concern_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o touch_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o large_a in_o their_o answer_n to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v to_o my_o foregoing_a reason_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n speak_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n but_o for_o the_o overthrow_v of_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o i_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o brief_a in_o they_o but_o first_o i_o will_v set_v down_o my_o proposition_n and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o jndependent_o assent_v unto_o they_o and_o i_o will_v then_o also_o faithful_o relate_v their_o own_o word_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v for_o their_o purpose_n or_o any_o way_n make_v against_o my_o argument_n or_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n advantageous_a to_o their_o cause_n my_o second_o proposition_n now_o follow_v viz._n that_o all_o these_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o use_v many_o word_n or_o any_o great_a dispute_n for_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o they_o accord_v far_o that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n communion_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o put_v their_o estate_n in_o the_o church_n common_a treasury_n and_o â—hose_v officer_n for_o the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o i_o say_v our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o take_v this_o fellowship_n of_o these_o member_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o ordinary_a church-communion_n and_o therefore_o this_o my_o second_o assertion_n be_v without_o controversy_n it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o many_o place_n in_o the_o same_o story_n and_o assent_v to_o by_o the_o brethren_n to_o this_o proposition_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o master_n knollys_n in_o the_o eleven_o page_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n thus_o reply_v to_o which_o i_o also_o say_v he_o consent_n but_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v neither_o bathe_v the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o therein_o i_o must_v manifest_v my_o dissent_n from_o the_o doctor_n opinion_n promise_v he_o if_o he_o shall_v sound_o prove_v it_o in_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v i_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o this_o be_v all_o master_n knollys_n have_v to_o say_v to_o this_o proposition_n i_o will_v first_o therefore_o reply_v to_o he_o and_o in_o do_v that_o insert_v my_o brother_n burtons_n answer_n to_o it_o with_o what_o i._o s._n have_v to_o say_v and_o answer_v to_o they_o all_o in_o order_n now_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v nor_o the_o doctor_n by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v divers_a congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o he_o say_v i_o be_o most_o assure_v all_o that_o shall_v without_o prejudice_n read_v my_o foregoing_a argument_n and_o serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n master_n knollys_n and_o i._o s._n have_v write_v will_v conclude_v that_o master_n hanserdo_n be_v a_o man_n of_o very_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o of_o as_o little_a honesty_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v credit_v in_o what_o either_o he_o say_v or_o write_v neither_o ought_v master_n knollys_n in_o this_o controversy_n especial_o when_o the_o debate_n be_v yet_o sub_fw-la judice_fw-la to_o be_v both_o party_n witness_n jury_n and_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n as_o all_o wise_a man_n will_v gather_v and_o therefore_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a whether_o or_o no_o i_o have_v not_o by_o scripture_n sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n and_o whether_o i_o have_v not_o by_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n and_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n abundant_o evince_v it_o all_o this_o i_o say_v i_o leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a and_o understand_a christian_n who_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v grant_v that_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o challenge_v master_n knollys_n his_o promise_n and_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v acknowledge_v his_o error_n and_o so_o relinquish_v his_o fond_a opinion_n of_o independency_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o can_v be_v a_o honest_a man_n and_o a_o true_a saint_n as_o not_o keep_v his_o word_n for_o david_n describe_v a_o
church_n at_o one_o time_n without_o all_o controversy_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v all_o then_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o for_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o put_n of_o this_o controversy_n for_o ever_o out_o of_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v in_o the_o five_o chapter_n verse_n 14._o and_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n mark_v i_o pray_v the_o expression_n multitude_n now_o by_o multitude_n all_o man_n know_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o in_o all_o language_n a_o very_a great_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n or_o company_n whereupon_o the_o scripture_n say_v follow_v not_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o by_o multitude_n be_v ever_o understand_v some_o vast_a assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o people_n and_o here_o the_o scripture_n say_v speak_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o multitude_n and_o that_o both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o expression_n do_v as_o it_o be_v intimate_v that_o they_o come_v in_o so_o fast_o that_o they_o can_v not_o now_o any_o long_o be_v count_v as_o it_o be_v by_o retail_n or_o enumerate_v company_n as_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o small_a number_n as_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v tell_v and_o reckon_v but_o that_o now_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o be_v force_v to_o set_v they_o down_o by_o whole_a sale_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitudes_z both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n yea_o and_o that_o there_o may_v yet_o be_v no_o mistake_n in_o this_o business_n the_o scripture_n say_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o here_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v ascertain_v there_o be_v divers_a and_o several_a congregation_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o have_v their_o meeting_n not_o only_o in_o the_o temple_n but_o in_o every_o house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o have_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o several_a private_a house_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n so_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o by_o reason_n but_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o so_o many_o infallible_a witness_n as_o that_o out_o of_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v say_v they_o break_v bread_n daily_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o two_o more_o witness_n also_o in_o this_o five_o chapter_n where_o it_o be_v record_v verse_n 14._o that_o multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v many_o great_a congregation_n of_o believer_n of_o both_o sex_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o no_o scruple_n make_v of_o the_o business_n the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n be_v also_o express_v viz._n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o more_o than_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o point_n be_v so_o evident_o apparent_a to_o all_o judicious_a and_o understand_a man_n that_o they_o can_v doubt_v of_o it_o except_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n itself_o yet_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v this_o controversy_n may_v yet_o more_o full_o be_v clear_v i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o coroborrate_n of_o it_o and_o for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o produce_v a_o few_o testimony_n more_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n verse_n 7._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n increase_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n here_o we_o find_v multiplication_n upon_o multiplication_n of_o believer_n and_o more_o addition_n of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o among_o these_o multitude_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o priest_n that_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o their_o minister_n and_o learned_a rabbi_n be_v convert_v and_o all_o these_o several_a admission_n of_o believer_n into_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v without_o any_o of_o the_o condition_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n require_v now_o of_o their_o new_a member_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o demand_v of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v walk_v some_o time_n with_o they_o before_o their_o admission_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o enter_v into_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o come_v in_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n before_o their_o admission_n nothing_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n in_o this_o mother-church_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o admission_n in_o our_o new_a congregation_n be_v without_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n and_o therefore_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v most_o wicked_o to_o pretend_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o example_n for_o their_o practice_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n but_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v observe_v here_o be_v the_o multiplication_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o disciple_n to_o the_o former_a add_v withal_o that_o among_o those_o disciple_n and_o convert_v that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n now_o what_o a_o increase_n of_o believer_n may_v any_o man_n suppose_v there_o must_v then_o needs_o follow_v when_o so_o many_o of_o their_o minister_n be_v convert_v without_o doubt_v when_o the_o people_n see_v their_o priest_n turn_v christian_n and_o hear_v they_o also_o in_o their_o preach_n give_v in_o their_o reason_n for_o their_o embrace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v withal_o the_o daily_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v infinite_o multiply_v so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o conversion_n of_o man_n before_o speak_v of_o yet_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o very_a priest_n in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v have_v procure_v the_o conversion_n of_o many_o more_o than_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o this_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v for_o we_o find_v it_o by_o hourly_a experience_n how_o many_o hundred_o be_v daily_o mislead_v and_o seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o a_o few_o temporize_a unstable_a presbyter_n who_o be_v turn_v independent_o and_o what_o a_o deal_n of_o mischief_n they_o have_v do_v here_o among_o we_o so_o that_o not_o a_o few_o place_n can_v contain_v their_o proselyte_n and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o miracle_n and_o we_o see_v daily_o if_o but_o any_o rich_a and_o craze_a gentlewoman_n or_o any_o confound_a lady_n turn_v independent_a or_o if_o but_o any_o unstable_a man_n of_o any_o eminency_n revolt_n from_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n what_o a_o noise_n there_o be_v by_o and_o by_o make_v at_o it_o and_o how_o many_o giddy_a head_a man_n and_o woman_n especial_o be_v seduce_v by_o it_o and_o that_o without_o any_o prodigy_n now_o i_o say_v all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o truth_n shall_v much_o more_o prevail_v then_o error_n and_o that_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n and_o of_o such_o learned_a rabbi_n and_o those_o also_o in_o so_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o people_n have_v withal_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o that_o to_o the_o speedy_a conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o yea_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v that_o be_v to_o say_v convert_v many_o and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o not_o in_o a_o small_a manner_n and_o that_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o
priest_n be_v also_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o great_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n relate_v there_o must_v necessary_o be_v many_o more_o congregation_n of_o the_o ordinary_a people_n and_o all_o these_o be_v to_o be_v yet_o reckon_v upon_o a_o new_a account_n and_o upon_o a_o new_a list_n so_o that_o there_o be_v numberless_a congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a that_o this_o truth_n be_v now_o evident_a and_o perspicuous_a to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v but_o ordinary_a understanding_n but_o because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a business_n as_o the_o independent_o say_v and_o that_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n between_o we_o for_o they_o have_v often_o say_v prove_v once_o but_o clear_o unto_o we_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o we_o will_v grant_v you_o the_o day_n i_o say_v in_o this_o regard_n i_o shall_v brief_o add_v some_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o for_o to_o these_o that_o be_v daily_o convert_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n we_o hear_v upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o addition_n upon_o addition_n and_o of_o increase_n upon_o increase_n of_o many_o more_o believer_n for_o in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n verse_n 31._o it_o be_v record_v that_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n through_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n they_o be_v multiply_v for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a now_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o chief_a church_n in_o judaea_n and_o therefore_o she_o also_o multiply_v and_o increase_v in_o disciple_n daily_o which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a speak_v of_o it_o make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o they_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o and_o in_o the_o 12._o chapter_n upon_o the_o miraculous_a death_n of_o herod_n it_o be_v say_v verse_n 24._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v bring_v forth_o great_a increase_n of_o '_o believer_n and_o make_v they_o exceed_o daily_a to_o multiply_v so_o that_o all_o these_o addition_n upon_o addition_n of_o believer_n make_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n but_o omit_v many_o argument_n that_o i_o can_v produce_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o preacher_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o from_o the_o miracle_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o necessary_o call_v for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n that_o one_o place_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_n may_v for_o ever_o silence_v all_o gainsayers_a and_o abundan_o prove_v unto_o rational_a man_n that_o there_o be_v many_o if_o not_o numberless_a congregation_n of_o believer_n then_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o we_o will_v but_o take_v notice_n what_o saint_n james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n speak_v unto_o saint_n paul_n who_o be_v all_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o church_n must_v all_o necessary_o know_v not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o believer_n there_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o number_n of_o they_o now_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o pain_n and_o attention_n to_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n what_o be_v there_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o witness_n yea_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o all_o of_o they_o without_o exception_n there_o be_v james_n the_o apostle_n by_o name_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n all_o synodian_o who_o witness_n be_v true_a and_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o yet_o they_o give_v in_o this_o evidence_n to_o saint_n paul_n concern_v the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o weak_a brethren_n here_o how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o more_o may_v we_o suppose_v be_v there_o then_o of_o strong_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o all_o church_n where_o there_o be_v able_a and_o learned_a minister_n it_o be_v ever_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v three_o strong_a brethren_n to_o one_o weak_a one_o at_o least_o more_o strong_a brethren_n then_o weak_a one_o now_o when_o there_o be_v a_o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n resident_a in_o that_o church_n and_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n fix_a minister_n there_o and_o able_a preacher_n beside_o a_o multitude_n of_o priest_n and_o all_o painful_a and_o laborious_a that_o preach_v unto_o they_o night_n and_o day_n &_o instruct_v they_o all_o in_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o with_o miracle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v also_o for_o a_o far_o strengthen_n of_o they_o in_o that_o their_o christian_a liberty_n call_v a_o council_n and_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o ratify_v the_o abrogation_n of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o that_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o do_v daily_o preach_v unto_o they_o all_o this_o their_o christian_a liberty_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o more_o thousand_o of_o strong_a christian_n then_o weak_a in_o that_o church_n yea_o our_o daily_a experience_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n now_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o saint_n james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n witness_v unto_o saint_n paul_n concern_v this_o point_n verse_n 20._o thou_o see_v brother_n paul_n say_v they_o how_o many_o ten_o thousand_o for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v which_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o those_o saint_n james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n speak_v of_o be_v all_o inhabitant_n in_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o can_v witness_v nothing_o of_o stranger_n those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o place_n neither_o can_v they_o have_v say_v thou_o see_v they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v inhabitant_n or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v here_o to_o day_n and_o go_v to_o morrow_n for_o than_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o they_o speak_v of_o inhabitant_n as_o by_o many_o argument_n may_v be_v prove_v and_o of_o all_o these_o they_o assert_v these_o thing_n first_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o second_o that_o they_o be_v all_o believer_n disciple_n and_o very_o good_a christian_n yea_o very_a zealous_a one_o three_o they_o do_v witness_v that_o all_o these_o many_o ten_o thousand_o be_v but_o weak_a brethren_n and_o therefore_o give_v saint_n paul_n counsel_n yea_o a_o order_n somewhat_o to_o connive_v at_o their_o weakness_n for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o ingratiate_v himself_o into_o their_o favour_n the_o story_n be_v there_o full_o set_v down_o now_o i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o weak_a brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o more_o ten_o thousand_o of_o strong_a believer_n may_v any_o rational_a man_n suppose_v be_v then_o there_o in_o that_o church_n where_o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o apostle_n forth_o most_o part_n and_o a_o stand_a college_n of_o able_a presbyter_n all_o miraculous_a teacher_n and_o assist_v immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sure_o a_o few_o hundred_o of_o house_n or_o place_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v hold_v their_o very_a body_n much_o less_o can_v a_o few_o hundred_o of_o house_n have_v hold_v they_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n so_o that_o all_o man_n that_o have_v not_o absolute_o resolve_v to_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n yea_o to_o wage_v war_n against_o heaven_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n there_o as_o in_o every_o house_n one_o so_o that_o for_o this_o point_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v it_o be_v now_o without_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
two_o sconce_n and_o bulwark_n of_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o second_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o main_a battle_n will_v be_v full_o make_v good_a and_o withal_o it_o will_v be_v maintain_v that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a to_o one_o presbytery_n that_o be_v to_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n who_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a by_o all_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v utter_o overthrow_v who_o tenant_n and_o opinion_n it_o be_v that_o every_o congregation_n of_o believer_n be_v it_o great_a or_o small_a aught_o to_o be_v a_o distinct_a church_n or_o body_n by_o itself_o exercise_v all_o church_n power_n and_o authority_n within_o itself_o independent_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v reference_n or_o relation_n to_o any_o other_o church_n or_o congregation_n for_o matter_n of_o government_n no_o far_o then_o please_v themselves_o and_o this_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o constitution_n whereas_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o mother-church_n there_o be_v innumerable_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n for_o those_o several_a congregation_n as_o the_o burtonian_a independent_o do_v affirm_v be_v but_o branch_n of_o that_o one_o entire_a church_n these_o be_v their_o word_n by_o all_o which_o it_o now_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o his_o appointment_n that_o many_o congregation_n combine_v together_o in_o any_o city_n or_o vicinity_n within_o some_o precinct_n shall_v all_o of_o they_o within_o that_o jurisdiction_n make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v under_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o in_o common_a which_o be_v indeed_o a_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a corporation_n and_o therefore_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n may_v without_o any_o offence_n or_o diviation_n from_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v by_o i_o to_o any_o civil_a corporation_n as_o that_o of_o london_n or_o the_o like_a for_o though_o i._o s._n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n spend_v much_o time_n and_o many_o word_n to_o no_o purpose_n about_o my_o simile_n yet_o it_o will_v stand_v for_o ever_o immovable_a and_o serve_v to_o all_o intelligible_a christian_n for_o that_o very_a end_n i_o propound_v it_o viz._n to_o declare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n yea_o by_o i._o s._n his_o own_o word_n pag_n the_o four_o of_o his_o pamphlet_n it_o be_v authorize_v for_o he_o there_o after_o much_o babble_n thus_o express_v himself_o concern_v this_o point_n when_o say_v he_o we_o know_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o device_n of_o god_n as_o i_o may_v call_v they_o we_o may_v find_v a_o resemblance_n of_o they_o in_o thing_n here_o below_o which_o be_v make_v after_o they_o but_o we_o can_v fetch_v the_o knowledge_n of_o heavenly_a composure_n from_o these_o earthly_a thing_n thus_o j._n s._n speak_v there_o so_o that_o i_o have_v from_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o true_a form_v church_n and_o original_a church_n find_v out_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o heavenly_a composure_n and_o that_o device_n of_o god_n as_o he_o grollish_o call_v it_o it_o be_v then_o no_o sin_n in_o i_o in_o i._o s._n his_o opinion_n to_o find_v a_o resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o thing_n below_o and_o therefore_o both_o he_o himself_o and_o my_o brother_n burton_n may_v have_v save_v all_o that_o labour_n they_o needless_o spend_v about_o that_o simile_n which_o will_v ever_o stand_v good_a against_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v against_o it_o for_o the_o elucidating_a and_o clear_n of_o the_o point_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o independent_o which_o be_v the_o only_a end_n i_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o and_o there_o before_o all_o the_o pother_n they_o make_v about_o that_o simile_n be_v but_o to_o beat_v the_o air_n and_o to_o vent_v their_o own_o vanity_n but_o from_o all_o this_o dispute_n that_o i_o may_v now_o speak_v something_o concern_v nationall_n church_n which_o the_o independent_o deny_v i_o far_a gather_v that_o if_o many_o hundred_o congregation_n be_v combine_v together_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o any_o great_a city_n or_o vicinity_n within_o any_o large_a jurisdiction_n may_v all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n within_o that_o precinct_n and_o may_v take_v its_o name_n or_o denomination_n from_o the_o city_n or_o place_n in_o which_o it_o be_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o thousand_o parish_n yea_o ten_o thousand_o all_o of_o they_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n in_o what_o kingdom_n nation_n province_n country_n or_o commonwealth_n soever_o they_o be_v may_v not_o all_o of_o they_o in_o those_o several_a country_n be_v all_o of_o they_o combine_v together_o and_o under_o some_o grand_a presbytery_n take_v their_o several_a name_n and_o denomination_n either_o from_o those_o respective_a nation_n or_o language_n and_o be_v call_v either_o the_o greek_a church_n or_o the_o hebrew_n church_n or_o the_o latin_a church_n or_o the_o french_a church_n or_o the_o dutch_a church_n etc._n etc._n or_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n ireland_n or_o or_o such_o a_o provincial_n church_n or_o such_o a_o nationall_n church_n i_o say_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o if_o all_o those_o several_a nation_n come_v in_o at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o of_o they_o give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v not_o as_o well_o from_o those_o several_a nation_n take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o nation_n as_o they_o may_v take_v it_o from_o jerusalem_n or_o from_o any_o other_o city_n as_o that_o of_o corinth_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o become_v nationall_n church_n i_o desire_v therefore_o any_o man_n to_o give_v i_o a_o good_a and_o solid_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o it_o be_v promise_v unto_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n which_o he_o be_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o natural_a posterity_n for_o he_o be_v only_o in_o that_o regard_n a_o father_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o challenge_v abraham_n to_o be_v their_o father_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o spiritual_a parentage_n in_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o his_o child_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o common_a faith_n and_o beleif_n in_o the_o messiah_n who_o day_n abraham_n by_o faith_n see_v and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o which_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o believer_n do_v and_o therefore_o they_o likewise_o in_o that_o respect_n be_v call_v the_o child_n son_n and_o daughter_n of_o abraham_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v true_o call_v nationall_n church_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o with_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n deny_v for_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o glorious_a promise_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o gentile_n as_o that_o in_o isaiah_n 19_o for_o 23_o 24._o where_o it_o be_v say_v in_o that_o day_n shall_v there_o be_v a_o highway_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o assyria_n and_o the_o assyrian_a shall_v come_v into_o egypt_n and_o the_o egyptian_a into_o assyria_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v serve_v with_o the_o assyrian_n in_o that_o day_n shall_v israel_n be_v the_o three_o with_o egypt_n and_o with_o assyria_n even_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o land_n here_o all_o these_o three_o nation_n be_v call_v three_o sister_n church_n if_o we_o mark_v the_o coherence_n and_o for_o far_a proof_n of_o nationall_n church_n under_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v say_v isaiah_n 55._o 5._o thou_o shall_v call_v a_o nation_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o and_o nation_n which_o know_v not_o thou_o shall_v run_v unto_o thou_o which_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o which_o be_v set_v down_o both_o god_n call_v of_o a_o nation_n and_o the_o nation_n answer_v to_o that_o call_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o make_v a_o church_n and_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o gospel_n time_n psal_n 22._o 27
and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v remember_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o kindred_n of_o the_o nation_n shall_v worship_v before_o thou_o and_o psal_n 72._o it_o be_v say_v all_o king_n shall_v fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o all_o nation_n shall_v serve_v he_o and_o psal_n 86._o 9_o all_o nation_n who_o thou_o have_v make_v shall_v come_v and_o worship_n before_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o shall_v glorify_v thy_o name_n innumerable_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o nationall_n church_n for_o all_o nation_n be_v christ_n by_o donation_n psal_n 2._o 8._o ask_v of_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n speak_v to_o christ_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n yea_o they_o be_v his_o by_o conquest_n who_o have_v vanquish_v the_o strong_a man_n and_o disarm_v he_o and_o vindicate_v the_o nation_n into_o his_o own_o possession_n yea_o they_o be_v his_o by_o purchase_n also_o viz._n all_o the_o elect_a of_o they_o for_o he_o have_v redeem_v they_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n 1_o pet._n 1._o act_n 20._o yea_o they_o be_v his_o by_o call_n for_o he_o send_v his_o apostle_n into_o all_o nation_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v in_o matth._n 28._o mark_v 16._o and_o many_o of_o they_o obey_v the_o call_n and_o be_v he_o by_o covenant_n as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o revel_v 11._o v._n 15._o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o he_o shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o paul_n in_o the_o 11._o of_o the_o rom_n speak_v unto_o all_o the_o gentile_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n say_v for_o 17._o that_o some_o of_o the_o natural_a branch_n be_v break_v off_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v the_o wild_a olive_n tree_n be_v graff_v in_o among_o they_o and_o with_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o root_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o olive_n tree_n so_o that_o now_o all_o the_o nation_n be_v equal_a in_o privilege_n with_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o respect_n so_o that_o as_o that_o be_v a_o national_a church_n so_o be_v they_o and_o yet_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheep_n fold_n one_o church_n consist_v of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n now_o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o one_o nationall_n church_n because_o all_o the_o tribe_n in_o that_o family_n or_o nation_n and_o all_o the_o visible_a and_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o same_o be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o live_v under_o one_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a government_n be_v by_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o worship_n and_o government_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n ecclesiastic_a or_o ecclesiastical_a commonwealth_n so_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v all_o those_o kingdom_n nation_n country_n and_o province_n that_o shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o come_v under_o the_o government_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o legal_a high_a priest_n and_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o do_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o that_o government_n he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v join_v in_o a_o particular_a consociation_n and_o community_n in_o any_o country_n nation_n or_o province_n or_o kingdom_n receive_v their_o denomination_n from_o the_o several_a country_n &_o nation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v for_o the_o church_n eatholick_n be_v a_o homogenial_a and_o similar_v body_n retain_v the_o name_n of_o church_n into_o what_o city_n country_n nation_n or_o kingdom_n soever_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o for_o as_o those_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n make_v all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o church_n within_o its_o precinct_n and_o have_v its_o name_n from_o thence_o so_o may_v the_o many_o parish_n and_o village_n which_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o their_o several_a bound_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o christian_a faith_n make_v but_o one_o church_n be_v all_o of_o they_o through_o that_o country_n combine_v together_o under_o one_o government_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a for_o as_o for_o the_o division_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v mere_o as_o a_o humane_a and_o politic_a ordinance_n as_o many_o conceive_v and_o therefore_o will_v make_v provincial_n church_n and_o parish_n church_n a_o humane_a invention_n for_o in_o the_o 32._o of_o deut._n v._n 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o when_o the_o most_o high_o divide_v to_o the_o nation_n their_o inheritance_n so_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o division_n and_o give_v their_o several_a name_n unto_o they_o and_o set_v all_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n yea_o he_o have_v set_v the_o bound_n of_o every_o man_n as_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o apostle_n act_v 17._o where_o he_o say_v verse_n 26._o that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n for_o to_o dwell_v on_o all_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v determine_v the_o time_n before_o appoint_v and_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n so_o that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n into_o divers_a nation_n and_o those_o nation_n into_o several_a province_n and_o county_n and_o those_o county_n into_o so_o many_o hundred_o and_o wapentake_v or_o rape_n or_o tribe_n and_o all_o these_o into_o so_o many_o several_a parish_n be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n own_o appointment_n for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v divide_v the_o nation_n &_o tohave_v set_v they_o their_o bound_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v conceive_v no_o reason_n why_o parish_n church_n among_o we_o may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v account_v god_n ordinance_n as_o parish_n synagogue_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o why_o city_n church_n among_o we_o may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v god_n ordinance_n now_o as_o it_o be_v then_o for_o so_o by_o divine_a institution_n they_o be_v then_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n esteem_v and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o new-england_n all_o their_o several_a town_n as_o that_o of_o plymouth_n bostorne_n cambridge_n etc._n etc._n have_v all_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o all_o the_o people_n within_o that_o precinct_n and_o no_o far_o that_o submit_v themselves_o to_o that_o their_o government_n be_v say_v to_o be_v member_n of_o each_o several_a church_n and_o of_o no_o other_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v as_o much_o politic_a as_o the_o division_n of_o our_o parish_n and_o city_n and_o those_o church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o every_o city_n village_n and_o country_n be_v as_o much_o politic_a as_o we_o and_o yet_o be_v call_v god_n ordinance_n and_o true_o i_o know_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o our_o parish_n church_n shall_v not_o far_o rather_o and_o with_o far_o great_a reason_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n than_o those_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o the_o member_n in_o our_o several_a parish_n dwell_v within_o such_o and_o such_o limit_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v all_o well_o and_o familiar_o know_v one_o to_o a_o other_o and_o every_o week_n once_o at_o least_o see_v all_o one_o a_o other_o face_n and_o can_v daily_o meet_v together_o for_o to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o whereas_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n dwell_v many_o of_o they_o twenty_o mile_n one_o from_o another_o and_o some_o threescore_o mile_n one_o from_o another_o and_o all_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o great_a distance_n one_o from_o another_o scatter_v here_o and_o there_o so_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o one_o watch_n over_o a_o other_o as_o be_v pretend_v and_o behold_v one_o a_o other_o conversation_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o for_o my_o particular_a i_o know_v that_o the_o parochial_a or_o parishional_a assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o for_o the_o enjoy_v of_o the_o ordinance_n have_v precedent_n for_o it_o in_o holy_a writ_n and_o that_o many_o both_o in_o city_n and_o village_n but_o we_o have_v not_o one_o precedent_n of_o such_o congregation_n as_o be_v now_o in_o our_o new_a church_n in_o all_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o all_o our_o parochial_a meeting_n be_v far_o more_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v then_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o by_o the_o same_o
