the_o communion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o quit_v that_o church_n and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a church_n of_o their_o own_o we_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o that_o doctrine_n that_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o therein_o we_o shall_v follow_v our_o usual_a order_n first_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o answer_v those_o they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use._n i._n first_o for_o clear_v of_o the_o question_n you_o will_v know_v what_o church_n it_o be_v concern_v which_o the_o controversy_n be_v first_o it_o be_v not_o that_o place_n where_o god_n people_n meet_v to_o go_v about_o god_n public_a worship_n such_o as_o this_o house_n we_o now_o be_v in_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n by_o a_o figure_n improper_o but_o it_o be_v the_o people_n gather_v together_o in_o it_o which_o people_n be_v real_o and_o proper_o the_o church_n although_o the_o house_n be_v so_o call_v because_o it_o contain_v they_o by_o a_o usual_a figure_n the_o church_n that_o we_o be_v to_o dispute_v of_o be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v build_v of_o timber_n and_o stone_n second_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v the_o invisible_a church_n that_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a those_o who_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o effectual_a call_v be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n be_v live_a member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n and_o draw_v spiritual_a influence_n from_o he_o concern_v the_o church_n take_v in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n but_o that_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n be_v only_o make_v up_o of_o believer_n be_v all_o gracious_a because_o this_o church_n be_v christ_n mystical_a body_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n the_o lamb_n wife_n all_o fair_a undefiled_a etc._n etc._n 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cast_v they_o out_o from_o it_o second_o we_o say_v that_o this_o visible_a church_n be_v a_o company_n or_o society_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n to_o enjoy_v the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o understanding_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o enjoy_v of_o outward_a privilege_n we_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v outward_a privilege_n and_o inward_a privilege_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n inward_a privilege_n be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o a_o right_n to_o he_o a_o save_v right_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n eternal_a these_o be_v the_o inward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o only_a believer_n have_v right_a to_o those_o paint_a hypocrite_n have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o but_o second_o there_o be_v outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n such_o as_o these_o to_o be_v ordinary_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o be_v take_v a_o care_n of_o by_o jesus_n christ_n his_o servant_n to_o have_v liberty_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n these_o be_v outward_a privilege_n and_o these_o be_v privilege_n that_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o we_o say_v they_o have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n or_o a_o church_n right_o to_o they_o that_o be_v such_o a_o right_a as_o give_v warrant_n to_o the_o church_n for_o receive_v they_o to_o enjoy_v these_o privilege_n and_o yet_o possible_o they_o have_v not_o a_o right_n to_o they_o before_o god_n as_o for_o example_n when_o there_o be_v a_o paint_a hypocrite_n in_o a_o congregation_n who_o make_v conscience_n seem_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o man_n have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n to_o come_v to_o a_o communion_n such_o a_o right_a as_o may_v warrant_v the_o minister_n for_o admit_v of_o he_o although_o he_o have_v not_o a_o right_a to_o come_v before_o god_n god_n will_v challenge_v the_o hypocrite_n for_o come_v and_o not_o the_o minister_n for_o suffer_v he_o to_o come_v yet_o we_o be_v still_o to_o consider_v that_o though_o this_o ecclesiestical_a right_n be_v not_o save_v yet_o it_o be_v real_a in_o its_o kind_n be_v found_v upon_o god_n covenant_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o his_o ordinance_n of_o admit_v such_o therein_o now_o you_o may_v know_v somewhat_o by_o this_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v warrant_n to_o church_n officer_n to_o admit_v a_o man_n to_o enjoy_v these_o outward_a privilege_n and_o so_o you_o may_v know_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o visible_a church_n whereof_o we_o dispute_v there_o be_v several_a difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o separatist_n concern_v the_o visible_a church_n first_o they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n but_o a_o single_a congregation_n as_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n this_o we_o refute_v in_o the_o former_a controversy_n by_o show_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v far_o more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o single_a congregation_n yea_o many_o particular_a congregation_n and_o yet_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n second_o they_o differ_v much_o from_o we_o as_o also_o from_o the_o truth_n concern_v the_o power_n they_o give_v to_o this_o visible_a church_n they_o