and_o live_a impression_n on_o our_o heart_n and_o make_v our_o heart_n that_o be_v stony_a before_o now_o to_o be_v soft_a and_o tender_a to_o receive_v that_o impression_n and_o yet_o so_o solid_a firm_a and_o tenacious_a as_o to_o retain_v it_o be_v as_o a_o nail_n fix_v in_o a_o firm_a place_n by_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n give_v by_o one_o shepherd_n eccles_n 12._o 11._o but_o so_o be_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o unbeliever_n or_o heathen_a gentile_n who_o heart_n be_v a_o heart_n of_o stone_n but_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o sincere_a believer_n be_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n according_a to_o ezek._n 11._o 19_o and_o 36._o 26_o 27._o compare_v with_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 3_o but_o say_v some_o can_v the_o spirit_n teach_v we_o without_o book_n even_o without_o the_o scripture_n thus_o some_o argue_n for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o light_n within_o without_o any_o thing_n else_o i_o answer_v and_o so_o can_v a_o able_a schoolmaster_n teach_v his_o scholar_n without_o book_n but_o they_o can_v well_o learn_v without_o book_n as_o the_o master_n condescend_v to_o the_o weak_a capacity_n of_o his_o scholar_n to_o teach_v they_o by_o book_n so_o do_v the_o spirit_n condescend_v to_o our_o weak_a capacity_n to_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o write_a word_n now_o as_o concern_v the_o peculiar_a positive_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o gospel_n precept_n some_o of_o they_o be_v great_a and_o some_o lesser_a but_o all_o high_o valuable_a and_o profitable_a the_o great_a be_v such_o that_o obedience_n to_o they_o be_v of_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n to_o our_o salvation_n as_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o love_n christ_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o christ_n who_o yet_o we_o have_v neither_o outward_o hear_v nor_o see_v according_a to_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o and_o john_n 20._o 29._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v the_o lesser_a be_v such_o that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n in_o some_o case_n think_v still_o general_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o water-baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o will_v be_v too_o uncharitable_a in_o we_o to_o conclude_v that_o all_o who_o die_v without_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o salvation_n christ_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o say_v not_o he_o that_o be_v not_o baptize_v shall_v be_v damn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v our_o most_o mereiful_a and_o gracious_a lord_n know_v well_o that_o by_o some_o unavoidable_a providence_n some_o can_v neither_o receive_v baptism_n nor_o the_o supper_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o desire_v it_o be_v prevent_v by_o death_n before_o they_o can_v have_v they_o administer_v to_o they_o in_o which_o case_n all_o good_a casuist_n and_o divine_n say_v votum_fw-la baptismi_fw-la i._n e._n the_o desire_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o willingness_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o subject_a to_o it_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v equivalent_a to_o baptism_n itself_o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v or_o think_v of_o many_o in_o our_o day_n and_o time_n who_o may_v have_v it_o and_o yet_o through_o woeful_a ignorance_n and_o error_n be_v delude_v by_o false_a teacher_n and_o prejudice_n of_o education_n or_o otherwise_o darken_v and_o blind_v in_o their_o mind_n refuse_v and_o reject_v it_o not_o only_o break_v these_o two_o precious_a command_n of_o christ_n but_o teach_v man_n so_o to_o do_v and_o many_o have_v live_v and_o die_v in_o this_o opposition_n to_o these_o precept_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o sign_n of_o repentance_n be_v teach_v by_o their_o false_a teacher_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v no_o command_n of_o christ_n i_o own_o to_o my_o grief_n and_o shame_n that_o i_o have_v be_v so_o deceive_v by_o they_o and_o i_o thank_v my_o gracious_a god_n that_o have_v spare_v and_o prolong_v my_o natural_a life_n until_o he_o be_v please_v to_o far_a enlighten_v i_o and_o give_v i_o to_o see_v my_o great_a error_n and_o renounce_v it_o as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o now_o to_o practice_v that_o which_o i_o former_o reject_v but_o to_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o question_n what_o other_o or_o better_a answer_n can_v i_o give_v than_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o mat._n 5._o 19_o whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v man_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n some_o understand_v it_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v true_a if_o he_o live_v and_o die_v in_o wilful_a ignorance_n and_o disobedience_n but_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o think_v so_o of_o many_o