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cause_n church_n error_n separation_n 1,422 5 10.7733 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A92173 A most grave, and modest confutation of the errors of the sect, commonly called Brownists, or: Seperatists. Agreed upon long since by the joynt consent of sundry, godly, and learned ministers of this kingdome, then standing out and suffering in the cause of inconformity; and now published in a time of need, for the good of Gods Church, and the better setling of mens unstable mindes in the truth against, the subtile insinuations, and plausible pretences of that pernicious evill. Published by W. Rathband, minister of the Gospell. Rathband, William, d. 1695. 1644 (1644) Wing R299; Wing M2893; Thomason E31_11; ESTC R209828 84,262 92

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bear_v but_o steadfast_o oppose_v to_o their_o great_a reproach_n damage_n and_o danger_n many_o way_n the_o corruption_n in_o our_o church-government_n worship_n and_o liturgy_n and_o have_v be_v light_n and_o leader_n to_o these_o latter_a time_n therein_o yet_o always_o in_o a_o peaceable_a and_o regular_a way_n as_o not_o on_o the_o one_o side_n to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o suspicious_a invention_n so_o on_o the_o other_o not_o sinful_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n and_o true_a worship_n of_o church_n account_v it_o more_o agreeable_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o piety_n charity_n and_o christian_a prudence_n to_o tolerate_v for_o the_o time_n what_o they_o can_v not_o mend_v rather_o than_o to_o rend_v and_o tear_v all_o in_o piece_n to_o a_o utter_a ruin_n to_o conclude_v though_o perhaps_o some_o few_o particular_n in_o this_o treatise_n may_v seem_v more_o questionable_a yet_o for_o the_o main_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o author_n have_v hold_v close_o to_o the_o 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and_o subtlety_n and_o then_o the_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o they_o into_o which_o if_o they_o careful_o inquire_v they_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o he_o seek_v to_o draw_v even_o those_o that_o have_v shine_v as_o star_n in_o the_o church_n from_o heaven_n unto_o the_o earth_n yet_o that_o he_o much_o more_o earnest_o labour_v to_o make_v they_o wander_a star_n forsake_v the_o place_n wherein_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v fix_v to_o give_v shine_n and_o direction_n to_o other_o that_o be_v though_o he_o labour_v and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v man_n from_o their_o first_o love_n and_o zeal_n unto_o a_o lukewarmnesse_n or_o key_n coldness_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o rather_o desire_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o a_o fiery_a spirit_n and_o indiscreet_a zeal_n from_o the_o church_n and_o society_n of_o saint_n which_o no_o doubt_n he_o do_v as_o for_o many_o other_o cause_n so_o for_o these_o two_o 1._o that_o he_o may_v by_o their_o departure_n who_o have_v seem_v zealous_a and_o godly_a professor_n shake_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o true_a church_n where_o they_o may_v find_v direction_n towards_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o at_o last_o to_o fly_v from_o it_o as_o from_o babylon_n and_o 2._o that_o he_o may_v deprive_v those_o man_n themselves_o of_o the_o happy_a mean_n of_o the_o recovery_n which_o they_o may_v have_v have_v easy_o apply_v have_v they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o remain_v in_o the_o fellowship_n thereof_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n those_o who_o break_v the_o holy_a band_n of_o love_n and_o faith_n have_v like_o unkind_a child_n forsake_v she_o their_o natural_a mother_n and_o oft_o plead_v with_o she_o as_o a_o strumpet_n which_o never_o be_v do_v in_o more_o convenient_a manner_n then_o of_o late_a by_o certain_a of_o our_o brethren_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v forth_o of_o the_o womb_n and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v not_o only_o renounce_v as_o a_o stepmother_n but_o condemn_v she_o as_o one_o of_o the_o daughter_n yea_o the_o elder_a daughter_n of_o the_o very_a whore_n of_o babylon_n rail_v on_o she_o as_o if_o she_o live_v in_o continual_a spiritual_a fornication_n bring_v forth_o son_n and_o daughter_n not_o unto_o christ_n but_o unto_o antichrist_n his_o adversary_n by_o which_o their_o fault_n and_o fall_n as_o they_o have_v deprive_v themselves_o of_o those_o gracious_a blessing_n which_o they_o do_v long_o and_o may_v have_v still_o enjoy_v among_o we_o to_o their_o soul_n health_n and_o make_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n more_o hard_a and_o difficult_a so_o have_v they_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v many_o remain_v in_o the_o body_n of_o our_o church_n and_o of_o strong_a man_n in_o the_o truth_n bring_v they_o to_o be_v child_n again_o in_o understanding_n easy_a to_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o blast_n of_o diverse_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n how_o contrary_a soever_o to_o the_o truth_n according_a unto_o godliness_n either_o teach_v