argument_n i_o may_v gather_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n now_o through_o the_o world_n at_o least_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v national_a church_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v especial_o if_o we_o look_v unto_o the_o requisite_n that_o make_v a_o national_a church_n for_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o national_a church_n first_o a_o national_a agreement_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n second_o a_o national_a union_n in_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n in_o the_o same_o community_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n as_o now_o the_o church_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n have_v all_o by_o covenant_n bind_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o by_o a_o national_a union_n and_o agreement_n they_o have_v accord_v to_o be_v under_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o this_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o a_o way_n appoint_v by_o he_o of_o govern_v his_o church_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v god_n ordinance_n the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v but_o they_o hold_v only_o a_o congregationall_a presbytery_n and_o we_o hold_v and_o that_o from_o all_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o many_o precedent_n both_o city_n classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a presbytery_n and_o ecumenical_a also_o upon_o occasion_n for_o of_o these_o kind_n of_o presbytery_n both_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o many_o ecclesiastical_a history_n do_v furnish_v we_o with_o some_o precedent_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o one_o we_o have_v divine_a institution_n for_o it_o and_o many_o example_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n of_o that_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v none_o of_o god_n institution_n nor_o none_o of_o his_o device_n nor_o composure_n that_o i_o may_v use_v some_o of_o i._n s._n his_o rhetoric_n but_o a_o mere_a figment_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n but_o now_o i_o be_o to_o answer_v to_o something_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v concern_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o pag._n 6._o 7._o of_o his_o book_n if_o you_o say_v he_o have_v not_o a_o good_a presbytery_n where_o shall_v he_o viz._n that_o be_v scandalize_v or_o offend_v go_v to_o complain_v he_o may_v go_v and_o appeal_v high_o you_o will_v say_v and_o what_o if_o the_o high_a the_o worse_o good_a brother_n say_v he_o either_o provide_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n a_o honest_a godly_a presbytery_n that_o may_v be_v as_o so_o many_o angel_n to_o gather_v out_o of_o christ_n kingdom_n every_o thing_n that_o offend_v or_o else_o let_v there_o be_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o tender_a conscience_n and_o some_o provision_n make_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v by_o be_v force_v to_o be_v the_o companion_n of_o the_o scandalous_a thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n here_o be_v a_o double_a if_o propound_v mere_o to_o amuse_v the_o people_n for_o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o all_o man_n that_o the_o parliament_n the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n endeavour_v to_o cast_v out_o all_o scandalous_a minister_n so_o far_o as_o their_o power_n extend_v through_o the_o kingdom_n if_o by_o information_n and_o sufficient_a witness_n they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v such_o so_o that_o every_o conscientious_a and_o intelligible_a man_n may_v see_v there_o be_v very_o small_a ground_n for_o the_o doubt_n and_o fear_n either_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n or_o any_o of_o that_o fraternity_n that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o good_a presbytery_n set_v up_o and_o as_o little_a when_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o the_o godly_a if_o offend_v may_v go_v and_o appeal_v high_a for_o either_o he_o himself_o or_o they_o to_o make_v such_o a_o supposition_n what_o if_o the_o high_a the_o worse_o if_o i_o shall_v conclude_v that_o these_o doubt_n be_v conceive_v nourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o womb_n of_o faction_n my_o brother_n burton_n with_o his_o complice_n will_v call_v it_o rail_v therefore_o to_o avoid_v ifit_n be_v possible_a their_o unjust_a censure_n i_o only_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o both_o he_o and_o all_o his_o brethren_n use_v a_o uncharitable_a way_n of_o argue_v which_o be_v the_o best_a construction_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o for_o thus_o they_o may_v traduce_v any_o man_n yea_o any_o government_n or_o any_o way_n of_o god_n at_o pleasure_n with_o a_o detract_n if_o but_o here_o lie_v the_o mystery_n the_o only_a way_n my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o associate_n have_v to_o advance_v independency_n be_v to_o cloud_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n under_o dark_a expression_n and_o to_o eclipse_v those_o shine_a light_n the_o faithful_a godly_a minister_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n that_o so_o the_o people_n may_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o understanding_n of_o many_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o error_n obscurity_n and_o darkness_n as_o in_o a_o mantle_n and_o the_o ungrounded_a and_o unwarrantable_a notion_n of_o independency_n be_v receive_v by_o they_o as_o new_a light_n they_o be_v very_o please_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o man_n natural_o have_v a_o ambitious_a boundless_a spirit_n and_o from_o the_o beginning_n will_v not_o be_v limit_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o independent_a doctrine_n be_v without_o bound_n teach_v that_o it_o be_v free_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v practice_n and_o preach_v abroad_o their_o several_a opinion_n call_v it_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n this_o be_v such_o a_o light_n that_o all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o darkness_n will_v willing_o walk_v in_o but_o shall_v the_o independent_o obtain_v their_o desire_n wherever_o this_o new_a light_n be_v set_v up_o it_o will_v prove_v no_o other_o liberty_n then_o that_o which_o our_o first_o parent_n adam_n and_o eve_n gain_v for_o their_o rebellion_n against_o god_n command_n which_o be_v to_o enslave_v themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o such_o a_o liberty_n as_o the_o independent_o do_v teach_v seek_v and_o join_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o sectary_n and_o libertine_n plead_v and_o stand_v for_o will_v bring_v confusion_n and_o a_o irrevocable_a curse_n on_o those_o kingdom_n and_o country_n as_o shall_v tolerate_v so_o great_a abomination_n and_o cause_v the_o lord_n who_o hate_v laodicean_n lukewarmenesse_n in_o religion_n to_o spew_v they_o out_o of_o his_o mouth_n revel_v 3._o 15._o 16._o but_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o i_o will_v take_v this_o liberty_n to_o say_v unto_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o whatsoever_o with_o his_o if_n he_o can_v plead_v against_o our_o presbyter_n may_v be_v say_v with_o much_o more_o and_o with_o far_o better_a reason_n against_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n if_o they_o be_v wicked_a or_o heretical_a for_o from_o they_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n for_o relief_n by_o any_o among_o they_o never_o so_o much_o wrong_v and_o therefore_o all_o such_o kind_n of_o argue_v against_o our_o presbyter_n be_v as_o altogether_o uncharitable_a so_o but_o trifle_v but_o my_o brother_n burton_n call_v upon_o i_o to_o provide_v the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n a_o honest_a and_o godly_a presbytery_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n account_n all_o the_o orthodox_n faithful_a and_o godly_a presbyter_n in_o the_o land_n at_o this_o day_n who_o differ_v from_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v late_o receive_v be_v neither_o honest_a nor_o godly_a for_o if_o there_o be_v as_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v many_o honest_a &_o godly_a presbyter_n provide_v for_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n it_o be_v strange_a he_o shall_v speak_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v altogether_o want_v for_o so_o his_o word_n do_v intimate_v for_o why_o otherwise_o shall_v he_o make_v such_o a_o request_n to_o i_o of_o provide_v a_o honest_a &_o godly_a presbytery_n if_o he_o or_o they_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o godly_a presbytery_n already_o who_o notwithstanding_o he_o know_v have_v no_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o true_o all_o his_o argumentation_n be_v very_o uncharitable_a &_o no_o way_n beseem_v a_o brother_n for_o charity_n be_v kind_a and_o think_v no_o evil_a 1_o cor._n 13._o 4._o 5._o but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o set_v up_o in_o this_o land_n which_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noonday_n do_v he_o and_o the_o independent_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n unfeigned_o desire_v such_o a_o presbytery_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o &_o establish_v why_o
and_o they_o only_a in_o every_o church_n have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o head_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n the_o more_o noble_a member_n and_o that_o the_o people_n as_o the_o other_o member_n under_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n every_o man_n be_v to_o look_v unto_o that_o office_n that_o be_v commit_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o keep_v himself_o in_o that_o station_n god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o as_o we_o may_v see_v it_o at_o large_a rom._n 12._o ver_fw-la 6._o have_v gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o say_v saint_n paul_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o find_v that_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o office_n he_o be_v enjoin_v to_o wait_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o desert_v it_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o rule_v they_o be_v ever_o to_o rule_v and_o the_o other_o that_o be_v under_o they_o be_v ever_o to_o obey_v every_o member_n be_v to_o keep_v his_o station_n in_o this_o mystical_a body_n the_o magistrate_n and_o parent_n and_o master_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o to_o keep_v their_o rank_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o those_o place_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o whether_o subject_n child_n or_o servant_n they_o be_v likewise_o to_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o to_o obey_v all_o those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o be_v their_o place_n for_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n everywhere_o teach_v we_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o 7._o of_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o corinth_n ver_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o circumcision_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o yield_a of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o obey_n of_o those_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o and_o the_o honour_v of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o our_o power_n be_v that_o that_o commend_v any_o man_n unto_o god_n especial_o the_o honour_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o reverence_v of_o our_o godly_a minister_n and_o painful_a pastor_n according_a to_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o thess_n 5._o 12._o know_v they_o which_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n for_o god_n have_v make_v they_o pastor_n and_o all_o the_o people_n their_o flock_n they_o father_n and_o the_o people_n child_n beget_v by_o their_o ministry_n they_o bvilder_n and_o the_o people_n the_o stone_n lay_v by_o they_o in_o the_o build_n they_o steward_n and_o the_o people_n domestics_n under_o they_o and_o their_o conduct_n so_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o that_o station_n god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o until_o they_o by_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o eminent_a ability_n be_v remove_v to_o a_o high_a calling_n or_o else_o for_o their_o misdemeanour_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n say_v 1_o cor._n 7._o ver_fw-la 20._o let_v every_o man_n abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v once_o specify_v his_o mind_n in_o this_o business_n in_o the_o 24_o verse_n he_o reiterate_v this_o precept_n say_v brethren_n let_v every_o man_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v therein_o abide_v with_o god_n so_o that_o for_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o for_o master_n or_o parent_n of_o family_n for_o either_o of_o they_o i_o say_v to_o leave_v their_o call_n in_o their_o particular_a place_n of_o rule_v and_o for_o either_o the_o flock_n under_o the_o pastor_n or_o subject_n under_o the_o magistrate_n or_o servant_n and_o child_n in_o the_o several_a family_n under_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n to_o offer_v to_o take_v the_o government_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n or_o to_o join_v themselves_o in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o rule_n in_o either_o church_n state_n or_o family_n upon_o they_o be_v to_o leave_v their_o calling_n and_o so_o to_o transgress_v against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n who_o have_v enjoin_v the_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o pastor_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n to_o command_v and_o all_o the_o people_n under_o they_o to_o obey_v and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o each_o of_o they_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n and_o station_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v find_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o violator_n of_o that_o order_n god_n have_v appoint_v in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n in_o both_o now_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o have_v enjoin_v all_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o the_o commandment_n give_v to_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o rule_v and_o the_o commandment_n give_v to_o the_o people_n in_o every_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v their_o guide_n and_o yield_v double_a honour_n unto_o they_o the_o honour_n of_o reverence_n and_o subjection_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n they_o be_v ever_o bind_v to_o obey_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v the_o order_n god_n appoint_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o shall_v rule_v in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v obey_v and_o not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o government_n for_o that_o be_v not_o to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a station_n and_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o too_o too_o many_o have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o now_o the_o church_n and_o state_n be_v imbroyl_v with_o for_o if_o every_o man_n have_v learn_v but_o this_o lesson_n to_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v he_o will_v know_v that_o the_o magistrate_n place_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclersiasticall_a be_v to_o command_v and_o that_o the_o subject_n and_o people_n place_n under_o they_o in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n be_v to_o obey_v they_o will_v understand_v likewise_o that_o in_o every_o kingdom_n commonwealth_n corporation_n or_o in_o any_o province_n and_o country_n or_o church_n that_o howsoever_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a body_n in_o each_o of_o those_o government_n yet_o the_o manage_n of_o they_o and_o rule_v and_o order_v of_o they_o respective_o belong_v and_o pertain_v only_o to_o those_o in_o authority_n as_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o republic_n howsoever_o the_o embasladour_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v send_v into_o such_o a_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n about_o business_n that_o may_v concern_v the_o whole_a country_n yet_o none_o but_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n or_o the_o state_n have_v the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o the_o business_n and_o the_o people_n and_o subject_n under_o they_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o those_o high_a affair_n for_o they_o be_v arcana_fw-la regni_fw-la and_o appertain_v not_o unto_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o every_o corporation_n howsoever_o the_o letter_n or_o mandate_n from_o either_o king_n parliament_n or_o state_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o several_a county_n hundred_o or_o corporation_n or_o city_n yet_o the_o lieutenant_n governor_n sheriff_n mayor_n alderman_n and_o common-councell_n in_o each_o of_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n what_o they_o be_v command_v and_o enjoin_v by_o either_o letter_n or_o mandate_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o several_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v according_a to_o the_o several_a exigence_n of_o the_o time_n as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v all_o man_n so_o that_o the_o direct_n of_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o several_a county_n or_o hundred_o or_o corporation_n in_o general_a do_v not_o invest_v all_o the_o people_n with_o power_n or_o join_v they_o in_o commission_n with_o the_o magistrate_n of_o those_o respective_a place_n but_o leave_v the_o transact_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o those_o only_a in_o those_o several_a jurisdiction_n that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o arm_v with_o power_n which_o the_o people_n be_v not_o yea_o
and_o as_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n and_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o by_o their_o messenger_n and_o as_o all_o business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o state_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o either_o lord_n or_o commons_o so_o those_o little_a suck_a congregation_n and_o church_n though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o 10._o or_o twenty_o a_o piece_n &_o although_o never_o a_o one_o of_o they_o know_v any_o more_o what_o belong_v to_o government_n then_o the_o horse_n master_n knollys_n preach_v on_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o country_n yet_o they_o send_v their_o officer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n to_o any_o other_o of_o their_o church_n upon_o any_o difference_n or_o about_o any_o of_o their_o grolleye_n with_o as_o great_a state_n and_o grander_n as_o if_o they_o be_v very_o absolute_a principality_n and_o they_o use_v by_o the_o report_n of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o carriage_n in_o their_o employment_n in_o imitation_n of_o greatness_n the_o same_o garb_n and_o gesture_n that_o ambassador_n or_o those_o that_o carry_v a_o message_n from_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n usual_o do_v make_v their_o honour_n and_o congee_n and_o they_o be_v such_o bungler_n at_o the_o work_n as_o those_o that_o have_v see_v they_o say_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o ridiculose_a spectacle_n that_o ever_o be_v behold_v for_o they_o make_v a_o thousand_o jackinap_n trick_n and_o act_v their_o several_a part_n with_o such_o affectation_n of_o state_n that_o experience_a man_n and_o such_o as_o well_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o ambassador_n affirm_v that_o they_o never_o behold_v any_o thing_n so_o fanatical_a it_o be_v report_v that_o john_n lilburne_n my_o scholar_n be_v master_n of_o the_o ceremony_n among_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o their_o posture_n of_o courtship_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o trample_v all_o government_n both_o divine_a and_o human_a under_o their_o pollute_a foot_n or_o ever_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o authority_n i_o may_v true_o say_v the_o independent_o be_v the_o â—en_n and_o yet_o they_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v by_o these_o their_o do_n they_o set_v up_o the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o in_o their_o house_n and_o count_n all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o of_o their_o congregationall_a way_n as_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o st._n diotrephes_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n under_o each_o presbytery_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o common-council_n and_o college_n of_o elder_n as_o that_o church_n saint_n john_n write_v unto_o can_v witness_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o conjoynt_v consent_n of_o they_o all_o in_o which_o saint_n john_n be_v a_o presbyter_n and_o therefore_o write_v if_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v diotrephes_n deed_n which_o abundant_o declare_v that_o saint_n john_n acknowledge_v a_o court_n a_o settle_a government_n in_o every_o church_n whether_o the_o member_n may_v have_v recourse_n for_o redress_v of_o any_o abuse_n or_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o take_v no_o more_o upon_o he_o than_o belong_v unto_o his_o place_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o master_n knollys_n his_o last_o whibble_v cavil_n and_o to_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v answer_v methodical_o to_o all_o his_o other_o evasion_n in_o their_o due_a place_n which_o the_o reader_n shall_v find_v as_o they_o be_v scatter_v through_o the_o book_n for_o he_o be_v very_o immethodicall_a in_o all_o his_o pamphlet_n where_o i_o will_v set_v down_o master_n knollys_n his_o own_o word_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o word_n god_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n above_o quote_v that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v so_o many_o corporation_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbytery_n and_o so_o for_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o our_o brethren_n the_o independent_o do_v confess_v and_o prove_v by_o antiquity_n and_o humane_a authority_n which_o weapon_n i_o wonder_v they_o will_v contend_v with_o in_o decide_v of_o god_n matter_n which_o be_v only_o out_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v prove_v which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o it_o seem_v saint_n ambrose_n his_o authority_n please_v they_o well_o though_o if_o we_o look_v into_o it_o it_o make_v much_o against_o they_o he_o live_v as_o the_o author_n that_o cite_v he_o say_v within_o the_o four_o century_n his_o word_n be_v these_o upon_o the_o 1._o of_o timothy_n synagoga_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuit_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la negligentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la take_v with_o it_o his_o own_o interpretation_n the_o jew_n synagogue_n say_v he_o and_o afterward_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o neglect_v it_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o pride_n of_o the_o teacher_n while_o alone_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v some_o body_n however_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o their_o own_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o primitive_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o people_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o we_o may_v add_v here_o unto_o saint_n ambrose_n saint_n jeromes_n testimony_n who_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o titus_n large_o declare_v himself_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n concern_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n of_o that_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la &_o episcopus_fw-la &_o antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinoâ—u_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fiâ—râ—nt_fw-la &_o diceretur_fw-la in_o populis_fw-la ego_fw-la sum_fw-la pauli_n ego_fw-la apollo_n ego_fw-la autem_fw-la cephe_n communt_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o which_o word_n he_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o first_o institution_n all_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o very_a canon_n of_o the_o pope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n and_o the_o 95._o distinction_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n come_v to_o be_v change_v and_o the_o hierarchiall_a be_v put_v in_o the_o place_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v through_o faction_n and_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o further_a schism_n and_o rent_n in_o the_o church_n and_o city_n use_v the_o very_a word_n before_o quote_v out_o of_o saint_n jerome_n and_o confess_v that_o before_o that_o time_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v commum_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la not_o by_o the_o people_n or_o any_o one_o prelate_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o their_o council_n and_o if_o human_a authority_n be_v needful_a in_o this_o business_n i_o may_v make_v a_o volume_n with_o their_o very_a expression_n to_o prove_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o hierarchicall_a government_n and_o that_o of_o the_o people_n jurisdiction_n assume_v the_o authority_n of_o govern_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o the_o enemy_n own_o confession_n bet_n i_o be_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v only_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o sound_a reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v sorry_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o occasion_n of_o name_v humane_a authority_n in_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o i_o understand_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o
lord_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v also_o afford_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o take_v order_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o competent_a yea_o a_o honourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o support_n and_o that_o as_o they_o minister_v to_o they_o spiritual_a food_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o shall_v likewise_o minister_v unto_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n that_o they_o may_v comfortable_o and_o without_o solicitous_a care_n follow_v their_o holy_a employment_n and_o wait_v upon_o their_o several_a ministery_n so_o that_o the_o place_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n and_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o employment_n and_o place_n of_o the_o several_a congregation_n under_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o several_a congregation_n do_v assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v they_o take_v more_o upon_o they_o then_o by_o god_n be_v allow_v they_o and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o yield_v unto_o it_o reject_v their_o own_o right_n and_o divest_v themselves_o of_o that_o authority_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n and_o by_o so_o do_v in_o time_n may_v not_o only_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n but_o to_o all_o those_o country_n where_o such_o usurpation_n be_v tolerate_v i_o can_v but_o speak_v my_o conscience_n in_o this_o point_n and_o true_o very_a reason_n dictate_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o they_o only_o shall_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o command_v and_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v now_o it_o be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o john_n 20._o 21._o and_o matth._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o where_o our_o saviour_n christ_n establish_v a_o stand_a government_n to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o violate_v and_o the_o overthrow_v of_o the_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v now_o come_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rise_n but_o the_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o reduce_n of_o it_o again_o into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o re_z stablish_v of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o confusion_n of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o all_o the_o antichristian-brood_n and_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o establish_v truth_n and_o peace_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o consider_v that_o place_n in_o matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n say_v christ_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o then_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 to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n in_o these_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n and_o custom_n of_o judicature_n in_o those_o time_n in_o censure_a man_n manner_n and_o doctrine_n which_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v order_v and_o administer_v by_o a_o assembly_n and_o counsel_n of_o learned_a experience_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o by_o a_o presbytery_n consistory_n or_o college_n of_o able_a man_n for_o government_n choose_v and_o select_v out_o of_o the_o people_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n by_o such_o as_o can_v judge_v and_o discern_v of_o their_o ability_n the_o which_o assembly_n and_o company_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n because_o it_o do_v represent_v the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o place_n christ_n do_v establish_v the_o like_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v his_o apostle_n this_o representative_a body_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o the_o godly_a and_o holy_a minister_n and_o presbyter_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o faith_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n for_o otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o privilege_n for_o the_o censure_v of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o same_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_v that_o they_o have_v now_o all_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v exercise_v not_o by_o the_o promiscuous_a multitude_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n nor_o by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o two_o or_o three_o as_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v but_o by_o a_o assembly_n senate_n council_n or_o presbytery_n of_o understand_a man_n assign_v to_o that_o purpose_n which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o call_v a_o church_n &_o this_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o several_a presbytery_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o do_v all_o business_n of_o public_a concernment_n by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n in_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n in_o judas_n his_o place_n and_o in_o the_o 5._o chap._n in_o censure_v annanias_n and_o saphira_n and_o in_o the_o 6._o chap._n in_o choose_v deacon_n and_o in_o the_o 15._o chapter_n in_o determine_v the_o question_n there_o in_o hand_n all_o in_o a_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o be_v that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n &_o it_o be_v their_o place_n only_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o church_n officer_n whatsoever_o authority_n the_o people_n may_v exercise_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o as_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o they_o only_o be_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v and_o to_o censure_v in_o matter_n of_o manner_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o allow_v and_o approve_v it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o very_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o our_o church_n be_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n as_o our_o brethren_n acknowledge_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o govern_v by_o joint_n and_o common_a council_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o manifest_a in_o that_o there_o be_v superior_a and_o inferior_a judge_n commander_n and_o ruler_n according_a as_o their_o year_n gravity_n and_o wisdom_n make_v they_o more_o emninent_a than_o other_o and_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o many_o place_n as_o act_n 18._o ver_fw-la 8._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o crispus_n the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v with_o all_o his_o household_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a ruler_n or_o judge_n or_o a_o precedent_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o council_n or_o segniory_n of_o inferior_a one_o that_o have_v rule_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o chief_a justice_n or_o judge_n there_o be_v other_o judge_n join_v with_o he_o as_o all_o reason_n persuade_v and_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o conjoynt_v and_o common_a consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o order_v by_o the_o determination_n and_o abitrement_n of_o their_o ruler_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o the_o several_a church_n or_o synagogue_n under_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o those_o ruler_n and_o be_v govern_v according_a as_o by_o common_a council_n they_o order_v and_o mat._n the_o 5._o vers_fw-la 22._o and_o behold_v there_o come_v one_o of_o