who_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o faithfulness_n hold_v the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v such_o of_o the_o great_a command_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v perish_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o have_v the_o charity_n to_o they_o and_o so_o i_o hope_v and_o desire_n that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o same_o that_o god_n have_v in_o mercy_n receive_v they_o and_o have_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n notwithstanding_o they_o have_v live_v and_o die_v not_o only_o in_o the_o disuse_n of_o some_o of_o christ_n command_n such_o as_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n but_o have_v even_o continue_v in_o the_o opposition_n of_o they_o to_o the_o last_o moment_n not_o bring_v any_o wilful_a ignorance_n but_o by_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o their_o false_a teacher_n who_o they_o esteem_v to_o be_v prophet_n yet_o i_o think_v without_o breach_n of_o charity_n i_o may_v say_v that_o for_o their_o ignorance_n and_o ignorant_a opposition_n to_o these_o or_o any_o of_o the_o least_o of_o christ_n command_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o lesser_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n than_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v have_v have_v i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v in_o answer_n to_o these_o weighty_a question_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v one_o particular_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v this_o that_o it_o have_v oft_o be_v and_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o good_a man_n have_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o be_v wrongful_o judge_v misrepresent_v and_o false_o accuse_v both_o scripture_n and_o history_n abound_v with_o example_n to_o prove_v this_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o joseph_n moses_n david_n and_o daniel_n and_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o case_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o our_o saviour_n john_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n christ_n come_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o they_o call_v he_o gluttonous_a and_o a_o wine-bibber_n to_o which_o my_o case_n somewhat_o resemble_v these_o four_o year_n past_a my_o adversary_n among_o the_o quaker_n reproach_v i_o that_o i_o be_v of_o no_o communion_n neither_o quaker_n nor_o presbyterian_a nor_o independent_a nor_o baptist_n nor_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o unless_o i_o will_v declare_v myself_o to_o be_v of_o some_o particular_a communion_n they_o will_v not_o dispute_v with_o i_o nor_o regard_v i_o to_o answer_v i_o though_o i_o tell_v they_o i_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v great_a charity_n for_o all_o the_o sincere_a that_o hold_v the_o head_n in_o all_o the_o several_a communion_n of_o protestant_n but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v but_o they_o will_v insult_v and_o seek_v to_o trample_v i_o under_o their_o foot_n but_o god_n support_v i_o but_o now_o again_o when_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v far_o i_o bless_v god_n enlighten_v and_o my_o scruple_n i_o have_v be_v fair_o remove_v after_o diligent_a examination_n and_o mature_a deliberation_n i_o have_v declare_v myself_o to_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o have_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o she_o they_o do_v as_o much_o reproach_n and_o revile_v i_o and_o false_o accuse_v i_o as_o former_o and_o so_o will_v they_o have_v do_v if_o i_o have_v join_v with_o any_o of_o the_o dissenter_n but_o i_o bless_v god_n i_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o my_o care_n have_v be_v be_v and_o i_o hope_v ever_o shall_v be_v to_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o my_o own_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o be_v much_o concern_v what_o my_o adversary_n or_o any_o other_o ignorant_a person_n shall_v say_v of_o i_o i_o be_o comfort_v with_o the_o word_n of_o
a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o turners-hall_n the_o 5_o the_o of_o may_v 1700._o by_o george_n keith_n in_o which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o join_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o some_o addition_n and_o enlargement_n make_v by_o himself_o london_n print_v by_o w._n bowyer_n for_o brab_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n and_o char._n brome_n at_o the_o gun_n at_o the_o west-end_a of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o mr._n keith_n last_o sermon_n at_o turners-hall_n may_v the_o 5_o the_o 1700._o 1_o peter_z iii._o 16._o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n that_o whereas_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o you_o as_o of_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a that_o false_o accuse_v your_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n the_o last_o lord_n day_n i_o make_v the_o former_a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o