give_v they_o the_o full_a power_n of_o church_n government_n and_o that_o independent_o from_o any_o church_n power_n on_o earth_n this_o difference_n also_o we_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o precede_a debate_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v stand_v now_o no_o long_o upon_o it_o three_o we_o differ_v concern_v that_o which_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o church_n visible_a they_o say_v to_o make_v a_o society_n of_o people_n a_o visible_a church_n so_o as_o to_o have_v right_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n there_o of_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n swear_v a_o covenant_n one_o to_o another_o wherein_o they_o bind_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v that_o society_n till_o liberty_n be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v never_o so_o true_o godly_a and_o gracious_a yet_o if_o he_o take_v not_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o if_o he_o swear_v not_o such_o a_o oath_n he_o be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o â—agan_a to_o live_v and_o to_o die_v without_o any_o church_n ordinance_n the_o judgement_n of_o our_o church_n and_o that_o of_o truth_n herein_o be_v this_o that_o wherever_o a_o man_n come_v out_o of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n which_o we_o call_v a_o paroch_n to_o another_o by_o his_o so_o do_v he_o come_v
not_o absurd_a for_o in_o our_o parliament_n commissioner_n from_o shire_n be_v judge_n to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o how_o it_o be_v as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o parliament_n not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n common_a to_o the_o shire_n not_o in_o other_o petty_a particular_a affair_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o all_o the_o congregation_n indeed_o as_o they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o not_o by_o themselves_o alone_o in_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o whole_a particular_a congregation_n not_o in_o these_o duty_n belong_v to_o every_o congregation_n in_o particular_a object_n 4._o if_o this_o subordination_n and_o judicatory_a above_o judicatory_a be_v of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v like_a scripture_n will_v have_v speak_v more_o plain_o of_o it_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v draw_v out_o by_o so_o many_o far_o fetch_a consequence_n answer_v we_o have_v already_o give_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o this_o government_n by_o clear_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n be_v scripture_n else_o we_o must_v cast_v at_o many_o point_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o scripture_n consequence_n as_o the_o trinity_n and_o change_v of_o the_o sabbath_n yea_o we_o see_v christ_n himself_o ground_v a_o material_a point_n to_o wit_n the_o resurrection_n upon_o scripture_n consequence_n mark_v 12._o 26._o 2._o we_o must_v not_o teach_v god_n how_o to_o set_v down_o his_o mind_n in_o scripture_n we_o perchance_o think_v it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a way_n to_o have_v cast_v matter_n of_o religion_n to_o so_o many_o head_n by_o which_o mean_v many_o controversy_n shall_v have_v be_v shun_v but_o he_o have_v think_v otherwise_o the_o lord_n in_o wisdom_n have_v scatter_v the_o parcel_n of_o every_o truth_n through_o his_o book_n intermix_v it_o with_o other_o subject_n as_o the_o gold_n be_v in_o the_o mine_n and_o this_o to_o exercise_v his_o people_n in_o search_v out_o his_o mind_n from_o scripture_n iv._o in_o the_o last_o place_n we_o come_v to_o make_v some_o use_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o the_o first_o use_n be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o this_o government_n by_o presbytery_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o you_o will_v know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o nought_o we_o be_v contest_v for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o truth_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o a_o truth_n of_o no_o small_a concernment_n what_o will_v become_v think_v you_o of_o particular_a congregation_n if_o they_o have_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n what_o division_n strife_n heresy_n schism_n will_v ensue_v if_o people_n be_v inform_v of_o these_o contest_v that_o have_v fall_v out_o among_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o where_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n be_v follow_v the_o one_o half_a rent_v from_o the_o other_o excommunicate_v one_o another_o it_o may_v make_v moderate_a man_n scar_v at_o it_o but_o we_o need_v seâ—k_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o this_o than_o by_o look_v on_o scotland_n and_o england_n these_o year_n by_o past_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n presbytery_n can_v not_o be_v set_v up_o independency_n be_v plead_v for_o and_o practise_v and_o what_o be_v become_v of_o it_o satan_n have_v vomit_v out_o a_o flood_n of_o error_n that_o there_o be_v never_o more_o nor_o more_o gross_a in_o any_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n yea_o all_o the_o rot_a grave_n of_o old_a heresy_n be_v dig_v up_o and_o now_o avow_v socinianism_n in_o deny_v christ_n righteousness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n anabaptism_n in_o deny_v the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n arianism_n in_o deny_v the_o trinity_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a yea_o there_o be_v some_o error_n