doctrine_n to_o prove_v this_o their_o opinion_n to_o be_v legitimate_a so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n of_o their_o belief_n the_o papist_n and_o the_o independent_o agree_v against_o all_o the_o current_n and_o the_o whole_a school_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n protestant_n divine_v who_o hold_v they_o be_v christian_n second_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o also_o that_o both_o of_o they_o hold_v that_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n must_v ever_o be_v visible_a and_o apparent_a so_o that_o be_v their_o never_o so_o many_o assembly_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n and_o all_o believer_n if_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v into_o such_o and_o such_o a_o mould_n and_o form_n than_o theyare_n not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o in_o their_o dialect_n they_o be_v either_o heretic_n or_o no_o christian_n but_o proclaim_v enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o limit_n compass_n and_o bound_n that_o they_o have_v circumscribe_v their_o church_n with_o and_o be_v not_o under_o that_o visible_a form_n of_o government_n they_o have_v appoint_v they_o account_v they_o all_o heretic_n and_o no_o church_n as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v the_o independent_o unchurch_n all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o such_o as_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o that_o be_v to_o say_v speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n all_o such_o congregation_n and_o assemble_v as_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o join_v and_o unite_v together_o by_o a_o explcite_v particular_a covenant_n &_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n &_o have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o with_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o independent_a they_o be_v no_o church_n and_o all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n and_o limit_n of_o this_o their_o new_a mould_n or_o model_n they_o proclaim_v they_o enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o account_v of_o they_o as_o a_o company_n of_o infidel_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v no_o true_a church_n nor_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o both_o the_o papist_n and_o independent_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o bind_v and_o limit_v all_o church_n to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o external_a form_n so_o that_o wheresoever_o that_o be_v want_v according_a to_o their_o dialect_n though_o otherwise_o they_o have_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o both_o of_o they_o far_o accord_v and_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o form_n of_o their_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o the_o unite_n of_o they_o into_o one_o body_n respective_o they_o must_v not_o be_v fluid_a as_o they_o speak_v but_o they_o must_v be_v fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o with_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o independent_a but_o in_o this_o the_o papist_n deal_v far_o more_o honest_o than_o the_o independent_o for_o they_o have_v in_o many_o large_a volume_n full_o set_v down_o the_o model_n of_o their_o government_n and_o what_o it_o be_v and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o for_o their_o chief_a officer_n they_o say_v they_o be_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o presbytery_n at_o rome_n the_o cardinal_n patriarch_n primate_fw-la metropolitan_n archbishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o what_o their_o model_n and_o government_n be_v to_o a_o hare_n but_o what_o the_o independent_o model_n be_v or_o will_v be_v no_o man_n can_v yet_o ever_o learn_v but_o by_o conjecture_n which_o i_o must_v confess_v seem_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o i_o that_o they_o shall_v thus_o at_o pleasure_n unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a all_o church_n and_o christian_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o never_o declare_v what_o that_o form_n and_o mould_n be_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v their_o daily_a wicked_a practice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v if_o they_o will_v not_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n that_o in_o this_o and_o many_o other_o of_o their_o tenant_n and_o opinion_n the_o independent_o be_v but_o a_o company_n of_o mongrel_n papist_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n belieeve_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n as_o their_o church_n believe_v and_o take_v all_o they_o speak_v as_o oracle_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o groundless_a but_o we_o have_v learned_a christ_n better_a than_o so_o who_o be_v the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o hear_v he_o matth._n 17._o and_o to_o obey_v his_o voice_n john_n 10._o and_o not_o to_o give_v ear_n unto_o stranger_n and_o from_o his_o bless_a word_n we_o have_v learn_v these_o two_o lesson_n the_o first_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v faithful_o and_o true_o preach_v by_o minister_n send_v by_o he_o and_o where_o this_o everlasting_a gospel_n be_v embrace_v and_o believe_v and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o by_o the_o people_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o church_n although_o they_o be_v fluid_a and_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o their_o officer_n and_o member_n and_o have_v not_o that_o external_a form_n either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o speak_v of_o and_o for_o this_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v warrant_n from_o god_n holy_a word_n second_o we_o be_v teach_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n also_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n or_o churhe_n in_o many_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n where_o they_o enjoy_v not_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o a_o public_a manner_n nor_o where_o their_o very_a meeting_n together_o be_v not_o allow_v unto_o they_o by_o authority_n for_o all_o such_o as_o confine_v a_o church_n or_o church_n to_o these_o external_a form_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o confound_v the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o a_o church_n with_o the_o adjunct_n and_o accideut_n of_o it_o whereas_o church_n may_v be_v true_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o external_a form_n of_o government_n as_o may_v by_o innumerable_a place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v prove_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o israel_n where_o god_n have_v set_v up_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o establish_v a_o form_n of_o government_n and_o command_v that_o it_o shall_v punctual_o be_v observe_v yet_o we_o read_v in_o the_o 2_o of_o the_o chron._n chap._n 15._o ver_fw-la the_o 3._o these_o word_n now_o for_o a_o long_a season_n israel_n be_v without_o the_o true_a god_n and_o without_o a_o teach_a priest_n and_o without_o law_n so_o that_o from_o this_o place_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o their_o do_v not_o then_o appear_v any_o external_a form_n of_o a_o church_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n when_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o public_o know_v among_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o god_n have_v there_o his_o true_a church_n among_o they_o yea_o in_o the_o great_a height_n of_o idolatry_n when_o all_o the_o prophet_n be_v persecute_v and_o lie_v hide_v in_o cave_n yet_o at_o that_o time_n also_o god_n have_v seven_o thousand_o that_o never_o bow_v knee_n to_o baal_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o external_a form_n that_o be_v absolute_o require_v for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o true_a church_n but_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n without_o that_o external_a appearance_n they_o speak_v of_o for_o a_o church_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o discipline_n be_v another_o and_o true_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v himself_o willing_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o appearance_n and_o naked_a shadow_n for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o will_v but_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n and_o change_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a alteration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n after_o god_n himself_o have_v set_v it_o up_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o consider_v it_o in_o all_o its_o peregrination_n and_o pilgrimage_n and_o that_o after_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n such_o direction_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o his_o worship_n wheresoever_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n shall_v come_v and_o
true_a church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n reign_v nay_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o be_v true_a and_o orthodox_n the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 2._o which_o they_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v no_o more_o a_o true_a form_v church_n nor_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n than_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v for_o they_o describe_v a_o church_n unto_o we_o after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o saint_n or_o believer_n consist_v of_o no_o more_o in_o number_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o congregation_n have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v together_o into_o one_o body_n by_o a_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n so_o as_o that_o assembly_n or_o church_n must_v not_o be_v fluid_a but_o fix_v in_o its_o member_n and_o officer_n have_v a_o presbytery_n of_o its_o own_o with_o absolute_a authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o independent_a and_o enjoy_v all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o independent_a church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o far_o as_o by_o their_o practice_n and_o writing_n we_o can_v gather_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o church_n want_v this_o form_n according_a to_o their_o language_n be_v no_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o by_o this_o their_o model_n the_o church_n itself_o of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a mould_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n as_o i_o shall_v here_o brief_o in_o some_o particular_n show_v and_o more_o large_o demonstrate_v when_o i_o come_v to_o my_o brother_n burton_n for_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o independent_o that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v three_o thousand_o soul_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o five_o thousand_o after_o that_o it_o be_v then_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n they_o acknowledge_v they_o want_v deacon_n and_o presbyter_n and_o they_o confess_v withal_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o its_o due_a place_n they_o want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n so_o that_o then_o they_o have_v not_o a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o withal_o the_o independent_o affirm_v that_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n and_o saint_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v inhabitant_n of_o other_o church_n through_o judaea_n for_o they_o say_v there_o be_v many_o other_o church_n there_o and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o belong_v unto_o the_o other_o church_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v also_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o there_o be_v more_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o yea_o he_o confess_v that_o in_o its_o infancy_n the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v that_o they_o tie_v themselves_o to_o each_o other_o by_o any_o particular_a explicit_a covenant_n or_o count_v such_o a_o covenant_n the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n from_o all_o which_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o definition_n or_o description_n of_o the_o independent_o church_n be_v erroneous_a or_o if_o it_o be_v orthodox_n than_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n formewhen_o they_o say_v it_o be_v for_o first_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o yet_o though_o in_o several_a and_o distinct_a place_n and_o assembly_n they_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n second_o they_o have_v no_o fix_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o nor_o no_o presbytery_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o if_o many_o of_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v stranger_n and_o have_v their_o habitation_n in_o other_o city_n as_o they_o say_v than_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v neither_o in_o their_o officer_n nor_o member_n anâ—_n yet_o a_o true_a church_n not_o in_o the_o elder_n nor_o deacon_n for_o they_o then_o have_v none_o at_o all_o nor_o in_o their_o member_n for_o they_o confess_v many_o of_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o do_v not_o inhabit_v and_o dwell_v there_o and_o therefore_o not_o fix_v member_n and_o for_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v notfixt_v but_o as_o noah_n dove_n be_v send_v out_o by_o he_o and_o return_v with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o her_o mouth_n &_o at_o the_o next_o time_n depart_v and_o go_v her_o way_n so_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v the_o universal_a messenger_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v send_v out_o into_o all_o nation_n with_o a_o olive_n leaf_n in_o their_o mouth_n that_o trophy_n of_o peace_n and_o glad_a tiding_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o howsoever_o for_o a_o time_n they_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n yet_o all_o man_n know_v that_o be_v not_o their_o abide_a place_n for_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v officer_n there_o but_o be_v to_o go_v out_o into_o all_o country_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o when_o the_o persecution_n come_v according_a to_o the_o independent_o doctrine_n than_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v scatter_v and_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v in_o jerusalem_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v â—ound_v but_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a those_o member_n be_v not_o fix_v but_o fluid_v when_o they_o run_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n to_o save_v themselves_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n those_o great_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n remain_v in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o their_o language_n all_o alone_a without_o either_o sheep_n or_o lamb_n they_o also_o be_v not_o fix_v but_o be_v afterward_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o teach_v and_o baptize_v as_o i_o say_v before_o withal_o the_o independent_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o want_v ed_z that_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n excommunication_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o presbytery_n in_o it_o nor_o no_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o ergo_fw-la it_o be_v not_o a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o good_a neither_o can_v they_o then_o enjoy_v all_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o better_a than_o those_o that_o be_v make_v christian_n by_o the_o baptismeof_o john_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n which_o the_o independent_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o by_o their_o definition_n &_o they_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o that_o part_n of_o discipline_n ergo_fw-la they_o do_v not_o enjoy_v all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o now_o the_o independent_o require_v for_o the_o mould_v up_o of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n no_o more_o than_o be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o i._o s._n and_o the_o independent_o babble_n about_o the_o form_n and_o mould_n of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n be_v to_o little_a purpose_n yea_o mere_a vainty_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n although_o it_o want_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o either_o the_o papist_n or_o the_o independent_o think_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o mould_v up_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n for_o the_o very_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o mother-church_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n according_a to_o the_o independent_o learning_n and_o yet_o i_o say_v then_o she_o have_v neither_o fix_a officer_n nor_o member_n nor_o any_o external_a explicit_a particular_a covenant_n nor_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o requisite_n that_o they_o now_o require_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o form_n of_o a_o true_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o its_o due_a place_n but_o now_o to_o return_v and_o come_v
for_o the_o scripture_n never_o speak_v of_o that_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v at_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o place_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n and_o moral_a worship_n under_o the_o law_n and_o what_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o now_o a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o admit_v member_n then_o into_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o be_v repute_v necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o one_o a_o member_n and_o proselyte_n there_o after_o the_o old_a testament_n form_n and_o what_o be_v require_v now_o for_o make_v of_o any_o a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a declare_v that_o all_o those_o that_o be_v alien_n and_o stranger_n unto_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o be_v all_o account_v in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o that_o and_o in_o token_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o law_n and_o to_o that_o discipline_n he_o have_v teach_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v which_o when_o they_o yield_v unto_o and_o take_v the_o covenant_n of_o circumcision_n they_o be_v forthwith_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n under_o that_o government_n as_o any_o other_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o i_o say_v be_v sufficient_o confirm_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n everywhere_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v 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in_o any_o parish_n or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o city_n or_o within_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o same_o and_o exercise_v all_o their_o several_a trade_n and_o have_v as_o much_o privilege_n for_o their_o so_o do_v as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o citizen_n so_o i_o say_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o city_n which_o be_v his_o church_n every_o one_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o believe_v repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n as_o any_o christian_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n or_o any_o independent_o now_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o city_n the_o gospel_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o require_v no_o more_o of_o all_o man_n and_o people_n in_o their_o time_n for_o the_o make_n of_o they_o member_n of_o 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prayer_n so_o that_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v baptize_v be_v all_o that_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n or_o of_o any_o people_n to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o to_o make_v they_o not_o only_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n but_o of_o any_o church_n in_o particular_a if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o give_v credit_n unto_o now_o when_o all_o those_o that_o come_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n unto_o john_n do_v repent_v and_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o be_v all_o make_v as_o good_a member_n of_o that_o church_n as_o any_o that_o be_v baptize_v after_o christ_n death_n and_o ascension_n by_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o may_v whensoever_o they_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o any_o other_o place_n where_o christian_n dwell_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o those_o do_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n be_v scatter_v who_o we_o read_v of_o that_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v they_o go_v into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o church_n and_o they_o preach_v and_o convert_v the_o people_n and_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n among_o they_o without_o any_o gainsaying_n and_o so_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o be_v baptize_v wheresoever_o they_o travel_v or_o dwell_v whether_o in_o france_n or_o germany_n italy_n or_o the_o low_a country_n or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n among_o the_o true_a protestant_n they_o have_v as_o great_a right_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n in_o those_o church_n as_o any_o of_o the_o native_n for_o they_o be_v all_o free_a denizen_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o free_a man_n of_o the_o city_n the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o therefore_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o may_v partake_v in_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n that_o any_o member_n may_v do_v i_o mean_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o ordinance_n as_o break_v of_o bread_n hear_v of_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o the_o essential_a privilege_n for_o to_o all_o those_o they_o have_v right_a unto_o by_o their_o very_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n by_o their_o baptism_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o live_v a_o godly_a holy_a and_o pious_a life_n unless_o they_o will_v observe_v their_o own_o tradition_n they_o be_v delinquent_n &_o prevaricator_n against_o the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v no_o way_n set_v
that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o that_o they_o give_v they_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o representative_a body_n and_o presbytery_n be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o to_o they_o only_o belong_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n by_o which_o word_n all_o authority_n be_v put_v into_o the_o true_a minister_n hand_n so_o that_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o presbyter_n among_o themselves_o as_o paul_n sufficient_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o charter_n and_o warrant_n also_o grant_v unto_o they_o of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o of_o ordain_v church_n officer_n and_o that_o by_o joint_n and_o common_a consent_n among_o themselves_o without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o which_o by_o god_n be_v never_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o howsoever_o paul_n in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 6._o for_o the_o take_v away_o the_o scandal_n in_o go_v to_o law_n before_o unbeliever_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o somethat_o be_v least_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o their_o controversy_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n for_o he_o limit_n they_o to_o go_v no_o far_o then_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v of_o least_o esteem_n and_o howsoever_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o the_o act_n to_o 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be_v of_o approve_a honesty_n well_o gift_v and_o wise_a and_o qualify_v as_o they_o appoint_v it_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o the_o apostle_n to_o reject_v their_o choice_n for_o they_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n still_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o they_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o ratify_v their_o election_n so_o that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n then_o nor_o have_v not_o to_o this_o day_n no_o not_o of_o the_o mean_a deacon_n or_o deaconesse_n that_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n much_o less_o have_v they_o power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n indeed_o for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n they_o have_v a_o liberty_n give_v they_o of_o make_v choice_n of_o some_o petty_a man_n among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v without_o the_o presbytery_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o ordination_n neither_o do_v i_o ever_o yet_o read_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o the_o people_n or_o congregation_n have_v any_o hand_n at_o all_o in_o choose_v of_o minister_n and_o presbyter_n neither_o be_v they_o fit_v for_o that_o employment_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n external_a carriage_n and_o manner_n and_o another_o thing_n of_o his_o sufficiency_n for_o his_o endowment_n and_o ability_n of_o learning_n and_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n only_o can_v do_v and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v in_o special_a give_v in_o charge_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o and_o they_o only_o know_v how_o right_o to_o examine_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o science_n and_o such_o art_n as_o be_v requisite_a beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o which_o be_v little_a enough_o for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o minister_n complete_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o sacred_a employment_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n willing_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o the_o presbytery_n than_o do_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o choice_n as_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 23._o it_o appear_v but_o i_o say_v in_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v this_o company_n this_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o in_o that_o it_o be_v also_o sufficient_o manifest_a that_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o distinct_a notion_n from_o the_o people_n which_o also_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o their_o minister_n be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v see_v through_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o that_o it_o do_v abundant_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v speak_v and_o will_v yet_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v far_o elucidate_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v subject_a who_o be_v send_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n by_o their_o direction_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o we_o see_v in_o divers_a place_n in_o the_o act_n and_o be_v order_v by_o they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o also_o make_v their_o appeal_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o govern_v by_o a_o presbyterian_a government_n and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o minister_n to_o who_o order_n all_o the_o several_a congregation_n be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o this_o their_o first_o objection_n which_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o that_o carry_v the_o most_o appearance_n of_o any_o argument_n they_o produce_v to_o prove_v their_o assertion_n and_o tenant_n for_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n raise_v from_o the_o several_a meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o people_n and_o from_o the_o multitude_n come_v to_o they_o about_o the_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n by_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a at_o any_o time_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v of_o in_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o consist_v most_o of_o they_o in_o homonymy_n and_o mere_a paralogisme_n which_o indeed_o beseem_v not_o the_o gravity_n of_o reverend_a man_n and_o in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o divinity_n will_v be_v undecent_a in_o a_o suck_a sophister_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o blameworthy_a in_o they_o who_o by_o such_o fallacy_n labour_v to_o amuse_v the_o people_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o brethren_n one_o from_o another_o i_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o they_o act_n 2._o 46._o where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o the_o believer_n and_o new_a convert_v continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n from_o these_o word_n the_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o in_o one_o place_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o
then_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o all_o those_o believer_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o edification_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n so_o that_o any_o judicious_a man_n without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o great_a school-learning_n may_v perceive_v the_o invalidity_n and_o vanity_n of_o such_o argumentation_n and_o true_o be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v brethren_n and_o that_o i_o desire_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o i_o will_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v so_o poor_a a_o way_n of_o dispute_v that_o it_o do_v not_o beseem_v man_n of_o gravity_n much_o less_o of_o learning_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o evade_v the_o dint_n of_o such_o reason_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o nothingnesse_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o people_n there_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v in_o solomon_n porch_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v within_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o last_o miracle_n and_o some_o other_o new_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o they_o be_v then_o work_v in_o solomon_n porch_n for_o there_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o be_v together_o and_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o as_o many_o as_o be_v then_o and_o at_o that_o time_n in_o solomon_n porch_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n but_o do_v this_o with_o any_o rational_a man_n conclude_v that_o every_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n &_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o together_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o in_o one_o congregation_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v so_o for_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o be_v then_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o neither_o many_o porch_n nor_o many_o temple_n can_v have_v contain_v their_o body_n much_o less_o can_v they_o have_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o congregation_n to_o edify_v but_o i_o say_v i_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o brethren_n so_o rigid_o as_o i_o may_v and_o therefore_o wave_v many_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v just_o here_o utter_v but_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o that_o now_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o that_o all_o the_o believer_n then_o in_o jerusalem_n may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v ever_o so_o do_v in_o succeed_a time_n when_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a increase_n of_o christian_n daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n all_o reason_n will_v contradict_v that_o assertion_n within_o this_o seven_o year_n as_o all_o man_n know_v one_o place_n and_o congregation_n will_v have_v contain_v all_o the_o independent_o but_o will_v one_o place_n now_o or_o ten_o contain_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n as_o i_o conceive_v will_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primitive_a minister_n have_v another_o manner_n of_o convert_v faculty_n then_o our_o brethren_n for_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v do_v not_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n yea_o they_o take_v it_o as_o a_o disparagement_n unto_o they_o for_o so_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o roman_n v._n 20._o affirm_v now_o our_o brethren_n they_o build_v upon_o other_o foundation_n and_o gather_v the_o sheep_n and_o they_o the_o good_a and_o the_o fat_a sheep_n with_o good_a fleece_n on_o their_o back_n yea_o the_o velvit-sheep_n and_o the_o plush-sheepe_n and_o the_o satin_n and_o taffity-sheep_n out_o of_o other_o shepherd_n fold_n and_o while_o they_o seem_v to_o gather_v church_n they_o scatter_v they_o and_o the_o poorsheep_n but_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o other_o argument_n out_o of_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n where_o it_o be_v relate_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v here_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o multiplication_n there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o greek_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o it_o please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n say_v the_o scripture_n from_o thence_o our_o brethren_n conclude_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n come_v here_o together_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v then_o no_o more_o than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n as_o if_o our_o brethren_n shall_v thus_o argue_v as_o the_o wheel-barrow_n go_v rumble_v rumble_v even_o so_o be_v prelatical_a episcopacy_n better_o than_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n but_o to_o be_v serious_a shall_v i_o grant_v unto_o the_o brethren_n that_o at_o this_o time_n all_o the_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v then_o come_v together_o and_o be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n and_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n do_v it_o follow_v when_o there_o be_v a_o daily_a increase_n of_o more_o believer_n and_o that_o of_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o this_o very_a chapter_n signify_v that_o then_o also_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n or_o in_o one_o congregation_n in_o succeed_a age_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v think_v or_o believe_v so_o but_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o can_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v every_o individual_a christian_a or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o they_o come_v together_o and_o that_o for_o warrantable_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o controversy_n and_o murmur_a here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o among_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n but_o only_o between_o two_o nation_n of_o they_o viz._n between_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o hebrew_n now_o we_o be_v inform_v out_o of_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 5._o that_o there_o be_v dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o which_o the_o greek_n be_v but_o one_o nation_n and_o the_o hebrew_n another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n and_o believer_n of_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o in_o good_a accord_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o forego_n chapter_n tell_v and_o be_v at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o murmur_v among_o they_o nor_o no_o controversy_n contention_n or_o variance_n and_o they_o all_o continue_v quiet_a in_o their_o several_a house_n and_o live_v in_o love_n and_o be_v none_o of_o that_o multitude_n here_o speak_v of_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o the_o multitude_n in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o greek_n only_o and_o the_o hebrew_n for_o so_o in_o express_a word_n it_o be_v specify_v and_o this_o every_o rational_a man_n can_v easy_o perceive_v again_o by_o multitude_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o a_o confuse_a company_n go_v in_o a_o tumultuous_a way_n but_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o rational_a man_n of_o each_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n and_o such_o as_o be_v call_v and_o send_v for_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v common_o see_v in_o those_o that_o go_v by_o way_n of_o complaint_n to_o petition_n to_o any_o council_n they_o send_v a_o competent_a multitude_n of_o understanding_n and_o able_a man_n to_o grace_v their_o cause_n and_o to_o manage_v the_o business_n and_o not_o every_o particular_a and_o individual_a person_n man_n and_o woman_n to_o negotiate_v it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o mighty_a confusion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o this_o multitude_n and_o therefore_o by_o multitude_n and_o the_o whole_a multitude_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o both_o those_o party_n that_o come_v to_o negotiate_v this_o business_n be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o they_o obey_v it_o but_o from_o hence_o if_o any_o man_n will_v infer_v and_o conclude_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o believe_a hebrew_n and_o every_o individual_a believe_a greek_a that_o be_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o all_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o all_o the_o hebrew_n church_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n not_o one_o person_n except_v be_v all_o in_o one_o place_n together_o before_o the_o apostle_n the_o whole_a world_n will_v judge_n that_o this_o man_n thatshould_n thus_o argue_v be_v very_o much_o craze_a in_o his_o brain_n but_o much_o more_o will_v it_o argue_v a_o great_a imbecility_n of_o wit_n