subject_a of_o what_o i_o then_o say_v in_o this_o place_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v only_o let_v i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o i_o tell_v you_o who_o be_v then_o present_a that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v he_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o under_o which_o term_n hope_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n of_o a_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a be_v comprehend_v and_o understand_v our_o whole_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o all_o our_o religious_a action_n and_o performance_n for_o all_o which_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n or_o ground_n why_o we_o so_o believe_v hope_v act_n and_o why_o we_o so_o profess_v to_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n so_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o give_v the_o like_a reason_n or_o ground_n of_o the_o same_o to_o other_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o we_o which_o yet_o suffer_v some_o limitation_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o repeat_v to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o the_o same_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v to_o embrace_v the_o same_o way_n with_o we_o as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v we_o instrumental_a by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o produce_v that_o effect_n or_o at_o least_o to_o put_v to_o silence_v their_o unjust_a clamour_n against_o we_o but_o the_o chief_a thing_n be_v with_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o own_o conscience_n that_o what_o we_o so_o believe_v hope_v or_o act_n be_v true_a and_o right_a be_v approve_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v peace_n in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o 16_o verse_n i_o purpose_v to_o answer_v these_o three_o question_n i._n what_o conscience_n be_v ii_o what_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v and_o how_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v distinguish_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n iii_o what_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v according_a to_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v direct_v and_o guide_v to_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v conscience_n be_v that_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o our_o reasonable_a soul_n or_o mind_n that_o can_v and_o do_v reflect_v on_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n both_o present_a and_o past_a so_o as_o to_o judge_v and_o determine_v concern_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v real_o or_o apparent_o right_a or_o wrong_n good_a or_o evil_n justifiable_a or_o reprovable_a hence_o rom._n 2._o 15._o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o heathen_a or_o gentile_n be_v say_v to_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n to_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o to_o the_o second_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v several_a thing_n altogether_o necessary_a to_o denominate_v a_o man_n conscience_n to_o be_v good_a 1._o it_o must_v be_v a_o enlighten_v conscience_n with_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o true_a knowledge_n whereby_o to_o know_v what_o be_v right_a and_o good_a or_o wrong_n and_o evil_n a_o ignorant_a conscience_n can_v be_v good_a 2._o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n of_o man_n to_o what_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o duty_n either_o to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v be_v necessary_a to_o denominate_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v a_o good_a conscience_n for_o though_o true_a conviction_n and_o knowledge_n be_v necessary_a yet_o that_o alone_o without_o obedience_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o denominate_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v good_a even_o though_o the_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o consent_n and_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_v to_o constitute_v and_o denominate_v the_o conscience_n to_o be_v good_a 3._o the_o conscience_n that_o be_v purge_v and_o justify_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n even_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n that_o be_v outward_o shed_v through_o faith_n in_o that_o blood_n rom._n 3._o 25._o and_o where_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n and_o whole_a soul_n and_o body_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v know_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o conscience_n only_o of_o such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o say_v that_o the_o conscience_n must_v be_v purge_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o may_v be_v good_a see_v heb._n 9_o 13_o 14._o for_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o of_o goat_n and_o the_o ash_n of_o a_o heifer_n sprinkle_v the_o unclean_a sanctifi_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o