the_o church_n remain_v as_o it_o ought_v above_o the_o officer_n it_o quit_v they_o when_o they_o grow_v evil_a and_o unruly_a and_o choose_v better_a in_o their_o stead_n and_o so_o preserve_v union_n whereas_o fix_v and_o unmoveable_a officer_n when_o they_o do_v degenerate_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n the_o seven_o rule_n be_v for_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o congregation_n to_o take_v christ_n alike_o for_o their_o head_n head_n and_o not_o to_o set_v up_o visible_a head_n or_o ringleader_n to_o themselves_o of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o best_a man_n for_o whilst_o some_o say_v we_o be_v of_o paul_n other_o we_o of_o apollo_n other_o we_o of_o cephas_n they_o be_v all_o in_o this_o matter_n carnal_a and_o divide_v both_o from_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o whilst_o several_a set_v up_o several_a head_n who_o they_o especial_o own_v and_o after_o who_o they_o be_v call_v whereas_o each_o that_o 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work_v distinction_n and_o division_n whereas_o they_o shall_v rather_o say_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o place_n it_o be_v wherever_o it_o be_v one_o church_n under_o one_o head_n and_o governor_n jesus_n christ._n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n for_o the_o church_n or_o faithful_a to_o have_v one_o or_o more_o visible_a headâ—_n to_o go_v to_o not_o be_v content_v with_o christ_n alone_o and_o though_o this_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o carnal_a church_n yet_o the_o spiritual_a church_n and_o people_n do_v only_o own_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o christ_n their_o true_a and_o spiritual_a head_n and_o so_o they_o all_o live_v as_o one_o body_n and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o under_o one_o only_a head_n live_v all_o in_o invincible_a peace_n and_o unity_n whereas_o difference_n of_o outward_a head_n and_o ringleader_n always_o breed_v difference_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n the_o eight_o rule_n be_v for_o the_o true_a church_n to_o keep_v out_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n doctrine_n see_v this_o breed_v not_o only_a division_n but_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n also_o in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a and_o watchful_a in_o this_o matter_n when_o some_o false_a apostle_n teach_v at_o antioch_n that_o except_o christian_n be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v which_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a error_n against_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o whole_a church_n first_o at_o antioch_n and_o present_o after_o at_o jerusalem_n meet_v together_o to_o keep_v it_o out_o which_o according_o through_o god_n they_o do_v so_o that_o what_o ever_o doctrine_n be_v evident_o against_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o gospel_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o church_n be_v to_o take_v care_n to_o keep_v they_o out_o as_o it_o love_v its_o own_o peace_n and_o unity_n now_o if_o any_o say_v by_o what_o mean_n may_v the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n quest._n i_o answer_v answ._n it_o may_v certain_o keep_v out_o error_n by_o these_o mean_n error_n 1._o let_v the_o church_n suffer_v none_o to_o teach_v among_o they_o that_o be_v not_o themselves_o teach_v of_o god_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o great_a natural_a part_n and_o never_o so_o much_o humane_a learning_n for_o when_o they_o be_v the_o teacher_n that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n they_o will_v only_o teach_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v from_o god_n and_o the_o line_n of_o every_o man_n teach_v must_v extend_v no_o further_o but_o when_o they_o teach_v that_o be_v not_o so_o teach_v they_o will_v in_o many_o thing_n vary_v from_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n yea_o and_o under_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n will_v give_v forth_o a_o unsound_a and_o false_a sense_n to_o the_o deceive_a of_o many_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o simple_a and_o so_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n will_v utter_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n and_o endanger_v the_o mis-leading_a of_o some_o sheep_n for_o a_o time_n 2_o let_v the_o faithful_a examine_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o receive_v doctrine_n upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n who_o through_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o holiness_n may_v easy_o lead_v they_o unaware_o into_o error_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o church_n compare_v the_o present_a doctrine_n preach_v and_o print_v and_o general_o receive_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v sure_a and_o certain_a see_v those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o whatever_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o or_o different_a from_o that_o doctrine_n let_v they_o reject_v it_o as_o reprobate_a silver_n see_v the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n then_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o though_o through_o god_n especial_a goodness_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v again_o revive_v among_o we_o at_o this_o present_a time_n yet_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o sit_v down_o content_a with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o search_v and_o see_v if_o our_o present_a doctrine_n do_v not_o yet_o err_v from_o the_o primitive_a purity_n and_o brightness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o many_o considerable_a point_n and_o whether_o some_o or_o many_o corruption_n do_v not_o yet_o remain_v among_o we_o to_o be_v purge_v out_o by_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o thing_n let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n can_v possible_o keep_v out_o error_n long_o than_o it_o precise_o keep_v itself_o to_o the_o bare_a and_o naked_a word_n of_o god_n and_o try_v all_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n by_o it_o 3._o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o error_n must_v desire_v of_o god_n the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o true_a and_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n for_o no_o man_n can_v make_v any_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o word_n he_o hear_v of_o reads_z without_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o this_o anoint_v as_o we_o shall_v be_v certain_o teach_v which_o be_v truth_n so_o also_o we_o shall_v discern_v which_o be_v error_n and_o that_o by_o so_o clear_a and_o true_a a_o light_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o mistake_v wherefore_o christian_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v with_o carnal_a people_n that_o the_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n and_o humane_a and_o antichristian_a error_n depend_v upon_o humane_a learning_n art_n and_o science_n for_o thus_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n will_v whole_o leave_v the_o judgement_n of_o they_o to_o those_o who_o they_o conceive_v after_o this_o manner_n learned_a whereby_o they_o leave_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n through_o which_o the_o teacher_n may_v bring_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o error_n upon_o they_o but_o believer_n must_v know_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n only_o without_o all_o humane_a learning_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v we_o perfect_o which_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o error_n and_o to_o make_v we_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o that_o all_o humane_a learning_n in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o so_o