there_o that_o be_v never_o before_o hear_v of_o some_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o church_n they_o can_v join_v with_o and_o therefore_o they_o turn_v seeker_n some_o be_v above_o all_o preach_a prayer_n and_o all_o ordinance_n and_o all_o these_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o independency_n again_o look_v on_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o scotland_n where_o it_o have_v be_v in_o vigour_n god_n have_v make_v it_o a_o hammer_n for_o batter_v down_o the_o beginning_n of_o error_n so_o that_o these_o twelve_o year_n bypass_v not_o any_o one_o error_n have_v come_v to_o any_o strength_n and_o this_o all_o under_o god_n from_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v his_o institution_n our_o judicatories_n be_v indeed_o terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n though_o indeed_o we_o be_v now_o like_a to_o turn_v contemptible_a god_n himself_o heal_v our_o breach_n second_o guard_n against_o the_o error_n that_o will_v draw_v you_o from_o this_o truth_n if_o you_o can_v carry_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o with_o you_o yet_o you_o may_v remember_v you_o once_o hear_v this_o truth_n confirm_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o so_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o temptation_n to_o quit_v it_o you_o may_v advise_v well_o before_o you_o yield_v i_o will_v press_v this_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v the_o butt_n of_o satan_n envy_n the_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v most_o glad_o overthrow_v as_o that_o which_o stand_v most_o in_o his_o way_n for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o its_o integrity_n we_o may_v in_o the_o lord_n strength_n have_v defy_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v bring_v error_n into_o scotland_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o set_v himself_o to_o brangle_v to_o get_v the_o hedge_n once_o plukt_v up_o that_o so_o the_o wild_a boar_n of_o the_o wilderness_n may_v come_v in_o and_o believe_v i_o there_o be_v nothing_o make_v i_o more_o afraid_a than_o that_o through_o god_n permission_n the_o devil_n shall_v get_v a_o deludge_n of_o error_n bring_v in_o on_o scotland_n because_o those_o who_o have_v be_v entrust_v with_o this_o government_n have_v weaken_v the_o power_n of_o it_o by_o division_n among_o ourselves_o a_o copy_n be_v casten_z how_o that_o erroneous_a spirit_n need_v not_o stand_v much_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o assembly_n when_o they_o will_v cross_v their_o design_n we_o be_v afraid_a yea_o we_o may_v be_v past_a â—ear_n and_o conclude_v that_o presbytery_n synod_n etc._n etc._n have_v lose_v much_o of_o the_o weight_n they_o have_v late_o in_o man_n conscience_n only_o let_v i_o entreat_v you_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o will_v put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o government_n itself_o and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o do_v not_o charge_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o be_v may_v be_v abuse_v and_o it_o be_v people_n trial_n to_o put_v difference_n between_o the_o good_a of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o the_o government_n be_v good_a and_o of_o god_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o of_o man_n what_o be_v of_o god_n cleave_v to_o it_o and_o stick_v fast_o by_o it_o what_o be_v from_o man_n corruption_n mourn_v for_o it_o pray_v themselves_o may_v get_v a_o sight_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o you_o shall_v walk_v in_o a_o even_a way_n you_o have_v need_n to_o deal_v with_o god_n to_o ground_v you_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o we_o may_v be_v put_v to_o it_o to_o quit_v they_o only_o remember_v they_o be_v truth_n you_o have_v swear_v to_o maintain_v with_o your_o hand_n lift_v up_o on_o high_a sect_n v._o a_o short_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o have_v go_v through_o these_o controversy_n which_o be_v about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v now_o to_o refute_v some_o dangerous_a error_n of_o doctrine_n and_o first_o we_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o error_n of_o separation_n the_o error_n of_o separatist_n be_v many_o but_o we_o shall_v only_o engage_v with_o two_o head_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o main_a the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o they_o teach_v concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v be_v receive_v member_n of_o christ_n visible_a body_n the_o second_o be_v that_o which_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o sincere_a christian_a viz._n that_o when_o they_o spy_v any_o corruption_n in_o a_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v member_n as_o if_o person_n scandalous_a be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n see_v they_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v gracious_a who_o come_v there_o then_o say_v they_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o keep_v back_o from_o
