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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n church_n just_a schism_n 2,608 5 10.7463 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A76080 Independency not Gods ordinance: or A treatise concerning church-government, occasioned by the distractions of these times. Wherein is evidently proved, that the Presbyterian government dependent is Gods ordinance, and not the Presbyterian government independent. To vvhich is annexed a postscript, discovering the uncharitable dealing of the independents towards their Christian brethren, and the fraud and jugglings of many of their pastors and ministers, to the misleading of the poor people, not only to their own detriment, but the hurt of church and state; with the danger of all novelties in religion. / By John Bastvvick, Dr in Physick.; Independency not Gods ordinance. Part 1 Bastwick, John, 1593-1654. 1645 (1645) Wing B1063; Thomason E285_2; ESTC R200066 144,017 171

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any_o such_o term_n be_v the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o convert_a family_n force_v to_o make_v a_o public_a confession_n to_o the_o church_n of_o their_o faith_n &_o to_o give_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o private_a covenant_n before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o be_v the_o church_n assent_n require_v before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o make_v member_n of_o it_o or_o be_v ever_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n they_o impose_v upon_o christian_n now_o require_v at_o believer_n hand_n before_o these_o our_o time_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v abominate_v as_o vain_a tradition_n and_o such_o as_o by_o which_o they_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n make_v devision_n in_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o through_o all_o the_o family_n and_o house_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o neither_o master_n of_o family_n nor_o parent_n have_v any_o rule_n over_o their_o wife_n child_n or_o servant_n their_o 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that_o those_o faithful_a minister_n that_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o teach_v the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o do_v work_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o that_o instruct_v all_o man_n that_o they_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n they_o shall_v serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n and_o teach_v they_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o
〈◊〉_d 164●_n man_n day_n be_v vain_a and_o as_o a_o flower_n they_o fade_v here_o be_v one_o proclaim_v whereon_o man_n life_n be_v stay_v his_o suffering_n change_n comfort_n in_o strict_a thrall_n shen_n god_n alone_a preserve_v and_o govern_v all_o independency_n not_o god_n ordinance_n or_o a_o treatise_n concern_v church-government_n occasion_v by_o the_o distraction_n of_o these_o time_n wherein_o be_v evident_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a to_o which_o be_v annex_v a_o postscript_n discover_v the_o uncharitable_a deal_n of_o the_o independent_o towards_o their_o christian_a brethren_n and_o the_o fraud_n and_o juggle_n of_o many_o of_o their_o pastor_n and_o minister_n to_o the_o mislead_v of_o the_o poor_a people_n not_o only_o to_o their_o own_o detriment_n but_o the_o hurt_n of_o church_n and_o state_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o all_o novelty_n in_o religion_n by_o john_n bastwick_n dr_n in_o physic_n 2_o corin_z 13.8_o for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 1_o thess_n 5.21_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a london_n print_v by_o john_n macock_n for_o michael_n spark_n junior_a and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o blue_a bible_n in_o green-arbour_n 1645._o a_o treatise_n prove_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n dependent_a to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o not_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n independent_a the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n in_o the_o four_o of_o the_o ephesian_n exhort_v all_o christian_n to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o beseem_v brethren_n wish_v they_o with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o meekness_n with_o long_a suffering_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o in_o love_n and_o use_v a_o forceable_a argument_n to_o move_v they_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n because_o say_v he_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o hope_v of_o salvation_n we_o all_o worship_n one_o god_n we_o be_v all_o consecrate_a to_o he_o with_o one_o baptism_n and_o we_o all_o hope_n for_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a glory_n therefore_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n so_o be_v you_o also_o of_o one_o mind_n live_v in_o love_n and_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v need_n of_o this_o exhortation_n there_o be_v now_o singular_a use_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o this_o distract_a nation_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o the_o division_n of_o a_o kingdom_n be_v the_o ruin_n of_o it_o the_o division_n of_o a_o family_n destroy_v it_o the_o division_n between_o brethren_n bring_v a_o confusion_n among_o they_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v that_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n &_o opinion_n have_v make_v a_o difference_n in_o affection_n the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n &_o the_o samaritan_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n make_v the_o disciple_n desire_v that_o fire_n may_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o end_v that_o controversy_n the_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n between_o we_o make_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o bring_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n fetch_v it_o out_o of_o hell_n to_o blow_v up_o the_o parliament_n and_o because_o that_o have_v not_o the_o desire_a effect_n and_o the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n still_o remain_v make_v the_o difference_n of_o their_o affection_n from_o we_o so_o great_a that_o nothing_o can_v expiate_v their_o indignation_n against_o we_o but_o the_o utter_a internetion_n and_o destruction_n of_o we_o all_o and_o this_o and_o this_o only_a next_o unto_o our_o own_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o fatal_a calamity_n this_o miserable_a kingdom_n be_v now_o imbroyl_v with_o and_o therefore_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n among_o brethren_n shall_v be_v use_v to_o get_v a_o right_n understand_v one_o of_o another_o and_o to_o move_v they_o to_o bear_v one_o with_o another_o and_o ever_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o say_n of_o abraham_n to_o lot_n gen._n 13._o let_v not_o we_o contend_v together_o for_o we_o be_v brethren_n i_o be_o most_o assure_v if_o there_o be_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v now_o among_o brethren_n there_o can_v not_o be_v such_o bitter_a expression_n one_o against_o another_o and_o such_o alienation_n of_o affection_n as_o be_v now_o too_o frequent_a and_o too_o well_o know_v to_o the_o common_a enemy_n we_o be_v command_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o be_v in_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n rom._n 12.18_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o discord_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 5_o of_o the_o galathian_o verse_n 15._o if_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o with_o another_o and_o in_o the_o 20._o verse_n hacred_a say_v the_o apostle_n variance_n emulation_n strife_n etc._n etc._n and_o envy_n be_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n a_o double_a misery_n follow_v those_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n misery_n here_o and_o misery_n hereafter_o it_o exclude_v man_n out_o of_o heaven_n the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o sad_a condition_n that_o will_v inevitable_o come_v upon_o that_o land_n kingdom_n and_o church_n where_o those_o variance_n and_o heartburning_n be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o such_o difference_n in_o affection_n put_v i_o chief_o upon_o this_o employment_n to_o see_v and_o try_v if_o by_o any_o possible_a mean_n i_o can_v by_o show_v wherein_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o brethren_n lie_v be_v a_o instrument_n of_o a_o good_a accord_n among_o they_o resolve_v with_o myself_o by_o god_n assistance_n whatsoever_o other_o do_v to_o observe_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o my_o ability_n the_o royal_a law_n jan._n 2.8_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o right_n understand_v one_o of_o another_o opinion_n the_o world_n will_v wonder_v there_o shall_v be_v such_o invective_n in_o every_o pamphlet_n one_o against_o another_o and_o such_o variance_n among_o those_o that_o be_v join_v together_o and_o that_o with_o nigh_a relation_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o misunderstanding_n of_o each_o other_o opinion_n and_o the_o mis-prisian_a of_o each_o other_o intention_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o this_o diversity_n of_o affection_n which_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o holy_a profession_n and_o indeed_o to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o christian_a religion_n every_o where_o too_o much_o vent_v itself_o and_o therefore_o as_o abraham_n say_v unto_o lot_n so_o say_v i_o to_o all_o those_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o wish_v the_o peace_n of_o zion_n let_v not_o we_o contend_v especial_o with_o evil_a language_n for_o we_o be_v brethren_n we_o have_v one_o father_n we_o worship_v one_o god_n we_o have_v one_o light_n one_o truth_n one_o way_n and_o this_o i_o profess_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o i_o contend_v not_o for_o victory_n but_o for_o that_o ancient_a light_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o for_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o beginning_n 1_o john_n 2._o for_o 14._o for_o the_o old_a way_n verse_n 6._o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 14._o and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v never_o prevail_v in_o the_o which_o these_o be_v all_o those_o undeceiveable_a mark_n as_o be_v able_a for_o ever_o to_o declare_v she_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o peter_n in_o which_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v pure_o and_o sincere_o both_o preach_v and_o believe_v and_o where_o the_o sacrament_n be_v right_o administer_v and_o in_o the_o which_o there_o be_v the_o true_a invocation_n of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o requisite_n that_o make_v she_o a_o true_a church_n and_o from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o separation_n that_o i_o have_v dedicate_v this_o treatise_n to_o no_o man_n nor_o seek_v the_o patronage_n of_o any_o authority_n no_o mortal_a creature_n i_o presume_v will_v blame_v i_o know_v my_o reason_n for_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o king_n against_o papal_a usurpation_n i_o dedicate_v my_o book_n unto_o the_o king_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n and_o ireland_n suppose_v myself_o safe_a under_o his_o protection_n who_o honour_n and_o imperial_a dignity_n i_o maintain_v but_o all_o man_n know_v what_o misery_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o i_o my_o