to_o presume_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n this_o power_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o that_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n neither_o aught_o the_o true_a church_n to_o suffer_v this_o power_n to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o so_o good_a a_o hand_n but_o still_o to_o use_v their_o own_o christian_a meeting_n though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n never_o so_o much_o oppose_v they_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n begin_v and_o as_o believer_n after_o for_o 300_o year_n continue_v notwithstanding_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n 2._o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o meet_v together_o so_o second_o to_o appoint_v its_o own_o outward_a order_n order_n for_o the_o church_n whilst_o it_o dwell_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n use_v some_o external_a rite_n by_o which_o it_o be_v neither_o sanctify_v in_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o they_o be_v thing_n mere_o of_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o these_o thing_n each_o church_n or_o communion_n of_o saint_n may_v order_v by_o itself_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o observe_v these_o rule_n order_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o love_n see_v all_o law_n without_o love_n be_v tyranny_n and_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o from_o and_o for_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appoint_v and_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v again_o to_o be_v abolish_v see_v no_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o if_o it_o build_v not_o up_o love_n be_v right_o interpret_v 2_o they_o be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o peace_n and_o all_o outward_a order_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v to_o procure_v and_o to_o preserve_v peace_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o not_o to_o break_v it_o they_o be_v most_o unhappy_a and_o pernicious_a order_n that_o do_v not_o only_o offend_v a_o few_o of_o christ_n little_a one_o which_o itself_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n but_o do_v grieve_v disquiet_a and_o prejudice_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a 3._o they_o must_v do_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n ecclesiast_n see_v the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o against_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n 4._o they_o must_v appoint_v nothing_o as_o of_o necessity_n for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o pestilent_a doctrine_n in_o the_o church_n then_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n necessary_a which_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o thus_o the_o liberty_n of_o faith_n be_v extinguish_v and_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v ensnare_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o believer_n may_v order_v any_o outward_a thing_n for_o their_o own_o good_a so_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v they_o necessary_o on_o any_o as_o if_o the_o observe_n of_o they_o be_v righteousness_n and_o the_o omission_n of_o they_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o church_n after_o all_o its_o order_n it_o be_v to_o leave_v indifferent_a thing_n as_o it_o find_v they_o that_o be_v free_a and_o at_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o observe_v or_o not_o observe_v as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n or_o judge_v convenient_a for_o all_o these_o kind_n of_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o god_n regard_v no_o more_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n and_o time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n than_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n etc._n etc._n of_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v and_o work_v and_o marry_v and_o trade_v for_o all_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v do_v in_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o discretion_n without_o be_v tie_v necessary_o to_o a_o set_n and_o unchangeable_a form_n 5._o they_o may_v persuade_v their_o order_n if_o they_o see_v cause_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n but_o must_v not_o enforce_v they_o upon_o pain_n of_o secular_a punishment_n or_o church_n censure_n as_o those_o use_n to_o do_v that_o make_v themselves_o lord_n and_o tyrant_n in_o the_o church_n for_o these_o outward_a thing_n the_o church_n can_v order_v only_o for_o the_o willing_a but_o not_o for_o the_o unwilling_a and_o so_o if_o some_o believer_n shall_v think_v good_a upon_o just_a ground_n to_o do_v otherwise_o in_o these_o outward_a thing_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o censure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v to_o entertain_v communion_n with_o they_o notwithstanding_o any_o such_o difference_n for_o when_o christian_n be_v knit_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o do_v receive_v and_o walk_v in_o his_o spirit_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v at_o their_o own_o freedom_n and_o christ_n only_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o he_o whatever_o be_v beside_o christ_n be_v a_o perish_a thing_n and_o so_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o be_v impose_v that_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v now_o if_o the_o church_n do_v appoint_v any_o outward_a order_n these_o rule_v it_o be_v to_o observe_v yea_o the_o spiritual_a church_n do_v always_o observe_v they_o and_o never_o make_v rule_n in_o itself_o upon_o other_o term_n then_o be_v here_o set_v down_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o carnal_a church_n or_o church_n of_o man_n godliness_n they_o especial_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o these_o outward_a thing_n and_o of_o these_o they_o make_v law_n and_o constitution_n yea_o sin_n and_o righteousness_n and_o by_o these_o thing_n they_o judge_v the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o they_o that_o will_v submit_v to_o their_o rule_n and_o imposition_n shall_v be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o that_o will_v not_o shall_v be_v reckon_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o hereby_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v fall_v from_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o the_o form_n and_o from_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o circumstance_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o advance_v empty_a form_n and_o shadow_n in_o the_o place_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v say_v with_o peter_z why_o tempt_v you_o god_n in_o put_v such_o a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o this_o kind_n of_o church_n will_v with_o these_o thing_n still_o be_v trouble_v we_o and_o bite_v we_o by_o the_o heel_n yet_o in_o the_o power_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n we_o will_v by_o degree_n bruise_v its_o head_n till_o at_o last_o we_o break_v it_o quite_o in_o piece_n now_o one_o thing_n more_o i_o shall_v add_v touch_v the_o church_n power_n to_o appoint_v its_o own_o order_n as_o conceive_v it_o very_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o appoint_v these_o outward_a order_n it_o not_o for_o itself_o only_o but_o also_o for_o its_o officer_n which_o also_o be_v part_n of_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v its_o officer_n to_o frame_v or_o impose_v such_o on_o it_o for_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o officer_n but_o the_o officer_n be_v the_o church_n as_o paul_n have_v teach_v we_o say_v to_o the_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v you_o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n and_o so_o the_o officer_n be_v the_o church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o it_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o be_v not_o to_o order_v it_o and_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n forget_v that_o they_o be_v servant_n shall_v presume_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v outward_a thing_n for_o the_o church_n without_o the_o church_n as_o now_o be_v do_v the_o church_n still_o remain_v above_o the_o officer_n and_o have_v power_n to_o interpret_v change_n or_o whole_o take_v away_o all_o those_o thing_n as_o it_o see_v occasion_n to_o wit_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o a_o grief_n to_o the_o strong_a and_o tend_v to_o work_v division_n among_o the_o faithful_a presumptuous_a officer_n be_v they_o and_o know_v not_o where_o christ_n have_v set_v they_o who_o instead_o of_o be_v order_v by_o the_o church_n go_v about_o to_o order_v it_o and_o make_v themselves_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o servant_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n and_o if_o there_o be_v cause_n to_o reform_v they_o or_o depose_v they_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o own_o officer_n officer_n true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o as_o in_o