or_o receive_v by_o they_o the_o case_n thus_o stand_v we_o take_v it_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v member_n and_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n have_v by_o god_n grace_n receive_v some_o though_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o gift_n fit_a thereunto_o as_o to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o to_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o ministry_n therein_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o truth_n will_v permit_v so_o chief_o to_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v both_o the_o recovery_n of_o those_o that_o be_v stray_v from_o the_o sheepfold_a of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o also_o the_o stay_n of_o those_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o run_v after_o they_o together_o with_o the_o better_a ground_v and_o confirm_v of_o they_o who_o remain_v in_o the_o flock_n with_o comfort_n under_o their_o shepherd_n which_o duty_n we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o perform_v 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society_n they_o yet_o remember_v it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o wisdom_n to_o stay_v the_o full_a establish_n of_o their_o church_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o for_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v see_v what_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o ratify_n and_o approve_v of_o their_o do_n for_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n it_o will_v stand_v as_o a_o house_n found_v upon_o a_o a_o sure_a rock_n if_o it_o be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o naught_o a_o three_o sort_n to_o who_o we_o commend_v this_o work_n of_o we_o be_v our_o strong_a brethren_n which_o continue_v with_o comfort_n in_o the_o society_n of_o their_o church_n they_o we_o entreat_v that_o if_o they_o find_v any_o confirmation_n or_o strengthen_v unto_o their_o conscience_n by_o the_o pursue_v hereof_o any_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o church_n sacrament_n and_o word_n to_o defend_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o ministry_n and_o practice_v of_o god_n external_a worship_n among_o we_o that_o first_o they_o praise_v god_n who_o gift_n it_o be_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v speak_v or_o write_v for_o their_o edification_n instruction_n and_o consolation_n and_o then_o bestow_v the_o same_o as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o reclaim_n of_o those_o that_o be_v stray_v and_o hold_v they_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o wander_v we_o last_o commend_v this_o simple_a travel_n of_o we_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whereof_o we_o be_v unworthy_a minister_n beseech_v she_o to_o accept_v our_o poor_a endeavour_n the_o rather_o for_o that_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o labour_n which_o we_o have_v take_v in_o this_o cause_n will_v be_v diverse_o judge_v of_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o affection_n of_o those_o man_n to_o who_o this_o work_n shall_v come_v some_o as_o namely_o our_o deceive_a brethren_n against_o who_o we_o deal_v will_v hold_v it_o damnable_a and_o execrable_a as_o be_v bestow_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o saint_n and_o child_n of_o god_n against_o the_o holy_a truth_n teach_v in_o the_o testament_n of_o christ_n yea_o and_o that_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o their_o charge_n and_o accusation_n we_o answer_v that_o whether_o they_o or_o we_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o or_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n teach_v in_o the_o testament_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o if_o we_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o hope_v shall_v appear_v by_o this_o treatise_n then_o have_v they_o write_v and_o speak_v against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o most_o shameful_a and_o fearful_a manner_n if_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v his_o truth_n which_o we_o assure_v ourselves_o they_o shall_v be_v never_o able_a to_o prove_v then_o have_v we_o spend_v our_o labour_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o have_v we_o do_v it_o witting_o and_o willing_o against_o the_o light_n of_o our_o heart_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o charge_n but_o who_o make_v they_o the_o searcher_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o judge_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o they_o shall_v accuse_v we_o to_o in_o other_o and_o quench_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n which_o have_v shine_v into_o our_o soul_n especial_o when_o they_o hear_v our_o protestation_n to_o the_o contrary_a where_o be_v that_o charity_n that_o think_v none_o evil_a which_o hope_v all_o thing_n we_o say_v therefore_o unto_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o accusation_n with_o the_o apostle_n we_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n our_o conscience_n bear_v we_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n witting_o and_o willing_o and_o 