and_o reason_n 4._o the_o truth_n be_v vindicate_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o practical_a use_n pag._n 47._o sect_n iii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o errastianism_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 86._o head_n l._n there_o be_v a_o church_n government_n 〈◊〉_d forth_o in_o scripture_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n pag._n 103_o sect_n iv._o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n try_v and_o find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 123._o head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n ibid._n head_n ii_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o church_n session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n pag._n 150._o paragr_n i._o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o the_o government_n of_o many_o congregation_n by_o one_o common_a presbytry_n hold_v out_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 152._o paragr_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o plate-form_n of_o government_n by_o synod_n over_o many_o particular_a presbytry_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 167._o paragr_n iii_o infertor_fw-la church_n judicatories_n be_v subject_a superior_n pag._n 173_o sect_n v._o the_o doctrine_n of_o separation_n try_v and_o sound_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n pag._n 191_o head_n i._o show_v what_o be_v require_v for_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n ibid._n head_n ii_o no_o separation_n from_o a_o true_a church_n or_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o church_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o fellow-worshiper_n pag._n 214_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o glasgow_n april_n 5._o 1653._o from_o 1_o cor_n 1._o 10._o pag._n 235._o sermon_n second_o preach_v at_o irving_n foom_n psalm_n 51_o 6._o immediate_o before_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n be_v a_o preparation_n sermon_n in_o order_n thereto_o pag._n 287_o sermon_n three_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n 11_o may_n 1663._o from_o luke_n 7._o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 313._o sermon_n four_o preach_v at_o kilwinning_n from_o act_n 11_o 23._o upon_o the_o monday_n immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o communion_n pag._n 340._o a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o error_n of_o toleration_n etc._n etc._n sect_n i._o of_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o the_o trial_n thereof_o 1_o john_n ch_z 4._o ver_fw-la 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n as_o we_o show_v when_o first_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o handle_n of_o it_o run_v upon_o three_o head_n the_o first_o be_v upon_o mark_n whereby_o to_o discern_v real_a grace_n to_o wit_n who_o have_v it_o and_o who_o not_o the_o second_o run_v upon_o exhortation_n to_o several_a duty_n of_o sanctification_n chief_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o christian_n will_v love_v they_o that_o love_n god_n love_n grace_n wherever_o they_o see_v it_o the_o three_o head_n whereon_o it_o run_v be_v exhortation_n to_o constancy_n in_o avow_v truth_n against_o error_n in_o this_o four_o chapter_n there_o be_v two_o of_o these_o head_n according_a to_o which_o we_o may_v take_v up_o the_o chapter_n in_o two_o part_n in_o the_o first_o there_o be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o stand_v by_o truth_n and_o to_o beware_v of_o those_o who_o will_v seduce_v people_n from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o ver_fw-la 7._o in_o the_o second_o part_n there_o be_v a_o renew_n of_o the_o former_a exhortation_n to_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o a_o number_n of_o new_a argument_n to_o the_o end_n both_o which_o have_v be_v handle_v already_o and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n return_v again_o to_o they_o because_o exhortation_n against_o error_n can_v be_v enough_o inculcate_v and_o therefore_o he_o reiterat_o they_o again_o and_o again_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n there_o be_v 1._o a_o exhortation_n 2._o there_o be_v argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n the_o exhortation_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n that_o be_v lend_v not_o a_o ear_n to_o every_o point_n of_o doctrine_n cover_v over_o with_o a_o fair_a name_n but_o bring_v every_o doctrine_n to_o the_o touchstone_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a in_o this_o exhortation_n first_o there_o be_v the_o compellation_n he_o give_v they_o a_o warm_a and_o kind_o style_n beloved_n and_o then_o second_o there_o be_v the_o exhortation_n itself_o and_o in_o it_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v and_o 2._o what_o they_o shall_v do_v for_o the_o first_o what_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n some_o take_v the_o spirit_n here_o for_o preacher_n believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n and_o some_o for_o doctrine_n believe_v not_o every_o doctrine_n but_o both_o may_v well_o be_v join_v together_o thus_o believe_v not_o every_o preacher_n who_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n for_o his_o doctrine_n for_o the_o second_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o bid_v they_o not_o cast_v at_o all_o doctrine_n because_o there_o be_v some_o error_n vent_v for_o truth_n as_o the_o natural_a heart_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v but_o he_o exhort_v that_o they_o will_v bring_v every_o spirit_n to_o the_o right_a touch_n stone_n thus_o much_o for_o open_v up_o the_o word_n we_o intend_v if_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o liberty_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o on_o this_o verse_n of_o those_o doctrine_n or_o error_n which_o be_v most_o like_a to_o trouble_v our_o church_n therefore_o we_o shall_v raise_v some_o doctrine_n before_o hand_n which_o may_v make_v way_n for_o what_o we_o intend_v doct._n i._n the_o