come_v take_v heed_n lest_o by_o seek_v yourselves_o you_o have_v your_o reward_n here_o but_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o god_n and_o whilst_o you_o act_n for_o god_n live_v in_o he_o and_o let_v he_o be_v your_o reward_n and_o not_o the_o creature_n and_o now_o here_o in_o this_o discourse_n shall_v you_o see_v a_o better_a peace_n and_o agreement_n than_o you_o be_v strive_v for_o though_o your_o work_n also_o be_v excellent_a and_o glorious_a even_o such_o a_o peace_n and_o agreement_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o prince_n and_o which_o he_o communicate_v not_o to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o they_o he_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n even_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n which_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o christ_n and_o its_o influence_n into_o each_o communion_n of_o saint_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o this_o peace_n can_v no_o more_o be_v bring_v about_o by_o your_o sword_n then_o by_o the_o magistrate_n sceptre_n and_o therefore_o take_v heed_n lest_o you_o now_o have_v power_n in_o your_o hand_n to_o another_o purpose_n shall_v so_o far_o forget_v yourselves_o as_o to_o do_v that_o yourselves_o which_o you_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o therefore_o suffer_v the_o word_n only_o to_o be_v both_o sceptre_n and_o sword_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o let_v the_o true_a church_n remain_v free_a in_o the_o freedom_n which_o christ_n have_v confer_v upon_o it_o or_o else_o the_o lord_n who_o own_o the_o church_n be_v will_v as_o certain_o in_o his_o due_a time_n take_v the_o sword_n out_o of_o your_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o sceptre_n out_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o throw_v you_o into_o one_o destruction_n with_o he_o but_o i_o be_o persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o though_o i_o thus_o speak_v and_o even_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o and_o i_o hope_v will_v yet_o still_o be_v very_o manifest_a not_o only_o in_o you_o honourable_a one_o who_o have_v the_o chief_a conduct_n but_o also_o in_o very_a many_o of_o the_o council_n and_o army_n beside_o and_o upon_o such_o a_o gather_v together_o of_o god_n people_n and_o saint_n let_v the_o world_n if_o it_o please_v still_o laugh_v at_o that_o word_n who_o can_v but_o think_v he_o have_v some_o choice_n and_o singular_a work_n in_o hand_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n have_v already_o do_v great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n by_o you_o and_o be_v yet_o do_v great_a if_o you_o will_v continue_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v exalt_v and_o not_o you._n for_o have_v not_o that_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n dawn_v yea_o the_o morning_n of_o it_o be_v already_o go_v forth_o which_o be_v upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v proud_a and_o lofty_a and_o upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v low_a and_o the_o lord_n alone_o be_v and_o must_v be_v exalt_v in_o this_o day_n now_o the_o lord_n cause_v you_o to_o dwell_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o give_v you_o peace_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o which_o union_n and_o communion_n i_o remain_v your_o assure_a servant_n w._n d._n to_o the_o reader_n such_o be_v the_o noise_n of_o water_n and_o thundering_n and_o earthquake_n among_o we_o and_o so_o great_a and_o continue_a be_v our_o shake_n and_o confusious_a through_o hatred_n and_o love_n hope_n and_o fear_n joy_n and_o sorrow_n triumph_n and_o indignation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o silence_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o much_o as_o half_a a_o hour_n wherefore_o though_o i_o 〈…〉_z here_o touch_v so_o sweet_a and_o glorious_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n and_o 〈◊〉_d â—eclare_v from_o the_o very_a word_n or_o else_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o wherein_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o the_o true_a church_n consist_v and_o also_o how_o the_o faithful_a and_o church_n may_v preserve_v that_o peace_n in_o their_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o son_n and_o in_o the_o father_n yet_o man_n head_n and_o heart_n be_v now_o so_o full_a that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v but_o few_o will_v regard_v it_o notwithstanding_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v among_o we_o a_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o flock_n of_o christ_n who_o both_o know_v and_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n at_o any_o time_n i_o think_v good_a to_o speak_v this_o in_o their_o behalf_n for_o who_o profit_n all_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v in_o the_o church_n and_o though_o i_o be_o very_o conscious_a of_o my_o rudeness_n of_o speech_n in_o this_o discourse_n 11.6_o as_o also_o of_o my_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n in_o many_o thing_n have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o every_o jot_n and_o tittle_n here_o be_v of_o the_o pure_a river_n of_o water_n of_o life_n without_o any_o humane_a mixture_n yet_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v will_v own_o all_o in_o it_o that_o be_v of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o will_v not_o reject_v silver_n try_v four_o or_o five_o time_n because_o it_o be_v not_o try_v seven_o time_n and_o what_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a in_o it_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o dear_a sake_n and_o love_n i_o have_v speak_v all_o this_o see_v it_o be_v peccatorum_fw-la as_o luther_n speak_v the_o queen_n of_o mercy_n who_o very_a bowel_n be_v mere_a compassion_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n will_v easy_o pass_v it_o by_o and_o forgive_v it_o and_o as_o for_o man_n haughty_a and_o high_a in_o their_o own_o spirit_n contemn_v and_o disdain_v any_o thing_n that_o agree_v not_o to_o their_o palate_n i_o do_v as_o easy_o despise_v their_o censure_n as_o they_o light_o pass_v it_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o i_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o that_o church_n that_o be_v his_o body_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n let_v i_o become_v as_o vile_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n who_o be_v count_v the_o filth_n and_o off_o sour_v of_o all_o thing_n or_o as_o mr_n baily_n rutherford_n bastwick_n pryn_n love_n or_o any_o other_o of_o my_o old_a enemy_n in_o parliament_n and_o city_n not_o worth_a the_o name_n annos_fw-la have_v seek_v to_o make_v i_o all_o who_o unless_o god_n give_v they_o repentance_n to_o life_n i_o cite_v as_o once_o hierom_n of_o prague_n do_v his_o enemy_n in_o the_o like_a cause_n to_o appear_v within_o a_o few_o year_n before_o the_o most_o high_a and_o righteous_a judge_n jesus_n christ_n to_o answer_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v wicked_o if_o not_o malicious_o against_o his_o name_n truth_n gospel_n spirit_n people_n and_o that_o under_o the_o form_n and_o pretence_n of_o godliness_n and_o now_o well_o know_v that_o the_o more_o any_o thing_n be_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o enmity_n and_o opposition_n it_o will_v meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n and_o from_o the_o worldly_a church_n i_o commit_v christ_n own_o word_n and_o cause_n to_o his_o own_o care_n and_o protection_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o uphold_v his_o own_o despise_a truth_n against_o the_o glorious_a but_o deceitful_a doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o to_o make_v all_o his_o enemy_n his_o footstool_n and_o so_o wait_v in_o this_o assure_a hope_n if_o thou_o love_v christ_n i_o remain_v thou_o in_o he_o william_n dell._n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n pag._n 149_o the_o gospel_n propound_v be_v neither_o 1._o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n p._n 150_o 2._o nor_o between_o the_o spiritual_a and_o carnal_a child_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n 3._o but_o between_o the_o faithful_a or_o true_a child_n of_o the_o true_a church_n p._n 151_o the_o true_a church_n describe_v p._n 152_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o church_n of_o man_n in_o 13._o particular_n from_o p._n 153_o to_o p._n 157_o how_o this_o church_n may_v be_v know_v p._n 158_o how_o we_o may_v be_v join_v to_o it_o p._n 159_o the_o church_n a_o great_a mystery_n as_o well_o as_o christ._n p._n 160_o seven_o bond_n of_o this_o church_n unity_n viz._n
one_o another_o but_o not_o master_n and_o this_o same_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n james_n preach_v jam._n 3.1_o my_o brethren_n say_v he_o be_v not_o many_o master_n know_v that_o we_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a condemnation_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o brethren_n who_o be_v equal_a among_o themselves_o to_o make_v themselves_o master_v over_o one_o another_o christ_n also_o have_v speak_v again_o so_o plain_o to_o this_o matter_n math._n 20._o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o ever_o the_o beast_n or_o his_o image_n shall_v dare_v to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o lordship_n over_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n you_o know_v say_v christ_n to_o the_o twelve_o that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o he_o speak_v it_o peremptory_o that_o some_o believer_n shall_v not_o exercise_v dominion_n and_o authority_n over_o believer_n no_o not_o the_o great_a over_o the_o least_o all_o be_v fellow_n servant_n alike_o under_o one_o lord._n wherefore_o they_o that_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n against_o their_o fellow_n servant_n may_v better_o think_v thus_o with_o themselves_o why_o christ_n be_v our_o lord_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o be_v as_o much_o over_o we_o as_o over_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o over_o our_o fellow_n servant_n nor_o they_o under_o we_o but_o both_o of_o we_o be_v equal_o under_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v