of_o those_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n or_o presbytery_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o particular_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o in_o general_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o all_o the_o church_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v aristocratical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v and_o be_v all_o dependent_a upon_o their_o several_a presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o order_n and_o manage_n of_o that_o government_n lie_v only_o upon_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v their_o peculiar_a who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n now_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n only_o and_o whatsoever_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_v and_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v by_o christ_n command_n and_o that_o order_n and_o constitution_n they_o set_v down_o in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perpetuate_v and_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o violate_v of_o this_o order_n and_o divine_a constitution_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o growth_n of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o very_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o confusion_n that_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o generation_n be_v weary_v and_o annoy_v with_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o schism_n sect_n and_o heresy_n the_o world_n have_v ever_o swarm_v with_o and_o the_o re-establish_a and_o reduce_v of_o it_o to_o its_o pristine_a constitution_n will_v be_v a_o mean_v not_o only_o of_o remove_v all_o scandal_n and_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n among_o brethren_n and_o be_v a_o singular_a mean_n also_o of_o establish_v a_o flourish_a government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o three_o kingdom_n but_o a_o way_n also_o of_o ruine_v that_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o make_v a_o absolute_a reformation_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v we_o therefore_o first_o take_v notice_n what_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n in_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n act_n 1_o ●●_o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n for_o so_o it_o be_v i●_n 〈◊〉_d original_a in_o every_o church_n and_o have_v pray_v with_o fast_v they_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n on_o who_o they_o believe_v here_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o second_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v that_o government_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o every_o church_n for_o so_o say_v the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n this_o be_v god_n ordinance_n act_v 20.17_o and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o see_v there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n and_o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n here_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o god_n dialect_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o so_o likewise_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o their_o government_n this_o church_n therefore_o of_o ephesus_n be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v joint_o by_o they_o by_o a_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v put_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o if_o any_o man_n be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n from_o this_o place_n likewise_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o parity_n between_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v that_o way_n of_o rule_v that_o god_n appoint_v not_o in_o one_o city_n only_o but_o in_o every_o city_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n be_v the_o steward_n in_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o have_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n in_o every_o city_n lay_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o be_v joint_o to_o govern_v and_o order_v by_o the_o common-counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n ch_n 5._o v._n 17._o let_v the_o presbyter_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n still_o we_o ever_o observe_v that_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n hand_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch_n 13.7_o remember_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o vers_fw-la 17._o obey_v say_v he_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o vers_n 24._o salute_v all_o they_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n here_o again_o he_o enjoin_v all_o the_o church_n to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o presbytery_n show_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o for_o their_o minister_n to_o rule_v and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n they_o out_o of_o conscience_n ought_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o that_o for_o a_o double_a reason_n for_o they_o watch_v say_v he_o for_o your_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v also_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n and_o in_o 1_o peter_z 5_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v among_o you_o say_v saint_n peter_n i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o presbyter_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o etc._n etc._n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o saint_n james_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 14._o be_v any_o among_o you_o sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v in_o every_o church_n and_o every_o church_n be_v to_o submit_v itself_o unto_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o act_n 15._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o say_v of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 22._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n and_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o brethren_n and_o act_v 21.17_o and_o when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n say_v saint_n luke_n the_o brethren_n receive_v we_o glad_o and_o the_o day_n follow_v paul_n go_v in_o with_o we_o in_o to_o james_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v present_a from_o all_o which_o place_n and_o many_o more_o which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o in_o all_o city_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n namely_o of_o preach_v and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o be_v of_o rule_v which_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o other_o and_o not_o alone_o and_o that_o consist_v in_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o in_o convent_v man_n before_o they_o upon_o occasion_n in_o admonish_v if_o any_o offend_v in_o suspend_v from_o the_o holy_a communion_n till_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a in_o excommunicate_v and_o cast_v of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o repentance_n in_o receive_v of_o they_o in_o again_o and_o in_o ordain_v of_o
god_n clergy_n i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o admit_v of_o none_o though_o believer_n and_o already_o baptize_v but_o such_o as_o will_v come_v in_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n and_o keep_v out_o the_o poor_a either_o altogether_o or_o as_o long_o as_o please_v they_o without_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v poor_a and_o cast_v they_o out_o again_o upon_o every_o slender_a occasion_n i_o say_v if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o a_o most_o diabolical_a tyranny_n &_o lord_v it_o over_o god_n clergy_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o any_o moderate_a man_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o if_o to_o unchurch_n all_o church_n but_o their_o own_o and_o at_o one_o blast_n to_o proclaim_v they_o all_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o be_v not_o more_o than_o a_o diotrephian_a prelatical_a and_o papal_a authority_n there_o be_v never_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n clergy_n there_o be_v never_o any_o know_v now_o i_o say_v if_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n do_v so_o timely_o begin_v their_o absolute_a lord_v of_o it_o what_o will_v they_o do_v if_o their_o government_n be_v establish_v by_o authority_n their_o ministry_n and_o government_n be_v far_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n for_o they_o invite_v all_o the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o and_o to_o buy_v milk_n yea_o to_o come_v in_o and_o buy_v milk_n without_o money_n isa_n 55.1_o and_o saint_n paul_n for_o the_o encourage_v the_o poor_a to_o come_v in_o say_v not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a but_o the_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n have_v the_o lord_n make_v choice_n of_o intimate_v unto_o the_o poor_a that_o they_o have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o heaven_n as_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n our_o saviour_n have_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n but_o the_o poor_a be_v with_o he_o as_o acceptable_a as_o the_o rich_a if_o they_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v with_o their_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v all_o the_o condition_n that_o christ_n require_v in_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o his_o church_n now_o when_o these_o presbyter_n already_o make_v so_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a and_o between_o believer_n and_o believer_n as_o they_o will_v admit_v none_o but_o at_o their_o own_o time_n and_o upon_o their_o own_o condition_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o this_o be_v a_o most_o tyrannical_o lord_v it_o over_o god_n clergy_n and_o inheritance_n which_o when_o they_o daily_o do_v it_o and_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o their_o rule_n and_o domination_n be_v more_o prelatical_a and_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o that_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o from_o the_o independent_a presbyter_n they_o can_v never_o expect_v any_o appeal_n for_o relief_n and_o redress_n whatsoever_o wrong_a or_o injury_n they_o have_v sustain_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n why_o any_o shall_v so_o traduce_v the_o presbitry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o think_v they_o will_v lord_n it_o over_o the_o people_n from_o who_o they_o may_v ever_o expect_v far_o better_a measure_n than_o ever_o they_o can_v from_o the_o independent_a presbitry_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v once_o be_v establish_v will_v tend_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o enslave_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o confusion_n upon_o both_o church_n and_o state_n but_o now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o before_o the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o have_v compare_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o presbyter_n