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persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v deliver_v touch_v the_o defect_n and_o want_n the_o blemish_n and_o deformity_n of_o this_o church_n so_o have_v we_o in_o the_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o our_o heart_n deal_v for_o the_o redress_n and_o reformation_n thereof_o wherein_o though_o we_o know_v nothing_o by_o ourselves_o before_o man_n more_o than_o truth_n will_v permit_v if_o they_o shall_v have_v take_v occasion_n by_o our_o doctrine_n which_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o make_v this_o schism_n yet_o be_v this_o no_o reason_n to_o reprove_v we_o unless_o those_o man_n which_o have_v set_v down_o true_a position_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v as_o author_n of_o the_o false_a collection_n and_o conclusion_n which_o be_v infer_v and_o gather_v thereupon_o second_o we_o answer_v that_o our_o deceive_a brethren_n do_v no_o less_o condemn_v those_o church_n of_o god_n as_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n where_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v teach_v touch_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o matter_n of_o ceremony_n be_v maintain_v and_o where_o all_o thing_n which_o we_o hold_v offensive_a in_o our_o church_n be_v abolish_v than_o they_o do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n insomuch_o that_o they_o have_v write_v of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n which_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v the_o best_a pattern_n of_o a_o reform_a church_n that_o it_o become_v a_o miserable_a precedent_n and_o pernicious_a example_n even_o unto_o all_o europe_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v unto_o this_o schism_n by_o some_o other_o inducement_n than_o the_o deal_n of_o those_o man_n inthe_a execution_n of_o their_o ministry_n who_o be_v charge_v to_o be_v the_o occasion_n if_o not_o the_o author_n thereof_o three_o there_o be_v such_o difference_n and_o plain_a contradiction_n between_o they_o and_o we_o in_o judgement_n yea_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o church_n government_n beside_o many_o other_o material_a point_n of_o doctrine_n as_o we_o marvel_v any_o man_n shall_v esteem_v we_o cause_n of_o their_o defection_n from_o this_o church_n much_o more_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v write_v that_o between_o the_o brownist_n and_o other_o he_o mean_v they_o and_o we_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n as_o touch_v the_o frame_n of_o a_o church_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o three_o sort_n of_o our_o love_a brethren_n approve_v our_o care_n of_o god_n church_n and_o desire_v to_o reclaim_v poor_a deceive_v soul_n will_v yet_o happy_o esteem_v our_o labour_n altogether_o needless_a and_o superfluous_a as_o spend_v and_o bestow_v both_o against_o a_o cause_n that_o have_v so_o little_a show_n of_o truth_n and_o semblance_n of_o probability_n nay_o so_o evident_a appearance_n of_o falsehood_n and_o vanity_n as_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v despise_v then_o confute_v and_o also_o upon_o man_n who_o zeal_n and_o rashness_n so_o far_o prevail_v over_o sound_a judgement_n and_o discretion_n that_o we_o shall_v rather_o sharpen_v and_o increase_v their_o humour_n by_o think_v they_o worthy_a answer_v to_o a_o further_a contradiction_n then_o either_o inform_v their_o understanding_n by_o sound_a reason_n or_o alter_v their_o affection_n by_o efficacy_n of_o any_o persuasion_n these_o brethren_n we_o desire_v to_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o dissent_v from_o they_o who_o judge_v far_o otherwise_o of_o this_o cause_n we_o handle_v and_o hope_n much_o better_a of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o we_o deal_v for_o the_o cause_n itself_o we_o say_v that_o though_o it_o do_v appear_v as_o it_o be_v indeed_o full_a of_o falsehood_n and_o and_o vanity_n unto_o these_o that_o have_v the_o gift_n to_o discern_v between_o those_o thing_n that_o differ_v and_o withal_o to_o temper_v their_o affection_n which_o
we_o to_o join_v unto_o p._n 62._o the_o church_n of_o engl._n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n i._o exception_n the_o first_o exception_n be_v against_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o our_o assembly_n and_o our_o church_n in_o general_n which_o they_o term_n babylonish_n synagogue_n and_o a_o whorish_a idolatrous_a church_n henry_n barrow_n in_o his_o discovery_n of_o the_o false_a church_n page_n 24._o answer_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n sacrament_n our_o congregation_n be_v true_a church_n for_o arg._n 1._o we_o have_v and_o ●oyne_v together_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o administ_n ration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o from_o which_o whosoever_o witting_o and_o willing_o separate_v himself_o cut_v himself_o from_o christ_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o indifferent_a reader_n may_v be_v persuade_v by_o these_o reason_n follow_v first_o we_o enjoy_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o outward_a mean_n which_o god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v ordain_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n