also_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o construction_n as_o may_v be_v prove_v if_o need_v require_v so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n do_v follow_v and_o true_o that_o of_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o galatian_n be_v a_o excellent_a argument_n to_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v more_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o where_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v from_o man_n but_o from_o god_n he_o use_v this_o reason_n that_o if_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o man_n it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o from_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o gentile_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o he_o be_v to_o carry_v the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o teach_v it_o he_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o receive_v it_o not_o from_o the_o apostle_n he_o thus_o speak_v of_o himself_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n unto_o i_o that_o i_o may_v preach_v he_o among_o the_o heathen_a i_o immediate_o i_o confer_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o go_v i_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o they_o that_o be_v apostle_n before_o i_o but_o i_o go_v into_o arabia_n then_o after_o three_o year_n i_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o see_v peter_n and_o abode_n with_o he_o fifteen_o day_n but_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n see_v i_o none_o save_v james_n the_o lord_n brother_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n beside_o the_o singular_a testimony_n we_o have_v that_o the_o preach_v and_o write_n of_o saint_n paul_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n against_o the_o papist_n we_o may_v evident_o gather_v against_o the_o independent_o that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o either_o do_v or_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o in_o say_v that_o he_o be_v with_o peter_n fifteen_o day_n but_o in_o all_o that_o time_n see_v none_o of_o the_o apostle_n save_o james_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v more_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o so_o employ_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a ministery_n asthey_v have_v not_o so_o much_o spare_v time_n to_o visit_v paul_n and_o that_o paul_n also_o be_v so_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v there_o that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o visit_v they_o and_o for_o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o six_o of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v never_o idle_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o continue_v resident_a for_o many_o year_n in_o jerusalem_n before_o they_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a nation_n and_o country_n and_o that_o very_o few_o of_o they_o be_v send_v abroad_o there_o be_v frequent_a testimony_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n neither_o as_o yet_o do_v i_o ever_o hear_v it_o scruple_v or_o call_v in_o question_n whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o there_o or_o no_o when_o paul_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o it_o be_v take_v pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o either_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n say_v i_o see_v none_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v absent_a or_o be_v go_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o other_o place_n and_o for_o saint_n paul_n we_o read_v that_o wheresoever_o he_o come_v he_o go_v into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o into_o their_o assembly_n to_o preach_v and_o that_o he_o preach_v from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o he_o that_o give_v so_o strict_a a_o charge_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o he_o shall_v preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n he_o himself_o without_o all_o doubt_n will_v not_o neglect_v his_o duty_n who_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n set_v his_o own_o example_n before_o all_o the_o presbyter_n for_o their_o imitation_n in_o their_o diligent_a preach_n and_o he_o ordinary_o preach_v by_o the_o day_n and_o by_o the_o night_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o sure_o the_o time_n he_o remain_v with_o peter_n in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v as_o diligent_a in_o preach_v as_o he_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o church_n and_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o he_o &_o that_o he_o labour_v more_o than_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o their_o particular_n so_o that_o it_o stand_v with_o all_o reason_n that_o while_o he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n he_o be_v very_o sedulous_a in_o preach_v as_o who_o have_v both_o strength_n of_o body_n and_o god_n special_a assistance_n and_o his_o immediate_a inspiration_n always_o to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o ministry_n so_o that_o i_o conceive_v as_o of_o charity_n i_o be_o bind_v that_o paul_n be_v daily_o in_o one_o assembly_n or_o other_o now_o if_o there_o have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o more_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v have_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n congregation_n and_o assembly_n then_o of_o necessity_n paul_n must_v have_v see_v the_o other_o apostle_n there_o as_o well_o as_o peter_n and_o james_n for_o they_o also_o be_v good_a churchman_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a in_o the_o prelate_n dialect_n and_o they_o never_o leave_v the_o word_n but_o be_v always_o take_v up_o either_o in_o pray_v or_o preach_v among_o they_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n yea_o in_o every_o house_n and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n will_v daily_o upon_o all_o occasion_n have_v be_v with_o their_o flock_n now_o in_o that_o paul_n see_v they_o not_o in_o all_o that_o time_n he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v evident_o apparent_a there_o be_v more_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o one_o and_o more_o christian_n than_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o or_o a_o few_o place_n but_o to_o proceed_v to_o a_o place_n or_o two_o more_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n act_v 12._o verse_n 24._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiplp_v here_o also_o we_o have_v another_o good_a effect_n of_o a_o new_a sierce_a persecution_n in_o jerusalem_n it_o increase_v the_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o after_o the_o persecutor_n be_v take_v away_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n out_o of_o which_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v and_o multiply_v after_o the_o persecution_n that_o be_v to_o say_v where_o there_o be_v more_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n there_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o diverse_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o a_o double_a persecution_n the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v and_o mnltiply_v that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o be_v more_o multitude_n and_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n add_v unto_o the_o church_n through_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n than_o be_v before_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v then_o so_o numerous_a as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o possible_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n after_o the_o persecution_n then_o before_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v for_o the_o major_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v so_o evident_o clear_a as_o no_o man_n of_o ordinary_a understanding_n will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o minor_a the_o text_n prove_v it_o and_o if_o we_o will_v compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v by_o and_o by_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n for_o in_o the_o 15._o of_o john_n verse_n 16._o our_o saviour_n
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the_o scripture_n record_v the_o which_o amount_v to_o many_o ten_o thousand_o all_o the_o which_o can_v not_o then_o possible_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n or_o a_o few_o and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o ever_o master_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n have_v vain_o and_o impious_o to_o cavil_v against_o such_o of_o my_o argument_n as_o they_o think_v themselves_o best_a able_a by_o their_o learning_n to_o deal_v with_o for_o the_o seduce_a of_o unstable_a and_o ungrounded_a people_n and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v against_o all_o my_o forego_v argument_n who_o word_n be_v these_o but_o i_o come_v brief_o to_o your_o argument_n whereby_o you_o will_v prove_v your_o classical_a presbyterian_a government_n and_o so_o upward_o the_o pattern_n hereof_o you_o take_v from_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n hereof_o many_o argument_n or_o rather_o word_n and_o tautology_n you_o multiply_v and_o toil_n yourself_o and_o vex_v your_o reader_n withal_o which_o you_o may_v have_v reduce_v to_o one_o it_o be_v in_o sum_n this_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v many_o christian_a congregation_n and_o all_o these_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o so_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytery_n but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o prime_a apostolic_a church_n be_v a_o pattern_n for_o all_o succeed_a church_n ergo_fw-la all_o church_n government_n ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o that_o and_o consequent_o by_o a_o presbytery_n over_o many_o congregation_n as_o for_o your_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n baptist_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o act_n the_o 2._o which_o though_o consist_v of_o five_o thousand_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o church_n and_o they_o continue_v daily_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n together_o vers_n 1._o and_o in_o the_o temple_n ver_fw-la 44._o 46._o grow_v from_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o act_n 1._o vers_fw-la 15._o to_o three_o thousand_o more_o chap._n 2._o 41._o and_o then_o in_o all_o to_o five_o thousand_o chap._n 4._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o but_o one_o church_n which_o assemble_v together_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o although_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o whereinto_o break_n bread_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n altogether_o so_o as_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v yet_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o the_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n which_o though_o you_o call_v so_o many_o congregation_n yet_o proper_o so_o many_o church_n they_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o you_o never_o read_v the_o church_n at_o or_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o no_o national_a church_n neither_o witness_v those_o church_n in_o judea_n gal._n 1._o 22._o whereupon_o i_o answer_v to_o your_o argument_n and_o first_o to_o your_o proposition_n i_o deny_v that_o those_o congregation_n you_o name_v be_v so_o many_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o this_o i_o put_v you_o to_o prove_v and_o without_o prove_v it_o your_o 11._o or_o 12._o sheet_n spend_v about_o that_o argument_n prove_v to_o be_v mere_a waste_n paper_n and_o for_o your_o assumption_n that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v a_o prime_a apostolic_a church_n be_v therefore_o a_o pattern_n for_o all_o succeed_a church_n and_o therefore_o 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that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o at_o first_o deacon_n till_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n require_v seven_o deacon_n which_o be_v no_o pattern_n for_o every_o church_n to_o have_v seven_o deacon_n the_o sum_n be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n of_o ephesus_n those_o of_o galatia_n that_o of_o philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o that_o each_o may_v cast_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n that_o so_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v
only_a true_a worshipper_n who_o say_v that_o salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o the_o samaritan_n worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o now_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n those_o true_a worshipper_n those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n and_o baptize_v into_o christ_n be_v add_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v worthy_a to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n if_o believe_v in_o christ_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v man_n member_n of_o a_o church_n for_o as_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n consist_v of_o many_o nationall_n provincial_n and_o presbyterian_a church_n so_o do_v the_o nationall_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o many_o city_n &_o country_n church_n which_o be_v in_o their_o dialect_n call_v synagogue_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o our_o church_n both_o in_o city_n and_o country_n as_o all_o the_o learned_a well_o know_v for_o in_o all_o those_o synagogue_n they_o partake_v daily_o in_o the_o moral_a worship_n and_o have_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n now_o then_o when_o those_o multitude_n that_o i_o enumerate_v in_o my_o argument_n baptize_v by_o john_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n be_v all_o gather_v into_o christ_n fold_n and_o make_v his_o sheep_n and_o true_a believer_n and_o that_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o have_v among_o they_o all_o those_o seal_n and_o discriminate_v ordinance_n that_o be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o to_o form_v they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o to_o difference_n they_o from_o pagan_n and_o infidel_n as_o who_o be_v israelites_n to_o who_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v rom._n 9_o vers_fw-la 4._o all_o which_o i_o conceive_v be_v sufficient_a and_o avaylable_a to_o make_v any_o then_o live_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n i_o say_v when_o they_o have_v circumcision_n and_o the_o passoever_o &_o baptism_n and_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v among_o they_o and_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n of_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v his_o true_a worshipper_n and_o when_o they_o be_v also_o gather_v in_o according_a to_o god_n own_o appointment_n by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o all_o the_o prophet_n have_v former_o gather_v church_n than_o those_o that_o be_v baptise_a by_o john_n who_o be_v a_o prophet_n send_v of_o god_n luke_n the_o 3._o and_o send_v to_o baptize_v john_n the_o 1._o 33._o and_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o disciple_n who_o be_v send_v from_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v from_o his_o father_n who_o say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n all_o they_o i_o say_v aught_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n what_o so_o ever_o he_o and_o i._n s._n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a who_o in_o this_o agree_v that_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n be_v no_o christian_n much_o less_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n and_o lest_o of_o all_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o one_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v j._n s._n his_o formal_a word_n pag._n 9_o so_o that_o while_o these_o man_n will_v dispute_v against_o the_o truth_n they_o blaspheme_v and_o give_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o lie_n for_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o they_o that_o hear_v his_o disciple_n hear_v he_o and_o that_o they_o that_o hear_v his_o voice_n be_v his_o sheep_n now_o when_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o be_v in_o token_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n baptize_v and_o have_v give_v up_o their_o name_n unto_o christ_n they_o be_v all_o incorporate_v into_o his_o fold_n which_o be_v his_o church_n his_o mystical_a body_n and_o be_v mould_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o so_o they_o be_v set_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o believer_n and_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o therefore_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheep-fold_n and_o christ_n have_v then_o no_o other_o church_n on_o earth_n that_o we_o read_v of_o but_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o it_o be_v a_o reform_a church_n for_o christ_n have_v cast_v out_o all_o the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n john_n 2._o out_o of_o the_o temple_n and_o call_v it_o his_o father_n house_n and_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o pollution_n and_o in_o the_o which_o all_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v in_o their_o purity_n here_o be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o teach_v of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o the_o seal_a ordinance_n both_o old_a and_o new_a here_o be_v circumcision_n the_o passeover_n sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n here_o be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o break_v of_o bread_n here_o be_v the_o true_a invocation_n or_o call_n on_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n where_o all_o supplication_n be_v hear_v and_o that_o before_o christ_n death_n here_o we_o have_v all_o the_o material_n for_o the_o make_n or_o form_v of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n or_o cast_v of_o christian_n into_o a_o church_n mould_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a in_o the_o independent_o dialect_n for_o here_o we_o have_v visible_a saint_n in_o multitude_n devoute_a man_n and_o true_a worshipper_n from_o out_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n act_n 2_o here_o we_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o his_o seventy_o disciple_n elder_n and_o teacher_n in_o abundance_n beside_o many_o woman_n that_o follow_v he_o and_o minister_v unto_o he_o here_o be_v no_o want_n of_o minister_n and_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o all_o sort_n beside_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o crier_n hosanna_n and_o all_o this_o before_o christ_n death_n as_o well_o as_o after_o and_o all_o these_o christian_a believer_n and_o such_o as_o do_v partake_v of_o all_o seal_n and_o save_v ordinance_n sufficient_a to_o cast_v they_o into_o a_o church_n mould_n and_o to_o form_v they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o therefore_o my_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n aught_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n and_o all_o the_o independent_o to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n without_o christ_n and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n who_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n be_v not_o in_o their_o esteem_n repute_a christian_n and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o cast_v into_o a_o church_n mould_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n in_o any_o to_o think_v and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o the_o height_n of_o wickedness_n in_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n to_o affirm_v and_o print_v for_o i._o s._n his_o expression_n i_o produce_v they_o often_o before_o i_o will_v now_o set_v down_o my_o brother_n burtons_n formal_a word_n which_o i_o can_v but_o reiterate_v for_o your_o indefinite_a enumeration_n say_v he_o of_o those_o mulititude_n baptize_v by_o john_n and_o by_o christ_n disciple_n we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o unless_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o act_n 2._o these_o be_v his_o word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o say_v we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o so_o that_o by_o this_o all_o man_n may_v gather_v that_o in_o the_o independent_o language_n and_o in_o their_o divinity_n john_n baptist_n and_o all_o christ_n disciple_n with_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o christian_a believer_n in_o christ_n time_n and_o all_o that_o by_o baptism_n be_v receive_v into_o christ_n fold_n and_o church_n and_o such_o as_o have_v give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o independent_a brethren_n who_o esteem_v of_o
and_o christ_n disciple_n believe_v the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_n faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n and_o the_o other_o three_o thousand_o and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o apostle_n require_v for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n and_o make_v of_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n of_o the_o same_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 38_o where_o peter_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o where_o likewise_o it_o be_v record_v that_o as_o many_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n neither_o be_v there_o require_v any_o more_o of_o those_o convert_v by_o philippe_n in_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n act_v the_o 8._o or_o of_o the_o eunuch_n or_o of_o the_o gaoler_n or_o of_o any_o other_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n in_o the_o apostle_n â—imes_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v as_o be_v apparent_a through_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o acts._n now_o then_o when_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n do_v all_o repent_n and_o believe_v as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v they_o do_v of_o which_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n be_v a_o part_n as_o well_o as_o those_o three_o thousand_o than_o they_o be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n form_n and_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o three_o thousand_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n confess_v follow_v the_o express_a scripture_n be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o if_o believe_v the_o gospel_n then_o and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o member_n and_o form_n they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n then_o believe_v and_o repent_v now_o and_o be_v baptize_v and_o yield_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o make_n of_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n member_n and_o form_v of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n than_o think_v sufficient_a by_o the_o baptist_n christ_n and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o all_o the_o evangelist_n for_o the_o make_n of_o any_o member_n and_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a prime_a and_o pure_a church_n neither_o have_v any_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o these_o our_o day_n any_o other_o rule_n to_o go_v by_o inform_v or_o gather_v of_o church_n or_o receive_v of_o member_n into_o any_o church_n then_o that_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o glorious_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v all_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o do_v then_o set_v up_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n as_o well_o as_o any_o independent_a minister_n in_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v high_a presumption_n and_o rashness_n in_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v or_o frame_v to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n any_o other_o rule_v to_o go_v by_o in_o form_v of_o church_n than_o those_o set_v down_o by_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v mat._n 17._o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o breach_n of_o charity_n in_o they_o to_o deny_v those_o to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n that_o observe_v not_o their_o new_a rule_n and_o yet_o observe_v and_o follow_v christ_n injunction_n and_o command_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v well_o and_o safe_o conclude_v that_o when_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o it_o and_o unto_o christ_n the_o messiah_n and_o be_v baptize_v by_o they_o into_o christ_n or_o in_o his_o name_n who_o be_v man_n in_o office_n and_o send_v of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o he_o for_o their_o so_o do_v for_o so_o saint_n john_n say_v joh._n 1._o v._n 33._o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n so_o christ_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 28._o i_o say_v when_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o john_n &_o the_o apostle_n commission_n and_o when_o john_n perform_v it_o according_o baptise_v all_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o matth._n 3._o and_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n baptize_v more_o than_o john_n john_n 4._o then_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o they_o baptize_v be_v all_o mould_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o those_o thousand_o that_o be_v convert_v baptize_v and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o ministry_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o be_v all_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n not_o withstand_v whatsoever_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n speak_v and_o dispute_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o my_o good_a brother_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o churches_n and_o if_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v what_o the_o independent_o teach_v and_o hold_v concern_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n than_o this_o very_a church_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v be_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o read_v of_o be_v neither_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n nor_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n a_o true_a form_v church_n as_o not_o have_v distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o and_o therefore_o not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v there_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n a_o true_a form_v church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v impious_a to_o say_v or_o think_v as_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o tractate_n by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v abundant_o make_v appear_v and_o that_o from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n own_o word_n and_o from_o the_o independent_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o my_o brother_n burton_n ought_v as_o little_a to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o convert_v by_o peter_n sermon_n for_o the_o first_o form_v church_n as_o of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n for_o they_o have_v not_o their_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o a_o church_n body_n respective_o according_a to_o their_o learning_n yea_o they_o have_v not_o then_o deacon_n at_o all_o nor_o elder_n as_o many_o of_o the_o independent_o hold_v nor_o other_o of_o their_o requisit_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o form_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v notachurch_n proper_o so_o call_v to_o speak_v in_o their_o dialect_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o due_a place_n i_o will_v now_o examine_v his_o follow_a discourse_n by_o which_o the_o vanity_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n will_v the_o better_o appear_v and_o for_o the_o which_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v receive_v if_o not_o a_o severe_a censure_n at_o least_o a_o moderate_a check_n such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o causeless_o have_v not_o long_o since_o from_o a_o plumporidge_n presbyterian_a brother_n one_o of_o their_o fellow_n commoner_n and_o a_o trencher_n friend_n to_o that_o party_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n do_v in_o express_a word_n grant_v that_o which_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n absolute_o deny_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jesalem_n this_o i_o say_v he_o grant_v which_o all_o they_o deny_v attest_v the_o contrary_a as_o all_o their_o dissent_v argument_n show_v who_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o formal_a word_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n than_o do_v and_o can_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o congregation_n for_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o day_n on_o their_o side_n be_v lose_v and_o this_o cause_v master_n knollys_n by_o name_n and_o i._o s._n to_o come_v out_o against_o i_o for_o hold_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n with_o a_o promise_n that_o if_o
assembly_n minister_n immediate_o send_v they_o of_o god_n and_o inspire_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n himself_o with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n also_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o which_o minister_n likewise_o teach_v they_o whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o and_o that_o daily_a in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n ergo_fw-la all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n respective_o and_o several_o take_v be_v true_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o the_o major_n no_o well_o ground_v christian_n will_v deny_v it_o especial_o the_o independent_o can_v gain_v say_v it_o for_o if_o two_o or_o three_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n make_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n hold_v and_o teach_v then_o much_o more_o where_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o which_o also_o they_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o save_n and_o seal_v ordinance_n as_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o by_o lawful_a minister_n and_o officer_n appoint_v and_o send_v by_o god_n himself_o i_o say_v by_o far_o better_a reason_n such_o a_o congregation_n be_v a_o true_a and_o visible_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o all_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a man_n will_v easy_o conclude_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o the_o independent_o especial_o when_o as_o i_o note_v before_o it_o be_v their_o own_o doctrine_n teach_v in_o all_o their_o writing_n and_o preach_v by_o every_o one_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n and_o confirm_v by_o their_o own_o daily_a practice_n and_o to_o pass_v by_o many_o book_n write_v of_o late_a by_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n and_o some_o of_o the_o independent_a minister_n here_o among_o we_o i_o will_v only_o at_o this_o time_n pitch_n upon_o one_o who_o have_v in_o my_o opinion_n deal_v more_o candid_o than_o any_o of_o his_o brethren_n for_o he_o keep_v not_o reserve_v donec_fw-la ad_fw-la triarios_fw-la redierit_fw-la res_fw-la but_o set_v down_o plain_o what_o they_o hold_v i_o will_v make_v bold_a therefore_o with_o his_o new_a blaze_a light_n late_o set_v up_o upon_o that_o learned_a beacon_n call_v truth_n glorious_o appear_v from_o under_o the_o sad_a and_o sable_a cloud_n of_o obloquy_n in_o the_o which_o treatise_n pag._n 22._o and_o 23._o the_o author_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o declare_v their_o judgement_n concering_n this_o business_n who_o word_n i_o will_v set_v down_o at_o large_a desire_v to_o deliver_v their_o mind_n in_o their_o own_o expression_n rather_o than_o in_o i_o that_o they_o may_v not_o hereafter_o accuse_v i_o to_o have_v pick_v and_o choose_v what_o make_v most_o for_o i_o and_o against_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o rest_n his_o word_n be_v these_o object_n it_o may_v possible_o here_o be_v object_v how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o so_o small_a a_o number_n as_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n answ_n it_o will_v appear_v evident_a by_o this_o ensue_a argument_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n to_o two_o or_o three_o join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o two_o or_o three_o so_o join_v together_o do_v constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n the_o antecedent_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n offend_v thou_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v thou_o take_v two_o or_o three_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n 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 and_o a_o publican_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n loe_o here_o be_v their_o power_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v promise_v by_o they_o vers_fw-la 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 the_o consequent_a can_v be_v deny_v for_o what_o people_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n if_o they_o may_v not_o to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n if_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o force_n if_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o any_o efficacy_n than_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v so_o call_v neither_o be_v this_o destitute_a of_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v give_v their_o suffrage_n to_o it_o humfred_n de_fw-fr religione_fw-la vera_fw-la conservanda_fw-la pag._n 24._o ecclesiam_fw-la cum_fw-la dico_fw-la non_fw-la unum_fw-la aut_fw-la alterum_fw-la sacerdotem_fw-la aut_fw-la ministrum_fw-la sed_fw-la legitimum_fw-la ac_fw-la christianum_fw-la catum_fw-la nomino_fw-la et_fw-la innuo_fw-la beside_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n will_v prove_v the_o consequent_a a_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n be_v saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n &_o unite_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n this_o definition_n though_o it_o proper_o look_v upon_o a_o complete_a church_n it_o be_v appliable_a to_o two_o or_o three_o that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o object_n but_o be_v it_o like_o that_o two_o or_o three_o there_o be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n mention_v vers_fw-la 17._o to_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o power_n answ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v always_o so_o take_v for_o because_o the_o church_n do_v frequent_o consist_v of_o many_o but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o take_v as_o the_o very_a coherence_n of_o the_o word_n show_v beside_o it_o will_v further_o appear_v thus_o if_o two_o or_o three_o may_v meet_v together_o clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n and_o honour_v with_o christ_n presence_n than_o two_o or_o three_o may_v be_v the_o church_n mention_v vers_fw-la 17._o but_o two_o or_o three_o may_v meet_v together_o clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n for_o they_o meet_v in_o his_o name_n as_o the_o text_n speak_v 1._o e._n clothe_v with_o his_o power_n for_o name_n signify_v power_n in_o several_a scripture_n prov._n the_o 18._o 10._o philip._n 2._o 10._o and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n and_o therefore_o two_o or_o three_o may_v be_v the_o church_n there_o mention_v 3._o object_n but_o such_o a_o company_n be_v destitute_a of_o officer_n can_v be_v no_o church_n answ_n if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v they_o can_v have_v be_v no_o complete_a church_n i_o will_v have_v consent_v but_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a church_n therefore_o they_o be_v no_o church_n be_v a_o non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la a_o man_n that_o want_v a_o hand_n or_o foot_n or_o both_o be_v notwithstanding_o a_o man_n though_o a_o maim_a man_n officer_n do_v not_o concur_v to_o the_o esse_fw-la or_o being_n of_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la or_o well_o be_v of_o a_o church_n 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they_o in_o all_o which_o ordinance_n every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n do_v daily_o partake_v with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v think_v sufficient_a by_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n to_o make_v any_o of_o their_o assembly_n a_o true_a and_o complete_a form_v church_n and_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v so_o that_o wheresoever_o according_a to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n they_o enjoy_v all_o these_o ordinance_n in_o their_o several_a meet_v house_n with_o a_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n and_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o three_o or_o four_o good_a woman_n and_o as_o many_o man_n every_o one_o of_o these_o several_a congregation_n challenge_v unto_o themselves_o though_o they_o consist_v but_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o the_o name_n of_o a_o formal_a and_o complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o do_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o church_n 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have_v both_o for_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o all_o other_o requisit_n whatsoever_o in_o these_o our_o day_n can_v make_v a_o complete_a church_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o this_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n of_o my_o argument_n may_v suffice_v it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o independent_o own_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v any_o more_o reason_n for_o the_o corroborate_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o as_o for_o my_o minor_a proposition_n they_o that_o shall_v read_v but_o the_o first_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o 18._o of_o matt._n and_o the_o 28._o of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o the_o sixteenth_o and_o twenty_o of_o saint_n johns_n gospel_n shall_v find_v it_o sufficient_o confirm_v yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v not_o that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o now_o i_o hope_v every_o judicious_a and_o intelligible_a reader_n from_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n will_v see_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o all_o the_o independent_o save_v my_o brother_n burton_n deny_v but_o that_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n several_o and_o respective_o consider_v be_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o my_o brother_n burton_n think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v evince_v and_o that_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o under_o one_o presbytery_n govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la which_o my_o brother_n burton_n &_o all_o the_o independent_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v follow_v there_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n a_o subordination_n or_o combine_v of_o many_o church_n all_o which_o nevertheless_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v under_o one_o government_n as_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n of_o geneva_n bazill_n and_o of_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n all_o the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v unite_v and_o combine_v together_o and_o subordinate_a make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o pure_a church_n the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o succeed_a 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o unite_v and_o combine_v themselves_o there_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o orderly_a govern_n &_o regulate_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o as_o the_o mother_n church_n and_o those_o the_o most_o pure_a one_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v so_o shall_v all_o the_o daughter_n church_n be_v moderate_v and_o regulate_v in_o all_o follow_a generation_n to_o the_o full_a consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n yea_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o intelligible_a man_n that_o a_o council_n or_o college_n of_o grave_a divine_n and_o experience_a man_n and_o man_n of_o knowledge_n learning_n and_o integrity_n shall_v know_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o how_o to_o govern_v than_o a_o few_o giddy_a head_a witless_a and_o worthless_a man_n &_o woman_n which_o most_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n consist_v of_o now_o in_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n we_o find_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n as_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o make_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n and_o all_o those_o my_o brother_n burton_n speak_v of_o and_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v so_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la as_o that_o of_o ephesus_n as_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o brief_o prove_v after_o i_o have_v answer_v to_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v yet_o to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n to_o who_o word_n if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v than_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o which_o he_o call_v the_o first_o form_v church_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a form_v church_n for_o he_o accuse_v that_o of_o imperfection_n and_o not_o that_o only_a but_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o complete_a within_o themselves_o so_o that_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o a_o true_a constitute_v church_n we_o must_v borrow_v something_o from_o each_o of_o they_o and_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o church_n and_o church_n that_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o have_v need_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n by_o this_o his_o doctrine_n they_o be_v all_o dependent_a by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n who_o hold_v and_o labour_n to_o maintain_v not_o the_o perfection_n only_o of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n within_o themselves_o but_o the_o parity_n likewise_o of_o they_o and_o the_o equal_a authority_n and_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v all_o independent_a which_o opinion_n of_o they_o my_o brother_n burton_n overthrow_v make_v they_o all_o dependent_a but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v second_o say_v he_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o diocesan_n or_o provincial_n church_n or_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o classical_a as_o you_o will_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o particular_a church_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o yet_o by_o your_o favour_n not_o so_o perfect_a as_o no_o apostolic_a church_n beside_o it_o shall_v also_o come_v in_o to_o make_v up_o the_o pattern_n complete_a for_o we_o must_v necessary_o take_v all_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o his_o word_n before_o quote_v i_o desire_v the_o reader_n here_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o expression_n where_o first_o there_o be_v petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la a_o ordinary_a error_n among_o sophistical_a deal_n man_n he_o beg_v the_o question_n deny_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v classical_a which_o notwithstanding_o the_o scripture_n sufficient_o evince_v as_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a counsel_n of_o many_o presbyter_n to_o both_o which_o he_o accord_v and_o yet_o as_o if_o