through_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n purge_v your_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n rom._n 3._o 25._o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o general_o in_o all_o who_o have_v it_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o write_a word_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n we_o have_v by_o he_o as_o it_o be_v preach_v to_o we_o for_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n and_o that_o word_n be_v the_o outward_a word_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o preacher_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o rom._n 10._o 14._o and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v hence_o the_o word_n even_o the_o doctrinal_a word_n be_v call_v the_o incorruptible_a seâ—â—_n of_o which_o true_a believer_n be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o according_a to_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o and_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n compare_v his_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n to_o the_o husbandman_n that_o sow_v his_o seed_n in_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o ground_n matth._n 13._o 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a quaker_n great_a among_o the_o quaker_n many_o who_o think_v they_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n but_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o this_o blood_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o faith_n in_o it_o they_o will_v have_v the_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n only_o within_o they_o they_o find_v no_o need_n of_o have_v the_o conscience_n sprinkle_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n without_o they_o nay_o they_o argue_v against_o it_o as_o a_o impossible_a notion_n not_o consider_v that_o this_o sprinkle_v be_v spiritual_o by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o any_o material_a application_n also_o they_o have_v a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o faith_n they_o think_v they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o write_a word_n or_o any_o outward_a mean_n or_o help_v to_o have_v this_o faith_n wrought_v in_o they_o the_o spirit_n or_o light_n within_o alone_z do_v all_o the_o light_n within_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n without_o any_o thing_n else_o the_o light_n within_o they_o be_v whole_a christ_n god_n and_o man_n flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o bone_n they_o need_v no_o christ_n without_o they_o nor_o no_o write_a word_n without_o they_o they_o can_v preach_v pray_o believe_v without_o book_n without_o all_o outward_a help_n they_o need_v no_o crutch_n as_o some_o argue_n against_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o call_v they_o crutch_n to_o lame_a person_n which_o whole_a and_o sound_a man_n need_v not_o so_o other_o make_v no_o more_o of_o the_o write_a word_n the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o outward_o deliver_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o as_o crutch_n which_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o at_o all_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o write_a word_n at_o all_o or_o any_o outward_a word_n they_o ask_v where_o we_o find_v a_o write_a word_n in_o scripture_n i_o tell_v they_o i_o find_v it_o in_o john_n 15._o 25._o where_o christ_n call_v a_o short_a
that_o it_o belong_v to_o timothy_n be_v the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n as_o he_o be_v express_o call_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o he_o to_o who_o the_o church_n treasure_n make_v up_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o people_n be_v entrust_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o presbyter_n under_o he_o a_o necessary_a maintenance_n which_o manner_n of_o practice_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o church_n treasure_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n during_o all_o that_o time_n the_o church_n have_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o countenance_v she_o and_o long_o after_o iii_o he_o write_v to_o he_o as_o a_o ecclesiastic_a ruler_n and_o judge_n that_o have_v power_n to_o hear_v and_o examine_v accusation_n bring_v against_o presbyter_n and_o according_o to_o judge_v after_o due_a evidence_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n which_o plain_o show_v his_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o presbyter_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o iv_o he_o give_v he_o a_o most_o solemn_a charge_n before_o god_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o judicatory_a he_o act_n impartial_o without_o favour_n or_o bias_n of_o affection_n not_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o ver_fw-la 21._o v._o he_o write_v to_o he_o as_o one_o have_v power_n of_o ordination_n to_o ordain_v elder_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o caution_n he_o to_o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n ver_fw-la 22._o vi_o he_o write_v to_o