for_o proof_n whereof_o we_o allege_v that_o the_o mean_n which_o we_o use_v and_o enjoy_v have_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o unfeigned_a conversion_n of_o many_o as_o may_v appear_v both_o by_o the_o other_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o the_o martyrdom_n which_o sundry_a have_v endure_v that_o be_v member_n of_o our_o church_n and_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o conversion_n than_o such_o as_o we_o have_v yea_o even_o those_o man_n who_o judge_n so_o hardly_o of_o we_o now_o be_v able_a to_o witness_v with_o we_o in_o this_o case_n that_o if_o their_o be_v any_o true_a faith_n and_o sanctification_n in_o they_o though_o it_o be_v much_o increase_v as_o they_o think_v since_o they_o leave_v we_o yet_o it_o be_v begin_v and_o breed_v in_o our_o assembly_n second_o if_o these_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n march_n 28.20_o eph._n s_o 4.11_o 14._o be_v well_o examine_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o mean_n which_o christ_n ordain_v for_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o we_o enjoy_v even_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o which_o henry_n barrow_n say_v against_o we_o in_o this_o point_n pag._n 160._o of_o his_o discovery_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o thing_n among_o we_o either_o in_o order_n or_o administration_n according_a to_o christ_n testament_n shall_v be_v hereafter_o disprove_v when_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o justify_v our_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n against_o their_o argument_n or_o objection_n whatsoever_o now_o that_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a and_o good_a argument_n of_o a_o true_a church_n appear_v church_n which_o be_v a_o in_o fallible_a note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n because_o first_o there_o can_v any_o people_n be_v name_v that_o have_v these_o mean_n may_v yet_o by_o the_o word_n be_v evict_v not_o to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a church_n the_o papist_n indeed_o brag_v of_o these_o mean_n but_o without_o cause_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o preach_v among_o they_o but_o oppugn_v and_o consequent_o they_o can_v have_v the_o true_a sacrament_n which_o be_v seal_n of_o righteousness_n 4._o rom._n 3.12_o &_o 9_o 4._o which_o be_v by_o faith_n second_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o of_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 147.19.20_o psalm_n 147.19.20_o so_o while_o the_o jenes_n only_o be_v the_o church_n these_o privilege_n be_v restrain_v to_o they_o 56._o matth._n 10_o 56._o and_o never_o make_v common_a to_o the_o gentile_n till_o the_o partition_n wall_n be_v break_v down_o 23._o act_n 11.19_o &_o 23._o they_o also_o be_v incorporate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o the_o prophet_n say_v 2._o arg._n 2._o that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o gentile_n be_v move_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o true_a church_n because_o there_o and_o no_o where_o else_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v find_v second_o our_o whole_a church_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n the_o confession_n of_o our_o church_n together_o with_o the_o apology_n thereof_o and_o those_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v agree_v upon_o in_o the_o convocation_n house_n in_o the_o year_n of_o the_o lord_n 1562._o whereunto_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o land_n be_v bind_v by_o law_n to_o subscribe_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o concern_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n do_v prove_v this_o evident_o for_o how_o shall_v we_o better_o judge_v of_o the_o faith_n which_o our_o church_n profess_v than_o by_o such_o evidence_n many_o papist_n and_o atheist_n be_v in_o our_o land_n we_o grant_v and_o many_o ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n beside_o who_o make_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o so_o holy_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n as_o they_o shall_v but_o that_o our_o church_n account_v any_o one_o to_o be_v her_o child_n or_o member_n who_o either_o deni_v christ_n or_o profess_v any_o other_o way_n to_o salvation_n than_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n or_o who_o do_v not_o profess_v this_o faith_n a_o some_o measure_n we_o confident_o deny_v now_o this_o reason_n also_o have_v force_n sufficient_a to_o prove_v we_o the_o true_a church_n for_o as_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o life_n and_o be_v to_o such_o as_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o so_o become_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a and_o elect_a church_n so_o the_o profession_n of_o true_a say_v be_v that_o which_o give_v life_n and_o be_v to_o a_o visible_a church_n upon_o this_o profession_n we_o find_v many_o that_o have_v be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o even_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 12._o act_n 8.37_o 38._o &_o 16.31.32_o &_o 12._o yea_o and_o simon_n magus_n though_o he_o have_v neither_o faith_n