nothing_o have_v be_v grant_v by_o himself_o or_o say_v by_o i_o to_o prove_v it_o he_o grollish_o deni_v it_o second_o i_o shall_v entreat_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v how_o he_o do_v not_o only_o contradict_v himself_o but_o oppose_v all_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o government_n of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o all_o church_n insuccee_v time_n as_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o the_o mother_n church_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o which_o government_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o mould_v up_o all_o their_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n say_v that_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n within_o itself_o and_o be_v not_o dependent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n as_o be_v complete_a within_o itself_o so_o ought_v every_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n after_o the_o example_n of_o that_o church_n to_o exercise_v all_o authority_n within_o itself_o and_o not_o have_v dependency_n on_o any_o other_o for_o in_o all_o particular_n they_o avow_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o perfect_a form_v church_n and_o the_o same_o they_o assert_v of_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o idependents_n beside_o himself_o that_o i_o ever_o have_v read_v or_o talk_v with_o yea_o my_o brother_n burton_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o his_o own_o argument_n say_v that_o the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o acts._n then_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o confess_v &_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a church_n for_o that_o that_o be_v deficient_a and_o deform_a that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o a_o form_a church_n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n as_o he_o above_o say_v than_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o a_o entire_a church_n as_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v easy_o and_o ready_o gather_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o here_o he_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n all_o the_o other_o apostolical_a church_n beside_o it_o must_v come_v in_o by_o which_o word_n of_o he_o i_o maintain_v he_o do_v not_o only_o oppose_v all_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o all_o hold_v the_o contrary_a but_o contradict_v himself_o but_o let_v we_o hear_v himself_o speak_v of_o necessity_n say_v he_o we_o be_v to_o take_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a and_o perfect_a church_n pattern_n for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o find_v election_n of_o officer_n but_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o so_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o till_o there_o be_v necessity_n the_o sum_n be_v to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n of_o ephesus_n those_o of_o galatia_n and_o philippi_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o that_o each_o may_v cast_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n so_o that_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a platform_n for_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n as_o so_o many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o a_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o etc._n etc._n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n confute_v all_o his_o brethren_n who_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n with_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n hold_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o apostolic_a church_n be_v perfect_a form_v church_n and_o absolute_a within_o themselves_o and_o independent_a where_o as_o he_o blame_v they_o all_o of_o imperfection_n and_o say_v they_o must_v all_o be_v confer_v together_o to_o make_v up_o a_o entire_a platform_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o oppose_a of_o they_o all_o and_o a_o contradict_v of_o himself_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a for_o he_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o answer_n say_v the_o first_o form_v church_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n and_o yet_o he_o here_o accuse_v it_o of_o imperfection_n and_o fayling_n and_o therefore_o not_o form_v for_o at_o that_o time_n say_v he_o it_o want_v deacon_n and_o we_o find_v not_o express_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n for_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n at_o any_o time_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o by_o his_o doctrine_n here_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n and_o fail_v in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v according_a to_o his_o learning_n must_v have_v not_o only_o a_o good_a discipline_n but_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n page_n 11._o now_o a_o church_n according_a to_o their_o description_n true_o form_v and_o proper_o so_o call_v be_v when_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n and_o two_o to_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o ten_o or_o eleven_o good_a man_n and_o woman_n with_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n now_o i_o shall_v desire_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o reply_n to_o send_v i_o word_n which_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o peculiar-pastor_n of_o this_o form_a church_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n or_o who_o be_v their_o elder_n and_o who_o be_v their_o deacon_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o be_v that_o that_o make_v up_o a_o form_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o their_o dialect_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o can_v make_v all_o that_o i_o require_v of_o he_o clear_o appear_v than_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o any_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v not_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o any_o church_n have_v a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o doctor_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o or_o but_o two_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o small_a company_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n or_o any_o particular_a covenant_n but_o we_o read_v that_o in_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v mighty_a multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o many_o deacon_n and_o that_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n set_v over_o they_o and_o church_n officer_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o common_a and_o nothing_o in_o particular_a of_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o with_o any_o such_o covenant_n which_o he_o and_o all_o the_o independent_o say_v make_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o without_o which_o in_o their_o language_n it_o can_v be_v adistinct_a and_o formal_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v from_o which_o i_o do_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n conclude_v and_o that_o from_o the_o new_a light_n i_o have_v from_o my_o brother_n burton_n that_o either_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o well_o form_v church_n according_a to_o the_o new-testament_n form_n which_o be_v impious_a either_o to_o think_v or_o say_v or_o if_o they_o be_v that_o then_o there_o may_v at_o this_o day_n be_v complete_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v although_o they_o have_v not_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o but_o serve_v their_o flock_n and_o congregation_n in_o common_a so_o that_o all_o the_o babble_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n be_v but_o wicked_o and_o unchristian_o to_o abuse_v the_o world_n and_o to_o delude_v poor_a people_n when_o they_o demand_n such_o thing_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o essential_o necessary_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o god_n never_o require_v at_o his_o
people_n hand_n and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n they_o call_v for_o in_o all_o church_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n they_o rigid_o exact_v of_o we_o for_o the_o complete_n and_o form_v of_o a_o church_n after_o the_o new-testament_n form_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o mother_n church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n confession_n the_o first_o form_v church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o beside_o himself_o a_o perfect_a church_n at_o that_o time_n but_o because_o he_o requre_v of_o i_o to_o show_v he_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n respective_o in_o all_o the_o several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n without_o which_o he_o affirm_v they_o be_v not_o form_v church_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o desire_v of_o he_o likewise_o that_o he_o will_v show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o that_o whole_a church_n that_o he_o demand_v of_o i_o in_o its_o part_n without_o the_o perform_n of_o the_o which_o all_o that_o he_o have_v write_v be_v nothing_o and_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o that_o distinction_n i_o say_v of_o officer_n and_o member_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o complete_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o he_o confess_v at_o that_o time_n he_o call_v it_o a_o form_v church_n they_o have_v no_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o independent_o that_o ever_o i_o have_v see_v or_o talk_v with_o say_v they_o read_v of_o no_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o 12._o of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o first_o form_v of_o this_o church_n and_o we_o read_v not_o at_o any_o time_n of_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o of_o any_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n join_v with_o that_o pastor_n as_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n all_o the_o people_n apply_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o that_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v transact_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o all_o lay_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o deacon_n upon_o each_o of_o they_o we_o hear_v nothing_o i_o say_v of_o any_o particular_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o of_o any_o elder_n all_o this_o while_n and_o yet_o by_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o form_v church_n then_o and_o we_o neither_o hear_v nor_o read_v also_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n which_o the_o independent_o call_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v of_o many_o thing_n they_o now_o rigid_o require_v of_o all_o such_o â—s_n desire_n to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o new_a congregation_n practise_v in_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v therefore_o cordial_o desire_v of_o my_o brother_n burton_n see_v the_o underwriter_n his_o tributary_n have_v give_v he_o leave_v as_o he_o say_v in_o his_o truth_n shut_v out_o of_o door_n that_o he_o shall_v balk_v no_o truth_n he_o shall_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o plough_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o shall_v preach_v every_o truth_n i_o say_v he_o have_v obtain_v this_o christian_a liberty_n of_o his_o benefactor_n and_o truth_n be_v now_o no_o more_o in_o prison_n that_o he_o will_v candid_o and_o plain_o without_o any_o reserve_n doâ—eâ—_n ad_fw-la triarios_fw-la redieritre_n tell_v i_o the_o next_o time_n i_o hear_v from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o particular_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v their_o particular_a doctor_n or_o teacher_n who_o be_v their_o elder_n who_o be_v their_o deacon_n see_v my_o brother_n burton_n deni_v any_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v if_o it_o have_v not_o its_o distinct_a officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n therefore_o i_o put_v he_o upon_o this_o to_o prove_v and_o without_o prove_v it_o all_o that_o he_o have_v hitherto_o write_v both_o in_o this_o book_n and_o in_o his_o vindication_n will_v all_o prove_v but_o waste_a paper_n to_o use_v his_o own_o language_n i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o james_n or_o peter_n be_v their_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o that_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o they_o be_v the_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n and_o be_v extraordinary_o send_v into_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o scripture_n record_v therefore_o they_o can_v not_o be_v either_o the_o particular_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o that_o church_n for_o as_o the_o independent_o teach_v they_o must_v be_v fix_v and_o shall_v not_o leave_v their_o charge_n and_o flock_n neither_o can_v my_o brother_n burton_n tell_v which_o be_v their_o elder_n for_o the_o independent_o say_v they_o read_v of_o none_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n till_o the_o twelve_o of_o the_o act_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n they_o then_o have_v none_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n opinion_n â—or_a he_o â—aith_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o of_o corrupt_a member_n which_o if_o they_o have_v have_v elder_n they_o can_v not_o have_v want_v and_o for_o deacon_n my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o at_o that_o time_n he_o call_v it_o a_o form_v church_n they_o have_v none_o so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o difficult_a if_o not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n either_o for_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o fraternity_n to_o show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o he_o require_v i_o shall_v show_v he_o in_o the_o several_a branch_n &_o congregation_n without_o the_o which_o notwithstanding_o according_a to_o his_o learning_n it_o can_v be_v a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o so_o then_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_fw-la itself_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v therefore_o when_o he_o be_v at_o plough_n again_o as_o now_o i_o understand_v he_o be_v i_o desire_v he_o that_o he_o will_v furrow_v up_o this_o truth_n unto_o i_o and_o show_v i_o that_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n withal_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v how_o he_o come_v to_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n and_o member_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n body_n respective_o to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n when_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n make_v a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n and_o officer_n to_o be_v the_o material_n only_a of_o a_o church_n all_o these_o truth_n i_o desire_v and_o that_o earnest_o that_o my_o brother_n burton_n at_o his_o next_o go_v to_o plough_v he_o will_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v unto_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v conclude_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o singular_a tiller_n and_o a_o very_a good_a husbandman_n in_o christ_n field_n his_o church_n or_o otherwise_o he_o will_v never_o be_v fit_a either_o to_o make_v a_o complete_a independent_a country_n courtier_n or_o a_o absolute_a independent_a gentleman_n but_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o haberdasher_n in_o the_o small_a ware_n of_o independency_n and_o with_o those_o i_o persuade_v myself_o he_o will_v be_v best_o able_a to_o trade_n with_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o i_o hear_v from_o he_o i_o will_v affirm_v that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n want_v deacon_n and_o church_n discipline_n and_o a_o explicit_a particular_a covenant_n and_o many_o other_o good_a thing_n they_o require_v of_o we_o for_o the_o complete_n of_o a_o church_n or_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v than_o that_o church_n be_v not_o perfect_a and_o complete_a and_o yet_o we_o read_v not_o that_o the_o saint_n of_o those_o time_n make_v any_o separation_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n though_o they_o want_v officer_n and_o discipline_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n require_v now_o by_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o those_o primitive_a and_o holy_a christian_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o want_n of_o some_o part_n of_o discipline_n or_o for_o want_n of_o some_o officer_n
or_o for_o want_n of_o many_o thing_n they_o now_o exact_v of_o all_o christian_n for_o the_o complete_n and_o mould_v of_o they_o into_o church_n body_n pro_fw-la per_o so_o call_v for_o we_o read_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v perfect_o convert_v and_o be_v saint_n indeed_o and_o yet_o that_o for_o some_o want_v they_o make_v no_o separation_n rend_v or_o schism_n from_o their_o brethren_n but_o that_o they_o daily_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n open_o and_o that_o in_o all_o love_n and_o charity_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o yet_o if_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o the_o independent_o may_v be_v believe_v they_o have_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n nor_o distinction_n of_o officer_n nor_o a_o great_a part_n of_o discipline_n nor_o many_o other_o of_o their_o requisite_n so_o that_o from_o the_o pious_a and_o godly_a example_n of_o those_o glorious_a saint_n i_o learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o rent_n and_o schism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v among_o brethren_n for_o some_o fail_n in_o any_o church_n yea_o though_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n not_o only_o in_o officer_n and_o member_n but_o a_o very_a want_n of_o officer_n themselves_o and_o of_o a_o good_a discipline_n also_o in_o any_o church_n or_o church_n and_o that_o they_o that_o do_v make_v rent_n and_o division_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o withal_o i_o learn_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o there_o be_v a_o fail_n in_o discipline_n and_o a_o want_n of_o some_o chief_a officer_n and_o member_n for_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o form_v church_n although_o it_o want_v both_o officer_n and_o discipline_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n they_o now_o require_v of_o all_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v member_n in_o their_o new_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o he_o now_o preach_v be_v solid_a and_o orthodox_n divinity_n and_o if_o he_o may_v be_v credit_v in_o what_o he_o write_v as_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n for_o want_n of_o those_o thing_n so_o there_o be_v now_o in_o these_o our_o day_n no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n from_o our_o assembly_n if_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o real_a want_n of_o discipline_n and_o church_n officer_n which_o we_o may_v long_o since_o have_v enjoy_v have_v not_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n hinder_v our_o happy_a begin_v reformation_n especial_o i_o say_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o separate_v when_o there_o be_v no_o fail_v or_o want_n in_o any_o dominative_a or_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o where_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n requisite_a to_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v daily_o public_o teach_v in_o every_o one_o of_o our_o congregation_n and_o church_n all_o which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v we_o want_v not_o beside_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v that_o discipline_n make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o a_o church_n yea_o the_o independent_o themselves_z hold_v that_o officer_n in_o a_o church_n make_v not_o for_o the_o esse_fw-la but_o the_o bene_fw-la esse_fw-la of_o it_o as_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n apparent_o delucidate_v for_o they_o say_v though_o the_o officer_n all_o dye_n yet_o the_o church_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n whereas_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n want_v discipline_n and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o deacon_n at_o first_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n and_o that_o their_o very_a constitution_n have_v a_o gradual_a growth_n i_o maintain_v that_o in_o all_o he_o assert_v he_o be_v not_o only_o exceed_v erroneous_a and_o ignorant_a but_o understand_v not_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o the_o independent_o who_o be_v all_o against_o he_o in_o those_o his_o assertion_n for_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v it_o in_o their_o writing_n that_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v virtual_o in_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o they_o want_v neither_o deacon_n nor_o elder_n if_o their_o concession_n be_v true_a nor_o any_o church_n officer_n which_o be_v point_n blank_a against_o my_o brother_n burton_n his_o opinion_n they_o confess_v likewise_o that_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n viz_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o part_n of_o discipline_n of_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a member_n they_o acknowledge_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v equal_a power_n among_o themselves_o and_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o all_o the_o church_n as_o have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o that_o they_o leave_v both_o the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o their_o several_a church_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o their_o particular_a right_n &_o impeach_v neither_o of_o they_o of_o their_o liberty_n and_o they_o do_v also_o confess_v that_o as_o paul_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n do_v excommunicate_a hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1._o ver_fw-la 20._o and_o other_o so_o may_v the_o other_o apostle_n have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v have_v the_o like_a occasion_n give_v they_o and_o may_v have_v put_v any_o church_n not_o only_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n but_o have_v enjoin_v and_o command_v they_o also_o to_o have_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n as_o both_o paul_n do_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v all_o well_o constitute_v and_o well_o and_o perfect_a form_v church_n by_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n in_o one_o day_n so_o as_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n affirm_v all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v the_o independent_o do_v accord_n unto_o and_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o well_o ground_a christian_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v a_o perfect_a church_n at_o its_o first_o constitution_n before_o the_o incestuous_a person_n appear_v in_o it_o and_o the_o same_o they_o will_v say_v of_o the_o other_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n before_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaiâ—tans_n and_o that_o of_o baalam_n and_o jezabell_n spring_v up_o in_o they_o and_o before_o those_o lukewarm_a laodicean_n appear_v and_o all_o the_o other_o offender_n there_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o add_v any_o perfection_n to_o those_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o deformity_n to_o they_o all_o to_o have_v such_o creature_n and_o fail_n among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v repute_v their_o great_a sin_n to_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o in_o their_o bowel_n which_o by_o their_o first_o constitution_n they_o have_v power_n to_o have_v cast_v out_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o those_o church_n at_o their_o first_o plantation_n and_o sound_n have_v all_o of_o they_o their_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o all_o other_o member_n and_o officer_n as_o consist_v of_o saint_n and_o have_v in_o all_o those_o several_a church_n both_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o this_o in_o their_o first_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o gradual_a growth_n but_o be_v all_o bring_v forth_o to_o full_a perfection_n the_o first_o day_n contrary_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v confess_v likewise_o by_o the_o independent_o and_o by_o my_o brother_n burton_n himself_o that_o where_o there_o be_v church_n officer_n as_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n with_o a_o elder_a or_o two_o and_o a_o deacon_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o few_o visible_a saint_n if_o they_o amount_v but_o to_o the_o number_n of_o twenty_o nay_o if_o they_o be_v but_o ten_o or_o twelve_o gather_v together_o according_a to_o their_o method_n that_o there_o be_v a_o complete_a form_v church_n where_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o as_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o that_o this_o church_n be_v clothe_v with_o christ_n power_n and_o honour_v with_o his_o presence_n the_o which_o
all_o of_o they_o necessary_o be_v confer_v together_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a pattern_n so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v in_o its_o shot_n to_o make_v up_o the_o full_a reckon_n that_o so_o what_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a platform_n these_o be_v his_o formal_a word_n add_v with_o all_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o many_o book_n and_o the_o body_n of_o many_o member_n and_o one_o member_n can_v say_v to_o the_o other_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o 1_o cor._n 11._o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o apostolical_a church_n they_o have_v all_o need_n one_o of_o another_o i_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n in_o his_o thus_o speak_v be_v not_o only_o against_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o for_o the_o which_o i_o be_o assure_v thâ—â—_n will_v sharp_o reprove_v he_o but_o volens_fw-la nolens_fw-la conclude_v that_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v necessary_o dependent_a one_o upon_o another_o as_o the_o several_a member_n be_v in_o one_o body_n which_o be_v that_o that_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n peremptory_o deny_v though_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o evangelicall_n truth_n as_o i_o shall_v god_n will_v abundant_o prove_v in_o examine_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v as_o that_o of_o corinth_n phililppi_n those_o of_o galatia_n and_o the_o rest_n with_o that_o of_o ephesus_n all_o which_o he_o bring_v in_o for_o make_v up_o of_o his_o complete_a pattern_n and_o all_o the_o which_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o though_o he_o and_o his_o scholar_n will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o my_o indefinite_a enumeration_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n i_o say_v although_o he_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o my_o enumeration_n i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o church_n he_o enumerate_v and_o prove_v they_o all_o classical_a and_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o independent_a church_n such_o as_o they_o describe_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n nor_o before_o our_o day_n nor_o never_o such_o a_o whimsy_n take_v notice_n of_o before_o this_o dote_a age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v also_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o word_n for_o matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o poor_a presbyterian_o who_o the_o independent_o term_n at_o every_o word_n a_o antichristian_a brood_n who_o may_v not_o think_v it_o much_o nor_o be_v offend_v with_o it_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v when_o they_o accuse_v our_o church_n not_o to_o be_v well_o form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n and_o when_o they_o say_v that_o our_o church_n be_v not_o perfect_a church_n and_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o here_o my_o brother_n burton_n a_o master_n illdependent_a censure_v and_o judge_v not_o only_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v no_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n itself_o for_o want_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o discipline_n and_o for_o want_n of_o officer_n and_o blame_v all_o other_o church_n accuse_v they_o likewise_o of_o fayling_n and_o imperfection_n say_v that_o they_o must_v be_v all_o confer_v together_o for_o the_o make_n up_o a_o complete_a platform_n which_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o say_v they_o be_v all_o defective_a and_o not_o complete_a and_o form_v church_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o horrid_a piece_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o deserve_v condign_a punishment_n from_o all_o those_o of_o his_o party_n and_o true_o as_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o see_v when_o man_n once_o desert_n and_o forsake_v the_o truth_n what_o error_n out_o of_o pride_n and_o giddiness_n they_o soon_o fâ—ll_v into_o so_o it_o may_v exceed_o rejoice_v and_o comfort_v we_o that_o in_o all_o their_o asperse_v of_o we_o and_o daily_o calumniate_a our_o church_n for_o some_o fayling_n and_o imperfection_n as_o they_o conceive_v and_o in_o their_o deny_v of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a form_v church_n for_o in_o this_o we_o be_v like_o sufferer_n with_o all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n all_o the_o which_o my_o brother_n burton_n accuse_v of_o imperfection_n and_o for_o fayling_n so_o that_o if_o he_o will_v censure_v they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o not_o only_o condemn_v all_o our_o church_n for_o antichristian_a and_o not_o well_o form_v church_n but_o separate_v from_o they_o as_o from_o so_o many_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n for_o so_o they_o term_v our_o assembly_n but_o now_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o my_o brother_n burtons_n enumeration_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o say_v he_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n not_o only_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o of_o corinth_n and_o those_o also_o of_o galitia_fw-la and_o that_o of_o philippi_n ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v together_o to_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a platform_n thus_o he_o now_o than_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o all_o these_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v as_o that_o of_o corinth_n philippi_n those_o of_o galatia_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n do_v consist_v of_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o yet_o be_v all_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o all_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n iâ—_n their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o that_o all_o those_o church_n i_o say_v be_v classical_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbyter_n as_o be_v subordinate_a to_o they_o and_o likewise_o subject_a to_o the_o synodical_a decree_n at_o jerusalem_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v so_o govern_v for_o all_o these_o church_n make_v up_o a_o entire_a and_o complete_a pattern_n or_o platform_n of_o govern_v all_o church_n for_o future_a age_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n grant_v i_o shall_v therefore_o desire_v the_o reader_n it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n to_o give_v i_o leave_v as_o i_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n or_o church_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n call_v branch_n of_o that_o church_n therefore_o necessary_o depend_v upon_o the_o stock_n so_o now_o brief_o to_o evince_v that_o all_o those_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerat_o consist_v likewise_o of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v all_o classical_o govern_v and_o then_o i_o will_v also_o prove_v that_o according_a to_o the_o independent_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n their_o very_a congregationall_a church_n and_o assembly_n be_v not_o true_a church_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o withal_o i_o shall_v make_v good_a by_o god_n assistance_n and_o that_o from_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o they_o be_v dependent_a all_o which_o i_o will_v do_v in_o order_n and_o first_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o samaria_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o rest_n my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v take_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o a_o complete_a platform_n this_o city_n of_o samaria_n be_v the_o regal_a city_n and_o the_o palace_n or_o chamber_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a city_n then_o in_o the_o world_n and_o next_o to_o jerusalem_n the_o famous_a in_o all_o palestine_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o all_o canaan_n for_o extent_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a one_o that_o can_v entertain_v the_o who_o assyrian_n army_n at_o one_o time_n and_o it_o be_v exceed_o populous_a as_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o king_n and_o chronicle_n witness_v in_o the_o which_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n in_o christ_n time_n and_o that_o plant_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 4_o of_o john_n where_o we_o read_v that_o our_o saviour_n convert_v not_o only_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n but_o many_o more_o who_o be_v make_v believer_n by_o his_o ministry_n as_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v and_o testify_v and_o to_o this_o church_n be_v many_o thousand_o add_v by_o the_o preach_n and_o miracle_n of_o philip_n for_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o act_v the_o 8._o vers_fw-la 6._o 10._o 12._o 14._o that_o all_o those_o that_o have_v be_v seduce_v by_o that_o juggler_n simon_n magus_n which_o be_v in_o no_o small_a number_n every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v undeceive_v by_o the_o preach_n and_o wonder_n of_o philip_n now_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v so_o that_o there_o