equal_o over_o we_o both_o and_o so_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o the_o same_o law_n he_o have_v give_v they_o to_o wit_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o and_o love_v one_o another_o and_o he_o expect_v the_o same_o obedience_n from_o we_o as_o from_o they_o and_o so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o command_v one_o another_o but_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o be_v command_v by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o evil_a servant_n that_o beat_v his_o fellow_n servant_n upon_o hope_n of_o the_o delay_n of_o his_o master_n come_v and_o this_o be_v the_o four_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n unity_n of_o lord_n now_o they_o break_v this_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n unity_n that_o either_o make_v themselves_o or_o other_o lord_n over_o the_o church_n beside_o christ_n and_o parcel_n out_o this_o one_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n to_o many_o lord_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o dis-union_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n be_v the_o first_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o general_a master_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o after_o the_o pope_n a_o general_a council_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o itself_o and_o by_o degree_n this_o last_o become_v as_o hard_o yea_o a_o hard_a taskmaster_n to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o former_a after_o when_o particular_a kingdom_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o antichristian_a church_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n whole_o dissolve_v but_o only_o be_v contract_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o less_o compass_n for_o then_o the_o archbishop_n make_v himself_o general_a master_n of_o the_o church_n in_o each_o particular_a kingdom_n as_o the_o pope_n before_o have_v do_v in_o all_o and_o after_o the_o archbishop_n rise_v up_o a_o national_a assembly_n as_o the_o general_n council_n after_o the_o pope_n and_o each_o of_o these_o in_o their_o course_n usurp_v lordship_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o sad_a dissolution_n of_o its_o unity_n most_o evident_a than_o it_o be_v that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostasy_n the_o church_n have_v be_v most_o miserable_o lord_v even_o among_o we_o for_o the_o priest_n he_o lord_v it_o over_o the_o people_n the_o archdeacon_n over_o the_o priest_n the_o dean_n over_o the_o arch_a deacon_n the_o bishop_n over_o the_o dean_n and_o the_o archbishop_n over_o the_o bishop_n under_o which_o woeful_a bondage_n the_o church_n cry_v out_o as_o isa._n 26._o o_o lord_n our_o god_n other_o lord_n beside_o thou_o have_v have_v dominion_n over_o we_o and_o be_v this_o bondage_n of_o the_o church_n now_o ease_v by_o cast_v off_o those_o strange_a lord_n yea_o do_v not_o man_n rather_o seek_v to_o increase_v it_o by_o set_v yet_o stranger_n over_o it_o who_o name_n be_v so_o full_a of_o mystery_n that_o the_o common_a people_n can_v understand_v they_o for_o now_o they_o will_v have_v the_o classical_a presbytery_n set_v over_o the_o congregational_a and_o the_o provincial_n over_o the_o classical_a and_o the_o national_a over_o the_o provincial_n for_o so_o it_o be_v voted_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n government_n now_o here_o be_v mystery_n and_o nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a rise_n up_o into_o the_o old_a power_n under_o a_o new_a name_n and_o mark_v how_o they_o prove_v this_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a assembly_n to_o wit_n by_o that_o scripture_n mat._n 18._o where_o it_o be_v write_v if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o and_o will_v neither_o hear_v thy_o admonition_n nor_o council_n nor_o the_o admonition_n and_o council_n of_o other_o brethren_n tell_v the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a now_o from_o this_o place_n they_o prove_v the_o fore_n mention_v subordination_n of_o assembly_n just_a as_o the_o pope_n once_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v above_o the_o emperor_n to_o wit_n because_o it_o be_v write_v gen._n 1._o that_o god_n make_v two_o great_a light_n the_o sun_n to_o rule_v by_o day_n and_o the_o moon_n by_o night_n now_o if_o this_o may_v be_v bring_v about_o which_o they_o design_v the_o church_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ease_v of_o its_o strange_a lord_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v they_o exceed_o multiply_v for_o what_o be_v a_o national_a assembly_n but_o a_o archbishop_n multiply_v and_o what_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n but_o a_o bishop_n multiply_v and_o a_o classical_a but_o a_o dean_n and_o arch_a deacon_n multiply_v and_o thus_o the_o former_a lord_n be_v remove_v they_o will_v in_o their_o stead_n cause_v the_o church_n to_o swarm_v with_o classical_a provincial_a and_o national_a lord_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n suffer_v christ_n own_o kingdom_n to_o return_v to_o his_o own_o lordship_n and_o dominion_n and_o thus_o while_o they_o by_o secular_a power_n seek_v to_o enforce_v these_o ecclesiastical_a lord_n over_o the_o church_n they_o absolute_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o unity_n of_o it_o even_o whilst_o they_o bear_v the_o simple_a people_n in_o hand_n that_o they_o above_o all_o other_o man_n seek_v to_o preserve_v it_o see_v the_o plurality_n of_o lord_n be_v always_o the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v never_o be_v one_o but_o under_o one_o lord_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o five_o bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n be_v one_o faith_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n have_v but_o one_o faith_n faith_n wrought_v by_o one_o spirit_n apprehend_v the_o same_o christ_n or_o the_o same_o live_n and_o eternal_a truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o david_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o we_o who_o now_o believe_v and_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v hereafter_o all_o have_v and_o do_v and_o shall_v live_v in_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v believer_n in_o all_o age_n do_v not_o live_v their_o own_o life_n but_o all_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o body_n each_o one_o receive_v equal_o from_o christ_n the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o all_o live_v alike_o in_o he_o be_v one_o with_o he_o as_o the_o branch_n live_v equal_o the_o life_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o one_o branch_n live_v it_o not_o more_o than_o another_o through_o faith_n then_o every_o christian_a be_v carry_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o own_o thing_n into_o christ_n who_o he_o apprehend_v with_o all_o his_o fullness_n for_o his_o own_o and_o in_o this_o faith_n all_o christian_n be_v equal_a and_o none_o have_v a_o better_a or_o worse_a faith_n than_o another_o so_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o faith_n also_o there_o be_v among_o the_o true_a church_n unity_n and_o equality_n for_o all_o believer_n have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n wrought_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o spirit_n work_v neither_o sin_n death_n nor_o the_o devil_n can_v possible_o prevail_v against_o and_o so_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o
he_o be_v the_o man_n with_o they_o that_o break_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o so_o antichrist-like_a they_o have_v exalt_v their_o single_a uniformity_n above_o this_o sevenfold_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o have_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v make_v the_o word_n of_o the_o spirit_n void_a through_o their_o carnal_a that_o i_o say_v no_o more_o tradition_n for_o a_o man_n may_v break_v all_o these_o seven_o bond_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o very_a good_a member_n of_o their_o church_n if_o he_o only_o observe_v their_o uniformity_n but_o if_o he_o break_v this_o he_o be_v a_o schismatic_n and_o a_o heretic_n and_o not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o their_o account_n though_o he_o live_v in_o all_o the_o bond_n of_o this_o true_a and_o spiritual_a unity_n wherefore_o to_o escape_v these_o snare_n let_v all_o believer_n know_v assure_o that_o these_o seven_o bond_n name_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v all_o spiritual_a and_o of_o god_n and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o carnal_a or_o of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o true_a church_n true_a unity_n and_o that_o whoever_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n presume_v to_o add_v to_o these_o be_v guilty_a of_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n themselves_o be_v but_o wretched_a creature_n and_o so_o involve_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o curse_n write_v in_o his_o book_n among_o which_o death_n