nor_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o he_o make_v profession_n of_o faith_n be_v judge_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o baptize_v so_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n 15._o act._n 8_o 13._o revel_v 2.12_o 15._o though_o it_o do_v toletate_v gross_a corruption_n in_o it_o it_o keep_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o deny_v not_o his_o faith_n and_o be_v still_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o description_n of_o a_o church_n which_o they_o give_v in_o the_o page_n 67._o exception_n see_v our_o further_a answer_n to_o this_o in_o the_o defence_n we_o make_v for_o our_o people_n against_o the_o second_o article_n of_o their_o three_o exception_n of_o their_o collection_n of_o letter_n and_o conference_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a people_n that_o true_o worship_n christ_n and_o ready_o obey_v he_o be_v utter_o untrue_a it_o it_o be_v understand_v as_o needs_o it_o must_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o it_o every_o one_o that_o the_o church_n may_v account_v a_o visible_a member_n be_v true_o faithful_a how_o be_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v understand_v when_o he_o compare_v the_o church_n or_o ministry_n to_o a_o draw-net_n which_o be_v east_n into_o the_o sea_n gather_v as_o well_o that_o which_o must_v be_v cast_v away_o as_o good_a fish_n 48._o fish_n matth._n 13.47_o 48._o and_o to_o a_o field_n where_o the_o devil_n do_v as_o busy_o sow_v tare_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n do_v good_a wheat_n 39_o wheat_n matth._n 13.37_o 39_o or_o how_o shall_v that_o difference_n stand_v which_o the_o scripture_n make_v betwixt_o the_o lord_n judgement_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n if_o man_n may_v not_o account_v any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o outward_a appearance_n and_o profession_n 13.28_o 1_o sam._n 1617._o act_n 13.28_o unless_o they_o know_v they_o to_o have_v true_a faith_n which_o thing_n the_o lord_n eye_n be_v only_o able_a to_o discern_v three_o we_o hold_v and_o teach_v and_o maintain_v against_o all_o heretic_n 3._o arg._n 3._o and_o adversary_n every_o part_n and_o article_n of_o god_n holy_a truth_n which_o be_v fundamental_a and_o such_o as_o without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o believe_v whereof_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n our_o confession_n catechism_n article_n of_o religion_n publish_v and_o approve_v of_o our_o church_n may_v persuade_v all_o indifferent_a man_n of_o this_o yet_o be_v not_o henry_n barrow_n ashamed_a to_o write_v in_o the_o 10_o page_n of_o his_o discovery_n that_o all_o the_o lares_fw-la of_o god_n both_o of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n be_v here_o break_v and_o forsake_v both_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o
unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o yield_v some_o kind_n of_o obedience_n to_o bishop_n so_o do_v we_o perform_v it_o in_o our_o whole_a administration_n by_o go_v to_o their_o court_n by_o stand_v and_o fall_v at_o their_o commandment_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o so_o long_o as_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n require_v we_o shall_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o that_o with_o this_o limitation_n viz._n only_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a we_o think_v it_o not_o unlawful_a for_o we_o to_o give_v obedience_n to_o they_o in_o those_o thing_n they_o do_v by_o civil_a authority_n though_o neither_o themselves_o nor_o the_o magistrate_n may_v well_o require_v we_o to_o do_v for_o even_o our_o saviour_n himself_o yield_v obedience_n to_o cesar_n in_o such_o a_o thing_n wherein_o caesar_n can_v not_o lawful_o exact_a obedience_n of_o he_o as_o for_o the_o excommunication_n and_o suspention_n 27_o mat._n 17.24_o 27_o and_o such_o other_o censure_n as_o be_v mere_o ecclesiastical_a we_o answer_v as_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n which_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v receive_v these_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n do_v though_o unadvised_o and_o unlawful_o deliver_v they_o over_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o bishop_n be_v preacher_n of_o the_o word_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v this_o power_n whole_o commit_v unto_o they_o yet_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o it_o we_o see_v not_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o reverence_n and_o yield_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v exercise_v and_o administer_v even_o by_o they_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o church_n present_o lose_v her_o right_a and_o power_n to_o censure_v offender_n when_o she_o commit_v it_o unto_o any_o such_o man_n as_o unto_o who_o of_o right_n either_o not_o at_o all_o or_o not_o of_o right_a only_o it_o belong_v second_o do_v second_o not_o bind_v ourselves_o thereto_o by_o oath_n so_o far_o as_o we_o do_v now_o as_o we_o may_v lawful_o yield_v some_o obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o we_o may_v lawful_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o oath_n