he_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o he_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o his_o hand_n together_o with_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n viz._n some_o other_o apostle_n that_o may_v joint_o with_o st._n paul_n lay_v hand_n on_o he_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o for_o that_o the_o presbytery_n here_o mention_v be_v a_o college_n only_o of_o presbyter_n be_v a_o bare_a alledgment_n viz._n when_o he_o ordain_v he_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o vii_o he_o will_v he_o that_o he_o commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o among_o many_o witness_n which_o behove_v to_o be_v some_o peculiar_a thing_n relate_v in_o great_a part_n to_o rule_n of_o discipline_n and_o church_n government_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a either_o for_o heathen_n to_o hear_v or_o novice_n in_o the_o faith_n who_o yet_o may_v hear_v the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n preach_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n viii_o write_v to_o titus_n he_o presuppose_v he_o bishop_n of_o the_o cretan_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o why_o he_o leave_v he_o in_o crete_n that_o he_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v he_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o these_o shall_v be_v think_v lay-elders_a i._n e._n such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o preach_v i_o find_v none_o such_o either_o here_o or_o any_o where_o else_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o can_v titus_n exercise_v this_o authority_n in_o such_o a_o spacious_a island_n where_o many_o city_n be_v and_o christian_a congregation_n set_v up_o if_o he_o have_v be_v only_o a_o single_a presbyter_n and_o if_o the_o other_o presbyter_n have_v equal_a power_n with_o he_o why_o do_v not_o he_o write_v to_o he_o and_o they_o joint_o whether_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n other_o joint_o do_v not_o lay_v on_o hand_n with_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o present_a question_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o church_n history_n that_o any_o number_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n ordain_v any_o without_o a_o bishop_n preside_v over_o they_o ix_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o mouth_n of_o such_o teacher_n as_o be_v unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n and_o who_o teach_v thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n must_v be_v stop_v which_o plain_o show_v his_o authority_n to_o depose_v and_o silence_v false_a teacher_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ordain_v sound_a and_o worthy_a x._o he_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o authority_n to_o judge_v who_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o how_o after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n if_o he_o amend_v not_o he_o ought_v to_o reject_v he_o by_o these_o instance_n plain_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n it_o may_v i_o think_v appear_v to_o all_o impartial_a person_n that_o well_o and_o due_o consider_v they_o that_o both_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v bishop_n and_o have_v a_o superiority_n of_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n as_o well_o as_o of_o ordination_n i_o know_v w._n prynne_n have_v print_v a_o book_n which_o he_o call_v the_o unbishoping_a of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n which_o i_o have_v read_v but_o i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v either_o sufficient_o answer_v the_o argument_n bring_v from_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v bishop_n or_o give_v any_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n i_o have_v also_o see_v another_o great_a book_n of_o he_o give_v a_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o evil_a practice_n of_o many_o bishop_n all_o which_o if_o true_a say_v nothing_o against_o the_o office_n but_o i_o can_v write_v a_o great_a book_n threefold_o great_a give_v a_o historical_a relation_n of_o many_o good_a thing_n bishop_n have_v do_v in_o the_o world_n many_o bishop_n both_o in_o the_o early_a and_o latter_a age_n have_v be_v eminent_o exemplary_a in_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o for_o divers_a age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n day_n be_v bless_v and_o happy_a instrument_n to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o many_o church_n in_o it_o hinder_v schism_n and_o cure_v they_o that_o do_v threaten_v to_o arise_v cut_v down_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n even_n the_o doctrinal_a word_n outward_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o be_v mighty_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o to_o do_v the_o monstrous_a and_o vile_a heresy_n that_o spring_v up_o from_o time_n to_o time_n oppugn_v the_o christian_a faith_n wherein_o almighty_a god_n bless_v they_o with_o great_a success_n and_o this_o they_o do_v partly_o by_o their_o particular_a write_n