that_o church_n be_v whole_o commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n for_o the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o teacher_n that_o come_v among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n likewise_o and_o authority_n of_o cast_v they_o out_o that_o be_v deceiver_n and_o false_a teacher_n and_o we_o far_o learn_v that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o those_o several_a congregation_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o although_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n govern_v in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o christ_n conclude_a his_o epistle_n send_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o saint_n john_n to_o all_o those_o asian_a church_n rev._n the_o 2._o ver_fw-la 7._o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v he_o who_o make_v the_o particular_a or_o singular_a church_n he_o write_v to_o to_o be_v a_o multitude_n or_o company_n of_o church_n not_o one_o only_a as_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n only_o he_o do_v make_v that_o one_o church_n to_o which_o he_o write_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o particular_a to_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a classical_a or_o collegiate_n church_n but_o christ_n in_o his_o epiphonemicall_a conclusion_n to_o every_o church_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o in_o singular_a or_o in_o particular_a do_v speak_v of_o the_o same_o as_o of_o a_o company_n or_o multitude_n of_o church_n let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la one_o church_n have_v many_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o be_v classical_o or_o collegiate_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la to_o the_o which_o argument_n the_o independent_o answer_v by_o deny_v of_o the_o assumption_n say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequentér_n as_o well_o as_o antecedentér_v with_o relation_n to_o what_o follow_v as_o well_o as_o to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o they_o cite_v junius_n his_o testimony_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o their_o denial_n nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n they_o produce_v also_o master_n bains_n his_o authority_n to_o as_o little_a end_n christ_n say_v he_o do_v not_o use_v the_o plural_a number_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o one_o church_n precede_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o seven_o collective_o take_v it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o the_o member_n of_o each_o singular_a church_n shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n both_o several_o and_o joint_o whatsoever_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o to_o other_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a light_n from_o the_o summer_n island_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o make_v to_o this_o argument_n page_n 133._o and_o if_o word_n may_v serve_v for_o answer_n those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v never_o want_v answer_n and_o reply_v but_o we_o look_v for_o reason_n and_o not_o for_o word_n in_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v deny_v our_o argument_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o gainsay_n the_o argument_n shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v in_o force_n to_o prove_v many_o congregation_n and_o many_o church_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o in_o the_o other_o six_o church_n and_o true_o he_o grant_v the_o argument_n while_o he_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v consequenter_fw-la as_o well_v as_o antecedenter_v so_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o worâ—â—_n may_v be_v take_v antecedenter_n as_o well_o as_o consequenter_fw-la that_o be_v 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that_o be_v in_o every_o house_n which_o be_v by_o master_n knollys_n acknowledge_v to_o signify_v many_o several_a congregation_n in_o that_o church_n and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o when_o the_o independent_o preach_v public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n every_o one_o of_o the_o shallow_a understanding_n know_v that_o they_o have_v several_a congregation_n and_o several_a meet_v place_n and_o therefore_o several_a church_n even_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o same_o expression_n that_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o that_o one_o church_n of_o ephesus_n because_o they_o have_v many_o assembly_n and_o many_o meet_v place_n which_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o have_v both_o public_o and_o private_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o magistrate_n there_o be_v convert_v and_o the_o christian_n in_o that_o city_n have_v obtain_v so_o much_o
favour_n from_o they_o that_o they_o allow_v they_o public_a place_n of_o meeting_n as_o well_o as_o private_a as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o paul_n word_n who_o say_v that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n now_o where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n as_o can_v take_v up_o a_o famous_a apostle_n night_n and_o day_n for_o three_o whole_a year_n together_o who_o cease_v not_o all_o that_o while_n to_o warn_v every_o one_o with_o tear_n act_n 20._o 31._o and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o for_o 20._o and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o more_o extraordinary_a teacher_n beside_o a_o whole_a college_n of_o bishop_n and_o all_o of_o they_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preacher_n as_o appear_v revel_v 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o all_o these_o likewise_o continual_o employ_v there_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a church_n and_o congregation_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o people_n 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in_o subordination_n to_o it_o as_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o asian_a church_n have_v and_o consequent_o be_v collegial_o and_o classical_o govern_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la now_o then_o when_o the_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n my_o brother_n burton_n enumerate_v be_v all_o so_o govern_v it_o follow_v that_o all_o these_o church_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o government_n for_o the_o regulate_a and_o moderate_v of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v all_o presbyterial_o and_o classical_o govern_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v all_o other_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v to_o be_v classical_o and_o presbyterial_o moderate_v so_o that_o now_o when_o it_o be_v manifest_a both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o independent_o own_o concession_n that_o the_o word_n church_n may_v be_v take_v as_o well_o antecedenter_v as_o consequenter_fw-la it_o matter_n nothing_o 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compact_n they_o common_o continue_v their_o ancient_a dimension_n and_o limit_n and_o as_o far_o as_o their_o secular_a power_n extend_v itself_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o civil_a government_n and_o policy_n the_o same_o limit_n do_v the_o ecclesiastical_a ever_o observe_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n under_o they_o all_o who_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n in_o their_o several_a abode_n and_o habitation_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n be_v call_v citizen_n and_o the_o whole_a country_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o several_a city_n as_o all_o history_n relate_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o examine_v the_o annal_n of_o time_n all_o man_n may_v find_v that_o which_o i_o now_o say_v to_o be_v true_a for_o we_o see_v in_o the_o change_n of_o all_o government_n from_o democratiall_a to_o aristocratical_a and_o from_o both_o to_o monarchy_n that_o as_o far_o as_o their_o bound_n and_o limit_n extend_v themselves_o before_o their_o changc_n the_o monarchsor_n king_n that_o either_o invade_v those_o government_n or_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o election_n or_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o people_n extend_v their_o sole_a power_n to_o the_o extreme_a limit_n of_o those_o several_a government_n and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n rule_v those_o several_a country_n which_o before_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o their_o state_n senate_n elder_n or_o judge_n as_o we_o see_v it_o happen_v not_o only_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n after_o the_o government_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v change_v into_o a_o monarchy_n but_o even_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o all_o other_o kingdom_n for_o when_o caesar_n have_v invade_v the_o sovereignty_n and_o have_v make_v himself_o perpetuus_n dictator_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a aristocracy_n extend_v its_o self_n before_o the_o change_n so_o far_o do_v his_o sole_a power_n expatiate_v and_o extend_v itself_o after_o the_o alteration_n and_o the_o same_o power_n do_v all_o the_o succeed_a emperor_n exercise_v to_o the_o extreme_a bound_n of_o that_o empire_n till_o the_o dissolution_n of_o it_o as_o all_o history_n declare_v even_o so_o when_o the_o several_a presbytery_n through_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v through_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o antichrist_n that_o man_n of_o sin_n change_v into_o episcopacy_n as_o far_o as_o the_o several_a presbytery_n extend_v themselves_o so_o far_o do_v the_o several_a bishop_n appoint_v over_o they_o extend_v their_o sole_a power_n and_o exercise_v their_o sole_a authority_n hence_o arise_v so_o many_o broil_n contention_n and_o digladiation_n among_o those_o several_a bishop_n about_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a sea_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o which_o all_o ecclesiastical_a story_n be_v full_a all_o the_o which_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o declare_v
to_o any_o man_n of_o but_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o in_o those_o several_a city_n which_o be_v after_o their_o change_n of_o government_n the_o seat_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n they_o have_v many_o town_n and_o village_n and_o many_o church_n and_o congregation_n under_o they_o all_o the_o which_o before_o this_o alteration_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o their_o several_a presbyterye_n respective_o and_o be_v all_o vuder_n they_o and_o be_v order_v and_o moderate_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la pesbyterorum_fw-la which_o the_o independent_o themselves_z do_v acknowledge_v and_o my_o brother_n burton_n by_o name_n in_o his_o vindication_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o the_o bless_a apostle_n go_v from_o city_n to_o city_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o in_o their_o synagogue_n as_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n relate_v and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o they_o in_o their_o several_a city_n but_o in_o each_o of_o they_o ordain_v and_o constitute_v presbytery_n give_v charge_n to_o titus_n and_o timothy_n to_o do_v the_o same_o leave_v the_o government_n of_o all_o those_o congregation_n and_o church_n in_o those_o several_a city_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o several_a presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n enjoin_v also_o those_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n to_o observe_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o command_v the_o people_n all_o christian_n and_o believer_n in_o those_o several_a city_n under_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o all_o their_o several_a minister_n and_o guide_n set_v over_o they_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o that_o they_o shall_v from_o god_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v as_o we_o may_v see_v out_o of_o the_o several_a place_n i_o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n as_o out_o of_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act._n 23._o act_n 20._o 27._o 18._o tit._n 1_o verse_n 5._o 1_o tim._n 5._o verse_n 17._o heb._n 13._o verse_n 7_o 17_o 24._o and_o the_o first_o of_o pet._n 5._o 2._o jam._n 5._o 14._o and_o act_n 15._o 23._o act_n 16._o 4._o act_n 21._o 25._o all_o which_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o i_o prove_v all_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n to_o be_v classical_o govern_v my_o brother_n burton_n and_o i._n s._n pass_v by_o not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v not_o of_o those_o multitude_n baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n disciple_n of_o who_o likewise_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n as_o not_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o seducer_n matth._n 22._o you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n so_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o all_o the_o several_a sectary_n of_o this_o time_n they_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o wickedness_n for_o will_v they_o but_o take_v the_o word_n church_n in_o that_o sense_n the_o holy_a scripture_n deliver_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o relate_v it_o the_o controversy_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n now_o the_o word_n church_n in_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v take_v collective_o either_o for_o all_o the_o catholic_a invisible_a or_o visible_a church_n or_o for_o the_o representative_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o for_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n all_o combine_a together_o under_o one_o government_n either_o in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o in_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o godly_a discipline_n not_o only_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o those_o several_a city_n but_o through_o all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n as_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o several_a government_n precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n do_v extend_v as_o act_v the_o 15._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n send_v greeting_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o antioch_n that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o in_o syria_n and_o in_o cilicia_n so_o that_o church_n be_v most_o often_o take_v collective_o as_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n at_o this_o day_n and_o of_o basil_n and_o the_o other_o reform_a canton_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n now_o when_o the_o word_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v take_v in_o this_o sense_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o samaria_n antioch_n philippi_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o church_n combine_v together_o and_o all_o collective_o take_v in_o this_o the_o independent_o and_o all_o sectary_n err_v that_o they_o always_o take_v the_o word_n church_n for_o no_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o of_o their_o pipkin_n congregation_n to_o partake_v and_o communicate_v in_o their_o ordinance_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n as_o i_o have_v in_o all_o the_o forego_v discourse_n sufficient_o prove_v take_v the_o word_n collective_o for_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o government_n although_o every_o one_o of_o those_o several_a congregation_n consider_v apart_o and_o by_o itself_o may_v true_o and_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o church_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n and_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o essential_a ordinance_n with_o it_o as_o have_v abundant_o be_v prove_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v consider_v but_o as_o a_o member_n and_o a_o branch_n or_o part_n depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a particular_a church_n under_o which_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o classical_o govern_v from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o when_o all_o those_o several_a church_n as_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n samaria_n corinth_n philippi_n ephesus_n which_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v must_v be_v bring_v in_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a pattern_n of_o church_n government_n be_v all_o collective_o take_v and_o classical_o and_o collegiat_o govern_v as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o but_o under_o one_o presbytery_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o jurisdiction_n my_o argument_n will_v everstand_v good_a yea_o they_o be_v all_o strengthen_v from_o my_o brother_n burtons_n concession_n and_o his_o express_a word_n for_o if_o when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o appear_v act_v the_o 2._o they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n because_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v how_o impossible_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o they_o all_o after_o that_o time_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n multiply_v daily_o and_o that_o by_o many_o thousand_o and_o at_o last_o grow_v so_o numerous_a as_o they_o amount_v to_o many_o myriad_n or_o innumerable_a company_n as_o appear_v act_n the_o 21._o all_o which_o notwithstanding_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o wilful_o deceive_v the_o poor_a people_n in_o conceal_v from_o they_o so_o apparent_a a_o truth_n but_o shall_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o word_n and_o discover_v all_o his_o juggle_n my_o discourse_n will_v swell_v into_o a_o mighty_a volume_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n his_o expression_n contain_v in_o they_o a_o heap_n of_o fraud_n and_o confusion_n all_o which_o he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o severe_a account_n for_o but_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n i_o say_v of_o his_o several_a fayling_n what_o he_o grant_v be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o viz._n that_o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o its_o infancy_n they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v then_o of_o necessity_n when_o that_o church_n be_v multiply_v into_o many_o ten_o thousand_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o many_o congregation_n and_o church_n to_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o under_o one_o presbytery_n as_o my_o brother_n burton_n acknowledge_v so_o that_o now_o i_o be_o most_o confident_a every_o judicious_a reader_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o all_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n mere_o trifle_n and_o delude_v the_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a people_n
and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o according_o determine_v that_o difference_n and_o question_n by_o the_o write_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o command_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o council_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n it_o any_o difference_n of_o opinion_n rise_v among_o the_o church_n or_o if_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n how_o holy_a and_o godly_a so_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o broach_v they_o and_o what_o pretence_n so_o ever_o they_o make_v that_o they_o have_v they_o from_o divine_a authority_n i_o say_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n king_n and_o prince_n and_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n may_v call_v a_o council_n or_o synod_n of_o divine_n together_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n there_o debate_v thing_n by_o dispute_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o determine_v the_o question_n and_o send_v their_o decree_n which_o be_v bind_v to_o all_o other_o church_n so_o i_o affirm_v also_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v that_o church_n be_v a_o pattern_n of_o imitation_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n and_o christian_a church_n in_o they_o that_o minister_n out_o of_o several_a presbytery_n in_o a_o representative_a body_n may_v meet_v together_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o their_o magistrate_n and_o dispute_v those_o question_n by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n and_o find_v by_o search_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n be_v may_v determine_v the_o question_n according_o and_o give_v out_o their_o decree_n groun_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n with_o authority_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o those_o church_n under_o their_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o as_o the_o people_n than_o do_v patient_o wait_v till_o the_o determine_n of_o that_o difference_n without_o make_v of_o any_o rent_n schism_n or_o separation_n one_o from_o another_o and_o do_v then_o yield_v obedience_n to_o those_o decree_n without_o any_o reluctation_n but_o observe_v they_o all_o willing_o after_o the_o debate_n so_o ought_v all_o people_n in_o imitation_n of_o they_o and_o follow_v their_o example_n with_o patience_n to_o wait_v without_o make_v any_o rent_n and_o division_n till_o thing_n be_v full_o discuss_v and_o determine_v in_o any_o such_o synod_n or_o council_n and_o then_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o submit_v themselves_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o other_o church_n for_o a_o example_n of_o imitation_n so_o long_o as_o they_o enjoin_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o synod_n and_o counsel_n upon_o differ_v and_o dissent_v opinion_n between_o church_n and_o church_n and_o upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o new_a heresy_n spring_v up_o in_o christian_a country_n or_o any_o old_a one_o revive_v as_o it_o have_v its_o pattern_n from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n which_o be_v leave_v for_o our_o imitation_n that_o all_o church_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n shall_v follow_v it_o so_o this_o way_n of_o rule_v be_v ground_v upon_o most_o excellent_a reason_n as_o most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n of_o which_o we_o have_v many_o precedent_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n beside_o this_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o some_o other_o for_o as_o all_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n have_v be_v ever_o govern_v by_o general_a counsel_n and_o have_v ever_o have_v their_o several_a appeal_n from_o inferior_a court_n and_o counsel_n to_o superior_a upon_o either_o public_a grievance_n or_o upon_o any_o difference_n between_o province_n and_o province_n and_o county_n and_o county_n or_o between_o corporation_n and_o corporation_n or_o city_n and_o city_n or_o upon_o any_o pressure_n or_o oppression_n or_o impeachment_n or_o encroachment_n of_o each_o on_o the_o other_o liberty_n or_o through_o injustice_n or_o injury_n do_v to_o each_o of_o they_o from_o some_o that_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n be_v inferior_a to_o no_o other_o kingdom_n upon_o earth_n but_o in_o that_o also_o the_o several_a corporation_n that_o be_v under_o it_o which_o be_v so_o many_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o appeal_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a or_o above_o name_v occasion_n and_o although_o they_o all_o enjoy_v equal_a privilege_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o several_a province_n county_n corporation_n and_o city_n in_o any_o kingdom_n do_v so_o as_o they_o can_v several_o and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v give_v a_o law_n each_o to_o other_o yet_o as_o in_o a_o general_a council_n in_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n when_o the_o knight_n and_o baron_n and_o burgess_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o representative_a body_n in_o a_o parliament_n or_o diet_n may_v be_v so_o assemble_v together_o not_o only_o redress_v any_o abuse_n and_o punish_v delinquents_n but_o also_o for_o the_o better_a government_n of_o those_o several_a doâ—inâ—ons_n for_o the_o future_a give_v law_n to_o each_o province_n county_n city_n and_o corporation_n yea_o and_o unto_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o enact_v penal_a statute_n both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a country_n under_o they_o according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o country_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n which_o be_v christ_n kingdom_n although_o in_o it_o the_o several_a presbytery_n and_o church_n consider_v by_o themselves_o and_o as_o have_v equal_a authority_n among_o themselves_o can_v give_v law_n to_o each_o other_o severally_z and_o by_o themselves_o consider_v as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o can_v not_o prescribe_v to_o each_o other_o a_o rule_n or_o law_n to_o walk_v by_o with_o authority_n but_o only_o in_o a_o exemplary_a way_n by_o well_o do_v yet_o all_o these_o several_a church_n join_v together_o in_o a_o general_a council_n as_o they_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n act_v the_o 15._o and_o have_v from_o each_o of_o they_o deligate_v and_o send_v their_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n as_o so_o many_o burgess_n of_o their_o several_a city_n and_o corporation_n and_o they_o be_v all_o meet_v together_o upon_o any_o grievance_n and_o have_v by_o debate_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o difference_n in_o question_n by_o dispute_n and_o by_o disquisition_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v his_o pleasure_n in_o his_o good_a word_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n may_v in_o any_o christian_a council_n so_o call_v and_o order_v their_o business_n as_o the_o council_n and_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v give_v out_o their_o decree_n and_o those_o bind_n once_o to_o all_o those_o several_a church_n that_o be_v under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o all_o these_o several_a church_n ought_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o their_o so_o do_v they_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o church_n a_o precedent_n and_o a_o pattern_n for_o i_o say_v in_o all_o these_o respect_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o church_n and_o as_o in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n corinth_n philippi_n samaria_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o each_o of_o those_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o common_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o all_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v and_o through_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o they_o feed_v they_o all_o and_o govern_v they_o all_o in_o common_a so_o in_o that_o also_o both_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o the_o other_o church_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n who_o say_v they_o must_v all_o come_v in_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o a_o complete_a platform_n i_o say_v as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n feed_v those_o several_a church_n in_o common_a so_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o
succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o same_o in_o their_o several_a and_o respective_a presbytery_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n or_o example_n in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new-testament_n that_o any_o church_n have_v its_o peculiar_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o doctor_n allot_v to_o it_o with_o but_o two_o or_o three_o elder_n and_o a_o deacon_n with_o a_o slender_a congregation_n of_o people_n of_o the_o which_o they_o only_o have_v the_o cure_n and_o care_n for_o the_o feed_n and_o rule_v of_o it_o and_o the_o which_o have_v absolute_a authority_n within_o itself_o and_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n the_o which_o notwithstanding_o the_o independent_o assert_v be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n after_o the_o new_a testament_n form_n such_o a_o model_n of_o a_o church_n i_o affirm_v can_v never_o be_v show_v or_o prove_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n say_v saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o vers_fw-la 28._o have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 4._o of_o the_o ephesian_n vers_fw-la 11._o when_o christ_n ascend_v on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v concern_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o to_o appropriate_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n do_v be_v to_o abuse_v and_o pervert_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o uphold_v of_o their_o unwarrantable_a proceed_n for_o if_o these_o 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he_o then_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o upon_o hear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o business_n they_o admit_v he_o come_v in_o and_o go_v out_o without_o their_o consent_n in_o this_o also_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o all_o succeed_a church_n that_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n place_v only_o to_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o not_o the_o people_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v gainsay_v the_o admission_n of_o any_o upon_o either_o their_o fear_n or_o jealousy_n or_o out_o of_o other_o respect_n that_o then_o they_o may_v have_v their_o appeal_n from_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o each_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v by_o they_o to_o be_v admit_v notwithstanding_o the_o dislike_n and_o dissent_v of_o their_o brethren_n for_o of_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v we_o have_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o pattern_n and_o as_o the_o church_n at_o 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the_o world_n ought_v to_o imitate_v this_o church_n as_o their_o pattern_n not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o those_o church_n for_o some_o fayling_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v find_v in_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v all_o save_a truth_n needful_a to_o salvation_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v christ_n both_o example_n and_o precept_n for_o it_o but_o because_o also_o separation_n be_v blame_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 10._o and_o therefore_o forbid_v who_o say_v verse_n 23_o 24_o 25._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o
the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n this_o be_v one_o of_o my_o statute_n law_n will_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n say_v now_o you_o of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o i_o nor_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o and_o be_v baptize_v in_o my_o name_n by_o john_n and_o my_o disciple_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o these_o be_v your_o own_o expression_n i_o therefore_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o you_o of_o the_o oongregationall_a by-path_n as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n not_o only_o for_o these_o your_o hard_a speech_n against_o i_o and_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o but_o because_o in_o all_o my_o holy_a word_n i_o never_o appoint_v such_o a_o model_n and_o form_n of_o church_n as_o you_o have_v erect_v among_o you_o i_o therefore_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o you_o as_o form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o this_o i_o presume_v 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john_n and_o christ_n disciple_n to_o be_v form_v into_o a_o church_n or_o church_n they_o except_o they_o speedy_o repent_v must_v give_v a_o dreadful_a account_n at_o the_o great_a day_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n especial_o for_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a leader_n and_o captain_n in_o this_o militia_n and_o new_a model_n of_o ill-dependency_n if_o some_o young_a sprig_v that_o have_v be_v turn_v about_o with_o every_o stream_n of_o opinion_n and_o carry_v about_o this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n have_v speak_v such_o word_n only_o and_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o novel_a opinion_n and_o of_o such_o double_a deal_n and_o juggle_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v wonder_v at_o it_o know_v how_o unstable_a youth_n be_v but_o for_o a_o old_a tree_n in_o which_o the_o sap_n of_o youth_n shall_v now_o be_v well_o dry_v up_o and_o which_o shall_v be_v stiff_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v settle_v for_o such_o a_o 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definition_n of_o their_o church_n be_v this_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v they_o a_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n the_o member_n saint_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o edify_v one_o a_o other_o in_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n before_o i_o discover_v all_o the_o error_n of_o this_o definition_n and_o come_v to_o show_v that_o according_a to_o this_o their_o description_n of_o a_o church_n there_o have_v never_o as_o yet_o be_v a_o true_a form_v church_n and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o congregationall_a church_n themselves_o if_o this_o their_o definition_n be_v good_a be_v true_a form_v church_n and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n