independent_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n so_o now_o likewise_o here_o to_o paragonate_v they_o together_o in_o their_o proceed_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n that_o all_o man_n may_v see_v in_o that_o regard_n also_o which_o of_o their_o endeavour_n tend_v most_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o and_o which_o of_o they_o do_v more_o real_o and_o true_o tend_v not_o only_o to_o god_n glory_n but_o to_o the_o peace_n also_o of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o labour_v and_o endeavour_v as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o hope_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n over_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o one_o true_a christian_n religion_n eph._n 4._o so_o that_o this_o only_a may_v be_v establish_v through_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o erroneous_a way_n of_o worship_v and_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o tend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o perdition_n and_o make_v disturbance_n in_o church_n and_o state_n may_v not_o public_o be_v tolerate_v the_o independent_o on_o the_o contrary_a both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o in_o all_o their_o bitter_a rail_n and_o intolerable_a pamphlet_n as_o that_o of_o the_o compassionate_a samaritan_n the_o storm_a of_o antichrist_n and_o that_o of_o the_o arraignment_n of_o persecution_n and_o in_o many_o more_o of_o their_o scurrilous_a writing_n plead_v for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n under_o pretence_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v as_o judiansme_n turkism_n popery_n paganism_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o sect_n and_o for_o the_o confirm_v of_o this_o their_o diabolical_a tenant_n they_o bring_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n who_o suffer_v all_o religion_n among_o they_o and_o the_o example_n of_o poland_n transsilvania_n and_o holland_n those_o pantheon_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o parable_n where_o christ_n command_v that_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o grow_v together_o till_o the_o harvest_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o use_v or_o abuse_v rather_o some_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o as_o they_o conceive_v make_v all_o for_o a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o all_o which_o their_o pretence_n i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n brief_o answer_v after_o i_o have_v set_v down_o some_o ground_n out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o produce_v some_o example_n of_o god_n dear_a child_n friend_n and_o servant_n out_o of_o the_o same_o which_o must_v be_v the_o warrant_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o follow_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v before_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 1_o cor._n 10._o rom._n 15._o and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n serant_n we_o be_v ever_o teach_v that_o diversity_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o his_o seed_n who_o example_n all_o that_o be_v he_o and_o their_o child_n oughtto_n set_v before_o their_o eye_n for_o imitation_n the_o lord_n call_v abraham_n as_o it_o be_v in_o joshua_n 24._o out_o of_o his_o father_n terah_n house_n and_o from_o his_o kindred_n when_o they_o serve_v other_o god_n &_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a set_v down_o in_o the_o 12._o of_o genesis_n and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o in_o special_a in_o the_o 17._o of_o genesis_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o lord_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n and_o set_v down_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n which_o be_v that_o abraham_n shall_v walk_v before_o he_o and_o be_v perfect_a and_o that_o then_o he_o will_v be_v his_o god_n all_o sufficient_a to_o provide_v for_o he_o and_o protect_v he_o wheresoever_o he_o come_v which_o covenant_n the_o lord_n ever_o keep_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n when_o they_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n walk_v upright_o before_o he_o as_o he_o will_v do_v to_o all_o his_o child_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n walk_v in_o father_n abraham_n step_n and_o of_o abraham_n the_o lord_n say_v this_o in_o the_o 18._o of_o genesis_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18_o 19_o shall_v i_o hide_v from_o abraham_n that_o which_o i_o do_v see_v that_o abraham_n shall_v become_v a_o great_a and_o a_o mighty_a nation_n and_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o
that_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n cease_v not_o to_o teach_v &_o preach_v jesus_n christ._n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o preach_v both_o public_o and_o private_o and_o the_o very_a place_n where_o they_o preach_v be_v set_v down_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n so_o that_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n according_a to_o that_o in_o the_o 2._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la the_o 46._o where_o it_o say_v that_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n which_o by_o all_o interpreter_n be_v understand_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o the_o several_a assembly_n and_o congregation_n be_v wont_v usual_o to_o meet_v in_o private_a house_n be_v frequent_a mention_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o in_o the_o 16._o of_o the_o roman_n verse_n the_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o 1._o of_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 16._o vers_fw-la 19_o col._n 4.14_o and_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n vers_fw-la 20._o say_v that_o he_o keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a unto_o they_o but_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n so_o that_o they_o have_v their_o assembly_n as_o well_o private_a as_o public_a even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n where_o they_o do_v partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o that_o church_n also_o they_o have_v many_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o church_n but_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o six_o chapter_n where_o in_o the_o 1_o 2_o 3_o and_z 7_o verses_z it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o grecian_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o their_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o their_o daily_a ministration_n then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n but_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n vers_fw-la 7._o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o word_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n brief_o of_o these_o observables_n the_o first_o of_o the_o cunning_a and_o policy_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o when_o he_o can_v by_o all_o his_o wile_n and_o stratagem_n assault_v the_o church_n without_o than_o he_o labour_v to_o assail_v it_o within_o as_o here_o with_o civil_a discord_n and_o difference_n among_o brethren_n and_o in_o other_o church_n in_o all_o age_n even_o in_o and_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o dissension_n in_o opinion_n by_o sect_n schism_n faction_n and_o heresy_n and_o by_o these_o his_o wile_n and_o craft_n he_o first_o bring_v in_o difference_n in_o opinion_n and_o afterward_o diversity_n of_o affection_n and_o that_o among_o brethren_n and_o all_o this_o he_o do_v that_o in_o fine_a he_o may_v bring_v ruin_n upon_o they_o all_o and_o thus_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n raise_v a_o controversy_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o greek_n who_o complain_v that_o their_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n as_o either_o that_o they_o be_v not_o make_v deaconess_n as_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v or_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o equal_a distribution_n of_o the_o alm_n according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o church_n who_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n to_o that_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v part_v to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v need_n act_v 2._o vers_fw-la 44_o 45._o chap._n 4._o v._n 35._o and_o this_o their_o supposition_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o controversy_n the_o second_o abservable_a be_v to_o who_o the_o differ_v and_o dissent_v party_n do_v apply_v themselves_o and_o appeal_v and_o that_o be_v to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o college_n of_o apostle_n not_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o particular_o but_o to_o the_o twelve_o as_o in_o that_o difference_n at_o antioch_n act_v 15._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n appeal_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n and_o in_o both_o those_o difference_n all_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n order_n and_o that_o willing_o and_o this_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o rule_n for_o order_v of_o all_o controversy_n that_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n set_v before_o they_o decide_v all_o debate_n in_o religion_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o precedent_n they_o have_v lay_v down_o unto_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n here_o i_o say_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n and_o college_n of_o the_o apostle_n determine_v the_o business_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n pretend_v their_o own_o independent_a authority_n though_o several_a congregation_n or_o challenge_v a_o power_n within_o themselves_o of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o determine_v of_o difference_n among_o themselves_o or_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v authority_n within_o themselves_o to_o make_v their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o will_v be_v order_v or_o that_o they_o challenge_v any_o such_o privilege_n unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o all_o appeal_v unto_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o free_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o arbitrement_n and_o to_o the_o order_n they_o set_v down_o as_o the_o story_n specifi_v the_o three_o observable_a be_v the_o employment_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o take_v up_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o their_o employment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o their_o ministry_n be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n increase_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o disciple_n multiply_v in_o jerusalem_n great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o such_o multitude_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o teacher_n and_o so_o many_o apostle_n and_o all_o of_o they_o take_v up_o in_o preach_v and_o where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o different_a nation_n and_o such_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o at_o any_o one_o time_n or_o in_o any_o one_o place_n to_o edification_n and_o that_o they_o may_v all_o communicate_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n but_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v avoid_v confusion_n and_o all_o that_o i_o now_o speak_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v many_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o all_o make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o that_o that_o church_n be_v presbyterian_o govern_v but_o that_o i_o may_v make_v this_o truth_n more_o evident_o yet_o appear_v i_o will_v first_o out_o of_o the_o former_a discourse_n frame_v several_a argument_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o the_o ensue_a history_n and_o out_o of_o all_o these_o six_o chapter_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v eight_o thousand_o new_a convert_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o few_o miracle_n and_o sermon_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o society_n of_o believer_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ministry_n before_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o the_o which_o also_o there_o be_v afterward_o great_a multitude_n of_o believer_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n join_v in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a officer_n and_o soldier_n in_o awe_n and_o strike_v a_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o they_o there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o