treatise_n and_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o sermon_n and_o partly_o by_o their_o assemble_v in_o great_a number_n in_o synod_n and_o council_n to_o condemn_v they_o and_o that_o many_o time_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o life_n under_o persecute_v king_n and_o emperor_n some_o whereof_o be_v heathen_a and_o some_o arian_n and_o eutychian_n such_o who_o be_v but_o ordinary_o well_o acquaint_v with_o antiquity_n and_o church_n history_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o very_a day_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o the_o famous_a place_n of_o the_o world_n where_o christianity_n come_v to_o be_v plant_v be_v by_o succession_n the_o which_o do_v lineal_o descend_v for_o four_o hundred_o year_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o upward_o and_o in_o divers_a place_n to_o this_o age._n there_o be_v two_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o divers_a of_o the_o father_n understand_v of_o episcopal_a government_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o psal_n 45._o 16._o be_v a_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n church_n and_o his_o government_n in_o the_o same_o by_o church_n officer_n instead_o of_o thy_o father_n i._n e._n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n and_o be_v her_o father_n shall_v be_v thy_o child_n i._n e._n their_o successor_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n after_o their_o decease_n who_o thou_o may_v make_v prince_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n the_o other_o place_n be_v in_o isaiah_n 60._o 17._o i_o will_v appoint_v they_o bishop_n in_o righteousness_n and_o deacon_n or_o minister_n in_o faith_n as_o clemens_n bishop_n of_o rome_n quote_v it_o in_o his_o famous_a epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n but_o as_o the_o septuagint_n have_v it_o be_v thus_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thy_o prince_n in_o peace_n and_o thy_o bishop_n in_o righteousness_n ignatius_n who_o converse_v with_o st._n 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n and_o as_o his_o disciple_n and_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v commit_v by_o he_o write_v thus_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n let_v the_o people_n be_v subject_a to_o their_o deacon_n the_o deacon_n to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o presbyter_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o bishop_n to_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v to_o his_o bishop_n policarp_n also_o be_v constitute_v by_o st._n john_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n who_o both_o suffer_a martyrdom_n as_o church_n history_n give_v 〈…〉_o say_v lib._n 3._o cap._n 3._o we_o have_v to_o remember_v they_o who_o be_v appoint_v bishop_n by_o nos_fw-la 〈…〉_o qui_fw-fr ab_fw-la apostalis_n 〈◊〉_d sunt_fw-la episcopi_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la &_o successoret_fw-la eorum_fw-la usque_fw-la and_o nos_fw-la the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o successor_n even_o 〈◊〉_d we_o this_o irenaeus_n be_v bishop_n at_o lion_n and_o live_v within_o about_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o st._n john_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v both_o by_o ancient_a writer_n and_o late_a yea_o by_o some_o 〈◊〉_d and_o particular_o by_o david_n paraeus_n that_o the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o who_o st._n john_n write_v be_v the_o seven_o bishop_n set_v over_o those_o seven_o church_n also_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o st._n john_n himself_o have_v plant_v all_o these_o seven_o church_n and_o do_v constitute_v the_o bishop_n in_o they_o hierom_n who_o the_o adversary_n of_o episcopacy_n think_v that_o he_o favour_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n plain_o grant_v that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o bishop_n say_v quid_fw-la enim_fw-la facis_fw-la excepta_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la episcopus_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyter_n non_fw-la faciat_fw-la i._n e._n for_o what_o do_v the_o bishop_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v not_o on_z ought_v not_o to_o do_v except_o ordination_n epist_n ad_fw-la euagrium_n and_o the_o sense_n affirm_v that_o from_o mark_v the_o evangelist_n until_o heracla_n 〈…〉_o bishop_n there_o the_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n do_v name_v he_o bishop_n one_o among_o themselves_o elect_v and_o place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o ordain_v he_o and_o both_o hierom_n and_o clemens_n romanus_n long_o before_o he_o do_v make_v a_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o high_a priest_n priest_n and_o levite_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n what_o aaren_n and_o his_o son_n and_o the_o levite_n be_v in_o the_o temple_n say_v he_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n may_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n challenge_v unto_o themselves_o hier._n ad_fw-la