first_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n dehort_v believer_n from_o false_a doctrine_n by_o many_o argument_n hence_o observe_v that_o christian_n will_v by_o all_o mean_n eschew_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o pure_a truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n particular_o that_o they_o will_v beware_v of_o error_n heresy_n and_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o sort_n hence_o there_o be_v so_o many_o exhortation_n in_o scripture_n to_o stand_v by_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v root_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o eschew_v contrary_a error_n so_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v on_o christian_n to_o be_v guard_v and_o watch_v against_o error_n or_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n reas_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o error_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o we_o shall_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o in_o three_o thing_n i._o it_o be_v dangerous_a because_o of_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o it_o be_v damnable_a 2_o peter_n 2._o 1._o false_a prophet_n be_v speak_v of_o there_o as_o those_o who_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n that_o be_v high_o condemnable_a we_o shall_v afterwad_v show_v in_o what_o respect_n heresy_n be_v damnable_a 2._o error_n be_v dangerous_a sin_n because_o they_o steal_v subtle_o in_o upon_o people_n and_o people_n do_v too_o ready_o relish_v they_o so_o there_o be_v many_o who_o nature_n abhor_v gross_a sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o fornication_n and_o such_o like_a and_o yet_o the_o devil_n get_v they_o hook_v by_o this_o sin_n of_o error_n nature_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o cry_n against_o gross_a sin_n commit_v against_o the_o second_o table_n and_o so_o natural_o there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o loathe_v in_o people_n at_o they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n satan_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o plead_v conscience_n whereas_o he_o intend_v to_o bear_v down_o truth_n so_o the_o sin_n of_o error_n be_v dangerous_a because_o subtle_a 3._o they_o be_v dangerous_a in_o this_o respect_n that_o as_o they_o creep_v easy_o in_o so_o when_o once_o they_o be_v in_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o get_v they_o shut_v to_o the_o door_n again_o and_o that_o because_o delude_a conscience_n plead_v for_o they_o people_n taint_v with_o error_n think_v themselves_o right_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o conscience_n cast_v at_o all_o as_o wrong_v now_o in_o other_o sin_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v against_o the_o second_o table_n although_o affection_n plead_v for_o they_o yet_o usual_o people_n light_n do_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o so_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o get_v a_o sin_n of_o error_n thrust_v out_o where_o it_o be_v once_o root_v than_o the_o sin_n of_o profanity_n itself_o use_v this_o doctrine_n may_v serve_v to_o fit_v you_o for_o receive_v the_o follow_a doctrine_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o
ground_v yourself_o in_o this_o truth_n it_o may_v cost_v you_o much_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v stand_v you_o never_o so_o much_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o avow_n christ_n himself_o suffer_v on_o this_o account_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n have_v think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o be_o i_o sai_z master_z welsh_z that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o glad_a thing_n but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sufferer_n for_o his_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n to_o wittness_v that_o good_a confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o his_o church_n be_v a_o most_o free_a kingdom_n yea_o as_o free_a as_o any_o kingdom_n under_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v free_a in_o her_o government_n from_o all_o other_o jurisdiction_n on_o earth_n except_o only_a christ_n we_o be_v wait_v say_v he_o with_o joyfulness_n to_o leave_v the_o last_o testimony_n of_o our_o blood_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n if_o it_o will_v please_v our_o god_n to_o be_v so_o favourable_a as_o to_o honour_v we_o with_o that_o dignity_n thus_o he._n and_o who_o know_v how_o soon_o he_o may_v honour_v some_o of_o we_o with_o that_o dignity_n a_o dignity_n indeed_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o royal_a crown_n and_o diadem_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sect_n iu._n a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church-member_n the_o day_n bypass_a we_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n and_o show_v you_o that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n we_o be_v now_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n to_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n you_o remember_v when_o we_o enter_v on_o these_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n we_o show_v you_o there_o be_v four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o first_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n a_o way_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n king_n or_o parliament_n to_o establish_v what_o way_n of_o government_n they_o please_v the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n establish_v in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o