do_v when_o the_o prelate_n be_v in_o their_o ruff_n but_o out_o of_o this_o place_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v twelve_o of_o the_o most_o able_a painfull_a and_o diligent_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o preach_v and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o public_o come_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o where_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v unto_o in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o tongue_n there_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o they_o all_o both_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o hot_a persecution_n there_o be_v the_o twelve_o apostle_n the_o most_o able_a painful_a and_o diligent_a preacher_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o public_o come_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o where_o there_o be_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o preach_v unto_o in_o their_o several_a language_n and_o tongue_n therefore_o of_o necessity_n there_o must_v be_v several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o they_o all_o both_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n for_o this_o syllogism_n all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v so_o clear_v by_o what_o have_v former_o be_v say_v as_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v no_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v either_o of_o the_o proposition_n in_o question_n but_o from_o the_o former_a place_n i_o thus_o further_o argue_v where_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n still_o remain_v even_o in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n as_o have_v for_o many_o year_n employ_v and_o continual_o take_v up_o above_o a_o hundred_o painful_a minister_n and_o teacher_n there_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o much_o more_o now_o they_o be_v force_v unto_o it_o if_o they_o will_v avoid_v persecution_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n there_o be_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o country_n still_o remain_v as_o have_v for_o many_o year_n employ_v and_o continual_o take_v up_o above_o a_o hundred_o painful_a minister_n and_o teacher_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n but_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v and_o much_o more_o now_o be_v they_o force_v unto_o it_o if_o they_o will_v avoid_v persecution_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o safety_n the_o major_n of_o this_o syllogism_n by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n which_o we_o may_v not_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o disputation_n especial_o relinquish_v be_v manifest_a and_o evident_a for_o the_o minor_a it_o be_v also_o apparent_a from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o their_o preacher_n only_o be_v scatter_v and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o be_v at_o the_o choose_v the_o apostle_n mathias_n chap._n 1._o and_o many_o more_o that_o instruct_v the_o people_n but_o for_o the_o people_n and_o believer_n they_o remain_v still_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o conclusion_n therefore_o be_v firm_a but_o i_o will_v now_o go_v on_o to_o evince_v that_o after_o the_o persecution_n there_o be_v more_o believer_n still_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o can_v all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n and_o room_n together_o and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v distribute_v into_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n the_o place_n follow_v will_v suffice_v and_o first_o that_o in_o the_o 9_o chap._n of_o the_o act_n verse_n 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n through_o all_o juden_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v all_o edify_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v multiply_v out_o of_o which_o word_n it_o may_v evident_o appear_v that_o persecution_n be_v but_o the_o bellows_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n think_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o it_o make_v it_o but_o more_o glorious_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o far_a to_o spread_v its_o ray_n for_o by_o blow_v and_o puff_v at_o it_o they_o spread_v it_o the_o more_o and_o extend_v it_o here_o and_o there_o far_o abroad_o as_o we_o see_v by_o this_o persecution_n and_o scatter_n of_o those_o preacher_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o their_o dispersion_n by_o which_o the_o persecuter_n have_v think_v to_o have_v waste_v the_o church_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n every_o where_n and_o here_o we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o by_o how_o much_o more_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o enemy_n be_v great_a and_o violent_a by_o so_o much_o it_o be_v less_o durable_a for_o this_o great_a persecution_n be_v but_o short_a and_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v but_o they_o who_o be_v scatter_v by_o persecution_n will_v upon_o the_o cease_n of_o it_o return_v again_o to_o jerusalem_n as_o most_o people_n common_o do_v to_o their_o own_o country_n city_n and_o place_n of_o habitation_n after_o persecution_n and_o this_o also_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o induce_v other_o to_o the_o love_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o see_v god_n so_o much_o favour_v the_o lover_n and_o prefessor_n of_o the_o which_o the_o lord_n so_o preserve_v comfort_v and_o follow_v with_o so_o many_o mercy_n and_o uphold_v in_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n never_o forsake_v nor_o never_o leave_v they_o but_o if_o those_o that_o be_v scatter_v have_v never_o return_v that_o make_v nothing_o for_o the_o weak_z the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n still_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o this_o text_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o decrease_v after_o the_o dispersion_n out_o of_o the_o which_o word_n i_o thus_o argue_v that_o church_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o who_o minister_n and_o pastor_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o have_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o it_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o they_o can_v not_o all_o meet_v in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o ast_n of_o worship_n but_o be_v force_v to_o preach_v in_o divers_a and_o sundry_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o after_o the_o persecution_n cease_v and_o the_o church_n have_v rest_n be_v greatly_o yet_o multiply_v than_o before_o and_o who_o company_n be_v more_o and_o more_o in_o number_n increase_v they_o of_o necessity_n can_v not_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o one_o place_n or_o room_n for_o edification_n and_o to_o partake_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o must_v necessary_o be_v distribute_v into_o divers_a and_o sundry_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v all_o be_v edify_v but_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o persecution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o her_o minister_n and_o pastor_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o have_v such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o it_o of_o all_o 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they_o leave_v a_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o age_n for_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n in_o a_o city_n or_o vicinity_n to_o unite_v into_o one_o church_n and_o for_o the_o officer_n and_o presbyter_n of_o these_o congregation_n to_o govern_v that_o church_n joint_o in_o a_o college_n and_o presbytery_n and_o for_o a_o three_o instance_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o assembly_n act_v not_o by_o a_o apostollicall_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n no_o more_o than_o the_o presbyter_n do_v as_o when_o they_o be_v write_v of_o scripture_n but_o state_v the_o question_n and_o debate_v it_o from_o scripture_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o it_o be_v at_o large_a discuss_v in_o act._n 15._o which_o we_o never_o read_v they_o do_v when_o they_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v by_o dispute_v argue_v and_o search_v the_o scripture_n find_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n thereupon_o they_o determine_v the_o question_n say_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o the_o assembly_n now_o of_o divine_n or_o any_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v upon_o like_a assurance_n of_o scripture_n warrant_v may_v do_v in_o this_o action_n also_o and_o their_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n leave_v a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n viz._n to_o congregate_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o some_o one_o place_n to_z state_z the_o question_n and_o to_o debate_v they_o from_o scripture_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o write_a word_n as_o their_o rule_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v to_o do_v it_o by_o joint_a consent_n and_o the_o common_a council_n of_o they_o all_o or_o by_o the_o most_o voice_n but_o in_o all_o this_o their_o proceed_n they_o must_v ever_o cleave_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o warrantable_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n deduce_v from_o thence_o as_o then_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v yea_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n signify_v the_o judge_n counsellor_n magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o that_o church_n who_o have_v the_o key_n commit_v unto_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o their_o place_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a overseer_n of_o that_o church_n as_o they_o be_v tie_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n be_v in_o that_o church_n and_o be_v assign_v in_o their_o several_a place_n to_o execute_v their_o office_n and_o to_o look_v to_o