eugr._fw-la and_o how_o universal_a the_o extent_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o what_o end_v it_o be_v appoint_v he_o further_o declare_v in_o that_o same_o epist_n it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o one_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v place_v above_o the_o rest_n to_o who_o all_o care_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v belong_v and_o so_o the_o seed_n of_o schism_n be_v remove_v thus_o far_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o in_o none_o of_o the_o particular_n above_o mention_a the_o dissenter_n have_v any_o advantage_n above_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o that_o what_o advantage_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o church_n history_n and_o antiquity_n lie_v on_o her_o side_n finis_fw-la
of_o that_o holy_a man_n anselm_n observation_n of_o a_o shepherd_n boy_n that_o have_v tie_v a_o small_a stone_n with_o a_o small_a thread_n to_o the_o foot_n of_o a_o small_a bird_n and_o then_o let_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n loose_a to_o fly_v the_o small_a bird_n do_v fly_v but_o a_o little_a at_o a_o time_n be_v incommode_v and_o retard_v with_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o stone_n though_o but_o little_a fly_v a_o little_a and_o rest_v a_o little_a now_o mount_v upward_o as_o if_o it_o will_v fly_v straightway_o to_o heaven_n but_o then_o soon_o after_o descend_v to_o the_o earth_n which_o that_o holy_a man_n behold_v make_v the_o emblem_n of_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o fall_v into_o weep_v say_v to_o this_o effect_n what_o the_o little_a stone_n be_v to_o this_o little_a bird_n that_o my_o sin_n that_o hang_v about_o i_o be_v to_o i_o to_o the_o three_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n wherein_o do_v they_o suppose_v that_o the_o dissenter_n have_v any_o advantage_n above_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o will_v say_v that_o they_o add_v nothing_o to_o christ_n institution_n in_o baptism_n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n add_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o at_o the_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n they_o receive_v it_o kneel_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o church_n of_o england_n make_v not_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n any_o part_n of_o baptism_n for_o she_o do_v not_o order_v it_o to_o be_v use_v at_o private_a baptism_n to_o any_o that_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n nor_o do_v she_o make_v it_o any_o mean_n of_o grace_n but_o a_o convenient_a symbol_n to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n and_o also_o to_o signify_v that_o we_o own_o christ_n that_o be_v crucify_v on_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v he_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o manful_o to_o fight_v under_o his_o banner_n against_o sin_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n which_o have_v but_o the_o like_a service_n that_o a_o cross_n draw_v with_o ink_n on_o paper_n have_v to_o signify_v the_o cross_n of_o wood_n that_o he_o be_v crucify_v upon_o and_o be_v but_o a_o sort_n of_o hieroglyphic_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v in_o scripture_n but_o simple_o indifferent_a and_o that_o our_o superior_n both_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a have_v authority_n to_o command_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v and_o i_o see_v not_o but_o so_o ought_v the_o dissenter_n to_o acknowledge_v who_o grant_v that_o our_o superior_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a may_v enjoin_v the_o keep_n of_o a_o fast_a day_n for_o public_a calamity_n or_o a_o festival_n day_n of_o thanksgiving_n for_o public_a mercy_n baxter_n make_v no_o more_o hurt_n in_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n than_o if_o we_o shall_v tie_v a_o piece_n of_o thread_n to_o our_o finger_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o we_o desire_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v receive_v kneel_v have_v no_o more_o ceremony_n nor_o hurt_n in_o it_o than_o that_o we_o pray_v kneel_v for_o both_o the_o minister_n that_o give_v and_o the_o people_n that_o receive_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n do_v it_o with_o prayer_n for_o all_o the_o great_a clamour_n against_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o scarce_o find_v any_o more_o but_o one_o that_o may_v be_v so_o call_v to_o wit_n that_o abovemention_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n at_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o very_a harmless_a and_o a_o very_a ancient_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o warrantable_a original_a that_o because_o the_o heathen_n upbraid_v the_o christian_n with_o the_o cross_n to_o show_v they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o it_o after_o receive_v baptism_n they_o receive_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n on_o their_o forehead_n nor_o be_v that_o occasion_n want_v in_o our_o