true_a saint_n psal_n 15._o verse_n 4._o say_v of_o such_o a_o one_o that_o he_o swear_v to_o his_o own_o hurt_n and_o change_v not_o now_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o saint_n and_o will_v keep_v his_o promise_n he_o will_v abandon_v his_o tenant_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n but_o because_o master_n knollys_n so_o peremptory_o assert_n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n i_o shall_v desirehim_v and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o fellowship_n to_o hear_v my_o brother_n burton_n who_o esteem_v of_o himself_o as_o none_o of_o the_o weak_a brethren_n but_o account_v himself_o a_o champion_n and_o therefore_o come_v out_o to_o dare_v all_o the_o world_n of_o presbyterian_o and_o yet_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o that_o fraternity_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o saint_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o his_o book_n be_v allow_v of_o and_o high_o approve_v of_o by_o many_o of_o they_o and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v misinform_v it_o be_v license_v by_o their_o bachelor_n of_o the_o black-art_a of_o il-dependency_n that_o shotten_a herring_n in_o divinity_n who_o allow_v of_o all_o their_o other_o pamphlet_n and_o set_v his_o imprimatur_fw-la to_o they_o so_o that_o what_o he_o license_v be_v approve_v of_o by_o they_o all_o now_o i_o desire_v mr_n knollys_n and_o i._n s._n and_o all_o those_o of_o his_o society_n to_o listen_v unto_o their_o great_a rabbi_n old_a harry_n my_o courteous_a and_o learned_a brother_n who_o word_n be_v these_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o answer_n the_o first_o form_v church_n say_v he_o we_o find_v be_v in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n which_o though_o consist_v of_o five_o thousand_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o entire_a particular_a church_n and_o not_o church_n and_o they_o continue_v daily_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n together_o shall_fw-mi 1._o and_o in_o the_o temple_n ver_fw-la 44._o 46._o grow_v from_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o act_n 1._o 15._o to_o three_o thousand_o more_o chap._n 2._o 41._o and_o then_o in_o all_o five_o thousand_o ch_z 4._o 4._o and_o all_o these_o but_o one_o church_n which_o assemble_v together_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o though_o they_o want_v a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n all_o together_o so_o as_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o diverse_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v yet_o this_o sever_n be_v not_o a_o divide_n of_o this_o church_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a formal_a church_n or_o church_n body_n be_v but_o so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v abundant_o satisfy_v mr_n knollys_n and_o all_o man_n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o for_o the_o far_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n add_v the_o testimony_n likewise_o of_o another_o faithful_a brother_n against_o who_o i_o presume_v mr_n knollys_n can_v have_v no_o just_a exception_n so_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o approve_a and_o seraphical_a witness_n the_o brethren_n can_v never_o doubt_v of_o it_o any_o more_o and_o this_o witness_n be_v one_o saint_n hanserdo_v one_o of_o saint_n george_n for_o england_n his_o chaplain_n a_o man_n worthy_a of_o esteem_n who_o usual_o preach_v on_o horseback_n to_o the_o country_n courtier_n all_o the_o the_o truth_n as_o he_o say_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o i_o know_v mr_n knollys_n will_v give_v great_a heed_n to_o saint_n hanserdo_n testimony_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o he_o touch_v this_o point_n in_o the_o ten_o page_n of_o his_o learned_a book_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n domatim_o and_o thus_o they_o do_v quotidie_fw-la day_n by_o day_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o which_o two_o testimony_n the_o one_o of_o my_o brother_n burton_n the_o other_o of_o saint_n hanserdo_n all_o intelligible_a man_n may_v easy_o gather_v that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a credit_n at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v give_v to_o what_o mr_n knollys_n or_o those_o of_o his_o party_n shall_v affirm_v either_o concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o brethren_n or_o what_o they_o shall_v relate_v concern_v other_o man_n for_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o assert_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o touch_v themselves_o viz._n that_o the_o brethren_n mean_v all_o the_o illdependents_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o that_o one_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o second_o concern_v myself_o of_o who_o he_o say_v that_o the_o doctor_n have_v not_o by_o scripture_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v several_a assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o one_o church_n now_o for_o the_o latter_a of_o his_o assertion_n i_o have_v not_o only_o from_o scripture_n prove_v it_o but_o from_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o master_n hanserdos_n their_o own_o concession_n make_v it_o good_a viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v to_o all_o the_o world_n accuse_v master_n knollys_n of_o calumny_n and_o dishonesty_n and_o for_o the_o first_o of_o his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o he_o of_o a_o apparent_a untruth_n in_o this_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdoe_v testimony_n do_v it_o for_o i_o for_o in_o their_o above_o mention_a word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o and_o that_o in_o book_n approve_v of_o by_o many_o of_o that_o way_n in_o those_o i_o say_v my_o brother_n burton_n conceptis_fw-la verbis_fw-la say_v that_o though_o it_o be_v but_o one_o entire_a church_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o a_o convenient_a place_n so_o spacious_a as_o where_o to_o break_v bread_n they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a house_n to_o communicate_v and_o saint_n hanserdos_n his_o testimony_n be_v as_o full_a as_o my_o brother_n burtons_n for_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n meet_v day_n by_o day_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o brake_n bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n that_o be_v they_o do_v communicate_v from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o saint_n hanserdos_n witness_v to_o prove_v many_o assembly_n be_v most_o evident_a so_o that_o both_o these_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o their_o fraternity_n acknowledge_v there_o be_v may_v congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n say_v moreover_o that_o they_o be_v so_o many_o branch_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n now_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o regard_n at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v give_v either_o to_o master_n knollys_n or_o any_o of_o his_o faction_n when_o he_o and_o they_o at_o pleasure_n dare_v publish_v such_o notorious_a untruth_n as_o these_o for_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o independent_o affirm_v that_o the_o brethren_n have_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o my_o brother_n burton_n notwithstanding_o and_o saint_n hanserdo_n have_v in_o express_a word_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o their_o fraternity_n assert_v that_o when_o there_o be_v but_o five_o thousand_o yea_o but_o three_o thousand_o believer_n for_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o for_o want_n of_o so_o spacious_a a_o room_n as_o can_v contain_v they_o all_o to_o enjoy_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v then_o force_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n and_o to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n so_o that_o for_o mr_n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n they_o be_v not_o
and_o seduce_v and_o deceive_v such_o multitude_n of_o simple_a people_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n what_o multitude_n of_o people_n may_v all_o man_n think_v those_o learned_a rabbi_n those_o priest_n with_o all_o the_o apostle_n daily_o convert_v in_o jerusalem_n when_o their_o doctrine_n be_v so_o crown_v with_o so_o many_o miracle_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v never_o have_v deliver_v it_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o convert_v innumerable_a company_n yet_o common_a reason_n will_v persuade_v every_o man_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v convert_v many_o thousand_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o they_o all_o but_o when_o the_o scripture_n relate_v unto_o we_o matt._n 3._o and_o mark_v the_o 1._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n that_o all_o jerusalem_n go_v out_o to_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o that_o they_o be_v baptize_v by_o he_o in_o jordan_n and_o be_v make_v good_a christian_n and_o when_o it_o far_o also_o record_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thousand_o convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o miracle_n and_o say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o when_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n it_o relate_v the_o conversion_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n more_o and_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n say_v that_o more_o multitude_n both_o of_o believer_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n it_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n all_o these_o place_n witness_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o they_o come_v into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o great_a body_n as_o they_o can_v not_o now_o be_v tell_v for_o when_o they_o come_v in_o by_o by_o three_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n and_o five_o thousand_o they_o can_v speedy_o be_v reckon_v but_o when_o the_o increase_n grow_v so_o great_a they_o be_v force_v then_o to_o set_v they_o down_o as_o it_o be_v by_o whole_a sale_n not_o in_o enumerate_v parcel_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o numberless_a company_n say_v multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v to_o say_v mighty_a congregation_n and_o great_a assembly_n of_o both_o sex_n in_o such_o abundance_n come_v in_o as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v tell_v and_o as_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v enough_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o word_n and_o set_v down_o in_o general_a term_n that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v also_o obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o as_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v sufficient_a in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n and_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 21._o of_o the_o act_v it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o all_o these_o can_v not_o possible_o no_o not_o a_o quarter_n of_o they_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o a_o few_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o ordinance_n to_o edification_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o place_n or_o room_n spacious_a enough_o to_o contain_v the_o very_a body_n of_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o and_o if_o any_o place_n can_v have_v hold_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o they_o yet_o than_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v then_o have_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n preach_v unto_o they_o for_o by_o daily_a experience_n we_o see_v it_o that_o in_o one_o of_o our_o church_n here_o in_o london_n which_o will_v not_o nor_o can_v hold_v half_o ten_o thousand_o that_o half_a of_o they_o ordinary_o not_o well_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o minister_n though_o he_o have_v a_o strong_a pair_n of_o lung_n yea_o i_o hear_v man_n daily_o complain_v that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v the_o minister_n preach_v they_o stand_v so_o far_o off_o from_o he_o when_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v not_o three_o thousand_o then_o in_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o i_o myself_o have_v be_v in_o less_o assembly_n where_o all_o the_o people_n can_v not_o hear_v to_o edification_n and_o therefore_o all_o reason_n will_v persuade_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o resolve_v ever_o to_o resist_v the_o truth_n that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n where_o there_o be_v such_o infinite_a multitude_n especial_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o the_o scripture_n in_o so_o many_o place_n as_o i_o have_v quote_v say_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n which_o i_o have_v at_o this_o time_n brief_o relate_v that_o if_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v at_o last_o satisfy_v sir_n i._o s._n and_o persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o if_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o or_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v say_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n but_o if_o all_o i_o have_v hitherto_o write_v will_v not_o satisfy_v his_o tender_a conscience_n and_o take_v his_o scruple_n out_o of_o his_o mind_n i_o shall_v now_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o point_n for_o a_o corollary_n desire_v he_o to_o hear_v what_o my_o brother_n burton_n saint_n hanserdo_n two_o faithful_a brethren_n of_o his_o society_n have_v write_v concern_v this_o business_n it_o may_v be_v i._o s._n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o such_o approve_a witness_n and_o great_a master_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregationall_a way_n will_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n though_o he_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v deliver_v i_o can_v but_o often_o make_v mention_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n because_o all_o the_o illdependents_a judge_v they_o to_o be_v very_o honest_a man_n and_o suppose_v that_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o believe_v also_o that_o sir_n i._o s._n have_v a_o very_a venerable_a opinion_n of_o they_o both_o for_o their_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o erudition_n i_o entreat_v i._n s._n therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o hear_v my_o brother_n burton_n sapientum_fw-la octavum_fw-la it_o may_v be_v his_o word_n may_v satisfy_v his_o scrupulous_a and_o tender_a conscience_n who_o in_o the_o nine_o page_n of_o his_o wise_a book_n say_v that_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n when_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thousand_o of_o they_o and_o five_o thousand_o at_o most_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n in_o several_a private_a how_o es_a to_o communicate_v saint_n hanserdoe_v word_n be_v these_o page_z 10._o &_o 11._o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o wit_n the_o temple_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n thus_o they_o both_o declare_v their_o faith_n and_o opinion_n cencern_v the_o number_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o now_o then_o when_o there_o be_v but_o about_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o score_n soul_n at_o the_o first_o and_o five_o thousand_o in_o all_o at_o last_o according_a to_o the_o computation_n of_o my_o brother_n burton_n and_o saint_n hanserdo_n they_o be_v then_o force_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o company_n as_o have_v no_o convenient_a place_n spacious_a enough_o as_o wherein_o to_o break_v bread_n so_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v one_o place_n and_o in_o solomon_n porch_n that_o be_v another_o place_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o several_a private_a house_n according_a to_o my_o brother_n burtons_n doctrine_n and_o to_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n or_o house_n by_o house_n and_o that_o daily_a or_o day_n by_o day_n according_a to_o saint_n hanserdoe_v learning_n that_o be_v in_o innumerable_a place_n i_o say_v when_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o two_o seraphical_a doctor_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n and_o childhood_n of_o that_o church_n there_o be_v many_o ass_n bly_n and_o congregation_n and_o that_o in_o several_a private_a house_n or_o from_o house_n to_o house_n how_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n
pass_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-counsel_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o place_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o people_n office_n and_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v and_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v this_o their_o just_a authority_n be_v guilty_a of_o contumacy_n and_o be_v high_a offender_n and_o delinquent_n for_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o government_n upon_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o subject_n who_o may_v not_o without_o a_o public_a call_v intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n as_o god_n peculiar_a servant_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o steward_n counsellor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o man_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o soul_n all_o people_n under_o their_o several_a presbytery_n so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o much_o to_o reverence_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o this_o according_a to_o god_n command_n for_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o slight_v as_o the_o fag_n end_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o many_o black_a mouth_n and_o profane_a lip_n speak_v of_o they_o for_o the_o presbyter_n they_o have_v their_o authority_n as_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o king_n and_o state_n have_v they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o more_o supreme_a orb_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v venerate_v as_o man_n watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o contumelious_a speech_n against_o they_o deserve_v severe_a punishment_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v deserve_v better_a from_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n not_o only_o in_o their_o desire_v a_o perfect_a and_o through_o reformation_n in_o both_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o in_o that_o they_o have_v stand_v now_o so_o cordial_o to_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o more_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o before_o they_o and_o have_v cleave_v most_o faithful_o to_o the_o parliament_n and_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n to_o that_o great_a conncell_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o deserve_v well_o yea_o better_a not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o all_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o their_o memory_n ought_v to_o be_v famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o this_o their_o good_a service_n and_o that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n if_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o shall_v now_o labour_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o promise_v unto_o themselves_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n and_o peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o also_o immortal_a praise_n from_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v take_v leave_n to_o make_v this_o digression_n i_o will_v now_o to_o my_o business_n and_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n there_o act_v as_o presbyter_n among_o the_o presbyter_n they_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v rule_v and_o govern_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common-council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n the_o mayor_n and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v and_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o major_a the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a as_o 1_o tim._n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 14._o where_o paul_n write_v unto_o timothy_n say_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o to_o preach_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o which_o presbytery_n paul_n be_v one_o that_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o and_o ordain_v he_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n the_o first_o vers_n 6_o where_o put_v timothy_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o duty_n he_o say_v stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n so_o that_o paul_n join_v in_o this_o public_a action_n of_o ordination_n though_o a_o apostle_n yet_o act_v as_o a_o presbyter_n and_o count_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o as_o any_o of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o now_o ordain_v the_o minister_n may_v say_v as_o well_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o to_o any_o new_a ordain_v minister_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n as_o man_n ordinary_o in_o a_o jury_n may_v assume_v that_o unto_o themselves_o that_o all_o may_v do_v as_o be_v actor_n in_o common_a so_o peter_n likewise_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n ch_n 5._o verse_n 1_o 2_o call_v himself_o a_o fellow-presbyte_a and_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n style_v he_o so_o also_o the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o elect_a lady_n etc._n etc._n the_o presbyter_n unto_o the_o well_o belove_a gajus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o his_o presbytership_n do_v not_o exclude_v his_o apostleship_n nor_o the_o act_n at_o any_o time_n of_o a_o presbyter_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o apostolical_a power_n for_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n he_o wrore_v scripture_n by_o a_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o yet_o continue_v still_o a_o presbyter_n so_o that_o for_o the_o major_n although_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v yet_o for_o a_o further_a corroboration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o reject_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o point_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o because_o as_o they_o say_v apostleship_n contain_v all_o office_n in_o it_o yea_o they_o further_o assert_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n the_o only_a difference_n they_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v be_v in_o the_o extent_n from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n transact_v by_o the_o apostle_n proper_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o do_v act_n as_o presbyter_n because_o in_o such_o act_n there_o be_v no_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n to_o many_o much_o less_o to_o all_o church_n but_o when_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n over_o many_o congregation_n be_v found_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n and_o so_o can_v be_v a_o pattern_n andpresident_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n over_o many_o for_o answer_v first_o i_o say_v that_o the_o brethren_n in_o my_o opinion_n take_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o beseem_v they_o and_o usurp_v a_o kind_n of_o unlimited_a authority_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v make_v what_o please_v they_o exemplary_a only_o and_o reject_v whatsoever_o agree_v not_o with_o their_o opinion_n and_o humour_n though_o they_o be_v all_o the_o act_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o transact_v by_o joint_a consent_n and_o common_a agreement_n and_o accord_n and_o leave_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o for_o a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n to_o follow_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o any_o of_o their_o other_o act_n and_o so_o they_o pick_v and_o choose_v at_o pleasure_n and_o
in_o so_o do_v under_o reformation_n be_v it_o speak_v i_o say_v they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o beseem_v they_o for_o they_o can_v make_v the_o apostle_n joint_a govern_v of_o one_o congregation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v it_o pro_fw-la confesso_fw-la that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o many_o minister_n govern_v one_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o be_v yet_o under_o but_o one_o presbytery_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n as_o under_o a_o grand_a common-presbytery_a this_o at_o pleasure_n they_o reject_v and_o make_v it_o no_o way_n exemplary_a and_o bind_v but_o for_o a_o further_a answer_n i_o assert_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n and_o authority_n over_o many_o assembly_n as_o one_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o all_o as_o one_o church_n joint_o and_o in_o common_a be_v not_o ground_v upon_o their_o power_n over_o all_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o union_n of_o those_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n into_o one_o church_n which_o union_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n rule_v and_o govern_v many_o congregation_n and_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o govern_v many_o assembly_n joint_o as_o one_o church_n be_v the_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o that_o government_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o this_o precedent_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbyter_n in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n in_o all_o reformation_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o government_n they_o do_v as_o presbyter_n and_o for_o imitation_n neither_o do_v our_o brethren_n only_o grant_v the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n save_v in_o the_o extent_n but_o they_o acknowledge_v also_o that_o they_o be_v call_v presbyter_n virtual_o as_o i_o say_v before_o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n act_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v and_o say_v withal_o that_o the_o apostle_n wherever_o they_o come_v leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o although_o they_o join_v with_o they_o these_o be_v their_o formal_a expression_n out_o of_o which_o their_o concession_n my_o argument_n yea_o the_o whole_a syllogism_n be_v not_o only_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v but_o the_o truth_n do_v more_o evident_o shine_v forth_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n and_o the_o presbyter_n right_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n as_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n peculiar_o belong_v by_o god_n institution_n and_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o church_n be_v to_o obey_v as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o command_v then_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o the_o people_n to_o ordain_v either_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n whatsoever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o the_o choose_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o excommunicate_a or_o cast_v out_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o make_v member_n who_o they_o please_v nor_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o presbyter_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ever_o leave_v unto_o the_o people_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o precedent_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o while_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o plain_o overthrow_v it_o for_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n the_o right_a therefore_o of_o the_o key_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n who_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n act_v 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n although_o his_o epistle_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n only_o execute_v that_o act_n of_o government_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o people_n also_o assent_v unto_o it_o even_o as_o we_o see_v daily_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n when_o the_o king_n or_o counsel_n write_v unto_o any_o city_n or_o corporation_n though_o their_o mandate_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o corporation_n for_o the_o raise_v either_o of_o man_n or_o money_n or_o about_o any_o other_o employment_n of_o public_a concernment_n the_o mayor_n alderman_n and_o common_a council_n and_o the_o officer_n under_o they_o only_o manage_v the_o business_n for_o that_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o do_v yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v themselvesto_fw-la what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v and_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o that_o employment_n as_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n only_o to_o obey_v and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o presbyter_n only_o exercise_v the_o government_n and_o order_v all_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n injunction_n and_o the_o people_n assent_v unto_o it_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o order_n and_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o man_n in_o every_o assembly_n but_o the_o very_a woman_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n as_o member_n challenge_v a_o power_n and_o right_a both_o in_o the_o elect_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v which_o before_o these_o our_o time_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n when_o as_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o the_o key_n as_o i_o have_v often_o prove_v peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o that_o the_o people_n neither_o man_n nor_o woman_n aught_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o short_a time_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o gross_a a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o other_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o as_o corporation_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o on_o their_o now_o suck_v independent_a new_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n consist_v of_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o member_n such_o as_o many_o of_o those_o be_v whereas_o those_o several_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o another_o notion_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o their_o several_a presbytery_n all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o daily_o increase_v and_o keep_v still_o the_o name_n and_o denomination_n of_o such_o a_o church_n either_o from_o the_o place_n city_n country_n or_o nation_n or_o several_a language_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o latin_a church_n or_o from_o the_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n rome_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o which_o though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n yet_o they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n &_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o precinct_n as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n though_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v count_v but_o one_o church_n as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o conceive_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n cause_v through_o this_o mistake_n that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o original_a
as_o he_o be_v precedent_n in_o that_o council_n in_o the_o 15._o of_o the_o act_n and_o it_o stand_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o many_o year_n after_o he_o continue_v still_o the_o prime_a man_n in_o authority_n there_o among_o the_o presbyter_n and_o know_v very_o well_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n there_o and_o what_o number_n and_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n there_o be_v inhabitant_n in_o that_o church_n all_o which_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o have_v his_o residence_n continual_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o paul_n come_v thither_o to_o the_o feast_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v act_v the_o 21_o chapter_n be_v inform_v by_o he_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o that_o church_n but_o what_o those_o disciple_n have_v hear_v concern_v his_o preach_n which_o show_v not_o only_o that_o saint_n james_n have_v his_o abode_n in_o that_o city_n but_o that_o those_o believer_n likewise_o be_v dweller_n and_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o that_o now_o he_o have_v very_o good_a acquaintance_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o yea_o which_o be_v more_o at_o that_o very_a time_n that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o those_o alm_n peter_n and_o james_n be_v then_o in_o that_o city_n if_o not_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n also_o as_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n abundant_o show_v and_o without_o doubt_n they_o all_o join_v with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o in_o a_o common-council_n order_v how_o the_o alm_n shall_v be_v dispose_v of_o by_o the_o deacon_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o it_o do_v most_o necessary_o follow_v what_o so_o ever_o mr._n knollys_n and_o those_o of_o his_o fraternity_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o the_o scripture_n record_v that_o the_o relief_n be_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n through_o judaea_n &_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o metropolis_n city_n in_o 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exercise_v that_o ordinary_a power_n commit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o the_o apostle_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n act_v and_o order_v thing_n in_o a_o joint_a body_n and_o common_a council_n with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n as_o presbyter_n ergo_fw-la the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v and_o by_o a_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n the_o major_a and_o minor_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v prove_v say_v the_o doctor_n the_o conclusion_n will_v necessary_o ensue_v thus_o master_n knollys_n relate_v this_o argument_n whole_o pass_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o this_o argument_n he_o first_o thus_o reply_v i_o know_v not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o brethren_n ever_o deny_v ed_z that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v so_o that_o he_o assent_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n which_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o by_o that_o argument_n so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o people_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n for_o they_o be_v not_o presbyter_n by_o office_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v his_o ambition_n to_o be_v think_v some_o body_n in_o the_o art_n of_o disputation_n that_o he_o quarrel_v the_o form_n of_o my_o syllogism_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o show_v i_o how_o i_o shall_v have_v frame_v it_o aright_o but_o all_o those_o that_o know_v indeed_o what_o real_o belong_v to_o learning_n will_v easy_o perceive_v the_o man_n do_v but_o babble_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v spend_v time_n in_o trifle_v with_o he_o about_o form_n mood_n and_o figure_n in_o syllogism_n who_o know_v no_o more_o in_o logic_n then_o the_o horse_n he_o preach_v on_o i_o may_v be_v think_v as_o vain_a as_o himself_o therefore_o entreat_v he_o hereafter_o to_o learn_v his_o grand-dame_n to_o suck_v and_o not_o i_o to_o make_v syllogism_n pass_v by_o all_o those_o his_o grollery_n i_o will_v set_v down_o what_o he_o have_v far_a to_o reply_v to_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o 13._o page_n and_o then_o answer_v to_o that_o and_o after_o i_o have_v do_v with_o he_o i_o will_v come_v to_o i._n s._n that_o learned_a gentleman_n and_o profound_a clerk_n master_n knollys_n to_o this_o argument_n thus_o far_a answer_v though_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o act_v as_o presbyter_n but_o as_o apostle_n act._n 15._o and_o they_o can_v therein_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o presbyter_n first_o because_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o and_o over_o all_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 28._o but_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o some_o one_o church_n only_o as_o ephesus_n act._n 20._o 28._o or_o philippi_n phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o this_o the_o doctor_n often_o insert_v in_o his_o book_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o they_o be_v presbyterial_o govern_v be_v dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbyter_n page_n 12._o and_o second_o because_o this_o will_v make_v the_o presbyter_n independent_a indeed_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n the_o presbyter_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n only_o dependent_a on_o christ_n by_o who_o holy_a spirit_n they_o be_v always_o guide_v in_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v act_n 15._o 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o and_o though_o the_o doctor_n say_v the_o presbyter_n may_v say_v so_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n be_v mention_v there_o the_o