their_o particular_a charge_n in_o the_o government_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a or_o absent_a the_o presbyter_n have_v the_o government_n lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v teach_v contrary_a to_o this_o constitution_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n gal._n 1._o i_o be_o confident_a the_o presbyter_n will_v not_o have_v obey_v they_o nor_o have_v relinquish_v their_o authority_n neither_o ought_v they_o but_o will_v still_o have_v keep_v that_o rule_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o particular_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o several_a action_n and_o in_o all_o those_o act_n of_o government_n join_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o the_o presbyter_n as_o i_o look_v upon_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o kingdom_n where_o all_o the_o judge_n have_v equal_a power_n &_o authority_n in_o decisive_a vote_v and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n sit_v at_o any_o time_n in_o council_n with_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v act_n as_o authoritative_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o &_o i_o be_o ever_o able_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a against_o any_o man_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v as_o well_o conclude_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o may_v say_v we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n as_o any_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o parliament_n whether_o of_o the_o lord_n or_o commons_o may_v as_o well_o say_v we_o have_v make_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o any_o twenty_o of_o they_o or_o the_o whole_a council_n and_o that_o without_o disparagement_n or_o impeach_v the_o dignity_n of_o any_o when_o they_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o assent_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o very_a notion_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o presbyter_n in_o jerusalem_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o in_o my_o contemplation_n i_o look_v upon_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o now_o sit_v in_o the_o great_a council_n as_o the_o grand_a civil_a presbytry_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o all_o bind_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v pass_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o common-counsel_n of_o they_o all_o and_o who_o place_n and_o office_n it_o be_v to_o command_v and_o rule_v and_o the_o people_n office_n and_o place_n to_o obey_v and_o yield_v subjection_n to_o whatsoever_o they_o command_v and_o enjoin_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v resist_v this_o their_o just_a authority_n be_v guilty_a of_o contumacy_n and_o be_v high_a offender_n and_o delinquent_n for_o god_n have_v lay_v the_o government_n upon_o they_o and_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o subject_n who_o may_v not_o without_o a_o public_a cale_fw-la intermeddle_v with_o matter_n of_o government_n and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n i_o look_v upon_o presbyter_n as_o god_n peculiar_a servant_n and_o as_o upon_o the_o steward_n counsellor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o man_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o their_o flock_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o who_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o soul_n all_o people_n under_o their_o several_a presbyter_n so_o far_o as_o they_o command_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n be_v to_o yield_v obedience_n and_o much_o to_o reverence_n and_o honour_v they_o and_o this_o according_a to_o god_n command_n for_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o slit_v as_o the_o fag_n end_v of_o the_o clergy_n as_o many_o black_a mouth_n and_o profane_a lip_n speak_v of_o they_o for_o the_o presbyter_n they_o have_v their_o authority_n as_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o king_n and_o state_n have_v they_o and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o more_o supreme_a orb_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a concernment_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v venerate_v as_o man_n watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o contumelious_a speech_n against_o they_o deserve_v severe_a punishment_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o presbyter_n of_o this_o kingdom_n in_o these_o our_o day_n have_v deserve_v better_a from_o the_o church_n the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n not_o only_o in_o desire_v a_o perfect_a and_o through_o reformation_n in_o both_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o in_o that_o they_o have_v stand_v now_o so_o cordial_o to_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o more_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o before_o they_o and_o have_v cleave_v most_o faithful_o to_o the_o parliament_n &_o have_v be_v also_o a_o most_o singular_a mean_n of_o keep_v the_o people_n whersoever_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v in_o obedience_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v they_o deserve_v well_o yea_o better_a not_o only_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o all_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o present_a than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o their_o memory_n ought_v to_o be_v famous_a to_o all_o posterity_n for_o this_o their_o good_a service_n and_o that_o government_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n if_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o shall_v now_o labour_v to_o establish_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o on_o they_o they_o may_v not_o only_o promise_v unto_o themselves_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n and_o peace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o state_n but_o also_o immortal_a praise_n from_o all_o succeed_a age_n have_v take_v leave_n to_o make_v this_o digression_n i_o will_v now_o to_o my_o business_n and_o prove_v that_o
seem_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n they_o plain_o overthrow_v it_o for_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o church_n the_o right_a therefore_o of_o the_o key_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n who_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n act._n 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n although_o his_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n yet_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n only_o execute_v that_o act_n of_o government_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o people_n also_o assent_v unto_o it_o even_o as_o we_o see_v daily_o and_o experience_n teach_v we_o in_o all_o well_o order_v corporation_n when_o the_o king_n or_o counsel_n write_v unto_o any_o city_n ot_fw-mi corporation_n though_o their_o mandate_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o corporation_n for_o the_o raise_v either_o of_o man_n or_o money_n or_o about_o any_o other_o employment_n of_o public_a concernment_n the_o major_n alderman_n and_o common-council_n and_o the_o officer_n under_o they_o only_o manage_v the_o business_n for_o that_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n and_o the_o people_n under_o they_o do_v yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o they_o order_n and_o command_v and_o intermeddle_v not_o in_o that_o employment_n as_o know_v very_o well_o it_o be_v their_o right_n and_o place_n only_o to_o obey_v and_o even_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o presbyter_n only_o exercise_v the_o government_n and_o order_v all_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n injunction_n and_o the_o people_n assent_v unto_o it_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n and_o the_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n and_o many_o more_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o time_n when_o not_o only_o the_o man_n in_o every_o assembly_n but_o the_o very_a woman_n in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n as_o member_n challenge_v a_o power_n and_o right_a both_o in_o the_o elect_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o of_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o of_o cast_v out_o and_o excommunicate_v which_o before_o these_o our_o time_n be_v never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n when_o as_o the_o right_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o the_o key_n as_o i_o have_v often_o prove_v peculiar_o belong_v unto_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o people_n neither_o man_n nor_o woman_n aught_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v in_o short_a time_n it_o will_v overthrow_v all_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o gross_a a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n concern_v the_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n arise_v from_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o the_o other_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o as_o corporation_n as_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o as_o on_o their_o now_o suck_v independent_a new_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n such_o as_o many_o of_o those_o be_v whereas_o those_o several_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o another_o notion_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n unite_v into_o one_o church_n or_o body_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o govern_v by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n and_o by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o three_o several_a presbyter_n all_o these_o several_a congregation_n make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o never_o so_o much_o daily_o increase_v and_o keep_v still_o the_o name_n and_o denomination_n of_o such_o a_o church_n either_o from_o the_o place_n city_z country_n or_o nation_n or_o several_a language_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o greek_a church_n the_o latin_a church_n or_o from_o the_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o ephesus_n rome_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o consist_v of_o never_o so_o many_o congregation_n and_o assembly_n they_o ever_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o be_v account_v but_o one_o church_n in_o their_o several_a place_n as_o at_o this_o day_n the_o church_n of_o geneva_n though_o it_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v count_v but_o one_o church_n as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o conceive_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o those_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o of_o their_o congregation_n cause_v through_o this_o mistake_n that_o great_a confusion_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o indepency_n when_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o very_a church_n be_v not_o independent_a but_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o antioch_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o matter_n which_o meet_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n for_o synodical_a act_n of_o government_n be_v no_o weak_a proof_n of_o meeting_n for_o presbyterial_a act_n of_o government_n unless_o man_n will_v suppose_v that_o they_o