and_o hell_n have_v their_o place_n and_o let_v we_o further_o know_v that_o whoever_o do_v combine_v together_o to_o make_v themselves_o one_o out_o of_o the_o forenamed_a unity_n though_o they_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n never_o so_o much_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o sect_n and_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o faction_n rend_v from_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o such_o man_n choose_v and_o frame_v to_o themselves_o some_o singular_a way_n of_o worship_n form_n order_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o they_o think_v they_o excel_v other_o christian_n and_o so_o cause_v the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a which_o be_v the_o multitude_n of_o people_n to_o follow_v they_o especial_o have_v countenance_n of_o worldly_a authority_n by_o which_o mean_v both_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n depart_v from_o the_o true_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o this_o sevenfold_a spiritual_a unity_n be_v neglect_v christianity_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n into_z as_o many_o sect_n as_o the_o world_n and_o devil_n please_v till_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n leave_v either_o of_o faith_n or_o love_n so_o that_o whatever_o these_o man_n pretend_v most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o confedaracy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o outward_a order_n form_n rite_n law_n ceremony_n discipline_n which_o be_v necessary_o enforce_v by_o the_o secular_a power_n seduce_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a will_v never_o hold_v the_o church_n together_o but_o all_o these_o be_v and_o have_v prove_v and_o will_v prove_v rather_o a_o wall_n of_o partition_n in_o the_o church_n than_o a_o bond_n of_o union_n and_o if_o they_o seem_v to_o work_v union_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o mingle_v clay_n and_o iron_n together_o which_o no_o pain_n nor_o art_n can_v perfect_o compound_v for_o all_o peace_n and_o union_n in_o the_o church_n knit_v by_o other_o bond_n then_o be_v here_o name_v be_v no_o spiritual_a union_n neither_o will_v it_o stand_v and_o therefore_o dear_a christian_n and_o believer_n see_v we_o have_v seven_o bond_n of_o unity_n all_o of_o god_n own_o make_n to_o make_v we_o one_o let_v not_o diversity_n of_o form_n and_o rite_n which_o be_v but_o sorry_a thing_n of_o man_n make_v separate_z and_o divide_v we_o but_o see_v each_o of_o these_o bond_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o one_o how_o much_o one_o shall_v all_o of_o they_o together_o make_v we_o and_o thus_o have_v show_v from_o the_o word_n how_o all_o christian_n and_o believer_n be_v make_v one_o by_o god_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v aim_v at_o be_v to_o show_v how_o they_o may_v continue_v one_o among_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o that_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o one_o another_o another_o whilst_o they_o sojourn_v in_o this_o world_n flow_v from_o the_o former_a union_n that_o so_o all_o darkness_n and_o mistake_n which_o now_o even_o many_o believer_n be_v grievous_o enwrap_v in_o may_v be_v dispel_v and_o do_v away_o and_o we_o may_v live_v in_o this_o pure_a and_o perfect_a union_n with_o one_o another_o in_o god_n make_v all_o outward_a thing_n subservient_fw-fr hereunto_o and_o none_o of_o they_o prejudicial_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o conceive_v we_o be_v do_v 1._o to_o know_v some_o thing_n and_o both_o otherwise_o then_o yet_o we_o seem_v either_o to_o know_v or_o do_v they_o and_o 2._o to_o do_v other_o thing_n and_o both_o otherwise_o then_o yet_o we_o seem_v either_o to_o know_v or_o do_v they_o 1._o to_o preserve_v our_o peace_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v be_v instruct_v aright_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n government_n because_o the_o mistake_n in_o this_o thing_n be_v so_o great_a a_o cause_n of_o controversy_n and_o division_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n for_o if_o the_o true_a church_n have_v its_o true_a government_n without_o any_o such_o form_n and_o law_n and_o power_n as_o be_v now_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v fall_v out_o and_o divide_v for_o these_o thing_n now_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v two_o fold_n 1._o there_o be_v that_o government_n fold_n which_o god_n exercise_v immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o 2._o that_o government_n which_o he_o exercise_v mediate_o mediate_v and_o by_o the_o faithful_a the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o be_v god_n immediate_a government_n fold_n be_v also_o twofold_a 1._o the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n providence_n 2._o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a presence_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o god_n immediate_a government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o government_n of_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o strange_a wonderful_a and_o glorious_a government_n this_o be_v that_o government_n of_o god_n over_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o take_v his_o own_o nation_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o another_o nation_n by_o temptation_n sign_n wonder_n by_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o a_o stretch_v out_o arm_n and_o great_a terror_n when_o he_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o through_o the_o wilderness_n in_o path_n that_o be_v not_o tread_v when_o he_o feed_v they_o with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n and_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n when_o he_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o do_v they_o wrong_n but_o reprove_v even_o king_n for_o their_o sake_n and_o through_o multitude_n of_o enemy_n and_o opposition_n lead_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n thus_o god_n lead_v that_o church_n from_o bondage_n to_o liberty_n from_o tribulation_n to_o quietness_n from_o a_o sordid_a condition_n to_o honour_n and_o renown_n from_o a_o strange_a land_n to_o a_o land_n of_o inheritance_n and_o from_o slavery_n to_o a_o kingdom_n and_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a government_n indeed_o stand_v in_o god_n immediate_a conduct_n from_o heaven_n far_o above_o all_o humane_a counsel_n wisdom_n stratagem_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o man_n contrive_v and_o act_v and_o this_o government_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o beyond_o all_o humane_a apprehension_n that_o according_a to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v his_o way_n be_v the_o sea_n and_o his_o path_n in_o the_o great_a water_n and_o his_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v and_o be_v not_o this_o kind_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n every_o whit_n as_o wonderful_a and_o glorious_a as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o though_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v small_a and_o low_a in_o the_o world_n yet_o do_v it_o receive_v increase_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n and_o be_v preserve_v maintain_v and_o enlarge_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o persecute_v heathen_a emperor_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o and_o ever_o since_o god_n himself_o have_v take_v the_o conduct_n of_o this_o church_n and_o have_v carry_v it_o through_o difficulty_n distress_n reproach_n prison_n torment_n death_n to_o ease_v liberty_n comfort_n joy_n salvation_n glory_n life_n happiness_n and_o this_o have_v be_v god_n glorious_a government_n of_o the_o church_n hitherto_o and_o at_o this_o present_a time_n the_o church_n of_o god_n want_v not_o this_o government_n among_o all_o the_o trouble_n confusion_n war_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o god_n be_v now_o as_o near_o his_o true_a church_n as_o ever_o and_o support_v it_o and_o comfort_v it_o and_o guide_v it_o as_o a_o skilful_a pilot_n