to_o do_v it_o if_o our_o oath_n be_v require_v or_o we_o by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n anthoririe_a especial_o see_v we_o do_v by_o oath_n bind_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o civil_a authority_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n three_o for_o our_o go_v to_o their_o court_n this_o we_o answer_v that_o see_v we_o do_v testify_v in_o our_o calling_n our_o dislike_n to_o the_o vile_a and_o odious_a corruption_n of_o their_o court_n and_o do_v also_o utter_o refuse_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o any_o o●_n their_o unlawful_a decree_n we_o can_v just_o be_v condemn_v for_o appear_v intheir_o court_n or_o any_o other_o place_n whereunto_o we_o be_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n summon_v and_o whereas_o the_o person_n before_o who_o we_o appear_v be_v judge_v usual_o corrupt_v and_o enemy_n to_o that_o reformation_n which_o we_o desire_v and_o some_o of_o they_o also_o such_o as_o be_v no_o minister_n themselves_o do_v by_o all_o mean_n seek_v the_o disgrace_n of_o our_o call_n and_o the_o utter_a discoutagement_n of_o such_o christian_n as_o in_o who_o they_o perceive_v any_o spark_n of_o true_a zeal_n we_o account_v this_o our_o appeat_n at_o their_o court_n not_o only_o for_o a_o abridgement_n of_o our_o liberty_n but_o also_o for_o such_o a_o burden_n as_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o groan_n under_o and_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n move_v his_o majesty_n heart_n to_o eat_v we_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a be_v content_a for_o the_o church_n sake_n not_o only_o to_o become_v bind_v in_o serve_v it_o with_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o hand_n but_o also_o by_o subject_v himselse_a to_o those_o ceremony_n which_o in_o christ_n be_v abolish_v so_o may_v and_o ought_v we_o for_o the_o church_n sake_n to_o bear_v this_o burden_n rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v or_o refuse_v the_o ministry_n when_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v and_o fit_v we_o unto_o it_o for_o our_o yield_v to_o the_o suspention_n and_o deprivation_n we_o answer_v that_o so_o long_o as_o the_o bishop_n suspend_v and_o deprive_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n we_o account_v of_o the_o action_n herein_o we_o four_o to_o cease_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o our_o ministry_n when_o they_o suspend_v or_o deprive_v we_o as_o of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o reverence_n and_o yield_v unto_o if_o they_o do_v otherwise_o we_o have_v liberty_n give_v we_o by_o the_o law_n to_o appeal_v from_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v when_o it_o suspend_v and_o deprive_v we_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o we_o in_o our_o conscience_n know_v to_o be_v insufficient_a we_o answer_v that_o it_o lie_v in_o they_o to_o depose_v that_o may_v ordain_v and_o they_o may_v shut_v that_o may_v open_v and_o that_o as_o he_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n execute_v a_o ministry_n by_o the_o ordination_n and_o call_v of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o some_o unfitnesse_n if_o the_o church_n will_v press_v he_o to_o it_o so_o may_v he_o who_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o no_o fault_n that_o deserve_v deprivation_n cease_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n when_o he_o be_v press_v thereunto_o by_o the_o church_n and_o if_o a_o guiltless_a person_n put_v out_o of_o his_o charge_n by_o the_o church_n authority_n may_v yet_o continue_v in_o it_o what_o proceed_n can_v there_o be_v against_o guilty_a person_n who_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n be_v always_o guiltless_a or_o will_v at_o least_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v see_v they_o also_o will_v be_v ready_a always_o to_o object_n against_o the_o church_n judgement_n that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o may_v not_o therefore_o give_v over_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o ministry_n at_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o admit_v it_o be_v mere_o unlawful_a notwithstanding_o four_o if_o this_o obedience_n we_o yield_v to_o they_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a yet_o may_v we_o be_v true_a minister_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o upon_o any_o respect_n to_o yield_v any_o new_a obedience_n at_o all_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o bishop_n yet_o how_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o this_o our_o unlawful_a yield_v have_v force_n sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o ipso_fw-la fasto_fw-la no_o true_a minister_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o the_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v in_o christ_n time_n that_o take_v and_o leave_v their_o office_n at_o the_o will_n of_o tyrant_n and_o heathen_a prince_n be_v therefore_o not_o to_o be_v account_v priest_n for_o further_a answer_n hereunto_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v above_o say_v to_o the_o four_o thing_n which_o they_o object_n 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ungodlie_a