who_o be_v careful_a to_o assist_v other_o church_n do_v neglect_v their_o own_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o take_v no_o course_n of_o govern_v they_o yea_o act_n 15.2_o it_o do_v most_o certain_o prove_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o the_o which_o place_n i_o thus_o argue_v where_o the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o order_v and_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n and_o presbyter_n do_v govern_v and_o many_o congregation_n be_v by_o they_o govern_v yet_o so_o that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v one_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a government_n all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a out_o of_o the_o place_n above_o specify_v and_o from_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o in_o the_o 21._o chapter_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v many_o ten_o thousand_o of_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o can_v not_o all_o be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o place_n but_o must_v of_o necetssity_n be_v distribute_v into_o many_o and_o several_a congregation_n and_o assembly_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o make_v but_o one_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a act._n 8._o ver_fw-la 1._o and_o many_o other_o place_n the_o which_o congregation_n can_v not_o be_v one_o politic_a ministerial_a church_n except_o only_o because_o they_o be_v unite_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v aristocrattical_o and_o presbyterial_o govern_v yea_o the_o very_a mention_v so_o often_o of_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o prove_v that_o they_o meet_v together_o about_o act_n of_o government_n from_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v that_o scripture_n which_o prove_v a_o presbytery_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n but_o the_o place_n above_o coat_v prove_v a_o presbytry_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o a_o association_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n and_o do_v real_o govern_v that_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v presbyterial_o govern_v for_o the_o major_a the_o brethren_n can_v deny_v it_o for_o the_o very_a name_n of_o presbytery_n signify_v a_o company_n or_o common-council_n of_o ruler_n governor_n and_o magistrate_n now_o all_o man_n know_v that_o governout_n in_o common_a can_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n neglect_v the_o work_n commit_v to_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n neither_o can_v they_o deny_v the_o minor_a unless_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o express_o declare_v that_o james_n and_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o and_o our_o brethren_n take_v their_o warrant_n from_o that_o place_n for_o the_o presbyter_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n to_o consult_v and_o to_o prepare_v matter_n yea_o
of_o god_n he_o be_v both_o ordain_v and_o put_v in_o office_n without_o the_o approbation_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o business_n but_o only_o stand_v amaze_v and_o say_v be_v not_o this_o he_o that_o destroy_v they_o which_o call_v on_o this_o name_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o come_v hither_o for_o that_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v they_o bind_v unto_o the_o high_a priest_n the_o minister_n in_o those_o day_n when_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n they_o only_o admit_v member_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n into_o the_o church_n without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n but_o in_o these_o our_o day_n wherein_o people_n have_v get_v itch_a ear_n and_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o humour_n such_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n they_o teach_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o bring_v forth_o new_o bear_v light_n to_o the_o darken_n of_o truth_n itself_o and_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o confusion_n on_o all_o thing_n see_v what_o saint_n james_n say_v in_o his_o 5._o chap_a to_o all_o church_n and_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n it_o any_o man_n sick_a say_v he_o let_v he_o send_v for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o the_o apostle_n james_n here_o send_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o every_o church_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n delegated_a unto_o they_o for_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o who_o office_n only_o it_o be_v to_o pronounce_v pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o sick_a upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n if_o they_o have_v offend_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n and_o so_o scandalize_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v the_o presbyter_n place_n and_o office_n to_o admit_v they_o again_o into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n upon_o their_o cordial_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o that_o without_o ask_v the_o church_n any_o leave_n for_o as_o the_o presbyter_n only_o have_v the_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o offender_n out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o only_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o not_o the_o church_n so_o if_o we_o look_v into_o all_o those_o epistle_n that_o be_v write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v to_o the_o precedent_n of_o every_o several_a presbitry_n establish_v and_o constitute_v in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o i_o to_o prove_v a_o counsel_n or_o college_n of_o godly_a minister_n in_o every_o one_o of_o those_o city_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n to_o titus_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n not_o one_o but_o many_o and_o in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n ver_fw-la 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n etc._n etc._n many_o presbyter_n a_o college_n of_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o every_o church_n and_o so_o in_o the_o 20._o of_o the_o act_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o that_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o common_a ver_fw-la 28._o there_o be_v a_o college_n of_o they_o constitute_v in_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o for_o order_v sake_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o must_v have_v a_o precedent_n who_o by_o the_o way_n of_o excellency_n and_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o other_o be_v call_v a_o angel_n as_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n rev._n 11.1_o declare_v say_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o in_o our_o dialect_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n of_o distinguish_v the_o precedent_n of_o those_o counsel_n from_o the_o other_o judge_n in_o those_o assembly_n we_o say_v master_n speaker_n in_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n or_o commons_o or_o of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o say_v master_n prolocutor_n and_o if_o any_o have_v occasion_n to_o write_v to_o either_o house_n or_o to_o the_o assembly_n they_o direct_v their_o letter_n to_o the_o speaker_n or_o to_o the_o prolocutor_n who_o communicate_v they_o to_o each_o assembly_n as_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o each_o society_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o all_o these_o precedent_n by_o that_o their_o place_n of_o honour_n and_o eminency_n have_v any_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n then_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o in_o the_o cast_a voice_n when_o the_o party_n upon_o any_o occasion_n be_v for_o number_v equal_a and_o for_o appoint_v of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n and_o for_o the_o methodical_a and_o orderly_a carriage_n of_o the_o business_n yea_o it_o be_v ever_o observe_v wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o precedent_n there_o be_v a_o college_n or_o council_n or_o a_o court_n nature_n dictate_v this_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n prove_v it_o and_o withal_o by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o counsel_n or_o college_n to_o who_o god_n himself_o write_v and_o direct_v his_o letter_n for_o redress_v of_o abuse_n have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o rectify_v of_o thing_n amiss_o &_o that_o it_o peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o to_o the_o magistrate_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o order_v thing_n according_a to_o direction_n and_o to_o punish_v and_o cast_v out_o offender_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o the_o great_a counsel_n and_o parliament_n of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o make_v not_o the_o people_n acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v but_o so_o far_o as_o it_o please_v themselves_o and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n church_n by_o the_o first_o constitution_n every_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n as_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o this_o of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o other_o six_o church_n in_o all_o the_o which_o the_o presbyter_n by_o their_o sole_a authority_n govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n word_n without_o take_v the_o people_n in_o to_o counsel_v with_o they_o who_o be_v not_o where_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a by_o those_o example_n i_o have_v now_o produce_v and_o many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v add_v and_o from_o the_o commission_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o minister_n that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o their_o voice_n either_o for_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o to_o be_v member_n in_o any_o church_n or_o in_o the_o ea_n out_o of_o any_o for_o their_o delinquency_n much_o less_o have_v they_o authority_n to_o require_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o congregation_n or_o to_o exact_v of_o they_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o true_a conversion_n or_o to_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o they_o some_o time_n before_o admission_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a private_a covenant_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n for_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o god_n word_n much_o less_o any_o command_n only_o in_o act_n the_o sixth_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v that_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a encumbrance_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v upon_o their_o ministry_n and_o preach_v give_v the_o people_n liberty_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o deacon_n but_o still_o keep_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v they_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n which_o always_o be_v arbitrary_a in_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v exercise_v it_o or_o no_o neither_o will_v the_o apostle_n have_v ordain_v they_o unless_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v have_v be_v man_n so_o qualify_v as_o they_o have_v appoint_v for_o otherwise_o it_o lay_v in_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v ordain_v they_o or_o no._n but_o that_o ever_o the_o congregation_n or_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o