be_v execute_v by_o he_o their_o two_o point_n we_o have_v make_v good_a in_o our_o former_a disput_n against_o erastianism_n the_o three_o point_n of_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v his_o church_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n to_o the_o community_n of_o church_n member_n but_o have_v establish_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n the_o four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o give_v particular_a eldership_n and_o church_n session_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o hand_n so_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n but_o that_o they_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o superior_a church_n judicatory_n such_o as_o presbytry_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n these_o two_o last_o point_n we_o be_v to_o make_v out_o in_o refute_v this_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n this_o error_n of_o independency_n above_o all_o other_o we_o may_v call_v a_o fountain_n error_n it_o be_v the_o sluice_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n be_v make_v to_o all_o other_o error_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o this_o be_v the_o error_n whereby_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v from_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n these_o year_n by_o past_a have_v be_v first_o hook_v they_o first_o turn_v independent_o yet_o rest_v not_o long_o there_o but_o proceed_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_o our_o scope_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a point_n to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o main_a head_n of_o this_o error_n of_o independency_n opposite_a to_o the_o two_o last_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o the_o first_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o be_v not_o minister_n or_o elder_n to_o the_o community_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o second_o head_n of_o their_o error_n be_v this_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v entrust_v particular_a congregation_n eldership_n or_o church_n session_n with_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o judicatory_a above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o their_o error_n which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v against_o at_o this_o time_n therein_o they_o have_v different_a opinion_n among_o themselves_o some_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n the_o community_n of_o believer_n without_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n yea_o a_o power_n over_o they_o to_o ordain_v they_o censure_n depose_v they_o and_o inflict_v all_o other_o church_n censure_n other_o give_v they_o this_o power_n conjunct_o with_o the_o church_n officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n second_o some_o give_v only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v to_o the_o church_n member_n but_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n they_o allow_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o the_o people_n depute_n to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n other_o give_v the_o people_n not_o only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o also_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n so_o that_o the_o people_n may_v sit_v down_o in_o church_n judicatory_n themselves_o enact_v church_n canon_n inflict_v church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n three_o some_o give_v they_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n only_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o the_o excercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n and_o inflict_v church_n censure_n but_o not_o to_o preach_v other_o give_v they_o a_o full_a exercise_n of_o authority_n to_o do_v all_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o these_o lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o solid_a reason_n to_o wit_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n or_o to_o private_a christian_n either_o the_o power_n or_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n neither_o in_o whole_a nor_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n i_o prosecute_a this_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v forth_o the_o former_a method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o three_o we_o shall_v propone_v and_o answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use_n i._o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n thâ—a_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v several_a distinction_n will_v be_v give_v first_o there_o be_v difference_n betwixt_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n and_o christian_a privilege_n we_o do_v grant_v several_a christian_a privilege_n to_o private_a christian_n but_o these_o do_v not_o infer_v any_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n as_o for_o example_n we_o do_v grant_v to_o the_o people_n a_o power_n of_o elect_v their_o own_o officer_n minister_n or_o elder_n we_o grant_v to_o they_o a_o power_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n i_o e_o they_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v blind_o what_o minister_n say_v but_o have_v a_o power_n to_o try_v what_o they_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o practice_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n upon_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n or_o not_o we_o grant_v these_o privilege_n to_o the_o people_n but_o none_o of_o they_o do_v