acknowledge_v they_o for_o their_o pastor_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o what_o believer_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v do_v through_o the_o work_n and_o approve_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o beside_o this_o way_n i_o see_v no_o other_o how_o in_o this_o great_a defection_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o church_n may_v have_v the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n again_o now_o this_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o direct_o cross_v to_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o antichrist_n for_o many_o age_n together_o and_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o father_n schoolman_n counsel_n doctor_n antiquity_n custom_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n can_v be_v hope_v to_o be_v accomplish_v at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n as_o the_o lightning_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v enlighten_v the_o world_n and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v pour_v forth_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o matter_n let_v some_o begin_v and_o the_o rest_n follow_v as_o this_o practice_n shall_v be_v clear_v up_o to_o they_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o none_o be_v to_o be_v force_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o authority_n shall_v entertain_v this_o truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o own_o liberty_n to_o blow_v when_o and_o where_o and_o on_o who_o he_o list_v neither_o ought_v this_o to_o trouble_v any_o if_o all_o do_v not_o present_o agree_v with_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o at_o first_o a_o few_o begin_v who_o other_o may_v follow_v afterward_o as_o god_n shall_v persuade_v they_o now_o as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n so_o if_o they_o prove_v evil_a it_o have_v power_n either_o 1._o to_o reform_v they_o or_o 2._o to_o depose_v they_o 1._o it_o have_v power_n to_o reform_v they_o if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n yea_o as_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o church_n do_v common_o first_o flow_v from_o the_o officer_n so_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o be_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o they_o and_o who_o shall_v reform_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o see_v the_o officer_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o tolerate_v one_o another_o in_o their_o vn-gospel_n and_o vn_fw-fr christian_a course_n against_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a practice_n of_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o case_n wherefore_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o present_a clergy_n sext_v be_v arrive_v to_o this_o height_n of_o evil_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v content_v to_o be_v servant_n but_o will_v needs_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o christ_n flock_n plot_v and_o strive_v to_o procure_v and_o maintain_v their_o ecclesiastical_a state_n by_o secular_a power_n see_v they_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o only_o preach_v of_o state-affair_n rage_v and_o rail_v against_o the_o most_o just_a and_o necessary_a proceed_n of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o their_o design_n see_v they_o be_v daily_o deprave_v the_o say_n and_o write_n of_o man_n more_o righteous_a than_o themselves_o yea_o and_o dare_v cast_v a_o veil_n of_o their_o false_a exposition_n over_o the_o very_a scripture_n to_o darken_v they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o sackcloth_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v whole_o obscure_v yea_o see_v they_o be_v become_v so_o vile_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o christ_n himself_o with_o his_o gospel_n and_o true_a church_n shall_v all_o perish_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o least_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n dignity_n riches_n dominion_n and_o tyranny_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o to_o reform_v these_o evil_a officer_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v now_o meet_v to_o reform_v the_o church_n it_o be_v far_o more_o necessary_a and_o will_v be_v far_o more_o profitable_a for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o meet_v together_o to_o reform_v they_o if_o yet_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o reformation_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v see_v they_o sin_v against_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n 2._o if_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n prove_v incorrigible_a the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v they_o see_v they_o have_v no_o indelible_a character_n whatever_o the_o romish_a church_n affirm_v wherefore_o as_o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v its_o minister_n and_o to_o continue_v they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v faithful_a in_o their_o work_n so_o also_o it_o have_v power_n to_o remove_v they_o if_o they_o forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o in_o civil_a society_n not_o subject_v to_o tyranny_n officer_n that_o prove_v evil_a be_v movable_a by_o they_o that_o make_v they_o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o remove_v if_o it_o see_v cause_n this_o spiritual_a officer_n yea_o the_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o movable_a than_o the_o civil_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o be_v intolerable_a if_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o the_o civil_a officer_n can_v only_o hurt_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o the_o spiritual_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o eternal_a life_n wherefore_o the_o church_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n to_o remove_v he_o and_o choose_v another_o see_v this_o salt_n when_o it_o have_v lose_v its_o savour_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n and_o to_o this_o worthy_a mr_n tindal_n 344._o a_o bless_a martyr_n witness_n say_v if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n err_v from_o the_o word_n then_o may_v whosoever_o god_n move_v his_o heart_n play_n paul_n and_o correct_v he_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o scripture_n then_o have_v his_o brethren_n authority_n by_o the_o scripture_n to_o put_v he_o down_o and_o send_v he_o out_o of_o christ_n church_n among_o the_o heretic_n which_o prefer_v their_o false_a doctrine_n above_o the_o true_a word_n of_o christ._n 4._o the_o true_a church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v its_o counsel_n if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a stand_n in_o need_n of_o a_o council_n it_o may_v call_v one_o counsel_n if_o it_o please_v and_o it_o have_v power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o council_n be_v not_o to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o church_n as_o be_v now_o do_v but_o the_o church_n be_v to_o call_v and_o appoint_v the_o council_n and_o the_o council_n be_v to_o have_v its_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o church_n from_o it_o and_o for_o the_o world_n it_o can_v no_o more_o call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o church_n can_v call_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o world_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v as_o distinct_a as_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n themselves_o be_v now_o i_o say_v the_o church_n if_o it_o need_v a_o council_n may_v call_v one_o because_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n now_o seldom_o need_v a_o council_n see_v all_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v there_o be_v many_o other_o cause_n why_o the_o right_a church_n may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o counsel_n as_o 1._o because_o counsel_n as_o the_o manner_n be_v be_v either_o call_v or_o congregat_v by_o the_o pope_n council_n a_o mere_a usurper_n in_o the_o church_n or_o by_o secular_a and_o worldly_a prince_n who_o advance_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o power_n in_o the_o church_n though_o upon_o another_o account_n and_o according_a to_o their_o end_n and_o design_n counsel_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v guide_v and_o point_v 2._o because_o they_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v make_v up_o of_o bishop_n and_o ecclesiastical_a man_n who_o have_v only_o seek_v the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v set_v up_o their_o own_o kingdom_n and_o tyranny_n over_o all_o other_o christian_n 3._o because_o be_v gather_v and_o meet_v they_o have_v especial_o meddle_v with_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o touch_v these_o have_v make_v bind_v and_o coercive_a law_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o ensnare_a and_o enslave_v man_n conscience_n 4._o because_o if_o they_o have_v meddle_v with_o doctrine_n they_o have_v rather_o pervert_v and_o obscure_v the_o clear_a word_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o true_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v it_o 5._o wherein_o they_o have_v do_v well_o yet_o this_o evil_n have_v always_o go_v