of_o ordain_v of_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o where_o extant_a in_o god_n word_n but_o that_o the_o woman_n shall_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o the_o church_n either_o for_o receive_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o peter_n key_n it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n for_o paul_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinth_n 14._o make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o confusion_n in_o any_o church_n where_o woman_n have_v their_o voice_n say_v god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n follow_v in_o express_a word_n say_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v unto_o they_o to_o speak_v but_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v under_o obedience_n as_o also_o say_v the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o will_v learn_v any_o thing_n let_v they_o ask_v their_o husband_n at_o home_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o s._n paul_n write_v to_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n he_o write_v to_o all_o church_n and_o proclaim_v that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o they_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 37._o so_o that_o god_n have_v command_v that_o the_o woman_n shall_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n they_o shall_v and_o yet_o in_o these_o our_o day_n and_o in_o many_o of_o the_o new_a congregation_n they_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o choose_v of_o officer_n and_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o have_v all_o of_o they_o peter_n key_n as_o their_o girdle_n and_o make_v learned_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o dispute_v question_n and_o debate_n of_o matter_n and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la as_o it_o be_v credible_o report_v and_o other_o of_o they_o set_v forth_o and_o print_v learned_a treatise_n in_o polemicall_a divinity_n with_o great_a applause_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o independent_a minister_n who_o cite_v their_o authority_n and_o quote_v they_o in_o their_o writing_n as_o classical_a author_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o ludibry_n of_o religion_n and_o howsoever_o there_o be_v not_o any_o that_o shall_v more_o honour_v the_o true_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a of_o that_o sex_n than_o myself_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o i_o see_v how_o far_o they_o become_v transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n &_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v not_o only_o forbid_v but_o proclaim_v a_o shame_n i_o can_v but_o exceed_o blame_v they_o &_o those_o minister_n that_o allow_v of_o and_o approve_v of_o such_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o special_a care_n in_o the_o apostle_n to_o prevent_v this_o evil_a of_o woman_n intermeddle_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n he_o foresee_v the_o confusion_n that_o will_v be_v bring_v in_o upon_o it_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o to_o all_o minister_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v he_o give_v he_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o cap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 11.12_o he_o say_v let_v the_o woman_n learn_v in_o silence_n with_o all_o subjection_n for_o i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n for_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v than_o eve_n and_o adam_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o the_o woman_n be_v deceive_v be_v in_o the_o transgression_n etc._n etc._n here_o the_o apostle_n again_o and_o agun_fw-ge twice_o in_o these_o few_o word_n enjoin_v they_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n and_o impose_v upon_o they_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n i_o suffer_v not_o say_v he_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v or_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n and_o he_o give_v his_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n because_o say_v he_o adam_n be_v first_o make_v not_o by_o the_o woman_n nor_o of_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o she_o may_v usurp_v no_o authority_n over_o the_o masculine_a sex_n especial_o in_o god_n matter_n and_o she_o be_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n if_o the_o man_n and_o not_o the_o man_n her_o scholar_n and_o therefore_o that_o superiority_n that_o the_o god_n of_o order_n have_v establish_v upon_o the_o man_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n he_o do_v now_o re-establish_a upon_o he_o again_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n after_o all_o thing_n through_o sin_n have_v be_v disorder_v and_o confuse_a and_o command_v the_o woman_n to_o be_v both_o subject_n and_o silent_a especial_o in_o the_o church_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o command_n be_v because_o the_o woman_n be_v first_o in_o the_o transgression_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o adam_n fall_n as_o he_o accuse_v she_o and_o her_o dispute_v and_o voice_n of_o it_o then_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o all_o mankind_n and_o for_o this_o she_o so_o do_v s._n paul_n conclude_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o that_o she_o ought_v to_o hold_v her_o peace_n &_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o her_o husband_n and_o aught_o to_o learn_v in_o silence_n at_o home_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o they_o come_v to_o voice_n it_o once_o again_o in_o the_o church_n as_o eve_n bring_v confusion_n upon_o mankind_n by_o her_o disputation_n and_o reason_n so_o these_o with_o their_o loquacity_n and_o babble_n and_o confusion_n of_o voice_n will_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a babel_n into_o the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o they_o have_v pretty_o well_o already_o begin_v to_o do_v saint_n paul_n say_v i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n here_o the_o apostle_n as_o in_o the_o place_n above_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o cor._n chap._n 14._o command_v they_o silence_n and_o permit_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v and_o express_o forbid_v they_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n that_o be_v the_o virill_a sex_n now_o i_o appeal_v unto_o any_o understand_a creature_n whether_o or_o no_o to_o make_v large_a part_n of_o speech_n in_o the_o church_n as_o many_o of_o they_o upon_o occasion_n do_v and_o dispute_v and_o give_v their_o reason_n con_v &_o pro_fw-la be_v not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o whither_o to_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o either_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o be_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o they_o that_o have_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n of_o either_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o fellowship_n or_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o hinder_v their_o come_n in_o or_o have_v their_o voice_n for_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o when_o they_o be_v receive_v exercise_n and_o usurp_v authority_n over_o those_o they_o so_o deal_v with_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v against_o the_o express_a prohibition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v usurp_v this_o authority_n and_o all_o those_o minister_n that_o have_v permit_v they_o so_o to_o do_v or_o tanght_n this_o doctrine_n unto_o they_o be_v all_o guilty_a of_o great_a contumacy_n against_o god_n and_o ought_v serious_o to_o repent_v for_o this_o their_o temerity_n and_o rebellion_n and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o immortal_a honour_n of_o those_o woman_n that_o have_v not_o intermedle_v &_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o speedy_a course_n take_v by_o authority_n to_o forbid_v such_o disorder_n we_o may_v promise_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o confusion_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v observe_v that_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o country_n when_o woman_n that_o be_v subject_n intermeddle_v in_o government_n and_o matter_n of_o state_n that_o that_o kingdom_n and_o country_n be_v very_o craze_a and_o not_o far_o from_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o we_o need_v not_o look_v into_o many_o age_n or_o country_n for_o precedent_n of_o this_o kind_n &_o if_o hermaphrodite_n counsel_v in_o kingdom_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o fatal_a unto_o they_o what_o may_v any_o man_n think_v in_o time_n will_v become_v of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n when_o the_o woman_n have_v get_v peter_n key_n at_o their_o girdle_n and_o have_v their_o voice_n in_o many_o congregation_n and_o a_o power_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o thing_n in_o church_n affair_n certain_o nothing_o but_o confusion_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o this_o their_o do_v be_v
suffer_v they_o then_o to_o have_v preach_v up_o their_o religion_n in_o all_o their_o pulpit_n in_o turkey_n at_o this_o day_n christian_n in_o many_o place_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n among_o themselves_o and_o have_v their_o place_n for_o worship_n to_o assemble_v in_o but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o permit_v to_o come_v into_o their_o temple_n much_o less_o to_o preach_v up_o their_o religion_n in_o their_o pulpit_n in_o france_n the_o protestant_n be_v permit_v to_o preach_v but_o it_o be_v only_o in_o such_o place_n as_o be_v appoint_v for_o they_o they_o may_v not_o preach_v in_o popish_a pulpit_n that_o be_v not_o permit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o low_a country_n there_o be_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o they_o so_o much_o plead_v for_o of_o which_o afterward_o and_o yet_o the_o divers_a sect_n that_o be_v there_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o preach_v out_o of_o those_o place_n assign_v unto_o they_o or_o to_o preach_v public_o in_o any_o of_o their_o pulpit_n against_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o authority_n neither_o be_v they_o permit_v to_o unchristian_a they_o or_o unchurch_n they_o and_o public_o and_o in_o print_n to_o proclaim_v they_o enemy_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v dare_v attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o go_v about_o to_o disgrace_v their_o minister_n and_o church-government_n or_o in_o the_o least_o entrench_v upon_o the_o mrgistrate_n authority_n they_o will_v be_v make_v fly_n like_o lightning_n before_o thunder_n and_o yet_o the_o brethren_n among_o we_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o all_o the_o pulpit_n through_o the_o kingdom_n without_o control_v and_o vent_v all_o their_o new_a way_n and_o their_o newborn_a truth_n and_o set_v up_o their_o new_a light_n without_o any_o molestation_n and_o have_v all_o respectful_a usage_n and_o the_o only_a esteem_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v more_o follow_v than_o all_o our_o