day_n where_o so_o many_o thousand_o here_o in_o this_o nation_n on_o the_o pretence_n of_o high_a divine_a inspiration_n have_v cast_v away_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v outward_o crucify_a together_o with_o the_o memorial_n of_o he_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n and_o as_o concern_v infant_n baptism_n time_n will_v not_o permit_v at_o present_a that_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o it_o but_o this_o i_o say_v i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v with_o the_o baptism_n i_o have_v in_o infancy_n and_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o it_o as_o due_o belong_v to_o the_o infant_n child_n of_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o seal_n to_o they_o of_o god_n covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o circumcision_n do_v belong_v to_o such_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o god_n be_v no_o less_o merciful_a to_o believer_n and_o their_o child_n now_o than_o he_o be_v then_o i_o can_v but_o think_v strange_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o clamour_n against_o the_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v upon_o enquiry_n find_v they_o so_o few_o i_o late_o meet_v with_o a_o book_n of_o one_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n wherein_o i_o find_v he_o have_v the_o same_o thought_n with_o i_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n viz._n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o strict_o speak_v i_o see_v no_o need_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o ceremony_n this_o hard_a word_n offend_v many_o ignorant_a people_n why_o may_v not_o our_o superior_n ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a enjoin_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o circumstantial_a and_o in_o themselves_o indifferent_a as_o to_o the_o habit_n of_o minister_n clothing_n and_o the_o use_v of_o a_o surplice_n in_o divine_a service_n of_o the_o decency_n and_o conveniency_n of_o which_o they_o be_v more_o proper_a judge_n than_o private_a person_n as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v general_o allow_v to_o determine_v other_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o various_a action_n relate_v to_o both_o religious_a and_o civil_a matter_n to_o bury_v in_o woollen_a and_o to_o lay_v the_o dead_a in_o a_o coffin_n to_o lay_v a_o cloth_n or_o cushion_n on_o the_o pulpit_n to_o ring_v a_o bell_n before_o sermon_n to_o have_v a_o clock_n or_o hourglass_n before_o the_o minister_n face_n when_o he_o preach_v which_o the_o quaker_n cry_v out_o against_o as_o much_o as_o other_o do_v against_o the_o surplice_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o have_v a_o clean_a linen_n cloth_n on_o the_o communion_n table_n and_o silver_n platter_n and_o cup_n for_o the_o distribute_v the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n at_o the_o lord_n supper_n all_o these_o and_o divers_a other_o thing_n the_o dissenter_n common_o allow_v as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o of_o they_o by_o command_n of_o superior_n other_o of_o they_o by_o custom_n why_o do_v they_o not_o call_v they_o ceremony_n and_o fright_v the_o people_n with_o that_o hard_a word_n last_o as_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o dissenter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o she_o have_v the_o advantage_n over_o they_o in_o that_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o thing_n abovementioned_a that_o in_o all_o society_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o order_n and_o superiority_n of_o officer_n ruler_n and_o governor_n nature_n itself_o teach_v it_o how_o can_v a_o city_n or_o nation_n be_v rule_v and_o keep_v in_o order_n if_o all_o the_o ruler_n be_v equal_a how_o can_v a_o army_n be_v govern_v or_o discipline_v or_o lead_v forth_o to_o battle_n without_o divers_a degree_n superior_a and_o inferior_a of_o military_a officer_n if_o all_o the_o captain_n of_o each_o single_a company_n consist_v suppose_n of_o one_o hundred_o man_n each_o single_a company_n and_o the_o whole_a army_n consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o if_o these_o single_a captain_n have_v no_o superior_a officer_n over_o they_o but_o every_o one_o leave_v to_o his_o own_o discretion_n to_o lead_v on_o his_o company_n to_o battle_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n who_o have_v all_o in_o good_a order_n and_o a_o due_a and_o regular_a distinction_n of_o superior_a and_o inferior_a officer_n how_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v but_o that_o the_o army_n that_o have_v this_o good_a order_n and_o distinction_n of_o various_a officer_n superior_a and_o inferior_a shall_v prevail_v against_o the_o other_o that_o have_v no_o such_o order_n and_o distinction_n we_o may_v see_v a_o wonderful_a order_n of_o superiority_n and_o inferiority_n in_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a visible_a creation_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o element_n and_o that_o there_o be_v the_o like_a superiority_n