the_o minister_n and_o depend_v more_o on_o their_o knowledge_n then_o his_o own_o shall_v draw_v his_o sword_n against_o whosoever_o they_o shall_v persuade_v he_o what_o high_a honour_n do_v he_o attain_v to_o in_o all_o this_o then_o to_o become_v their_o executioner_n yea_o if_o he_o punish_v amiss_o he_o may_v prove_v a_o very_a murderer_n pilate_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v a_o sea-mark_n to_o all_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n who_o follow_v the_o council_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n put_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o death_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n which_o i_o say_v may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a warning_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o all_o magistrate_n that_o they_o confide_v not_o on_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o that_o they_o be_v sure_o themselves_o in_o what_o they_o do_v 2._o the_o put_a power_n into_o the_o magistrate_n hand_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n give_v he_o full_a opportunity_n to_o destroy_v and_o slay_v the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o shall_v mistake_v and_o judge_v they_o heretic_n for_o what_o power_n man_n ignorant_o allow_v a_o godly_a magistrate_n against_o true_a heretic_n the_o same_o power_n will_v all_o magistrate_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o as_o their_o just_a due_a against_o all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o their_o judgement_n who_o so_o differ_v from_o they_o be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o thus_o the_o magistrate_n who_o be_v a_o most_o fallible_a judge_n in_o these_o thing_n instead_o of_o tare_n may_v pluck_v up_o the_o wheat_n and_o kill_v the_o faithful_a instead_o of_o heretic_n at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n till_o he_o have_v destroy_v all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n wherefore_o let_v all_o christian_n take_v heed_n how_o they_o favour_v the_o magistrate_n with_o this_o power_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o he_o judge_n heretic_n for_o if_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o mind_n as_o he_o easy_o may_v see_v he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n or_o if_o another_o shall_v succeed_v he_o of_o another_o mind_n that_o very_a sword_n may_v be_v sheathe_v in_o their_o own_o bowel_n which_o now_o they_o draw_v forth_o against_o other_o man_n 3._o when_o the_o magistrate_n assume_v power_n to_o himself_o to_o suppress_v error_n this_o make_v minister_n negligent_a in_o study_v the_o scripture_n the_o magistrate_n do_v that_o by_o force_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o word_n and_o so_o save_v they_o their_o labour_n for_o when_o once_o the_o minister_n shall_v have_v so_o far_o interest_v themselves_o in_o the_o magistrate_n as_o to_o procure_v he_o to_o call_v for_o the_o gaoler_n and_o executioner_n against_o whosoever_o shall_v oppose_v their_o doctrine_n they_o will_v then_o need_v no_o great_a pain_n to_o study_v the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n and_o persuade_v the_o rebellious_a see_v the_o magistrate_n sword_n at_o all_o adventure_n be_v to_o defend_v their_o doctrine_n and_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n the_o hangman_n be_v to_o answer_v and_o so_o the_o pastor_n have_v their_o work_n as_o they_o conceive_v thus_o do_v for_o they_o to_o their_o hand_n do_v common_o betake_v themselves_o to_o ease_n and_o idleness_n and_o to_o the_o prosecution_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o worldly_a thing_n and_o grow_v careless_a and_o negligent_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n whereupon_o error_n steal_v in_o apace_o upon_o the_o teacher_n themselves_o whereby_o by_o degree_n they_o corrupt_v and_o seduce_v very_o many_o and_o thus_o whilst_o the_o magistrate_n think_v to_o chase_v out_o error_n before_o he_o one_o way_n he_o let_v it_o in_o behind_o he_o seven_o way_n 4._o this_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o certain_a mean_n to_o destroy_v error_n which_o be_v the_o word_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o that_o which_o can_v never_o destroy_v it_o which_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o the_o devil_n here_o in_o have_v a_o notable_a stratagem_n for_o he_o fear_v not_o all_o the_o sword_n and_o halter_n and_o weapon_n and_o prison_n in_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v error_n withal_o but_o as_o secure_o contemn_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o leviathan_n a_o bulrush_n and_o yet_o do_v earnest_o stir_v up_o the_o world_n to_o use_v these_o thing_n against_o he_o and_o his_o error_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o subdue_v he_o whereas_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o fear_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o mighty_a power_n than_o can_v bind_v the_o devil_n and_o destroy_v his_o kingdom_n and_o break_v down_o all_o his_o strong_a hold_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o he_o be_v in_o no_o sort_n able_a to_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o power_n thereof_o wherefore_o in_o his_o great_a cunning_n he_o cause_v man_n to_o lay_v aside_o this_o that_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o will_v do_v he_o no_o harm_n and_o thus_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n presume_v to_o lift_v itself_o up_o against_o error_n instead_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v error_n that_o it_o uphold_v it_o and_o strengthen_v satan_n kingdom_n whilst_o it_o seem_v to_o destroy_v it_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o appear_v how_o great_a a_o error_n and_o evil_n it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o magistrate_n or_o for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o power_n to_o suppress_v error_n by_o the_o sword_n if_o any_o shall_v yet_o demand_v whether_o the_o magistrate_n can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o quest._n towards_o the_o suppress_n of_o error_n i_o answer_v answ._n this_o he_o may_v do_v he_o may_v and_o aught_o and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n he_o will_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v faithful_a minister_n that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o anoint_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o this_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v do_v this_o he_o need_v not_o trouble_v himself_o any_o far_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v will_v do_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o let_v it_o not_o be_v doubt_v but_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v enter_v the_o list_n against_o error_n it_o will_v be_v infinite_o able_a to_o prevail_v of_o itself_o alone_o without_o call_v in_o any_o power_n or_o borrow_v any_o weapon_n from_o the_o world_n the_o nine_o rule_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o enforce_v uniformity_n in_o the_o outward_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n for_o such_o uniformity_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n not_o only_o the_o hindrance_n but_o the_o very_a break_n neck_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n now_o because_o this_o be_v so_o vehement_o and_o strong_o urge_v by_o the_o unskilful_a builder_n of_o this_o age_n i_o shall_v the_o more_o full_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o state_n of_o this_o business_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o show_v when_o this_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n first_o invade_v the_o church_n of_o god_n most_o manifest_a it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v only_a intent_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o according_o preach_v and_o press_v nothing_o but_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o love_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n as_o be_v the_o only_a necessary_a thing_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o regard_v and_o for_o all_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o form_n wherein_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a 72._o they_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n and_o so_o they_o give_v no_o heed_n nor_o regard_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o day_n and_o time_n neither_o bind_v the_o church_n to_o any_o ceremony_n or_o rite_n except_o those_o necessary_a thing_n mention_v act._n 15._o to_o wit_n thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n which_o be_v then_o ordain_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o without_o urgent_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o when_o the_o murder_a and_o blood_n of_o infant_n be_v common_o lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n they_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o help_v themselves_o but_o their_o own_o law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o blood_n of_o common_a beast_n much_o more_o from_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_a man_n and_o therefore_o that_o law_n seem_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o also_o for_o the_o same_o end_n to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o the_o cause_n thereof_o that_o be_v the_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a gentile_n continue_v and_o beside_o these_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o ceremony_n or_o