learned_a godly_a and_o painful_a orthodox_n minister_n and_o yet_o they_o cry_v out_o of_o persecution_n and_o unchurch_n and_o unchristian_a we_o all_o and_o proclaim_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n all_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o count_v of_o we_o little_a better_o than_o of_o infidel_n and_o keep_v our_o child_n from_o baptism_n and_o debar_v we_o from_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o exercise_v a_o kind_n of_o absolute_a lordship_n over_o all_o their_o brethren_n so_o as_o deotraphes_n never_o do_v the_o like_a nor_o the_o pope_n more_o and_o yet_o they_o cry_v out_o of_o persecution_n against_o the_o saint_n and_o lay_v odious_a aspersion_n upon_o their_o brethren_n and_o fellow-presbiter_n persuade_v the_o people_n that_o the_o presbiterian_a way_n will_v be_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o that_o of_o the_o prelate_n but_o if_o we_o as_o due_o examine_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o independent_a government_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o presbiterian_a as_o we_o have_v do_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o preach_n with_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v there_o be_v little_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v so_o villipend_v the_o presbiterian_a and_o magnify_v their_o own_o and_o why_o they_o shall_v make_v it_o so_o hateful_a and_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n lay_v aside_o therefore_o all_o prejudice_n let_v we_o examine_v thing_n with_o deliberation_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o evident_a that_o the_o presbiterian_a government_n be_v not_o as_o bad_a or_o worse_o than_o that_o of_o the_o prelate_n nor_o so_o lordly_a as_o that_o of_o the_o independent_a government_n which_o be_v also_o presbyterian_a and_o they_o as_o well_o presbyter_n as_o their_o brethren_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o prelate_n assume_v and_o arrogate_a unto_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a pastor_n of_o their_o diocese_n and_o rule_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n under_o they_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n and_o spoil_v all_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o the_o several_a congregation_n under_o they_o of_o their_o liberty_n and_o make_v they_o all_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n their_o vassal_n and_o slave_n and_o from_o who_o court_n there_o be_v no_o appeal_n whereas_o the_o presbiterian_a manner_n of_o government_n be_v not_o as_o that_o of_o lord_n and_o master_n over_o subject_n and_o servant_n but_o social_a as_o between_o equal_n between_o brethren_n friend_n and_o college_n who_o all_o judge_n and_o be_v all_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n where_o no_o congregation_n be_v above_o another_o congregation_n no_o minister_n be_v above_o another_o minister_n but_o only_o for_o order-sake_n where_o every_o presbyter_n be_v leave_v to_o enjoy_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n and_o each_o congregation_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o a_o congregation_n &_o what_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o and_o the_o class_n to_o corroborate_v and_o strengthen_v they_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v wrong_v by_o the_o presbitry_n he_o may_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o appeal_n and_o be_v clear_v by_o more_o righteous_a judge_n a_o course_n ever_o follow_v by_o the_o church_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o i_o say_v if_o man_n will_v without_o a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n weigh_v and_o consider_v all_o thing_n and_o compare_v the_o government_n of_o the_o prelate_n with_o that_o of_o the_o presbiterian_a they_o will_v speedy_o be_v undeceive_v and_o again_o if_o they_o will_v compare_v the_o presbiterian_a government_n dependent_a with_o the_o presbiterian_a government_n independent_a they_o will_v have_v more_o honourable_a thought_n of_o the_o one_o and_o a_o less_o esteem_n of_o the_o other_o for_o in_o the_o presbiterian_a government_n independent_a they_o exercise_v a_o kind_n of_o absolute_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n among_o themselves_o in_o every_o of_o their_o several_a church_n or_o congregation_n so_o that_o if_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v malicious_a or_o self-willed_a or_o corrupt_v or_o heretical_a as_o it_o happen_v many_o time_n and_o by_o their_o learning_n or_o eloquence_n or_o great_a ability_n of_o wit_n and_o scholarship_n or_o by_o their_o wealth_n or_o power_n the_o congregation_n perhaps_o consist_v of_o many_o poor_a people_n and_o it_o may_v be_v ignorant_a who_o be_v relieve_v by_o they_o and_o who_o favour_n they_o dare_v not_o forfeit_n if_o they_o prevail_v with_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o common_o the_o poor_a people_n be_v like_o a_o company_n of_o wild_a goose_n who_o which_o way_n soever_o their_o leader_n fly_v they_o all_o follow_v i_o say_v if_o they_o do_v once_o deliver_v a_o man_n to_o satan_n and_o will_v not_o by_o any_o art_n of_o persuasion_n be_v induce_v to_o reverse_v their_o unrighteous_a sentence_n the_o innocent_a and_o wrong_a man_n must_v live_v under_o this_o doom_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n without_o any_o remedy_n and_o must_v be_v hold_v by_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v after_o that_o new_a model_n to_o who_o their_o sentence_n be_v give_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n and_o shun_v according_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o absolve_v or_o help_v he_o and_o from_o which_o he_o have_v no_o benefit_n of_o appeal_n and_o this_o that_o i_o now_o speak_v there_o be_v not_o any_o of_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n that_o either_o will_n or_o can_v deny_v it_o and_o this_o rigour_n to_o my_o knowledge_n both_o in_o the_o low_a country_n in_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o the_o english_a there_o and_o in_o some_o here_o in_o england_n among_o we_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o make_v so_o many_o several_a sect_n for_o when_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o one_o congregation_n for_o some_o particular_a opinion_n in_o the_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o the_o other_o church_n and_o congregation_n of_o the_o same_o mould_n and_o profession_n can_v not_o absolve_v they_o nor_o dare_v not_o receive_v they_o into_o church_n fellowship_n with_o they_o without_o a_o attestation_n from_o the_o church_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v of_o their_o christian_n walk_v among_o they_o or_o have_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o that_o church_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v member_n and_o that_o they_o will_v never_o be_v bring_v unto_o conceive_v that_o the_o wrong_n be_v they_o who_o complain_v as_o unjust_o excommunicate_v neither_o will_v they_o relinquish_v their_o opinion_n as_o be_v persuade_v it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whereupon_o they_o find_v other_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n join_v themselves_o into_o a_o new_a society_n and_o congregation_n and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a church_n by_o themselves_o and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o rent_n and_o devision_n we_o now_o see_v every_o where_n for_o
so_o that_o here_o we_o have_v one_o precedent_n that_o the_o whole_a lord_n day_n be_v spend_v by_o all_o those_o christian_n in_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n again_o in_o the_o first_o of_o the_o revelation_n saint_n john_n say_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n that_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n call_v by_o saint_n john_n the_o lord_n day_n and_o there_o the_o angel_n preach_v unto_o he_o that_o day_n and_o command_v saint_n john_n to_o take_v so_o much_o of_o his_o sermon_n by_o writing_n as_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v diligent_o read_v what_o be_v there_o write_v will_v gather_v that_o the_o whole_a day_n be_v take_v up_o by_o saint_n john_n and_o spend_v in_o hear_v and_o write_v and_o meditate_v of_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v for_o without_o doubt_n saint_n john_n make_v it_o his_o whole_a day_n work_v to_o be_v spiritual_o employ_v and_o as_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v call_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o all_o the_o time_n of_o that_o action_n be_v holy_o to_o be_v employ_v as_o be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o that_o end_n even_o so_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v a_o day_n dedicate_v unto_o christ_n and_o ordain_v by_o he_o for_o holy_a duty_n and_o for_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n the_o whole_a day_n ought_v both_o private_o and_o public_o to_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o employment_n and_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n as_o hear_v read_v meditate_v prayer_n repetition_n of_o sermon_n in_o their_o family_n catechise_n and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n sing_v of_o psalm_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o they_o that_o be_v in_o prison_n relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o necessitate_a etc._n etc._n these_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v for_o our_o imitation_n for_o so_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o three_o of_o the_o phillippian_o in_o the_o 17._o verse_n say_v brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o example_n for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o 4._o chap._n ver_fw-la 8._o he_o say_v final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a what_o soever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n those_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v both_o learned_a and_o receive_v and_o hear_v and_o see_v in_o i_o do_v and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o by_o the_o which_o testimony_n to_o omit_v many_o more_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o all_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o of_o good_a report_n now_o it_o be_v praise_v worthy_a and_o of_o good_a report_n to_o spend_v the_o whole_a lord_n day_n in_o holy_a employment_n and_o we_o have_v the_o apostle_n example_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o spend_v the_o whole_a lord_n day_n in_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o by_o this_o the_o sanctify_a of_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n which_o be_v every_o seven_o day_n be_v ratify_v the_o profanation_n of_o the_o which_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o in_o many_o place_n through_o these_o three_o kingdom_n have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o heavy_a judgement_n the_o whole_a christian_n world_n now_o groan_v under_o and_o so_o much_o more_o will_v the_o lord_n be_v provoke_v by_o the_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n among_o we_o which_o will_v give_v just_a occasion_n of_o violate_v of_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o of_o disobedience_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n 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