name_n of_o the_o king_n or_o emperor_n and_o for_o any_o magistrate_n or_o any_o court_n to_o issue_n out_o any_o writ_n warrant_v mandate_n or_o summons_n in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n make_v they_o fall_v into_o a_o praemunire_n and_o make_v they_o guilty_a laesae_fw-la majestatis_fw-la so_o that_o all_o warrant_v run_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o king_n or_o emperor_n and_o whosoever_o fail_v in_o this_o kind_n as_o not_o to_o command_v in_o the_o king_n or_o emperor_n name_n do_v make_v himself_o a_o delinquent_n and_o this_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v be_v one_o of_o the_o charge_n against_o the_o prelate_n of_o canterbury_n that_o he_o issue_v out_o writ_n and_o summons_n in_o his_o own_o name_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o court._n now_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a king_n of_o his_o church_n that_o immortal_a and_o mighty_a potentate_n in_o who_o name_n all_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a issue_v out_o all_o their_o warrant_n and_o mandate_n speak_v ever_o to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o any_o creature_n in_o those_o day_n and_o god_n never_o change_v the_o stile_n of_o issue_v out_o his_o warrant_n neither_o do_v christ_n resign_v his_o regal_a dignity_n or_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v still_o their_o king_n and_o he_o keep_v the_o same_o tenure_n still_o all_o through_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o through_o the_o old_a command_v that_o all_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n say_v matth._n 28_o 19_o go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o all_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amen_n by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o be_v limit_v what_o to_o preach_v they_o may_v not_o exceed_v their_o bound_n they_o must_v teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n command_v they_o but_o christ_n never_o teach_v his_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o his_o true_a minister_n to_o issue_v out_o any_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o name_n for_o that_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o all_o false_a teacher_n neither_o do_v he_o ever_o teach_v they_o to_o issue_n out_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n name_n or_o say_v unto_o they_o at_o at_o any_o time_n what_o you_o do_v in_o all_o administration_n let_v it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n name_n christ_n i_o say_v teach_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o that_o be_v but_o the_o new_a blasphemous_a stile_n of_o our_o new_a gather_a church_n and_o of_o our_o new_a church_n officer_n who_o j._n s._n say_v must_v exercise_v their_o authority_n &_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o christ_n our_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n as_o in_o the_o place_n above_o quote_v so_o in_o mark_n 16._o v._o 17._o in_o my_o name_n say_v he_o they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n all_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o so_o s._n peter_n accor_v to_o his_o master_n command_n in_o his_o sermon_n in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n preach_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n and_o new_a convert_n say_v nothing_o to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o 38._o verse_n say_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n hâ—e_n be_v a_o faithful_a officer_n and_o do_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n name_n he_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o our_o new_a divinity_n and_o in_o the_o 3._o chapter_n when_o he_o cure_v the_o cripple_n verse_n the_o 6._o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n say_v he_o rise_v and_o walk_v and_o so_o saint_n paul_n have_v learn_v his_o lesson_n well_o who_o when_o he_o cast_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o divination_n out_o of_o the_o damsel_n in_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o act_n verse_n 18._o say_v unto_o it_o i_o command_v thou_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o and_o he_o come_v out_o at_o the_o same_o hour_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o those_o day_n in_o the_o church_n name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o king_n jesus_n christ_n to_o omit_v many_o other_o place_n we_o have_v a_o special_a command_n in_o the_o 3._o of_o the_o coloss_n verse_n 17._o whatsoever_o you_o do_v say_v the_o apostle_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_n to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o in_o christ_n their_o king_n name_n yea_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o of_o the_o corinth_n the_o five_o chapter_n verse_n the_o 3._o and_o 4._o teach_v the_o corinthian_n and_o in_o they_o all_o christian_n in_o who_o name_n all_o act_n of_o church_n governemt_a shall_v be_v manage_v and_o exercise_v say_v i_o very_o as_o absent_v in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o spirit_n have_v judge_v already_o that_o he_o that_o have_v do_v this_o doed_a 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 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 here_o the_o apostle_n teach_v all_o minister_n of_o all_o church_n that_o as_o all_o believer_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n their_o king_n so_o when_o any_o for_o their_o disorderly_a walk_a be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n their_o king_n he_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o new_a stile_n that_o our_o independent_o and_o learned_a i._n s._n publish_v to_o the_o world_n who_o in_o terminis_fw-la say_v that_o that_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n these_o be_v his_o word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o his_o brethren_n say_v the_o officer_n ordain_v and_o they_o pronounce_v excommunication_n they_o lead_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o government_n &_o dispute_n &_o have_v the_o executive_a power_n but_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n and_o interest_n too_o that_o be_v in_o his_o learning_n the_o officer_n must_v yet_o exercise_v their_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o minister_n be_v but_o the_o church_n servant_n at_o pleasure_n and_o their_o executioner_n this_o be_v our_o american_n divinity_n so_o that_o whereas_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o bless_a apostle_n to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n these_o our_o confide_a brethren_n and_o our_o itinerary_n illdependent_a predicant_o have_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a stile_n of_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o not_o in_o christ_n the_o king_n name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o absolute_a monarchy_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o which_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o command_n and_o in_o his_o name_n they_o have_v change_v this_o monarchy_n into_o so_o many_o thousand_o suck_v democrasies_n or_o rather_o so_o many_o anarchy_n in_o all_o the_o which_o they_o transact_v all_o thing_n and_o send_v out_o all_o their_o writ_n &_o warrant_n in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o several_a new_a church_n and_o so_o have_v dis-throned_n christ_n who_o notwithstanding_o they_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o as_o king_n in_o his_o church_n but_o whether_o in_o this_o their_o so_o deal_v with_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o people_n and_o subject_n they_o be_v not_o more_o independent_o and_o arrogant_o blasphemous_a than_o the_o pope_n himself_o or_o any_o prelate_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o sad_a thought_n &_o deep_a consideration_n of_o all_o such_o as_o true_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o desire_v from_o their_o soul_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o
their_o husband_n go_v out_o one_o way_n the_o wife_z another_z their_o child_n to_o this_o assembly_n their_o servant_n to_o that_o congregation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n which_o paul_n blame_v in_o they_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n the_o three_o i_o be_o of_o cephas_n and_o so_o they_o flutter_v about_o like_o a_o company_n of_o chicking_n without_o either_o head_n or_o wit_n and_o none_o will_v be_v under_o obedience_n to_o either_o parent_n or_o master_n not_o withstand_v god_n have_v command_v child_n to_o obey_v their_o parent_n and_o servant_n their_o master_n no_o far_o than_o please_v their_o own_o humour_n and_o all_o this_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o young_a and_o whether_o i_o have_v wrong_v the_o brethren_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o report_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o distract_a family_n in_o the_o kingdom_n where_o they_o have_v be_v preach_v and_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o any_o moderate_a mind_a christian_a and_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v now_o in_o england_n by_o reason_n of_o these_o new_a teacher_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o hindrance_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o alienate_n of_o the_o affection_n one_o from_o another_o of_o those_o that_o be_v join_v together_o in_o nigh_a relation_n now_o whereas_o master_n knollys_n and_o my_o brother_n burton_n pass_v by_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o their_o march_n as_o i_o say_v before_o make_v some_o poor_a weak_a skirmish_n against_o my_o force_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o garrison_n of_o holy_a writ_n as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n paul_n cornelius_n lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n which_o i_o have_v former_o bring_v into_o the_o field_n pretend_v they_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o not_o bind_v because_o they_o be_v not_o as_o they_o say_v admit_v in_o any_o particular_a church_n constitute_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n form_n but_o into_o the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n i_o can_v pass_v by_o their_o trifle_n without_o some_o answer_n unto_o their_o bravado_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v good_a in_o this_o place_n before_o i_o march_v on_o to_o fight_v they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o hereafter_o boast_v &_o vapour_n that_o i_o dare_v not_o encounter_v they_o or_o look_v upon_o their_o most_o material_a reserve_v which_o be_v concern_v cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o which_o they_o especial_o pitch_v upon_o conceive_v they_o have_v a_o great_a advantage_n against_o i_o for_o the_o make_n of_o this_o ground_n good_a viz._n that_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o admit_v any_o to_o be_v member_n of_o any_o church_n do_v not_o reside_v and_o lie_v sole_o in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o the_o people_n also_o have_v a_o hand_n as_o well_o in_o their_o admission_n as_o they_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v dislike_v the_o reception_n of_o any_o that_o then_o the_o minister_n can_v by_o their_o own_o and_o sole_a authority_n admit_v they_o though_o never_o so_o well_o qualify_v for_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o their_o encounter_n for_o to_o what_o end_n otherwise_o shall_v it_o be_v make_v yea_o their_o very_a word_n manifest_a as_o much_o which_o be_v these_o first_o master_n knollys_n page_n 15._o and_o 16._o thus_o declare_v himself_o that_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o business_n say_v he_o viz._n of_o the_o admittance_n of_o cornelius_n and_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n i_o conceive_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o brethren_n do_v not_o intermeddle_v to_o hinder_v their_o admittance_n to_o that_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o because_o they_o have_v not_o that_o liberty_n but_o because_o they_o have_v no_o just_a objection_n to_o declare_v to_o peter_n now_o that_o the_o brethren_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o declare_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v just_o have_v hinder_v do_v appear_v by_o the_o question_n the_o apostle_n expound_v say_v he_o i_o conceive_v he_o mean_v propound_v verse_n 47._o can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v and_o the_o doctor_n himself_o say_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o brethren_n or_o disciple_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o all_o church_n have_v this_o liberty_n to_o except_v against_o some_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o case_n that_o such_o person_n have_v be_v former_o know_v to_o have_v be_v open_a enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o be_v just_o to_o be_v suspect_v until_o they_o have_v give_v public_a evidence_n by_o witness_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o their_o true_a conversation_n and_o there_o produce_v a_o plain_a instance_n to_o prove_v this_o out_o of_o act_n the_o nine_o where_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o disciple_n but_o they_o be_v all_o afraid_a of_o he_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n thus_o master_n knollys_n speak_v and_o then_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o like_a case_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n because_o jerusalem_n the_o mother-church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o daughter-churche_n therefore_o say_v he_o when_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o the_o disciple_n or_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o her_o most_o flourish_a condition_n have_v this_o liberty_n to_o declare_v their_o fear_n and_o their_o ground_n thereof_o against_o paul_n how_o can_v the_o doctor_n say_v he_o make_v good_a that_o the_o presbyter_n alone_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o brethren_n may_v admit_v member_n and_o cast_v out_o member_n and_o that_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o congregation_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o hinder_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o have_v faithful_o set_v down_o his_o word_n and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n to_o which_o i_o will_v by_o and_o by_o give_v my_o answer_n after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o also_o what_o my_o brother_n burton_n have_v to_o say_v in_o this_o business_n and_o then_o i_o will_v reply_v to_o they_o both_o in_o order_n my_o brother_n burtons_n word_n be_v these_o page_z 17._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n say_v he_o to_o preach_v and_o instrumental_o to_o convert_v soul_n which_o chief_o pertain_v to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o church-government_n of_o admit_v and_o cast_v out_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o here_o let_v peter_n himself_o who_o word_n you_o allege_v resolve_v we_o who_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o wonderful_o fall_v on_o all_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n say_v can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n which_o word_n imply_v that_o if_o any_o exception_n can_v have_v be_v make_v it_o be_v in_o those_o jew_n present_a to_o give_v forth_o their_o allegation_n why_o those_o believe_a gentile_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v to_o become_v one_o church_n with_o the_o believe_a jew_n so_o as_o your_o observation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o that_o first_o peter_n be_v send_v to_o and_o â—ot_n the_o church_n and_o second_o peter_n command_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v again_o this_o example_n be_v extraordinary_a in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o your_o instance_n of_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8._o 8._o of_o lydia_n act._n 16._o as_o many_o other_o be_v mere_a extravagant_o we_o faith_n he_o speak_v of_o church_n constitute_v not_o of_o single_a convert_n here_o and_o there_o one_o not_o yet_o join_v into_o a_o particular_a church-body_n thus_o my_o brother_n burton_n declare_v himself_o who_o word_n i_o have_v faithful_o set_v down_o and_o all_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o all_o those_o example_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o my_o answer_n i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o man_n deal_n they_o make_v all_o these_o example_n either_o extravagant_o or_o extraordinary_a and_o yet_o they_o will_v from_o the_o example_n of_o cornelius_n and_o peter_n question_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o come_v along_o with_o he_o infer_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o admission_n of_o member_n lay_v not_o only_o in_o the_o minister_n hand_n but_o in_o the_o people_n also_o as_o who_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o bring_v in_o their_o exception_n against_o any_o for_o their_o not_o admission_n so_o that_o these_o man_n at_o pleasure_n will_v make_v the_o same_o scripture_n they_o except_v against_o as_o not_o authoritative_a and_o bind_v for_o we_o yet_o to_o be_v bind_o presidentiall_a for_o themselves_o so_o that_o as_o far_o as_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n it_o make_v for_o their_o grollery_n and_o serve_v their_o turn_n it_o shall_v be_v for_o
what_o their_o minister_n have_v do_v since_o i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o well_o perceive_v it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficu_o for_o a_o poor_a man_n to_o get_v into_o some_o of_o their_o congregation_n as_o to_o get_v into_o suttons-hospitall_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o only_a occasion_n that_o make_v some_o walk_n so_o long_o in_o many_o congregation_n before_o they_o come_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n for_o if_o they_o be_v rich_a they_o be_v speedy_o receive_v nay_o invite_v to_o be_v member_n it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o many_o godly_a and_o holy_a people_n have_v leave_v their_o native_a country_n and_o transport_v themselves_o over_o into_o new_a england_n where_o this_o government_n be_v set_v up_o only_o that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n there_o in_o their_o purity_n they_o be_v believer_n before_o they_o go_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v before_o they_o go_v thither_o to_o be_v the_o dear_a servant_n of_o god_n but_o when_o they_o come_v there_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v poor_a they_o make_v they_o walk_v some_o a_o year_n some_o more_o yea_o some_o six_o or_o seven_o before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v member_n of_o their_o congregation_n and_o they_o baptize_v none_o of_o those_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v there_o before_o their_o parent_n be_v join_v member_n and_o except_o they_o will_v in_o all_o thing_n conform_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o condition_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v admit_v and_o some_o time_n the_o man_n only_o be_v admit_v and_o his_o wife_n leave_v out_o still_o to_o walk_v and_o some_o time_n the_o wife_n be_v admit_v and_o the_o man_n leave_v out_o still_o to_o walk_v and_o both_o these_o notwithstanding_o be_v believer_n and_o baptize_v and_o after_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n they_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n a_o very_a small_a offence_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o if_o they_o be_v poor_a but_o for_o story_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o multiply_v they_o but_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o of_o this_o kind_n from_o those_o place_n and_o from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v in_o new-england_n and_o man_n both_o then_o and_o now_o no_o way_n evil_o affect_v either_o to_o the_o place_n or_o people_n serve_v god_n there_o but_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a they_o lord_n it_o there_o over_o god_n poor_a clergy_n in_o the_o superlative_a degree_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v but_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n may_v see_v it_o here_o in_o england_n in_o their_o congregation_n what_o difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o rich_a and_o poor_a and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o respect_n of_o person_n a_o sin_n in_o saint_n james_n his_o time_n high_o blame_v in_o christian_n james_n 2._o and_o as_o in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o the_o poor_a they_o be_v very_o lofty_a and_o look_v for_o great_a observance_n and_o attendance_n from_o they_o wheresoever_o they_o come_v so_o likewise_o a_o little_a thing_n will_v displease_v they_o if_o they_o speak_v a_o word_n amiss_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o congregation_n precedent_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v bring_v many_o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n clergy_n i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o admit_v of_o none_o though_o believer_n and_o already_o baptize_v but_o such_o as_o will_v come_v in_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o keep_v out_o the_o poor_a either_o altogether_o or_o as_o long_o as_o please_v they_o without_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o upon_o every_o slender_a occasion_n i_o say_v if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o a_o most_o diabolical_a tyranny_n and_o lord_v it_o over_o god_n clergy_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o any_o moderate_a man_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o if_o to_o unchurch_n all_o church_n but_o their_o own_o and_o at_o one_o blast_n to_o proclaim_v they_o all_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o be_v not_o more_o than_o a_o diotrephian_a prelatical_a and_o papal_a authority_n there_o be_v never_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n clergy_n there_o be_v never_o any_o know_v now_o i_o say_v if_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n do_v so_o timely_o begin_v their_o absolute_a lord_v of_o it_o what_o will_v they_o do_v if_o their_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o authority_n their_o ministry_n and_o government_n be_v far_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n for_o they_o invite_v all_o the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o and_o to_o buy_v milk_n yea_o to_o come_v in_o and_o buy_v milk_n without_o money_n isaiah_n 55_o 〈◊〉_d and_o saint_n paul_n for_o the_o encourage_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o â—aith_o not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a but_o the_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n have_v the_o lord_n make_v choice_n of_o intimate_v unto_o the_o poor_a that_o they_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o heaven_n as_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n our_o saviour_n have_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n but_o the_o poor_a be_v with_o he_o as_o acceptable_a as_o the_o rich_a if_o they_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v with_o their_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v all_o the_o condition_n that_o christ_n require_v in_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o his_o church_n now_o when_o these_o presbyter_n already_o make_v so_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a and_o between_o believer_n and_o believer_n as_o they_o will_v admit_v none_o but_o at_o their_o own_o time_n and_o upon_o their_o own_o condition_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o this_o be_v a_o most_o tyrannical_o lord_v it_o over_o god_n clergy_n and_o inheritance_n which_o when_o they_o daily_o do_v it_o and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o their_o rule_n and_o domination_n be_v more_o prelatical_a and_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o that_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o from_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n they_o can_v never_o expect_v any_o appeal_n for_o relief_n and_o redress_n whatsoever_o wrong_a or_o injury_n they_o have_v sustain_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o any_o shall_v so_o traduce_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o think_v they_o will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o people_n from_o who_o they_o may_v ever_o expect_v far_o better_a measure_n than_o ever_o they_o can_v from_o the_o independent_a presbytery_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v once_o be_v establish_v will_v tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o enslave_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n upon_o both_o church_n and_o state_n but_o now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o before_o the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o have_v compare_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o presbyter_n independent_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n so_o now_o likewise_o here_o to_o paragonate_v they_o together_o in_o their_o proceed_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v in_o that_o regard_n also_o which_o of_o their_o endeavour_n tend_v most_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o and_o which_o of_o they_o do_v more_o real_o and_o true_o tend_v not_o only_o to_o god_n glory_n but_o to_o the_o peace_n also_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o 〈◊〉_d and_o endeavour_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n over_o over_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o one_o true_a christian_a religion_n eph._n 4._o so_o that_o this_o only_a may_v be_v establish_v through_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o erroneous_a way_n of_o worship_v and_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o perdition_n and_o make_v disturbance_n in_o church_n and_o state_n may_v not_o public_o be_v tolerate_v the_o independent_o on_o the_o contrary_a both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o in_o all_o their_o bitter_a rail_n and_o intolerable_a pamphlet_n as_o that_o of_o the_o compassionate_a samaritan_n the_o storm_a of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o
i_o be_o most_o confident_a will_n by_o and_o by_o evident_o appear_v though_o all_o the_o former_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v think_v of_o and_o withal_o it_o will_v also_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o judicious_a man_n that_o in_o all_o respect_v their_o argument_n make_v much_o against_o themselves_o for_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v unto_o they_o that_o at_o this_o instant_n of_o time_n that_o that_o place_n speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o number_n then_o of_o believer_n be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o one_o place_n may_v have_v contain_v they_o all_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o all_o ordinance_n which_o i_o can_v do_v for_o innumerable_a reason_n and_o some_o of_o they_o above_o specify_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v nor_o evince_n that_o after_o there_o be_v daily_o such_o addition_n of_o believer_n and_o such_o multitude_n of_o new_a convert_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o then_o also_o one_o place_n or_o room_n can_v contain_v they_o all_o and_o that_o they_o may_v still_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o all_o together_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o this_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o ten_o thousand_o which_o all_o the_o world_n know_v can_v not_o be_v contain_v in_o any_o one_o place_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n though_o that_o place_n have_v equalise_v the_o most_o magnificent_a structure_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v especial_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o meet_v there_o to_o edification_n for_o they_o can_v not_o have_v all_o hear_v and_o understand_v and_o we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o church_n all_o must_v be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o this_o will_v rather_o have_v hinder_v the_o mutual_a edification_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o have_v bring_v a_o confusion_n rather_o than_o any_o profit_n or_o benefit_n unto_o they_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o number_n of_o name_n here_o speak_v of_o if_o we_o will_v go_v to_o the_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a interpreter_n who_o gather_v that_o in_o this_o assembly_n the_o seventy_o disciple_n the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v out_o to_o preach_v through_o all_o jude_n and_o all_o those_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o have_v be_v christ_n and_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n every_o one_o of_o the_o which_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o learning_n and_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o succeed_v judas_n in_o his_o apostleship_n and_o to_o be_v a_o disciple_n all_o these_o or_o most_o of_o they_o or_o such_o like_a be_v those_o that_o be_v include_v in_o the_o number_n of_o name_n i_o say_v to_o omit_v this_o interpretation_n of_o all_o the_o most_o orthodox_n divine_n and_o their_o universal_a agreement_n and_o harmony_n in_o their_o learned_a commentary_n about_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n the_o very_a word_n themselves_o follow_v show_n they_o be_v select_a and_o eminent_a man_n and_o man_n of_o note_n and_o disciple_n of_o long_a stand_n and_o all_o of_o they_o or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o minister_n and_o preacher_n themselves_o and_o be_v indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o with_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v commit_v and_o who_o within_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o common_a multitude_n of_o beleiver_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n as_o we_o may_v see_v verse_n 21._o 22._o wherefore_o say_v s._n peter_n of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o give_v forth_o the_o lot_n etc._n etc._n all_o business_n here_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v in_o a_o aristocratical_a and_o presbyterian_a way_n and_o all_o be_v do_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a council_n of_o they_o all_o here_o we_o find_v none_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n though_o believer_n here_o be_v no_o woman_n that_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v man_n mother_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n woman_n and_o brethren_n or_o man_n brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o man_n and_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o mean_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o the_o woman_n and_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o jesus_n and_o with_o his_o brethren_n by_o which_o they_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o ministry_n after_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o i_o say_v they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n and_o prayer_n which_o any_o woman_n may_v do_v in_o the_o society_n and_o company_n of_o godly_a minister_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v about_o other_o act_n of_o church_n government_n as_o choose_v of_o a_o apostle_n than_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n only_o by_o themselves_o to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v order_v that_o business_n and_o leave_v the_o woman_n to_o their_o private_a devotion_n and_o their_o several_a employment_n for_o in_o this_o action_n of_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n itself_o that_o this_o choose_n of_o mathias_n be_v at_o another_o time_n and_o without_o all_o doubt_n upon_o a_o set_a day_n for_o this_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v say_v verse_n 15._o and_o in_o those_o day_n peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o say_v man_n and_o brethren_n here_o be_v only_a disciple_n man_n and_o brethren_n and_o no_o sister_n till_o pope_n joan_n time_n and_o our_o day_n peter_n key_n never_o hang_v at_o any_o woman_n girdle_n and_o we_o hear_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v any_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o church_n officer_n and_o admi_a thing_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o any_o till_o these_o unhappy_a time_n a_o usurpation_n not_o beseem_v that_o sex_n as_o afterward_o in_o its_o due_a place_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v appear_v but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n now_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o say_v it_o be_v apparent_a to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o shut_v their_o eye_n that_o all_o those_o or_o most_o of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o peter_n company_n and_o at_o that_o time_n meet_v together_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o apostleship_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o all_o christ_n follower_n and_o such_o as_o be_v best_a instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o under_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n who_o be_v their_o flock_n which_o they_o all_o feed_v in_o common_a and_o from_o thence_o it_o argue_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o only_o a_o distinct_a company_n from_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o have_v so_o many_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n over_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v but_o so_o small_a a_o company_n as_o be_v here_o mention_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v consist_v but_o of_o sixscore_o name_n than_o the_o pastor_n exceed_v the_o number_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o be_v not_o only_o absurd_a to_o think_v but_o against_o the_o evident_a truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o relate_v unto_o we_o multitude_n upon_o multitude_n that_o be_v daily_o convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o this_o their_o meeting_n so_o that_o by_o this_o i_o have_v now_o say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o or_o most_o of_o these_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o this_o that_o our_o brethren_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o assembly_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o church_n it_o make_v as_o much_o against_o they_o and_o great_o for_o we_o for_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o text_n
all_o man_n they_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n otherwise_o profess_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o administer_v the_o communion_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o for_o some_o month_n abstain_v from_o the_o public_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o use_v all_o their_o best_a endeavour_n in_o that_o interim_n by_o their_o faithful_a and_o painful_a preach_v and_o exhortation_n to_o fit_v all_o man_n for_o the_o better_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v gratify_v their_o tender_a conscience_n i_o say_v in_o this_o interim_n of_o time_n it_o shall_v be_v prove_v that_o these_o independent_o who_o those_o godly_a minister_n have_v such_o a_o desire_n to_o please_v go_v unto_o these_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n that_o the_o minister_n except_v against_o for_o their_o conversation_n as_o ungodly_a and_o profane_a and_o join_v with_o they_o against_o their_o minister_n say_v unto_o they_o what_o will_v you_o give_v tithe_n and_o maintenance_n to_o such_o minister_n as_o shall_v thus_o deal_v with_o you_o as_o to_o deny_v you_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n sure_o be_v i_o in_o your_o condition_n &_o be_v i_o a_o member_n of_o your_o congregation_n i_o will_v never_o own_v such_o a_o man_n for_o my_o minister_n nor_o never_o give_v any_o allowance_n to_o any_o such_o as_o will_v not_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n unto_o i_o by_o which_o practice_n of_o they_o they_o have_v make_v those_o painful_a minister_n so_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n by_o join_v with_o those_o wicked_a varlet_n as_o they_o have_v not_o only_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o livelyhood_n and_o maintenance_n but_o so_o persecute_v they_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o reproach_n and_o evil_a language_n as_o they_o have_v force_v they_o to_o leave_v their_o place_n and_o to_o wander_v about_o the_o world_n to_o get_v themselves_o a_o poor_a live_n for_o the_o supportation_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o distress_a family_n by_o all_o which_o proceed_n if_o the_o independent_o do_v not_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o as_o countenance_v a_o vile_a person_n and_o to_o be_v enemy_n of_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n i_o know_v not_o what_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v to_o deserve_v those_o character_n by_o all_o which_o they_o proclaim_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o true_a saint_n if_o the_o lord_n himself_o know_v how_o to_o describe_v saint_n indeed_o this_o that_o i_o have_v here_o relate_v i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v by_o such_o witness_n as_o against_o who_o there_o can_v be_v bring_v no_o just_a exception_n and_o that_o all_o the_o independent_o be_v notorious_a covenant-breaker_n or_o assenter_n unto_o such_o as_o violate_v their_o oath_n and_o promise_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n all_o the_o kingdom_n can_v witness_v for_o i_o especial_o those_o minister_n of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n with_o who_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n have_v 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