the_o choice_n of_o the_o house_n and_o thus_o and_o no_o otherwise_o do_v a_o minster_n differ_v from_o other_o christian_n as_o paul_n say_v let_v a_o man_n so_o esteem_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n but_o antichrist_n he_o have_v cast_v out_o the_o simplicity_n of_o christian_a people_n and_o bring_v sect_n into_o the_o church_n divide_v it_o into_o clergy_n and_o laity_n and_o this_o distinction_n they_o have_v make_v visible_a by_o their_o garment_n disguise_v their_o clergy_n in_o their_o habit_n from_o other_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v appear_v holy_a than_o they_o and_o of_o another_o order_n from_o they_o and_o this_o distinction_n have_v prove_v a_o seminary_n of_o implacable_a discord_n and_o heart-burn_n in_o the_o church_n for_o hereupon_o the_o clergy_n have_v â—_z themselves_o above_o other_o christian_n and_o have_v exercise_v authority_n and_o coercive_a power_n and_o domination_n and_o very_a tyranny_n over_o they_o and_o have_v make_v themselves_o their_o lord_n and_o give_v they_o law_n rule_n form_n order_n after_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o agreeable_a to_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o suffer_v they_o to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o no_o as_o if_o other_o christian_n be_v their_o subject_n slave_n vassal_n yea_o very_a dog_n and_o hence_o again_o the_o laity_n as_o they_o call_v they_o have_v envy_v and_o malign_v they_o and_o hate_a and_o oppose_v they_o and_o as_o they_o can_v get_v power_n have_v be_v subdue_a they_o and_o have_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o man_n of_o a_o different_a sect_n and_o interest_n from_o themselves_o who_o prosperity_n be_v their_o ruin_n and_o who_o power_n be_v their_o enslave_v and_o all_o this_o be_v to_o the_o make_v void_a christian_a brotherhood_n and_o communion_n wherefore_o the_o right_a church_n to_o preserve_v in_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n must_v admit_v of_o no_o such_o distinction_n of_o laity_n and_o clergy_n but_o all_o christian_n must_v equal_o remain_v it_o it_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n unto_o god_n the_o five_o rule_n be_v to_o keep_v equality_n in_o the_o curch_n and_o that_o both_o between_o christian_n and_o church_n for_o this_o also_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o preserve_v peace_n 1._o to_o keep_v equality_n between_o christian_n for_o though_o according_a to_o our_o first_o nativity_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o man_n there_o be_v great_a inequality_n some_o be_v bear_v high_a some_o low_a some_o honourable_a some_o mean_a some_o king_n some_o subject_n etc._n etc._n yet_o according_a to_o our_o new_a or_o second_o birth_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n there_o be_v exact_a equality_n for_o here_o be_v none_o better_o or_o worse_o high_a or_o low_o but_o all_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n hope_n love_n the_o same_o god_n christ_n spirit_n the_o same_o divine_a nature_n the_o same_o precious_a promise_n the_o same_o incorruptible_a crown_n and_o inheritance_n of_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o therefore_o say_v paul_n 3.28_o speak_v of_o this_o true_a church_n there_o be_v neither_o jew_n nor_o greek_a nor_o bond_n nor_o free_a nor_o male_a nor_o female_a but_o all_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n jesus_n indeed_o in_o the_o world_n and_o before_o man_n i_o say_v again_o there_o be_v distinction_n of_o person_n and_o inequality_n but_o in_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o before_o god_n all_o believer_n aae_fw-mi equal_a and_o this_o equality_n preserve_v peace_n but_o when_o in_o this_o kingdom_n some_o will_v be_v advance_v themselves_o above_o other_o like_o diotrephes_n that_o will_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n and_o some_o will_v be_v strive_v to_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o some_o at_o the_o left_a whilst_o they_o leave_v other_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o footstool_n this_o be_v that_o which_o breed_v difference_n among_o the_o very_a disciple_n who_o envy_v zebedees_n child_n for_o such_o a_o desire_n and_o therefore_o christ_n to_o preserve_v peace_n forbid_v lordship_n in_o his_o church_n and_o command_v service_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o to_o place_v man_n one_o over_o another_o but_o one_o under_o another_o and_o that_o the_o great_a must_v be_v the_o least_o the_o great_a in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v be_v the_o least_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2._o as_o equality_n among_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o peace_n so_o also_o among_o church_n for_o all_o church_n be_v equal_a church_n as_o well_o as_o all_o christian_n and_o there_o be_v no_o church_n can_v set_v itself_o before_o or_o above_o another_o all_o be_v sister_n of_o one_o mother_n beam_n of_o one_o sun_n branch_n of_o one_o vine_n stream_n of_o one_o fountain_n member_n of_o one_o body_n branch_n of_o one_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o so_o all_o equal_a in_o all_o thing_n wherefore_o there_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o consociation_n of_o church_n but_o no_o subordination_n which_o make_v void_a at_o once_o both_o equality_n and_o unity_n and_o so_o that_o church_n or_o those_o church_n that_o will_v set_v themselves_o above_o other_o church_n that_o be_v their_o equal_n as_o the_o classical_a above_o the_o congregational_a etc._n etc._n they_o be_v the_o breaker_n of_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n and_o the_o unskilful_a vote_n of_o the_o assembly_n for_o the_o subordination_n of_o church_n be_v not_o a_o way_n to_o make_v peace_n but_o to_o mar_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n moreover_o no_o church_n can_v be_v subject_v to_o another_o body_n but_o christ_n who_o be_v present_a in_o it_o and_o be_v king_n and_o lawgiver_n be_v subject_v too_o which_o no_o true_a church_n will_v either_o require_v or_o allow_v for_o if_o the_o true_a church_n will_v not_o subject_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v to_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n but_o will_v judge_v all_o by_o it_o and_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o judge_v it_o much_o less_o will_v they_o subject_v christ_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o to_o any_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n for_o so_o they_o shall_v dishonour_v and_o disannul_v their_o head_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v meet_v in_o christ_n name_n christ_n himself_o be_v among_o they_o and_o the_o head_n of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o can_v submit_v to_o no_o body_n else_o see_v christ_n have_v make_v no_o great_a nor_o sure_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n to_o any_o body_n then_o to_o they_o the_o six_o rule_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o subordination_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o community_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o get_v head_n over_o it_o itself_o see_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v not_o dominion_n but_o service_n we_o read_v act._n 11.2_o that_o when_o peter_n have_v preach_v in_o the_o house_n of_o cornelius_n 〈◊〉_d a_o gentile_a or_o heathen_a the_o church_n of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o who_o peter_n be_v minister_n contend_v with_o he_o that_o he_o go_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o for_o as_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o peter_n waâ—_n fain_o to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o they_o of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o to_o show_v they_o that_o he_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n in_o a_o vision_n to_o do_v so_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o peter_n be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o no_o lord_n over_o it_o and_o after_o vers_n 22._o when_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n hear_v that_o the_o grecian_n at_o antioch_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n they_o send_v barnabas_n to_o antioch_n to_o forward_o and_o perfect_a the_o work_n and_o also_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n send_v forth_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o divers_a town_n and_o country_n all_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n that_o the_o church_n be_v above_o the_o officer_n and_o not_o the_o officer_n above_o the_o church_n now_o this_o also_o will_v preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v the_o officer_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o to_o let_v they_o remain_v as_o servant_n in_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o not_o to_o let_v they_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n which_o christ_n know_v the_o evil_a and_o inconvenience_n thereof_o have_v forbid_v for_o if_o the_o officer_n get_v above_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o good_a they_o be_v masterful_a and_o troublesome_a and_o though_o never_o so_o bad_a yet_o will_v they_o get_v a_o party_n in_o the_o church_n for_o themselves_o and_o so_o work_v disturbance_n but_o if_o