in_o devide_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o all_o the_o church_n cause_n that_o be_v deal_v in_o under_o the_o government_n of_o josua_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n government_n neither_o private_a person_n nor_o the_o whole_a multitude_n have_v the_o manage_n of_o matter_n 14_o josh_n 19.51_o &_o 21_o 1._o &_o 22_o 14_o but_o the_o people_n do_v all_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o chief_a father_n a_o which_o also_o be_v command_v 34.16.28_o command_v numb_a 34.16.28_o so_o in_o public_a church_n cause_v under_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v certain_a special_a man_n choose_v out_o from_o among_o the_o people_n by_o their_o consent_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o rest_n 4.14_o rest_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o &_o 4.14_o and_o where_o god_n have_v sanctify_v and_o separate_v a_o special_a sort_n of_o man_n to_o any_o office_n or_o the_o administration_n thereunto_o belong_v there_o have_v he_o restrain_v all_o other_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n from_o do_v the_o action_n proper_o belong_v to_o that_o office_n as_o may_v well_o appear_v by_o compare_v these_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n together_o 14.23_o together_o numbr_n 4.15_o with_o the_o first_o chron_n 13.7_o 10_o num._n 4.20_o with_o 1_o sam._n 6.19_o num._n 16.40_o &_o 3.10_o heb._n 5.4_o with_o 2_o chron._n 26.16_o 19_o act_n 14.23_o therefore_o also_o we_o see_v the_o faithful_a at_o listra_n ●conium_n and_o antiochiah_n l_o add_v no_o elder_n till_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o consent_n ordain_v they_o no_o more_o have_v they_o at_o creta_n till_o ti●us_n be_v send_v to_o that_o purpose_n to_o the_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o allege_v for_o this_o their_o second_o objection_n against_o our_o people_n we_o answer_n first_o that_o some_o of_o they_o 15.9_o they_o jer._n 31.34_o ezech._n 44.8_o 9_o cant._n 4.7_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o act_n 15.9_o concern_v the_o invisible_a church_n and_o therefore_o be_v ignorant_o apply_v to_o the_o description_n of_o they_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o if_o no_o measure_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v by_o man_n in_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a but_o that_o only_a which_o the_o lord_n himself_o allow_v of_o in_o jude_v of_o the_o elect_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o the_o make_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n a_o outward_a obedience_n and_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a though_o there_o be_v no_o inward_a grace_n nor_o truth_n in_o the_o heart_n second_o that_o some_o of_o they_o require_v indeed_o that_o every_o christian_n shall_v seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o place_n where_o god_n be_v worship_v according_a to_o his_o word_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n but_o that_o the_o people_n without_o either_o the_o magistrate_n or_o minister_n help_v or_o consent_n shall_v reform_v the_o church_n and_o erect_v the_o discipline_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o command_v that_o if_o they_o be_v well_o compare_v with_o that_o we_o have_v above_o say_v they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o command_v the_o contrary_n the_o three_o thing_n they_o object_n against_o our_o people_n be_v that_o though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v once_o be_v faithful_a yet_o by_o tollerate_v in_o their_o assembly_n the_o open_a profane_a by_o want_v power_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o and_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o be_v now_o become_v not_o we_o church_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o godly_a which_o be_v in_o our_o assembly_n do_v not_o at_o all_o tolerate_v the_o wicked_a profane_a but_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v show_v their_o dislike_n to_o they_o mourn_v also_o for_o their_o profaneness_n and_o for_o the_o want_n of_o christian_a discipline_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v separate_v yea_o the_o very_a law_n of_o our_o church_n as_o have_v be_v above_o say_v do_v separate_v from_o our_o assembly_n the_o open_a profane_a second_o admit_v they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o shut_v out_o the_o prophanie_n either_o because_o they_o know_v not_o their_o right_n or_o for_o that_o they_o be_v hinder_v and_o restrain_v to_o do_v it_o or_o that_o they_o sin_n in_o not_o use_v their_o right_n in_o this_o case_n or_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o people_n even_o the_o private_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n have_v full_a authority_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n without_o the_o minister_n or_o magistrate_n consent_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v the_o open_a profane_a the_o contrary_a whereof_o have_v be_v before_o sufficient_o prove_v yet_o may_v they_o as_o lawful_o for_o want_v of_o power_n or_o for_o such_o inconvenience_n tolerate_v the_o 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